As the highest ranking American official in the United Nations organization, I came to understand thoroughly that the national constitutional processes of the member states define the status of territories under their sovereignty. Dick Thornburgh americanconstitutionaldefine share on social
After one hundred years of federal rule, the United States House of Representatives has moved to provide for the first meaningful route to self-determination for the Puerto Rican people under our federal system. Dick Thornburgh determinationfederalhouse share on social
Instead of generating either unnecessary alarm or a false sense of security regarding these fundamental issues, the best course is to empower people with the truth. Dick Thornburgh alarmempowerfalse Change image and share on social
It is quite understandable that Puerto Ricans seek to preserve a cultural sense of identity without separating politically from U.S. national sovereignty. Dick Thornburgh culturalidentitynational Change image and share on social
Federal program and services outlay in Puerto Rico is approximately $10 billion per year. Dick Thornburgh approximatelybillionfederal Change image and share on social
The powers of government exercised locally derive from a federal law authorizing government by consent in local affairs only, unless those affairs are otherwise governed by federal law. Dick Thornburgh affairauthorizeconsent Change image and share on social
Yet, Puerto Rico's economic convergence and political integration with the rest of the nation is in a state of arrest - even though the island has been within the national borders, political system and customs territory of the U.S. for a century. Dick Thornburgh arrestbordercentury share on social
If U.S. national sovereignty continues, it is only as a state that Puerto Rico will have permanent 10th Amendment powers over its non-federal affairs, as well as voting power in Congress. Dick Thornburgh 10thaffairamendment Change image and share on social
In historical and constitutional terms, the recent political status vote in Puerto Rico was a necessary but obviously not decisive step on the road of self-determination leading to full self-government. Dick Thornburgh constitutionaldecisivedetermination share on social
If Congress does its job in this regard, the residents of Puerto Rico will be empowered to act in their own self-interest and express their future political status aspirations accordingly. Dick Thornburgh actaspirationcongress Change image and share on social
