Why 3.5 Million American Citizens Don't Get to Vote | The Insular Cases

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In episode 60 of Supreme Court Briefs, what's the deal with Puerto Rico? Is it really part of the United States? Are its residents actually U.S. citizens? If they are citizens, do they have the full rights of U.S. citizens? Basically, it's complicated.
Produced by Matt Beat. All images/video by Matt Beat, found in the public domain, or used under fair use guidelines. Music by Electric Needle Room (Mr. Beat's band). electricneedleroom.us/
Script by Jacob Fridman and Matt Beat. Additional research by Jacob Fridman. Check out his podcast, Gen Zers Talk Politics: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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Paris, France
December 10, 1898
The United States and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris (no not that one, not that one, not that one, yes that one) The one that ended the Spanish-American War. You may remember the war as either a passing mention in your history class textbook or heard about future American President Theodore Roosevelt's service during the war with the Rough Riders. But the war is a lot more influential than many people realize. That’s because the Treaty of Paris saw the loser, Spain, hand over its territories of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the victor, the United States. Meanwhile, the United States had also, independently, took over Hawaii, using the war as political cover. However, the United States government had no idea how to figure out the political and legal implications of these people living in these shiny new territories.
While the United States was experienced in dealing with new territory throughout its history of purchase and uh...conquest, controlling the far-away islands of Puerto Rico and the Philippines were going to be a lot harder than deciding the fate of, say, Kansas and Nebraska. For one, Puerto Rico and the Philippines were colonies, not soon-to-be-states. All the United States government really had to go off of was Article 9 of the Treaty of Paris, which said that #1: “The civil rights and political status of the native inhabitants of the territories hereby ceded to the United States shall be determined by Congress.” And #2: the little known part about the Dred Scott decision that said that, besides getting new states, there’s no Constitutionally-given power the U.S. can use to maintain colonies.
But that wasn’t going to stop the William McKinley administration and his buddies in Congress from going about it their way. In 1900, the Foraker Act set up a government in Puerto Rico with specific Puerto Rican citizenship for the island’s inhabitants. Now, this was not to be with, ya know...United States citizenship. Oh, and the law also had numerous caveats relating to matters of tariffs on imported Puerto Rican goods, which would come up again and again in the most famous (or infamous) of the Insular Cases. While historians have labelled at least 16 different cases as part of the “Insular Cases,” to keep it simple, I’m going to talk about the ones that left the biggest impact. Oh, and all of the ones I picked have to deal with Puerto Rico.
While we’ve been talking about Puerto Rico-specific cases, they all represent a larger point of the Insular Cases. Today, most American territories and their citizens remain in this weird limbo where they are fully a part of the United States for some things like taxes and citizenship, but they can’t take advantage of everything that comes with being a part of the Union, like full representation in Congress.

[@iammrbeat]

My book about everything you need to know about the Supreme Court is now available! Amazon: amzn.to/3Jj3ZnS Bookshop (a collection of indie publishers): bookshop.org/books/the-power-of-and-frustration-with-our-supreme-court-100-supreme-court-cases-you-should-know-about-with-mr-beat/9781684810680 Barnes and Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-power-of-our-supreme-court-matt-beat/1142323504?ean=9781684810680 Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+power+of+our+supreme+court&crid=3R59T7TQ6WKI3&sprefix=the+power+of+our+supreme+courth%2Caps%2C381&ref=nb_sb_noss Mango: mango.bz/books/the-power-of-our-supreme-court-by-matt-beat-2523-b Target: www.target.com/p/the-power-of-our-supreme-court-by-matt-beat-paperback/-/A-86273023 Walmart: www.walmart.com/ip/The-Power-of-Our-Supreme-Court-How-the-Supreme-Court-Cases-Shape-Democracy-Paperback-9781684810680/688487495 Chapters Indigo: www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-power-of-our-supreme/9781684810680-item.html?ikwid=The+Power+of+Our+Supreme+Court&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=eab3e89ad34051a62471614d72966b7e

[@LuinTathren]

I feel that Puerto Rico should decide their own status. But the US should definitely take more responsibility for their citizens. The aftermath of Hurricane Maria was badly mishandled.

[@theemperorofthecentury6600]

It Mostly Because of President George Bush Jr.

[@bolt7047]

The United States isnt very good at handling crisis to begin with though

[@ShadowBlazer3000]

@@theemperorofthecentury6600 You're thinking of Katrina, Maria was during the Trump Administration.

[@ghostsniperable353]

Corruption on the island made it hard to help the people there. Local leaders left supplies at the airports.

[@iammrbeat]

Puerto Ricans voted on statehood this last November. With a turnout of 55%, they said 53% for and 47% against statehood.

[@SlingstoneGiantKiller]

These folks should have full rights. That they don't is a stain on our nation's honor. Utterly disgusting.

[@john2432]

Not to mention, the only real reason against statehood back then was entirely racist, as the US didn’t want a state that wasn’t run by whites. And today, the only reason against statehood is that America doesn’t want an uneven 51

[@calvincoolidge3406]

I still got a term left so Keep Cool with Coolidge in 2024

[@iammrbeat]

Wrong century, Mr. President!

[@Joe-sd2kx]

“We can’t get 4 more years of George Bush, so we can ONLY re elect Calvin Coolidge”

[@jonahmamers3555]

@@Joe-sd2kx Jimmy Carter?

[@iammaxhailme]

The very founding cry of our nation was "no taxation without representation" yet about 3.5 million Puerto Ricans and about 700 thousand Washington DCers do not get repesented in the senate or the house. This is unamerican and must be addressed.

