Puerto Rico Forward

By Democracy at Work

History Government & Organizations National

What's Puerto Rico Forward about?

Puerto Rico Forward explores the archipelago though it's long colonial history and complicated economic relations, both domestic and international. Hosted by Andrew Mercado-Vázquez of San Juan, and presented by Democracy at Work. Learn more: http://www.democracyatwork.info/media#prforward

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Puerto Rico Forward episodes:

11.12.2019
Thank you for your time, thank you for listening, ¡Y QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO!
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...
11.05.2019
PRF Review: There Is No Perfect Moment
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...
10.15.2019
Puerto Rico's Stolen Opportunity
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.
10.02.2019
PRF Review: Sanders and AOC letter Misses the Mark
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...
09.17.2019
How Puerto Rico’s Status Allows Human Rights Violations
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...
09.05.2019
PRF Review: A Joke That's True
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,...
09.05.2019
PRF Review: Protests in San Juan
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
08.13.2019
The Boricua Awakening of 2019 and its Repercussions
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...
07.09.2019
Puerto Rico Forward: The Vote for President
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)...
06.26.2019
PRF Review: Netflix's 'After Maria'
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
06.12.2019
Puerto Rico Forward: 40 Years of Exploitation
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...
06.04.2019
PRF Review: Big government to blame?
Andrew Mercado-Vázquez of Puerto Rico Forward reviews recent criticism against PR's economic development. Video versions available on Patreon: https://patreon.com/puertoricoforward
05.07.2019
Puerto Rico Forward: Possible Effects of Statehood
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
03.26.2019
Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 4
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...
02.19.2019
Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 3
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...
02.01.2019
PRF Review: Trump wants Puerto Rico to fail
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
01.15.2019
Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 2
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...
01.02.2019
PRF Review: Essential Documentaries
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
12.18.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 1
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...
11.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: PR is not a "Commonwealth"
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...
10.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: Paradise is for Millionaires
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...
09.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: A Look Behind the Smoke and Mirrors
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...
08.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: The Colonial Ways of US Citizenship
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...
07.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: Playing By Their Rules
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...
06.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: PR v. Franklin California Tax-Free Trust
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/puertoricoforward
05.15.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: PR’s Economic Crisis (1976-2015)
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/puertoricoforward
04.11.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: PR’s Economic Crisis (1940-1976)
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/puertoricoforward
03.22.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: The Closest There Is To Limitless Power
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...
02.27.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: How to Solve PR's Status Problem
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/puertoricoforward
02.06.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: Congress and a Post-Maria PR
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/puertoricoforward
01.18.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: PR's Legal Limbo
This episode focuses on Puerto Rico's complicated legal status as it's own nation as well as US commonwealth.
01.18.2018
Puerto Rico Forward: Pilot
A new podcast focusing on the economic and legal history of Puerto Rico.

What's Puerto Rico Forward about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Puerto Rico Forward episodes:

Thank you for your time, thank you for listening, ¡Y QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO!

PRF Review: There Is No Perfect Moment

Puerto Rico's Stolen Opportunity

PRF Review: Sanders and AOC letter Misses the Mark

How Puerto Rico’s Status Allows Human Rights Violations

PRF Review: A Joke That's True

PRF Review: Protests in San Juan

The Boricua Awakening of 2019 and its Repercussions

Puerto Rico Forward: The Vote for President

PRF Review: Netflix's 'After Maria'

Puerto Rico Forward: 40 Years of Exploitation

PRF Review: Big government to blame?

Puerto Rico Forward: Possible Effects of Statehood

Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 4

Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 3

PRF Review: Trump wants Puerto Rico to fail

Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 2

PRF Review: Essential Documentaries

Puerto Rico Forward: PROMESA, part 1

Puerto Rico Forward: PR is not a "Commonwealth"

Puerto Rico Forward: Paradise is for Millionaires

Puerto Rico Forward: A Look Behind the Smoke and Mirrors

Puerto Rico Forward: The Colonial Ways of US Citizenship

Puerto Rico Forward: Playing By Their Rules

Puerto Rico Forward: PR v. Franklin California Tax-Free Trust

Puerto Rico Forward: PR’s Economic Crisis (1976-2015)

Puerto Rico Forward: PR’s Economic Crisis (1940-1976)

Puerto Rico Forward: The Closest There Is To Limitless Power

Puerto Rico Forward: How to Solve PR's Status Problem

Puerto Rico Forward: Congress and a Post-Maria PR

Puerto Rico Forward: PR's Legal Limbo

Puerto Rico Forward: Pilot