The capacity of the commonwealth government created under the local constitution to exercise governmental powers in local affairs is like that of local government in the states of the union in regard to non-federal affairs at the local level. Dick Thornburgh affaircapacitycommonwealth 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
The political status legislation which emerged in Congress in 1990 and 1991 did not receive the support needed for enactment into law during my tenure as Attorney General. Dick Thornburgh attorneycongressemerge Change image and share on social
That is why, with optimism instead of fear, all those who want to see Puerto Rico's status resolved should seek the truth about each option, including the upside and the downside of each. Dick Thornburgh downsidefearinclude Change image and 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
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
Apparently tired of waiting for clear direction from Congress, the people of Puerto Rico have used the tools provided by their own local constitution to schedule a vote for Dec. 13 on the status of the island. Dick Thornburgh apparentlyclearcongress 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
Yet, individuals and corporations in Puerto Rico pay no federal income tax. Dick Thornburgh corporationfederalincome Change image and share on social
Specifically, the reservation of sovereignty to the people of the states in matters not governed by federal law is constitutionally defined and permanently enshrined in the 10th Amendment. Dick Thornburgh 10thamendmentconstitutionally Change image and share on social
