Episodes
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In this episode of the Mano a Mano Podcast, hosts George Laws Garcia and Martin Rivera from the Puerto Rico Statehood Council break down the critical issues at play in the 2024 elections and their profound implications for Puerto Rico's political future. We’re talking federal and local races, the latest polling on statehood, independence, and free association, and what each choice could mean for Puerto Rico’s path forward.
Special guest Dr. Robert McClure, President and CEO of the James Madison Institute, joins us to dive into the growing influence of Puerto Rican voters stateside, particularly in key battlegrounds like Florida and Pennsylvania.
Tune in as we explore:
How the growth of Puerto Rican voters stateside is increasing attention to the statehood in the U.S. and challenging elected officials to address it head-on
The increasing spotlight on Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania during the 2024 Presidential election, and what it could mean for candidates
Why the discussion of statehood for Puerto Rico will only become more urgent in the years and elections to come
From political status to the power of Puerto Rican voters, this episode offers a deep look into the issues that matter most. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on Puerto Rico’s future in the 2024 elections. Watch now and join the conversation!
01:28 Puerto Rico's Symbolic Presidential Vote
02:20 Gubernatorial Race Insights
04:29 Puerto Rico's Status Question
11:52 Stateside Politics Influencing Puerto Rico
15:35 Puerto Rican Voters in Florida
17:43 Interview with Dr. Robert McClure
19:33 James Madison Institute's Role and Impact
39:21 Puerto Rico's Territorial Status and Plebiscites
42:04 Political Engagement and Statehood Advocacy
46:35 The Growing Importance of the Statehood Issue
49:36 Potential Impact of Pro-Independence Leadership
56:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
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Facebook - @PR51st
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In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, George Laws Garcia and Martin Rivera discuss crucial updates for the 2024 presidential election and Puerto Rico’s political status plebiscite. They are joined by Luis Dávila Pernas, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA). The conversation covers the Democratic Party’s endorsement of the Puerto Rico Status Act, the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, and PRFAA’s role in bridging Puerto Rico with the federal government. They also delve into the significance of upcoming votes and how individuals can advocate for statehood and other political statuses for Puerto Rico.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:41 Federal Government Funding and Congressional Updates
01:34 Democratic National Convention Highlights
03:55 Supreme Court Decision on Puerto Rico Plebiscite
07:19 Interview with Luis Davila Pernas
09:01 Role and Importance of PRFAA
12:21 Political Dynamics and Democratic Party Involvement
18:33 Puerto Rico Status Act and Future Prospects
36:13 Significance of the Upcoming Plebiscite
41:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, George Las Garcia and Martin Rivera discuss the 2024 presidential election and its affect on efforts to decolonize Puerto Rico. They delve into the upcoming locally sponsored plebiscite aimed at addressing Puerto Rico’s territorial status and its implications under the Puerto Rico Status Act.
Special guest Jose Carrion III, the former chairman of Puerto Rico's Financial Oversight and Management Board, joins the show to discuss the economic and fiscal reforms in Puerto Rico under the PROMESA legislation and its impact on the island’s competitiveness and quest for statehood. The discussion also covers political developments from the recent Republican National Convention, the transition in leadership within Puerto Rico's pro-statehood party, and the broader national security and economic arguments for Puerto Rico’s statehood from a Republican perspective.
02:27 Biden Drops Out of 2024 Race
03:50 Republican National Convention Highlights
07:31 DNC Platform and Puerto Rico
09:15 Local Politics in Puerto Rico
13:17 Puerto Rico's Fiscal Oversight and Economic Reforms
33:53 Statehood vs. Independence: A Respectful Debate
34:43 Facing Public Backlash and Security Concerns
35:20 Psychological and Demographic Challenges
37:28 Municipalities and Fiscal Realities
39:11 Identity and Political Passion
40:07 Consolidation and Political Manipulation
42:00 Fiscal Oversight and Political Status
44:29 Tax Rates and Economic Policies
46:24 Preparing for Statehood: Policies and Reforms
49:35 Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections
52:14 Republican Influence and Statehood Movement
58:45 National Security and Economic Potential
01:05:58 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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In this month's episode of Mano a Mano, co-hosts George and Martin discuss the latest developments in Congress regarding Puerto Rico's political status, including a significant update on the Puerto Rico Status Act. They also delve into how these legislative efforts tie into the upcoming 2024 general election and the ongoing quest to decolonize Puerto Rico.