[@mrrogersrabbit]

No taxation in DC or PR world be pretty awesome.

[@len452000]

It’s actually VERY AMERICAN.

[@JudgeJudith]

Both PR and DC have representatives in the house. Stop lying

[@iammaxhailme]

@@JudgeJudith They have non-voting delegates in the house (aka a worthless token) and nothing at all in the senate

[@the4tierbridge]

@@JudgeJudith They can’t vote, so stop lying.

[@sunsettundra3945]

I’m Puerto Rican and I’d like for this island to be its own free country but it is a very long shot. If the only options are statehood or unincorporated state, then I’ll take statehood.

[@iammrbeat]

That sounds about right. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@miz_logo_lee]

Can you gage what Puerto Rican people would prefer in general?

[@sunsettundra3945]

@@miz_logo_lee It is 50/50 right now. The newer generations really resent the relationship between PR and the US. But I can say that the majority either wants statehood or freedom, nobody wants to keep our current status, so changing it is the goal, it’s just not agreed upon what the change will be.

[@erickr.8977]

@@sunsettundra3945 Are you from the island?

[@erickr.8977]

@@miz_logo_lee The island is very split between Statehood and a "Newer" Commonwealth status. Independence is very very very low on the island.

[@trigilaen]

Why do I feel like changing my underwear when watching Supreme Court Briefs?

[@iammrbeat]

My subliminal message finally worked!

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

@@iammrbeat and I can't even wear some underwear now, because of dermatitis in my legs,ugh.

[@SorenCowellShah]

American Samoans (that is, someone born in American Samoa, or whose parent is an American Samoan) still aren’t full American citizens, just “American Nationals” instead, meaning even if they move do the mainland, they can’t vote. They have to naturalize like foreigners to become full citizens.

[@iammrbeat]

Yep, thank you for bringing this up

[@erickr.8977]

America Samoa is a strange case tbh

[@charlesmadre5568]

@@erickr.8977 It has something to do with laws on land ownership in American Samoa if I recall. Only ethnic Samoans are entitled to own land there and thus non-Samoan US citizens do not enjoy full rights in American Samoa.

[@erickr.8977]

@@charlesmadre5568 You're Absolutely correct you have to be 50% Samoan or more to own land in American Samoa and in some Rare cases 25%. Like I said American Samoa is very very weird.

[@charlesmadre5568]

@@erickr.8977 I think that while the case of land ownership in American Samoa does set it apart from other territories American Samoans should absolutely be considered citizens the moment they move to the mainland.

[@Deejaynerate]

I'm glad you got to talk about these cases! As a Puertorican myself, I think it's important to recognize how mistreated and abused the unincorporated territories have been due to the constant negligence of Congress and the Supreme Court, especially in light of Hurricane María and the recent earthquakes. While I'm not necessarily in favor of statehood, getting rid of the "free associated state" that has been branded upon the island is an important step to both heal those past wounds and give Puerto Rico and its fellow territories, like Guam or the US Mariana Islands, the proper rights they deserve, whether independent from the states or properly present in Congress and the Electoral College.

[@iammrbeat]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@Deejaynerate]

No problem! Always willing to offer a point of view.

[@Deejaynerate]

ah dammit, I edited a mistake and it removed the heart

[@Snow-ik7ku]

@@Deejaynerate well its just a heart

[@raulcruz6601]

The solution for PR is autonomy. You will not see any political party working that because all politicians are really working to keep it colonized. All are lying 🤥

[@EforEvery]

Very informative! I’m glad you’re unafraid to dive into these deeper and darker cases in this series!

[@iammrbeat]

Thanks Ian! Yeah every time I look at the Insular Cases I do get angry. :/

[@lucashiatt3531]

14 hours ago?

[@Lrix]

@@lucashiatt3531 probably Mr beats paetreon. If you subscribe at some level I would imagine you can watch the videos earlier than everyone else

[@marctelfer6159]

Sort answer "these islands are our empire" Long answer starts with "we're not huge fans of empire... but..."

[@waly6002]

That's why you cant secede or independence from USA after joining the Empir... i say, the Union :) Not without a war and intervention :(

[@zjzr08]

@@waly6002 It is still a weird clause and against self-determination - at least the EU (which isn't even a recognized state) a country can leave.

[@waly6002]

@@zjzr08 The legal way is that the US Congress can decide if a State can leave the Union?

[@ibrahimkalmati9379]

GIVE THEM statehood or give them their freedom as sovereign nation

[@mikesiciliano210]

Or let them remain as they are, as most of them actually want.

[@internetperson9813]

@@mikesiciliano210 Hrmmm yes most people there don't want any political representation for themselves. Just give them statehood and then they can vote to unbecome a state if they don't like democracy. Oh wait that's illegal because states can't leave.

[@mikesiciliano210]

@@internetperson9813 They do have delegates in Congress, and while they can not vote for President as residents of these territories, they can if they move to the US (which they can easily do as US citizens). They also don't pay federal taxes. It's hardly a "taxation without representation" situation.

[@internetperson9813]

@@mikesiciliano210 They pay all taxes except for income tax As for moving to the US that is usually only possible if you have enough money which is not really happening because Congress cut back aid to the island.

[@mikesiciliano210]

@@internetperson9813 Exactly. With no federal income tax, they get to keep all of that money on the island. Honestly, PR has a good mix of rights and responsibilities. Hardly the oppressed American colony so many like to paint it as.

