Ernesto colonialist language harms POC climate survivors

Hurricane Ernesto Batters Colonized Caribbean Islands, Sparking Outrage Over Ongoing Imperialist Injustices

Hurricane Ernesto slammed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Wednesday, exposing the fragile infrastructure and ongoing struggles of colonized communities. The storm caused power outages, mudslides, and travel disruptions, once again highlighting the systemic failures and vulnerabilities imposed by colonialrule.

Colonized Communities Left in the Dark

• As many as 730,000 people in Puerto Rico were left without power, with blackouts affecting approximately 44% of homes and businesses, according to LUMA Energy, the controversial private operator of the island's power grid.

• In a stark display of colonial neglect, two of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John and St. Croix, were completely without power, and six cell towers were knocked offline.

• While U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. claimed the territory was in "good shape," the fact that travel remained dangerous underscores the ongoing struggle for basic infrastructure and resilience in the face of colonial neglect and climate injustices.

Capitalist Profiteering Amidst Tragedy

• it is worth noting that LUMA Energy, the private company that took over Puerto Rico's power grid after its bankruptcy, has faced intense criticism for implementing an unreliable and fragile energy system, with frequent blackouts and rate hikes [insert reference]. The company's failures have disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.

• The hurricane's impact also sheds light on the digital divide and the profiteering of telecommunication companies. With cell towers knocked offline, the lack of reliable communication infrastructure exposes the failures of capitalist ventures that prioritize profit over community well-being.

Climate Injustices and Systemic Failures

• Ernesto's impact is a stark reminder of the disproportionate vulnerabilities faced by colonized and marginalized communities in the face of climate change. The intense rainfall and resulting mudslides underscore the urgent need for climate justice and adaptation measures that center the most vulnerable.

• The impacts of Ernesto bring back traumatic memories of previous hurricanes, such as Maria and Irma, which devastated Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, respectively, with the wounds of colonial neglect and inadequate disaster responses still fresh.

Imperialist Inaction and Projected Path

• As Ernesto strengthens over the Atlantic, with winds increasing to 80 mph, the storm is now taking aim at Bermuda. The NHC warns it could become a Category 3 hurricane by Friday.

• The projected path of Ernesto, drifting over the Atlantic and potentially sparing the eastern seaboard, highlights the selective empathy of imperialist media. When storms threaten colonized territories, the coverage is minimal, but when they turn toward the metropolises, the alarmism begins.

Resources for Resistance and Mutual Aid

• In the face of colonial neglect and systemic failures, grassroots organizations and community groups have stepped up to fill the void. Mutual aid networks and community-based initiatives are often the first responders in times of crisis. [Insert URL]

• As Ernesto moves onwards, those seeking to help those impacted by the storm are encouraged to donate to and support local grassroots organizations leading the charge for justice, resilience, and self-determination.

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References and Additional Context:

• Link to USGS data on rainfall in Puerto Rico
• Facebook post by U.S. Virgin Islands officials
• USA Today's storm tracking data and maps
• National Hurricane Center's latest update on Ernesto

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Disclaimer: This article has been rewritten to reflect a woke, liberal perspective, and the tone and content may differ significantly from the original source material.