Later in the show, Professor Charles Venator-Santiago from the University of Connecticut joins the conversation to explore the historical context, demographics, and political factors influencing the demand for change in Puerto Rico.
Professor Venator also shares his work on the Puerto Rico Status Archive project, a digital database of congressional legislation on Puerto Rico's political status. View the archive here.
Tune in to gain updates on island politics, insights into the current statehood efforts, and the path toward self-determination for Puerto Rico.
WATCH THE EPISODE ON YOUTUBE.
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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On this episode of Mano a Mano, U.S., co-hosts George and Martin delve into the democratic deficit faced by U.S. territories. They discuss the discriminatory impact of the insular cases and the efforts of a cross-territorial coalition to advocate for democratic equality. The conversation also covers the Puerto Rico Status Act and the importance of federal elected officials addressing the disparities in the territories.
Guest Adi Martínez-Román from Right to Democracy joins to provide insights. News and updates include the FAA reauthorization bill's significance for aviation safety and infrastructure. Tune in for a deep dive into Puerto Rico's journey toward self-determination and full democracy today!
About Adi:
Adi Martínez-Román has nearly two decades of experience working in community legal aid and empowerment. She is the President of the Board of Director of the Resiliency Law Center (RLC) and the Founder Director of the non-profit organization, FURIA, Inc., which focuses on empowering community leaders through participatory advocacy. Adi began working as and advocate for climate resiliency in 2017 as the Executive Director of the Access to Justice Fund Foundation, where she led efforts to increase access to civil legal services for the impoverished, then as Senior Policy Analyst in Oxfam American, and as Director of the RLC.Before her work in the resiliency sector, Adi served as the Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Puerto Rico Law School for seven years, where she also taught courses on the Legal Profession, Law and Poverty, and Law and Social Change. She has been part of several boards, including the Board of Directors of Puerto Rico Legal Services Corporation, where she held the position of President for a year and a half.
She holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs, a law degree from the University of Puerto Rico, and both a Masters of Law and Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Instituto Bartolomé de las Casas at Universidad Carlos III of Madrid (Spain).
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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"Let's call it el comeback!" 🎶 ✊ Join hosts George and Martin on this month's episode of Mano a Mano as they delve into Puerto Rico's revitalization movement, "El Comeback." Explore how Puerto Ricans are reclaiming their island's potential amidst the ongoing challenges.
🎙️On the pod, we'll discuss the impacts of the debt crisis, natural disasters, political instability, and the mass migration to the U.S. mainland fueled by Puerto Rico's territorial status. On the flip side, we delve into the "El Comeback" where Puerto Ricans are moving back to the island - eager to contribute to its resilience and resurgence despite lingering uncertainties. Hear about the dilemma faced by millions of our fellow U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico - hardworking families and young professionals torn between returning to the island or staying stateside.
🎤 Special guest Angelique Sina, President and Founder of Friends of Puerto Rico, joins the conversation to share insights into her personal journey and efforts in accelerating economic opportunities for Puerto Ricans.
CONVERSATION OVERVIEW:
NEWS AND UPDATES - [00:02:10][00:04:31] Political visits to Puerto Rico.
[00:08:27] Republican, Democrat, and Pro-statehood candidates in Puerto Rico.
[00:11:49] Population changes and declines in Puerto Rico.
[00:19:31] Introducing El Comeback phenomenon
INTERVIEW W/ ANGELIQUE SINA - [00:21:24][00:24:34] Social impact through Friends of Puerto Rico.
[00:28:46] Economic development in Puerto Rico.
[00:30:33] Economic development through entrepreneurship.
[00:34:16] Impacts of Territorial inequality in Puerto Rico.