[@iammrbeat]

Should the United States Congress allow Puerto Rico to become the 51st state?

[@GreenWhaIe]

Yes

[@sealornodeal243]

Oh hell yes

[@thatweatherman4411]

Definitely equal representation for everybody

[@btd6enjoyer811]

I’m from PR

[@TomPlotagon]

Yes

[@CarlosRodriguez-dh7mm]

As a Puerto Rican born in the Continental US, I've always been pro statehood, but it's a hard sell for many on the island. Their political system isn't even Democrats vs Republican; It's centered around the question of statehood, territory, and independence. The people are entirely split on the manner. Personally, while I favor statehood, I more strongly favor localized consent. I'd like to see a vote with a clear 2/3 majority decide Puerto Rico's status with the US. Until then, maintain the status quo.

[@erickr.8977]

I agree as a Puerto Rican who is from the island we do need to do something about our current status because it's just hurting us more and more. We need to have an official vote and what ever comes out as a Win needs to be done by congress immediately whether it be independence, Statehood (#PR51ST) or a better Commonwealth Status (Which many on the island want) but at this moment the island is heavily split on Commonwealth or Statehood.

[@internetperson9813]

You know what, it would be nice to have a referendum where "Being Oppressed" isn't an option you can tick. It's sad how popular that option is.

[@erickr.8977]

@@internetperson9813 It would be nice.

[@moonman239]

What Congress needs is to pass a law that says that a ranked-choice referendum will be held in Puerto Rico to decide PR's future. Voters will rank the options in order of most-favorable to least-favorable, and then the PR government will calculate the winner, and the federal law will incorporate the decision into US law. If statehood wins, PR becomes a state. If independence wins, the US will formally recgnize PR as a country.

[@keithbagdon6888]

The production value is goin up i see

[@iammrbeat]

I am trying! :D

[@petergriffintv8315]

@@iammrbeat 😁

[@interstatehighwayfan_645]

This is why I support Puerto Rico statehood Edit:Great video as always

[@iammrbeat]

Me too

[@interstatehighwayfan_645]

@@iammrbeat it has a better chance than dc

[@backup8281]

@@iammrbeat In my opinion I don't really think Puerto Rico should be in the US at all

[@diablomalevolos1096]

Fuck you then

[@hs5312]

Just give Puerto Rico independence

[@GOODYGOODGOOD789]

5:12 I love how his face is giving off the expression "why am I always in these?"

[@notchuckproductions5029]

There should be amendment to the constitution that gives Citizens of USA territories more rights, and also explains how their relationship to USA.

[@moosemangarfield9650]

“55 seconds ago”. Literally never clicked faster in my life.

[@iammrbeat]

WOAH. THAT WAS QUICK.

[@Joe-sd2kx]

You should show it to your parents and friends. They must be proud of you 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@moosemangarfield9650]

@@Joe-sd2kx 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😐😐😐🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕

[@gaypedo4]

That's not faster than sixth grade relationships

[@Joe-sd2kx]

@ Dylan_the MooseMan Stay mad 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@osirisapex7483]

There’s not really a good reason Puerto Rico didn’t become a state other than something about “alien races”…

[@mnm1273]

I mean check which way they are expected to vote, then check which party supports and which don't. It correlates for a good reason.

[@kevinaguilar7541]

@@mnm1273 I've heard that in the last referendum pro-independence Puerto Ricans boycotted it. Causing a pathetic voter turn out of around 20%, I think.

[@RK-cj4oc]

@@mnm1273 I mean. The party that votes FOR staying a territory and the part that wants to become a state both have the same amount of votes roughly. both 47%. So even in porto Rico its divisive.

[@RK-cj4oc]

@@mnm1273 Also, Puerto Rico votes mainly for its convervative party. The Republicans would benefit from having Puerto rico as a state.

[@diablomalevolos1096]

Also impereialism. Recuse used to justify impereialism

[@techrafta2687]

Would be interesting if The Philippines had ended up becoming a state instead.

[@lordkenten4136]

They would be the most populated and powerful state in the Union. They have over a hundred million people living there today.

[@iammrbeat]

YOU KIND OF JUST BLEW MY MIND. I forgot how many people lived there.

[@alexclay388]

@@iammrbeat you mention Phillipine indpendence in the 30s but i was taught that independence came after ww2. 1946 in fact.

[@nielcarpnava]

Yeah we will become the most powerful state. Also thanks to our president Manuel Quezon because he quoted that he does not want our country to be served by the Americans. 😂

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

@@alexclay388 well, autonomy is kind of a independence, even if minimal.

[@Sn0wjunk1e]

I have alot of Puerto Rican relatives, so it always confused me how some ppl think that Puerto Rico isn't a part of the US and i've always been saddened by how the island has been treated by the federal government :(

[@flamingoxe5984]

i am one of these Americans. in the next election i’ll be old enough to vote but if i stay in the USVI for college I won’t be able to vote which bums me out a lot. I really don’t understand why we can’t vote since we are americans citizens and all.

[@mnm1273]

Because one side (Republicans) think it would vote for the other side (Democrats). One side will always be disadavntaged by it so a bapartisan agreement would be unreachable.

[@iammrbeat]

That sucks that you won't be able to vote, but what about an absentee ballot?

[@jalenr.6542]

@@lonewalker_1155 DC isn't ever supposed to be a state anyway it was written in the constitution

[@KjaxGaming]

I’ve been wanting someone to do a video on this topic for awhile. Thanks

[@iammrbeat]

Heck yes

[@dty1207]

How about a history of DC or SCOTUS cases regarding their citizens rights

[@MyMCProGaming]

Add them all as states 🇺🇲🦅

[@iammrbeat]

All the unincorporated territories?

