You write that the "administration’s gamble on engaging with Cuba has made it increasingly hard for its leaders to blame their economic problems and isolation on the United States". How absurd!
On the contrary, after fifty years of economic embargo, which included penalizing third party nations whose businesses operated in Cuba, I would say it's the U.S. government which has made it very difficult to blame Cuba's leaders for that nation's economic troubles.
The Cubans are some of the best educated and have some of the best health care and longevity, if not the best, among all Latin American nations and there is an obvious reason for this fact: a scarcity of American-style economic elitism and limits to predatory capitalist practices.
Are there limits to freedom in Cuba? Of course. The nation has been under threat of subversion, violent overthrow of its government and under economic siege at the hands of the world's superpower for decades.
Is there poverty in Cuba? Of course. Is there poverty in the U.S.? Of course, the difference being that in Cuba the people have access to basic health care and education. You don't have to look very far to see that the U.S could learn something from the Cubans.
On the contrary, after fifty years of economic embargo, which included penalizing third party nations whose businesses operated in Cuba, I would say it's the U.S. government which has made it very difficult to blame Cuba's leaders for that nation's economic troubles.
The Cubans are some of the best educated and have some of the best health care and longevity, if not the best, among all Latin American nations and there is an obvious reason for this fact: a scarcity of American-style economic elitism and limits to predatory capitalist practices.
Are there limits to freedom in Cuba? Of course. The nation has been under threat of subversion, violent overthrow of its government and under economic siege at the hands of the world's superpower for decades.
Is there poverty in Cuba? Of course. Is there poverty in the U.S.? Of course, the difference being that in Cuba the people have access to basic health care and education. You don't have to look very far to see that the U.S could learn something from the Cubans.
9
I suggest we give the devil his due, if devil it is. cuba has excellent free medical care and equally excellent free education for everyone. no guns, no drugs, no violent crime, and safe streets. that cannot be said about the USA.
9
When will the wet dry foot policy be terminated? For more than 50 years under the moniker of political asylum, Cubans have been allowed to immigrate and settle in the United States disproportionately in relation to the settlement of other nationalities in the United States for a similar period. There is no question that initially Castro was killing the middle class in Cuba, but at some point between 1965 and 1970 the wave of immigration became of one economic flight rather than political survival, yet the policy of allowing unimpeded access to the States by Cubans seeking a better economic life for themselves and their children was allowed to continue. Now with the reproachment, which is long overdue, the last remnant of a policy gone wrong should also be terminated and the Cuban people be treated on equal footing as the immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
5
Of course they can still blame it on the United States. Nothing has changed. The US wants to set all the new rules. Cuba would be better off turning down the US deal, unless they get compensation for all the money they lost and all the slander and libel they had to put up with.
2
Commentators seem to ignore the fact that Europeans Canadians and others have been going to Cuba for decades and the US engagement would seem to add little positive. I live half time in a small country in Latin America and only shudder when I think of "liberalization" of the economy would bring- loot for Wall St and continued struggle for the ordinary people. There is a fair amount of Asian participation here with benign outcomes. I cringe thinking of spring break hete.
Cuba would be smart to take what it can use but keep the vultures at arms length. Another issue will be bogus claims for compensation for the irrendentists in Miami who were run out with Bautista.
Cuba would be smart to take what it can use but keep the vultures at arms length. Another issue will be bogus claims for compensation for the irrendentists in Miami who were run out with Bautista.
2
Thank you for reminding us of President's opening up to Cuba. Many commentators on the recent framework with Iran suggested that he was desperate to cut a deal--any deal--to create an international legacy to be remembered by. Obviously they had forgotten Cuba and the hopes that this rapprochement brings.
My secretary used to have a sign that read: The beatings will continue until morale improves." I think of that sign often when I hear conservatives suggest that more sanctions on Cuba or on Iran will lead to peace sooner. I'm very glad the President is shutting down the beatings in hopes of greater cooperation--and improved morale.
My secretary used to have a sign that read: The beatings will continue until morale improves." I think of that sign often when I hear conservatives suggest that more sanctions on Cuba or on Iran will lead to peace sooner. I'm very glad the President is shutting down the beatings in hopes of greater cooperation--and improved morale.
