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

Puerto Rico Forward: A Look Behind the Smoke and Mirrors

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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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. 

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

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 you everyone for your interest in and support of this show. We've been honored to work with Andrew over the last 2 years and he will be dearly missed. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors! Stay tuned for the next and last episode of PRF.

PRF Review: There Is No Perfect Moment

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.  

Puerto Rico's Stolen Opportunity

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. 

PRF Review: Sanders and AOC letter 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]

Puerto Rico Forward: A Look Behind the Smoke and Mirrors

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