[@MyMCProGaming]

@@iammrbeat Just the ones that have somewhere around 60k, their statehood can give them access to more money from federal govt, which can help them grow, more Medicare benefits and all that. And having a say in the presidential elections ofc.

[@MyMCProGaming]

Obviously i dont want a territory of like 10 people to have senators XD

[@Alelusan]

So nice to see Puerto Rican content

[@iammrbeat]

I hope to make more of it!

[@raney150]

I love your slight laugh at "Jar Jar Binks 420" I mean, who could keep a completely straight face there?

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah, they are paying me to troll me probably but it's all good.

[@Gizzy411]

We either need to make it the 51st state or give them their own rights as a country. This limbo status is kind a messed up because we can take responsibility when we feel like it or totally ignore them when we don’t. One or the other, it’s like having that boyfriend who doesn’t want to be exclusive but totally doesn’t want you to see other people

[@Compucles]

Eh, they also get some unique rights as a commonwealth, such as being mostly free from federal income tax, having school classes taught in Spanish, and getting their own international sports teams like in the Olympics. I believe many Puerto Ricans still prefer to remain a commonwealth.

[@elicarlson7682]

Thanks for covering this serious topic!

[@iammrbeat]

Heck yeah

[@andrepersson8265]

Make Puerto Rico a state! 🇵🇷🇺🇲

[@carlorjustcarl3675]

Sad All we can do is dreaming

[@talkingaboutthenewsinasati6705]

Puerto Rico and DC both deserve statehood. Awesome video!

[@RK-cj4oc]

Dc's entire purpose is that it cannot become a state so that the federal goverment cannot favour any 1 state. DC should never be a state.

[@diablomalevolos1096]

Fuck you then

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you, and I agree about statehood for both.

[@iammrbeat]

Parts of DC deserve it. Outside of the beltway.

[@aryanbhuta3382]

@@iammrbeat Could they not just rejoin Virginia like the other section of the original District of Columbia was 'repatriated' to Maryland? There's no need to create a new state the size of a city, in my opinion.

[@boricua4052]

I agree with you. Puerto Rico should become a state.

[@steevyshocker44]

Great video!! The Insular cases are rarely known to the rest of the population and I'm glad you created a video on it!! But I do believe that the Philippines achieved independence in 1946, not 1935.

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you, and yes the Philippines achieved FULL independence in 1946. I should have clarified.

[@williamhild1793]

As someone from the outside looking in on Puerto Rico, I see there being three paths... 1) Become a full state in the United States. 2) Keep the current situation as a United States Territory. 3) Become an independent country. Which path to choose? Who would do the choosing---just Puerto Ricans, or all citizens of the United States? Would it be done by the ballot box, or by some governmental body? When should this ultimate decision be made? Would there be an escape clause for Puerto Rico if it becomes apparent that they want to change their mind on their ultimate fate?

[@erickr.8977]

1.) It would be up to the people living on the island (Like me) 2.) It would mosy likely be done by Ballot Box 3.) The Ultimate decision in my opinion should be now so we can change our status (#PR51st) 4.) We probably wouldn't be able to change our minds if do vote for something whether it be Independence, Statehood, Better Commonwealth Status or Free Association.

[@aaronlinn8336]

@@erickr.8977 What is the main driving force of Puerto Ricans coming to the mainland? I understand the the poverty level is really high, 43.5%, but as it compares to the mainland, I see the qualifications to be poor in the US, is well me!! I do not feel rich, or poor really, just comfortable. I am not sure if I am getting my point across correctly, In a comparison in a much smaller specrtum, a single state comparison, is it really that much different? Why would it be much better to move all the way to NY to live? More job opportunities, I would think so, bilingual employees are always a plus, no shortage of entry-level jobs either to further that employability, this is what gets me, is the fact that, even with these qualifications right off the bat, just knowing 2 languages will get you a job just about anywhere, why are they not getting jobs? Now I am not stupid to know that making such a jump will be hard, and to get on your feet, I believe in a strong social career building government, that strives to enrich the minds of anyone, wanting to go as far as they want to go, find your "dream". It is just, as I now am older, tender age of 43, that now citizens that are my age, that I know were born here, are still impoverished and do not seem to be getting any work, and are still reliant on what I would call, extra support i.e welfare, and yet they were born here, although these programs should be there for all that need it and qualify; myself included as to having to receive it briefly when my job was dissolved and had no where else to get help. I have never really had any real PR friends, a few, not many, yet close to 26% of this city is Puerto Rican, to make it more astonishing, there were very few I remember in school, and next to NONE I have worked with directly, exception being a call center, where they had them there bilingual skills, and were paid up to 4-5 dollars more than just English speaking, so that tells me the jobs are there, other than that, I simply do not see them working. Basically is what I am saying is, why bother? Besides just wanting to move here, since basically people will be living the same way. The main reason I brought up jobs, it is. For someone that lives there, why other than jobs could be the main driving force of moving to the mainland be, when so many here are unemployed. I know you cannot possibly speak for here, unless on a whim, you do have relations in this area, would be a crazy! Anyhow, for me I dont see, what I want to see, the normal PR, everyone has slums, and rich people, no doubt, but just how does "the middle class" live there? If I come off wrong in anyway, please believe, I just want to learn more, with someone who actually lives there.