8
I was just in Cuba and fear for its future if things go too fast. There is so much right now that is excellent: the education system, the heath care system, and sense of community among Cubans. Even the fact that there has been little development is a boon since Old Havana has its original buildings, many of them dating back centuries. There are also large tracks of undeveloped land where birds that are extinct elsewhere enjoy the untouched landscape.
Let us hope that foreign developers do not come in and drag Cuba into the globalized economy without careful thinking and planning or it may end up like Peking where some are rich, some are poor, and nobody can breath.
Let us hope that foreign developers do not come in and drag Cuba into the globalized economy without careful thinking and planning or it may end up like Peking where some are rich, some are poor, and nobody can breath.
15
Foreign developers won't be visiting Cuba to enjoy a week at the beach. When they finally get going, Cuba will indeed be dragged into the global economy for as much as "the Developers' et al. can profit from the island.
Foreign developers don't see an island of people, just a large dollar shaped land mass ($) floating off the coast. As I recall, they were in part responsible for Castro's rise in the first place. Hope Raul can manage the Development tidal wave which is likely to occur.
Foreign developers don't see an island of people, just a large dollar shaped land mass ($) floating off the coast. As I recall, they were in part responsible for Castro's rise in the first place. Hope Raul can manage the Development tidal wave which is likely to occur.
1
The Bendixon poll is not accurate. The majority of Cuban-Americans throughout the U.S. oppose Obama's rapprochement with the Castro regime. Cubans do not have civil liberties. They are harassed, beaten, and thrown in prison without due process. The country is in ruins due to Castro's totalitarian system of government. The embargo is not at fault. The international community is complicit in the human rights violations of the regime. They are propping up a despotic regime with revenue that is hoarded by the "communist" elites. The average Cuban does not benefit. They live in squalor and dilapidated housing. It is an established fact that commerce with totalitarian nations does not produce democratic reforms for the oppressed and enslaved.
The overwhelming evidence indicates that Cuba belongs on the list of nations that sponsor terrorism. Cuba provides sanctuary to terrorist organizations such as FARC and AL-Qaida. They harbor known fugitives such as Chesimard who murdered a New Jersey State trooper in cold blood. Cuba is smuggling weapons in collusion with North Korea and China. Cuba has subversive elements in Venezuela spreading totalitarian ideology and crushing people's civil liberties.
The upcoming summit with Obama and Castro is a travesty. It is an injustice to Cuban exiles and Cuba's dissidents who are struggling for Cuba's freedom. Civil liberties for the Cuban people should be the prime objective.
The overwhelming evidence indicates that Cuba belongs on the list of nations that sponsor terrorism. Cuba provides sanctuary to terrorist organizations such as FARC and AL-Qaida. They harbor known fugitives such as Chesimard who murdered a New Jersey State trooper in cold blood. Cuba is smuggling weapons in collusion with North Korea and China. Cuba has subversive elements in Venezuela spreading totalitarian ideology and crushing people's civil liberties.
The upcoming summit with Obama and Castro is a travesty. It is an injustice to Cuban exiles and Cuba's dissidents who are struggling for Cuba's freedom. Civil liberties for the Cuban people should be the prime objective.
Frankly, Babette, your comments are not supported by the facts. and your attempt at analysis is nonsense.
Most persons of Cuban descent, in the United States, and most Americans with opinions on the subject, across the political spectrum, support President Obama's decision as being the only just and intelligent way forward. The politics of hate and oppression has never yielded anything for the United States or for liberty; to the contrary, that kind of thinking breeds what is contrary to our interests and supportive of a destruction of American values, both at home and in target countries.
Most persons of Cuban descent, in the United States, and most Americans with opinions on the subject, across the political spectrum, support President Obama's decision as being the only just and intelligent way forward. The politics of hate and oppression has never yielded anything for the United States or for liberty; to the contrary, that kind of thinking breeds what is contrary to our interests and supportive of a destruction of American values, both at home and in target countries.
6
To the contrary, your comments are not supported by the facts. Read and research. You have stated nothing to refute my statements. Try again.
