Puerto Rico Forward

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 evaluate our viewpoints on Puerto Rico's status issue. While it may be hard to see oneself as relevant when it comes to talking about such a big issue, Andrew highlights the importance of keeping in mind how important all of our roles are in the success or failure in our efforts on the PR issue. "No matter how small you see yourself, or how far this goal seems, never buy into the lie that you can’t change things. Be bold, be brave, and be persistent." We at Democracy at Work want to thank Andrew for the past two years of collaboration. We've been proud to host and promote this show and wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

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 here in Puerto Rico Forward has come to a very adequate end... I have been blessed with this opportunity and it's been just a wonderful journey so far but I believe that the time has come for me to be able to continue being a PR issue advocate in other terms... I might not be on the podcast format but I'll be around and I'll continue fighting for this cause... Que Viva Puerto Rico." - Andrew Mercado-Vázquez As explained by Andrew in the video, this was the last episode of the Puerto Rico Forward Review. There will be one more episode of the PRF podcast which will air in mid November. You will be able to listen to it on our website or your favorite podcast app. Thank

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.  

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. 

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 the reality of Puerto Rico's colonial condition.   Video available on Youtube and Patreon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE9QWGtQNA0&t=1s https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward  

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/puertoricoforward

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 updates: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward

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: https://www.patreon.com/puertoricoforward

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/puertoricoforward

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.com/puertoricoforward

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

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/puertoricoforward

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/puertoricoforward

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/puertoricoforward

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/puertoricoforward

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/puertoricoforward

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/puertoricoforward