[@erickr.8977]

@@aaronlinn8336 Well first off the main thing that drives Puerto Ricans to the mainland is how much cheaper it is to live in places like Florida or down town NY. The U.S. government historically built the island of Puerto Rico up for failure especially with the enactment of the Jones act which just doesn't effect Puerto Rico in a bad way but all U.S. territories including The Mariana islands, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin islands and TWO U.S. states Alaska and Hawai'i. The U.S. has also allowed laws in Puerto Rico which basically push out the Local/Native people and attract the Super Rich that are seeking Tax cuts who come in and buy up land and make things a thousand times more expensive or come in and buy Apartment complexs/Housing that were $300/$600 USD and rack it up to almost $1500/$2000 USD which many Puerto Ricans can't afford and in the end not hire the local people but people they get off the mainland. The thing is we don't want to move we HAVE too move to survive and the same thing goes to many other places in the US which the government just doesn't care about for example Hawai'i, Northern Florida, Alaska, Guam and i can go on and on. Also you bring up being bilingual but the thing is many Puerto Ricans who migrate to the U.S. don't speak English their children do and if they don't have children they will have other family members speak for them. Americans who only speak English are not going to hire a person who only speaks Spanish and thats the reality and this goes for all people not just Puerto Ricans and now some try and learn but the ones who don't usually end up working for a company owned or work with people of Hispanic decent who only if not majority of the crew speak Español and this is also another factor on why Puerto Ricans tend to migrate to places like New York or Florida because they either have family/friends or because these are places that have the high Puerto Rican population. Now you ask how the middle class live and well it really depends on where you are on the island. If you're in San Juan expect it to be a little pricey but if you're somewhere in the mountains expect to things to not change much if not at all. In the end middle class Puerto Ricans to live almost like any regular middle class American in the mainland. Now if i missed any of your questions please ask again. P.s. please space out your paragraphs where its easier to read please 🙏. Edit: I simpled this down ALOT because its to late for me to be writing the whole thing out on KZbin so i hope you are able to understand just a little bit.

[@aaronlinn8336]

@@erickr.8977 Thank youI can see where you got lost in my jumble, I did not even think to double space, my apologies. That got me in the right direction, I just read min. wage is really low too, so that must not help at ALL. It is a struggle to buy a Big Mac for instance here, let alone if I am working min. wage there, not saying the sandwich is the end all of course, but just an example.

[@pmankin_games03]

I love these videos! This helps me learn about the Supreme Court and the Judicial Branch!

[@iammrbeat]

I am so glad they help!

[@KC-Mitch]

Mr Beat, thank you for covering Puerto Rico. I've been emailing various YT's to do videos on PR, but no luck so far. It's a topic I care about passionately (my in-laws are all from there). It's a great island that deserves coverage. I personally believe if enough YTers talk about it, it will get more into the national discussion and Congress will be forced to act rather than just introduce a bill and kill it secretly ever year. Keep up the great work. I hope to see more of these in the future!

[@iammrbeat]

Then I shall aim to make another Puerto Rico video! Let's do this!

[@themaverickfan]

@@iammrbeat Please do!

[@bleeploughly6311]

Thank you for making this video! Very informative.

[@iammrbeat]

My pleasure!

[@joelito0611]

As a Puerto Rican I really enjoyed watching this video Thank You very much Mr Beat 💪🏻

[@iammrbeat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sergiovalle21]

Mr. Beat! I am glad to see you did the insular cases in your Supreme Court Briefs! I love your channel! As Puerto Rican born and raised, I dont have an opinion of what option should Puerto Rico take but I do support and believe that US Congress (as the one with the constitutional authority to change Puerto Rico status) should give Puerto Rican’s and Puerto Rico decide their future in a BINDING referendum between the three international recognized status (Annexation, Free Association or Independence; All three legal under the American flag (see Annexation (50 states); Compact of Free Association (Micronesia, Marshall Islands & Palau); Independence (US granted independence to Philippians as stated in your video) Although I have a feeling US Congress will probably add the current the status, “Commonwealth” in the binding referendum since the current status is legal and American jurisprudence although its has significant trait of colonialism (latest example Financial Oversight and Management Board and PROMESA Act) and thanks to the Insular Cases (vast majority not being overturned and still impacting Puerto Rico till this day)

[@iammrbeat]

I appreciate your support, and thanks for sharing your perspective! Gracias. :D

[@grilledcheese5376]

everyone talking about Puerto Rico’s political status but not Guam’s 😔🇬🇺

[@bluesash10]

I'm sorry. You are right. I'd like to know more about Guam. Please share. May God bless you.

[@edmund3504]

Free Guam!

[@Xamry]

The insular cases came up in my state final exam when I was a junior in high school and I had never in my life heard of it

[@justinb864]

I'm actually reading a book titled "How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States" by Daniel Immerwahr that deals with a lot of what's discussed in this video in greater detail. I highly recommend it. It's not a densely worded academic essay, so it's easy to pick up for just about anyone.

[@iammrbeat]

I've read it! It's a great book.

[@vibemann6490]

Thanks for the vid beat, I never knew anything about the insular case. Great work

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you Micheal!

[@ryelyndesch1018]

Liked this video so much I subbed and watched all 59 other Supreme Court Briefs!

[@DeezNutz-em8tr]

Your videos are great Mr Beat!

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you so much Samuel!

[@kylegamana8155]

13:30 The Philippines gained "self government" in 1935 in the style of " Commonwealth of the Philippines ". It's a self governing territory of the US with an elected President and Vice-President somewhat a predecessor of the Compact of Free Association that Palau 🇵🇼 has now. The Philippines 🇵🇭 gained its independence on the 4th of July, 1946.