1
The US government is manipulating its own citizens, to place pressure on the Cuban government, to fall into line with demands to satisfy the wishes of relatively few Americans. This is not right, and results in unreasonable travel restrictions on US citizens. Given the fact that many other Western nations have reestablished normal relations with Cuba, the US holdout is not only a stubborn relic of the past, but self defeating in terms of commerce, and preventing reasonable access and cultural exchange with our close neighbor.
4
Go to any Latin American country, book RT passage on Avianca, have fun. The embargo has never stopped the intrepid traveler and Cuba has plenty of European, Canadian, Asian & Latin American visitors and investment. I'm still trying to follow the money that makes Cuban investment by the US front burner at this particular time.
It may turn out that the Cuban government will be better or worse than we all thought. Cuban maybe economically less advanced or more than we are led to believe. After a few headlines, mainly for political benefits, whatever changes are coming will be significant in Cuba but barely be noticed in the United States.
1
If their is a chance that the leveraged buyout barons will transfer entire sectors of the USA economy to Cuba, like they transferred USA manufacturing of virtually all the consumer goods Americans must buy, to their Communist Chinese partners, maybe not such a good idea.
4
Way back in the 1920s, when the US was ending its occupation of Cuba, the last military governor reported to Congress, "100 years from now, the cubans will still not have learned democracy.".
Looks like that report was very accurate!
..
Regardless of how long Cubans will tolerate a Benevolent Dictator......it is extremely crucial to US economic/political/military interests to improve relations with Cuba.
I advocate including Cuba in the NAFTA treaty arrangement.
We must at all costs prevent China from sealing deals with Cuba.
Looks like that report was very accurate!
..
Regardless of how long Cubans will tolerate a Benevolent Dictator......it is extremely crucial to US economic/political/military interests to improve relations with Cuba.
I advocate including Cuba in the NAFTA treaty arrangement.
We must at all costs prevent China from sealing deals with Cuba.
4
The changes in Cuba will be slow in coming. This is not necessarily bad as after 50 years of deadlock it will take time to reestablish any trust between the two nations. But the fact that the process has begun opens wonderful possibilities for our whole hemisphere. Think of how impossible it might have been for our President to sit down civilly with raul Castro at any other time, almost as difficult as lions laying down with lambs. Something to truly smile about.
6
An incredibly biased piece that seeks to put all the blame on the Cuban government. It ascribes the state of affairs re prosperity and communications with the rest of the world to the government of Cuba, as if the United States government's sanctions played no part in isolating Cuba economically and politically. Yes, Cuban leaders have used the sanctions to generate anti-American feelings (which are understandable), but we need to characterize the recent detente correctly: It is primarily the correction of cruel and wrong-headed policies by the American government. The hope is that this correction may have a beneficial effect on the prosperity and openness of Cuban society.
10
That's poppycock. The current Cuban government stole personal and real property from thousands upon thousands of people. Ask all of the Cubans who live in Miami. They thought Communism was better and rejected capitalism. Who in their right mind would do business with people like that? The isolation did not come from the US. They isolated themselves in a failed communist state. They could have returned to democracy and capitalism at any time -- without question.
A return of assets stolen has always been a condition to rapprochement, which Obama is apparently trying to circumvent. We'll see how far this goes once Congress gets ahold of it. In the meantime, Obama, as always, simply wants to ignore the law.
A return of assets stolen has always been a condition to rapprochement, which Obama is apparently trying to circumvent. We'll see how far this goes once Congress gets ahold of it. In the meantime, Obama, as always, simply wants to ignore the law.
3
American sanctions against Cuba had the blessing of the Cuban government for 5 long decades
2
The road to this new mountain will encounter situations where many will not adjust easily, like this sentence in your article.
"Meanwhile, Airbnb, the company based in San Francisco that allows people to list their homes online for short-term rentals, announced last week that it had broken into the Cuban market, unveiling 1,000 listings there."
Most, if not all, those residential properties will have to be in good condition in order to serve as hotels, and probably were taken over by the new socialist system from many Cuban now living in Miami and will be the first to disagree with that policy and the last to agree. Sensitivities will suffer.
Is that how history proceeds?
"Meanwhile, Airbnb, the company based in San Francisco that allows people to list their homes online for short-term rentals, announced last week that it had broken into the Cuban market, unveiling 1,000 listings there."
