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. They also discuss the impending government shutdown and updates on Congress and its impact on resolving Puerto Rico's territory status.
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.