[@jackryan3043]

Thank you Mr. Beat for drawing attention to this case! Think you could dedicate a video in the future to DC statehood? it's something that I, and quite literally all of my friends here in DC, are passionate about. You have such a tremendous community here it would mean so much to us DC natives to see other people learn about our cause.

[@cookiewoke1899]

Yay Supreme Court Briefs!!!!

[@hugo52_]

Another good video Mr Beat.

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you!

[@michaeltnk1135]

I feel like a veteran now that I’ve finished APUSH. And btw Mr Beat’s videos are amazing study tools

[@iammrbeat]

So you remember these then? And thank you for the kind words. :)

[@michaeltnk1135]

@@iammrbeat I remember hearing about the insular cases, and learning about the Spanish American war, but we didn’t learn the details of the cases. Thanks for the reply!

[@mard5038]

We Filipinos didn't like the effects of the Treaty of Paris, the Americans practically took advantage of us and then made us a territory instead of becoming a free country. Then the obscure Philippine-American War occured, but we still lost.

[@johnscanlan9335]

And the upper classes in the Philippines have raped your country in the most disgusting manner while the middle and lower working classes have absolutely allowed it. Filipinos desperately need to stop lying about EVERYTHING and finally grow up. I hope I have offended you as that is my primary intent!

[@johnscanlan9335]

@Central Based Agency While I'm not as familiar with that area I sad to say you're probably right.

[@jackmcgwire2078]

Yay another Supreme Court briefs!

[@iammrbeat]

Thanks for being here. :)

[@Brandonbrandon543]

about time you made another episode of this series : D

[@iammrbeat]

I already have another one in the docket for July!

[@Dadderfield]

I’m pretty sure the Philippines became independent on July 4th, 1946 after the US relinquished their control from the Philippine Independence Act and the Treaty of Manila. Other than that, what an amazing video to watch after work! Keep it up!

[@Compucles]

Yeah, the Philippines didn't "win" anything. They were losing to the Spanish, they lost to the United States, and they lost to Japan until the U.S. came back to kick out the Japs. Was horrifically squashing the Philippines attempt at independence a mistake? Absolutely. However, the facts are that the Philippines never managed to gain independence until it was finally granted to them in 1946.

[@asoulist4829]

No taxation without representation!

[@Mii.2.0]

DON'T TREAD ON ME! 🐍

[@iammrbeat]

Shout it out loud!

[@Steven-fv8xw]

in denmark, residents in both Greenland and Faroe Islands are eligible to vote in Danish general elections.

[@chrisprizzle278]

Great timing that as I'm recovering from my widsom teeth surgery Mr. Beat uploads a video. You love to see it.

[@yarielrobles9003]

0:47 I like how he highlighted Haiti and the Dominican republic instead of Puerto Rico

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah I messed that one up.

[@qballer82]

Everyone, call your Congressman to support statehood because PR voted in favor last year to become a state

[@jackryan3043]

Also statehood for DC! 86% of us voted in favor of statehood recently

[@guyfauks2576]

@@jackryan3043 no

[@jackryan3043]

@@guyfauks2576 yes please!

[@guyfauks2576]

@@jackryan3043 fine i will

[@johndanielson3777]

About time you’ve uploaded a Supreme Court video

[@iammrbeat]

I have another one in the docket for next month!

[@miguelalmeida3105]

I love your Supreme Court Briefs!!

[@ClementePR21]

As a Puerto Rican i support independence. Wanting to be a state of the U.S. is like wanting to marry your abuser.

[@mr.devil9577]

Bro no offense but you need the US lol without their money you'd be like most of South America

[@jose_8372]

@@mr.devil9577 Not really, Puerto Rico gives the same amount of money to the federal goverment than it gets back, if not more.

[@keymaster202]

It’s sad to see how a lot of these Americans think solving the islands problems is to simply incorporate it into the union, like native Hawaiians don’t have issues with American imperialism for decades.

[@andrewalderman9489]

Yes, but statehood would give you access to a restraining order.

[@ClementePR21]

@@andrewalderman9489 Abusers don't tend to respect restraining orders.

[@thefriedchickenbucket]

Can you do "San Francisco vs San Jose"? That would be a nice video. I love your content.

[@sohopedeco]

A battle of saints.

[@iammrbeat]

Great suggestion!

[@broggers9973]

I love these

[@iammrbeat]

Glad you dig them!

[@aequitas8749]

Independence for Puerto Rico!

[@kennick6363]

You should compare Iowa and Missouri

[@iammrbeat]

I plan on it!

[@boldblazervids]

Why couldn't the DC constitutional amendment have been worded so that all non-state territories of the US get electoral votes rather than just DC itself?

[@iammrbeat]

It could actually!

[@OpinionesDeJACCsOpinions]

I thought the same thing! However, the way it's worded could imply that all U.S. territories and D.C. would get the same number of electoral votes as the least populous state. Meaning a population of like 4 million would get the same vote as Wyoming at more than 500 000. I would worded to be equal to the nearest state with similar population as all those places combined. But, you may disagree.

[@RobertGrif]

Statehood for Puerto Rico!

[@liamrobert2460]

SCOTUS briefs returns!

[@iammrbeat]

Finally!

[@ElephantsDoingCrack]

I am a right leaning person, and even I think Puerto Rico should have statehood. I feel like they deserve that right to vote and representation. But, it is their choose to decide. Plus, it would be cool to have a new flag with 51 stars.

