In Andrew's final episode of Puerto Rico Forward, he says that the initial objective of those who want to raise awareness about the PR issue cannot be to attain a certain political status but rather make PR’s colonial condition relevant within the US political system. This difference, he says, is CRUCIAL. He asks for every one of us to question and…

In this episode of the PRF Review, Andrew talks about a recent interview with PR congress people Raúl Grijalva, Nydua Velázquez and Joseé Serrano about the PRF status issue and makes an important announcement. "There is no perfect moment. The only moment is now. The Puerto Rico issue needs to be resolved. It cannot wait... I believe that my time he…

After 120 years of colonial dominance, Puerto Rico finds itself with less autonomy than it had at the end of the 19th century as a result of being a property of the US.By Democracy at Work

Sen. Sanders and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez signed a letter with other Democrats demanding the end of the Financial Oversight and Management Board's control over economic decisions of Puerto Rico. While the letter has some good points, Andrew discusses why it misses the mark.By Democracy at Work

Beyond the common arguments for Puerto Rico's statehood that touch on economic or security issues, there are human and civil rights violations as a basis to justify this claim. In this episode, Andrew takes a look at how PR's colonial status affects the human rights of it's population, and in particular on their ability to vote. [Episode 22]…

President Trump jokes about the possibility of trading Puerto Rico for Greenland. If this shocks you, host Andrew Mercado-Vázquez wants you to know that the US Government has already looked at the option, or at least has acknowledged the option, of ceding Puerto Rico to another nation state in a 2005 Presidential Task Force Report. That's part of t…

Andrew Mercado-Vázquez of Puerto Rico Forward discusses the current protests in Old San Juan amidst the indictment charges and the Governor's chat log leaks. Video versions available on youtube and patreon. https://www.youtube.com/user/democracyatwrk https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

The Boricua Awakening movement that seeks to oust any government official soiled by corruption or mismanagement (most recently Gov. Rosselló-Nevares) is not new. The reality is that the origin of this great movement can be traced far back and across generations... Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special …

There is at least one glaring void in the “inclusive” landscape of the US voting population: US Citizens living in Puerto Rico. How has this come to be? Listen in as we explore the history behind Puerto Rico's (lack of) inclusion in US voting history. Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: http…

Andrew reviews Netflix's 'After Maria.' Is all the anger and hype around the documentary worth it? Video versions available on YouTube and Patreon: https://patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

The Corporación del Fondo de Interés Apremiante (COFINA, or The Puerto Rico Urgent Interest Fund Corporation) is a government-owned entity meant to help Puerto Rico manage and pay its debts. But is COFINA hurting more than it's helping? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: https://www.patreon…

Andrew Mercado-Vázquez of Puerto Rico Forward reviews recent criticism against PR's economic development. Video versions available on Patreon: https://patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

The United States may well accept PR as the 51st state. What effects would US statehood status have on Puerto Rico? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

Our continued look behind the purpose and creation of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). What more can we learn about the powers of PROMESA? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward…

Our continued look behind the purpose and creation of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). What powers do the members of the Financial Oversight and Management Board of PROMESA actually have? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: https://www.patreon.com/…

Andrew reviews recent articles providing evidence of the Trump administration's desire (and plan) to see the Puerto Rican economy fail. Video versions available on Patreon: https://patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

Our continued look behind the purpose and creation of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). What powers do the US President and US Congress have over Puerto Rico under this bill? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforw…

Andrew Mercado-Vázquez of Puerto Rico Forward reviews two documentaries that are essential viewing for understanding the Puerto Rico issue: Jurakán and The Last Colony. Video versions available only on Patreon: https://patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

A look behind the purpose and creation of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). Who are the major players behind the legislation, and what are their goals? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes as well as other special updates: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward…

The term "commonwealth" resembles less an objective definition and more a menu of options. In what sense is Puerto Rico a commonwealth of the US, and how does that definition affect its residents? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

PR has functioned as a military outpost, a massive plantation, and a taxation escape for major corporations. Today, another development has once again placed PR in the middle of the tax-haven debate... Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward…

One of the most overlooked elements behind the Puerto Rico issues is the massive lobbying effort that has created the bizarre legal landscape it is. Who are the mysterious "third party groups" pulling the strings on these lobbying efforts? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward…

This episode explores the definition of citizenship as it applies to Puerto Rico and other US colonies. What does it mean to be a US "citizen" if you're a resident of Puerto Rico? How does it differ from those who live within the 50 states? Support us on Patreon and get early access to full episodes: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward…

This episode digs into the meaning and implications of the Puerto Rico Admission Act (HR 260), the recently proposed bill for Puerto Rico's statehood. What does the bill mean for Puerto Rico's possible future, and what does the US stand to gain (and lose)? Help us keep this series going on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward…

This episode focuses on the impactful Supreme Court case: PR v. Franklin California Tax-Free Trust (2015). Help us keep this series going on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

This episode sheds some light on the ongoing economic crisis in Puerto Rico. What existing laws allow large businesses to take advantage of Puerto Rico's vulnerable status? Help us keep this series going on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

This episode sheds some light on the post-war economic crisis in Puerto Rico. How did private businesses take advantage of Puerto Rico's vulnerable state? Help us keep this series going on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

This episode sheds some light on Bill Clinton's Executive Order 13183: Establishment of the Presidents Task Force on Puerto Ricos Status. What did this important document determine about the status of Puerto Rico? Help us keep this series going on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

This episode focuses on solutions to Puerto Rico's commonwealth status problem. Is independence or statehood the key? Support Puerto Rico Forward on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

This episode focuses on US congress' attempts to benefit from Puerto Rico's vulnerable economic status after Hurricane Maria. Follow Puerto Rico Forward on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puertoricoforwardBy Democracy at Work

This episode focuses on Puerto Rico's complicated legal status as it's own nation as well as US commonwealth.By Democracy at Work

A new podcast focusing on the economic and legal history of Puerto Rico.By Democracy at Work