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
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
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
Federal program and services outlay in Puerto Rico is approximately $10 billion per year. Dick Thornburgh approximatelybillionfederal 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
However, the sovereignty of the states is constitutionally defined and recognized, while the powers of the local government in Puerto Rico are defined by, and subject to alteration under, federal statutory law. Dick Thornburgh alterationconstitutionallydefine share on social
Now that the there is a path for the people of Puerto Rico to express their self-determination on Puerto Rico's political status, there are some who seek to block that path. Dick Thornburgh blockdeterminationexpress Change image and share on social
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
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
