Fair enough
The only event I know of that is when President Truman almost got assisted by Puerto Ricans.

Admittedly I'm more interested in your plan on how to ensure the Puerto Rican people not suffer really. I do have relatives there and just want them to do well.

So what would be the plan for Puerto Rico to be independent and thrive?
Or worse, if the US plain says no?

Maybe so
But what would stop America from sucking Puerto Rico dry if it gains independence like what happened to Haiti?

I imagine some fear that if they couldn't get it working even semi attached to the US, how would they even survive on their own?