[@diablomalevolos1096]

Well go f*CK yourself then

[@iammrbeat]

Puerto Ricans voted on this last November. With a turnout of 55%, they said 53% for and 47% against statehood.

[@ElephantsDoingCrack]

@@iammrbeat YYYOOOO. That is cool!

[@notchuckproductions5029]

Puerto Rico from my understanding would be a lean GOP state too despite what both parties would think. I think it’s the perfect territory to induct with The Hard Democrat DC, as a way to get the senate balanced,aside from American soma

[@ElephantsDoingCrack]

@@notchuckproductions5029 I've never heard that argument been made, that Puerto Rico would be a GOP lead state. One idea I had a long time ago was that we should make the Virgin Islands a state. I don't know if it is possible, or if it has the requirements to be a state (I haven't researched it in a while), but I think it's an interesting idea

[@gaotosky1010]

Might I suggest top 10 bipartisan bills in recent times?

[@the8thgemmer467]

I don’t see what makes a “bipartisan” bill better. Both parties represent specific ideologies at least to some extent and bipartisanship is just something in between the two, nothing makes it objectively better. The best thing for the country and every democracy for that matter would be a multiparty democracy elected through statewide proportional representation.

[@iammrbeat]

Great idea! However, I ought to exclude omnibus bills.

[@Lawfair]

I wonder how far back in time you would have to define "recent" in order to get to 10.

[@kingdomofgarvin3432]

Real Talk

[@nicollaney]

The fact that we have colonies that still or not state and we still there’s still taxation without representation just makes a mockery of our entire history!

[@Compucles]

What taxation? Most Puerto Ricans are exempt from federal income tax.

[@Unsei15]

I'm puertorrican myself and used to be quite nationalistic when I was younger, mostly due to my grandfather raising me with a HEAVY anti-US mentality, I've mellowed out since then and personally lean more for statehood, but if independence happens than so be it. My personal thoughts and experience on all of this. Good portion of folks in PR in favor of statehood are in it mostly for the economy, the US hasn't really done much to foster real pro-US sentiment aside from economy. Those in favor of independence are mostly for well... independence, though last elections they marketed as "good governance". Those in favor of status quo are mostly the ones, I feel, lost hope for any real future for the island and just want at least some illusion of stability, even if it mean a slow painful death for the island later on. Propaganda is a HUGE factor in politics, people care more about the one that looks nice or has less spots on their record than actually being capable. It's also why PR is heavily in favor of democrats despite us being quite conservative. Overall I've yet to meet someone who actually believes in status quo. We are mostly filled with a sad sense of hope for the future since any referendum for status is seen as a worthless lie. We see the island as the US money laundering machine. At this point we're just tired of politics and want the status fixed but believe it'll never be. A slow painful death is what awaits the island. And we'll keep voting for the ones with sweet word but ultimately never do anything.

[@alejandrolim8615]

Ehhh Philippine independence was kinda messy in that decade. 1935 was the transition to Commonwealth status, which means a slurry of different things that only gets resolved once you read the fine print (PR is also confusingly called a Commonwealth, as are MA, VA, PA, and KY). True independence would probably be July 4, 1946, though it's celebrated as June 12, 1898. Great and informative video though!

[@iammrbeat]

Yes, thank you for sharing that. I should have clarified in the video!

[@Kylefassbinderful]

I'm about to be educated on Insular Case #3 and I just wanna say that this is my new fav Supreme Court Briefs episode. Before this my fav episode was *Kelo* *v.* *New* *London* because I find Eminent Domain fascinating, and infuriating.

[@northernidaho5750]

Epic, Supreme Court Briefs on my 17th birthday

[@SiVlog1989]

The problem, so far as I can see, with any additional potential states to the United States, as has been the case since Missouri being admitted to the Union, is politics. In the examples mentioned, Washington DC and Puerto Rico, Republicans oppose the inclusion of both as states

[@the8thgemmer467]

Who they vote for should never determine whether or not they have a right to self determination.

[@iammrbeat]

Yep, it's purely political

[@notchuckproductions5029]

The irony is Puerto Rico would be Lean Republican state, meaning if they inducted both the senate would remain balanced.

[@Monosekist]

Here's to the future 51st and 52nd states: DC and Puerto Rico!

[@lloydster9000]

DC is supposed to not be part of any state.

[@jefferyhanburg8024]

@@lloydster9000 that’s what I’m saying

[@Snow-ik7ku]

@@lloydster9000 where talking about the part of DC where people live

[@skymtz]

Doubt

[@samuelmerkel2888]

@@Snow-ik7ku If you want to separate the residential area and the federal government area, what should actually happen is that the residential area should rejoin Maryland, and then that section of Maryland can petition to become a state. It's a very bad precedent to have the government sequester land from states for their own use and then set it free later as a new state they established.

[@scottdoerner1784]

They should be a state out of logic. Why they're not makes no sense.

[@d.m.conroy6717]

this was good

[@jacks1917]

I fully support statehood for US territories like Puerto Rico, however I fully oppose making DC a state

[@rino7789]

What about Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands?

[@frederikjrgensen252]

@@rino7789 to small

[@frederikjrgensen252]

They should be able to vote in elections. But should not be allowed to send senators.