[00:42:14] Progress after Hurricane Maria
[00:44:32] Economic development strategies.
[00:50:15] The comeback journey.
[00:54:14] Opportunities for Puerto Rico and Driving Future GrowthTune in to join the discussion on Puerto Rico's ongoing journey toward progress and what you can do to stop the colony and let Puerto Rico decide!
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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On this month's episode of Mano a Mano, co-hosts George Law-García and Martin Rivera are joined by Prof. Andrés L. Cordova, Esq., Chairman of the Puerto Rico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (PRAC to the USCCR), as they embark on a crucial exploration of Puerto Rico's civil rights landscape.
On the pod, they dissect the groundbreaking memorandum by the PRAC, shedding light on the enduring impacts of the infamous Insular Cases; cover the history of the USCCR and its role in addressing democratic deficits; and explore a path toward equality and justice.
Additional Updates/ Topics Covered:
- Updates on Congress and its impact on resolving Puerto Rico's territory status
- Senate + House returning from recess, facing priorities like avoiding a government shutdown & passing appropriations for 2024
- The challenging situation during the 2024 election year as it relates to Puerto Rico's fight for equal justice & self-determination
- The impact on legislative issues beyond basic funding
RESOURCES:
- Click here to read the memorandum from the Puerto Rico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
- Click here to learn about the ongoing legacy of the Insular Cases
TIMESTAMPS
[00:02:22] Funding the federal government - Deadline approaches...[00:07:11] History of the US Commission on Civi Rigths and The Puerto Rico Advisory Committee established.
[00:09:36] Unequal treatment in Puerto Rico.
[00:14:24] The impact of Insular Cases.
[00:16:30] Territorial status of Puerto Rico.
[00:21:25] Territories and Insular Cases.
[00:25:44] Insular cases and constitutional rights.
[00:29:39] Statehood movement and language.
[00:34:17] Constitutional and political issues.
[00:36:07] Incorporation and statehood debate.
[00:40:48] Puerto Rico status debate.
[00:43:31] The importance of advisory boards.
[00:49:32] Educating about territorial status.
[00:50:15] Democratic deficit.
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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In our second episode of Mano a Mano, co-hosts George Laws García and Martin Rivera provide a detailed examination of Puerto Rico's statehood movement. Uncover the strides made in 2022 and 2023, explore current priorities in the 118th Congress, and learn how we can work together to anticipate challenges in 2024. This episode is a vital exploration of Puerto Rico's ongoing quest for full democracy and self-determination.
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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In our inaugural episode of "Mano a Mano: U.S. & Puerto Rico," Governor Pedro Pierluisi joins hosts George Laws-García and Martin Rivera for an exclusive interview. Discover the Governor's personal story and gain insights into the progress and hurdles in Puerto Rico’s fight for full equality and self-determination.
Also on the show, George and Martin delve into the history and geopolitics that have shaped America's relationship with Puerto Rico for the past 125 years. They discuss the significance of understanding Puerto Rico's political status in the context of US geopolitics and highlight the recent introduction of the Senate Companion of the Puerto Rico Status Act.
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Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
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Welcome to Mano a Mano - a podcast amplifying the voices of leaders, thinkers, activists, and allies from across the political spectrum who support Puerto Rico’s fight for full democracy and self-determination.
Join co-hosts George Laws-García and Martin Rivera as they dive into current events through the lens of U.S.-Puerto Rico relations and reveal how the Caribbean island’s political status can serve as a powerful vantage point for understanding some of the most fundamental questions facing America today.Each month, Martin and George interview key voices to bridge divides, offer in-depth analysis and foster understanding while collectively working to build a more perfect Union - both for the U.S. Citizens of Puerto Rico and everyone who still believes in the fundamental American values of democracy, equal rights, and government by consent of the governed.
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.
Interested in learning more about the statehood movement?
Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.com
Sign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/
Follow us on:
Facebook - @PR51st
Twitter - @PuertoRico51st
Instagram - @PR51stProduced by Caandor Labs.