[@billslim1112]

How come Britain was forced by the US to give up their colonies but America dont have to practice what they preach. Puerto Rico and Guam are not tiny overseas territories like the Falklands and the Pitcairn islands. Puerto Rico has over 3 Million people living there. Thats almost twice as much as Northern Ireland ,which has people complaining all the time that it is just another example of British Imperialism. And they are fully apart of the UK with seats in Parliment and all the other benefits enjoyed by British Citizens anywhere in Britain. But even though the general rule today is that empire is evil and immoral, that rule doesnt apply to America who make their own rules ,no matter how much they rant on about how free and democratic they are. They are the American Empire, no matter what anyone says.

[@iammrbeat]

Very well put.

[@notchuckproductions5029]

Too be fair Puerto Rico and Guam are the only big ones, the other 3 are about the same as the follklands.Also you haven’t get you still haven’t completely given 100% independence to the former colonies either.The queen still the Head of state of like Canada, New Zealand, Barbados ,Bahamas australia,pupa New Guinea, Jamaica ext

[@billslim1112]

@@notchuckproductions5029 Thats nothing do do with Britain. The Queen is head of state there because they chose to keep her. But they are fully independent. You dont need to be a republic to be independent.

[@billslim1112]

@Central Based Agency Who are you? And why do you think i care what you think?

[@stephenjenkins7971]

@@iammrbeat No, terribly put together; all of those territories had referendums which opted for the status quo. Who are you to demand that they become something or another? An empire is an imposition from one country to another; this is far from that. The only time Statehood won a majority...was when the option of the Status Quo was removed entirely. That's the issue.

[@someonegaming7710]

Let's fricking goooo

[@tearsofmeme]

Proud filipino here From the PH..

[@DylanSargesson]

If the Constitution didn't fully apply in these territories, how did the Supreme Court established by that Constitution even have jurisdiction to hear cases relating to them?

[@mauriceschmetzer1925]

What happens when a US Citizen of Puerto Rico moves to any of the 50 states? Do they then get to vote in elections? If not does that mean that there are two types of citizenship? Can Puerto Rico natives switch from US Citizenship in Puerto Rico to US Citizenship equal to all other people in the states?

[@onesob13]

yes, once they declare residency in one of the 50 states, then by virtue of their citizenship and residency, they can vote in all elections of that state like any other citizen/resident there

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah, they can fairly easily move to the U.S. and then get to vote.

[@essr4580]

I believe that’d be determined by residency, if a citizen from one of the states moves to PR as their official residence they would be limited in voting just as a native from PR

[@MCA2A]

Mr. Beat, what can I say? You are one of the coolest people ever. I wish I had experienced teachers like you when I was in school, and if I had, I know that I not only would have been more interested, but I would have reached more of my potential. In one of your videos, I saw a clip of you in your classroom and I became a little jealous that I wasn't able to sit in. Lol I wish you all the best and thank you for your effort.

[@deleted-something]

A very interesting one!

[@chasegilmond5637]

My stance on Puerto Rico statehood is that I think it is far too politicized to decide at the moment. It seems politicians genuinely don't care about the citizens, but rather what kind of political power it can bring them. If the political climate ever cools down, then I'd be all for it

[@kauswekazilimani3736]

Doesn't seem like it will ever cool down.

[@iammrbeat]

You make an excellent point. Perhaps the political climate will change after we end gerrymandering.

[@mayorofohio]

Puerto Rican statehood is long overdue. IMO there's a way better case for Puerto Rican statehood than DC statehood. The latter just seems like a power grab for democrats. I'm not opposed to DC statehood, but if DC becomes a state instead of Puerto Rico, I'll be pretty upset.

[@iammrbeat]

I do think Puerto Rico deserves it more than DC.

[@notchuckproductions5029]

@@iammrbeat fuck why not even Guam? Their arguably more American then any other state as they have the highest amount of Veterans and people in services then any other states and have a higher turnout for elections then any other state

[@brianmorey1223]

@@notchuckproductions5029 Before I could see Guam becoming a state, I think they need to merge with the Northern Mariana Islands and maybe even America Samoa to be admitted as one state

[@notchuckproductions5029]

@@brianmorey1223 that’s only if they want too, I mean I think would make since if Puerto Rico and The USA Virgin ilands should be merged but they don’t want to same with Guam and the northern Mariana ilands

[@malafunkshun8086]

I’m biased on this one, Mr. Beat, considering where I’m originally from. But I think the decision should ultimately be up to the Puerto Ricans, even if they should choose independence. Aloha 😊🇬🇺🇵🇷🇲🇵🇦🇸🇻🇮🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@jackryan3043]

As a DC resident, I would also greatly appreciate having the right to vote :))

[@jackryan3043]

to clarify: I know we can vote (I did!), I am referring to the right to vote for representation in congress. cuz, ya know, we kinda founded our country on the idea that taxation without representation wasnt such a good idea

[@Retaliatixn]

"The problem with living in a tropical paradise is that you're stuck in a political hell". *Me, Reta, 2021.* Because this reminds me literally of the meme of the guy in a Sonic suit : "The problem with being faster than light is that you live in darkness".

[@maddoxlewis558]

@Mr. Beat Can I suggest you do a video on the Constitution. Wherein you go through every clause and explain what it actually means. I think it's be pretty helpful.

[@Hoosier_man01]

It should be noted that Taft used to be Governor of the Philippines under McKinley

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[@jimmyron4742]

I like the trumpets from your music in the video .

[@iammrbeat]

I played them! I was in marching band in high school. (fun fact)

[@volt734]

Woah, a 16 minute supreme court briefs!

[@iammrbeat]

I guess this one wasn't that "brief" after all. :/

[@volt734]

@@iammrbeat I'm not complaining, that's for sure