Most, if not all, those residential properties will have to be in good condition in order to serve as hotels, and probably were taken over by the new socialist system from many Cuban now living in Miami and will be the first to disagree with that policy and the last to agree. Sensitivities will suffer.
Is that how history proceeds?
1
Those who use Airbnb (like me) make creature comforts a low priority, and will understand that Cuban standards differ from what most tourists expect. The opportunity to live with average Cubans and get an unvarnished perspective is precisely why I will be going this year. The possibility that a former mansion is now being used in the new small-scale enterprise is ironic, but will not cause too many tears.
1
Perhaps the Cubans would be better advised to look at telecommunications relationships with other than USA companies. In the USA we have expensive, slow service that is not the case in many other countries.
Also, i think that instead of trying to foist American culture and economics on the Cubans, we should , for once, shut up, sit down and listen and learn from the Cubans about health care, education and a culture that has developed around the concept of "we" as opposed to me".
Also, i think that instead of trying to foist American culture and economics on the Cubans, we should , for once, shut up, sit down and listen and learn from the Cubans about health care, education and a culture that has developed around the concept of "we" as opposed to me".
18
I was in Cuba in January. The excitement can barely be contained, Cubans are literally praying for the Americans to come and bring the economy with it.
I just hope Havana will be restored and not demolished. To keep it exactly the way it is but to bring it back to life is, by far, the best and most exciting option.
I just shot a documentary about the cars, but I need to go back and shoot one about what the ordinary Cubans are thinking.
Problem is, you put a camera in their face and they won't talk...
I just hope Havana will be restored and not demolished. To keep it exactly the way it is but to bring it back to life is, by far, the best and most exciting option.
I just shot a documentary about the cars, but I need to go back and shoot one about what the ordinary Cubans are thinking.
Problem is, you put a camera in their face and they won't talk...
5
Interesting. The comment just above yours talks about the social and cultural superiority of Cuba over the US, yet they are entirely afraid of speaking their mind. Now, I wonder whether that is a social advantage, or a cultural advantage Cuba has over the US?
The reason Cubans won't talk when they're on camera is the huge number of political prisoners.
Thousands of Cubans are in jail just because they said something negative about their government.
And, that is the first thing Americans should think about before sitting down to negotiate: How do we help/demand that Cubans don't go to prison just because of something they said?
Cubans deserve freedom of speech.
Thousands of Cubans are in jail just because they said something negative about their government.
And, that is the first thing Americans should think about before sitting down to negotiate: How do we help/demand that Cubans don't go to prison just because of something they said?
Cubans deserve freedom of speech.
2
The U.S. has a great deal to learn from Cuba, socially and culturally.
12
Thank you, Bruce! I was looking for a succinct way of expressing my thoughts when I read your comment... You found them for me!
Learn what? How to destroy a once prosperous country in five decades? No thanks.
Get ready for rain on this parade of positives regarding our relations with Cuba.
From Bloomberg "Marco Rubio will use the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami, as the backdrop for his announcement (for president). That hometown location could highlight Rubio's personal story as the son of Cuban immigrants who left the island in the 1950s and worked as a bartender and hotel maid. He portrays it as a quintessential American experience."
Except that it wasn't the experience of his parents. Rubio's parent left before the Castros came to power, not "fleeing Communism" as Rubio lied in his official senate biography, Rubio is basing his candidacy on overturning the Cuba policy, and can be counted on for more lies about what is happening on the island. And while he rails against Presidents Obama and Castro, and portends to tell us what the Cubans on the island are thinking it should not be forgotten that he has never been to Cuba. Never.
From Bloomberg "Marco Rubio will use the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami, as the backdrop for his announcement (for president). That hometown location could highlight Rubio's personal story as the son of Cuban immigrants who left the island in the 1950s and worked as a bartender and hotel maid. He portrays it as a quintessential American experience."
Except that it wasn't the experience of his parents. Rubio's parent left before the Castros came to power, not "fleeing Communism" as Rubio lied in his official senate biography, Rubio is basing his candidacy on overturning the Cuba policy, and can be counted on for more lies about what is happening on the island. And while he rails against Presidents Obama and Castro, and portends to tell us what the Cubans on the island are thinking it should not be forgotten that he has never been to Cuba. Never.
28
Rubio's parents left Cuba in 1956 and then returned to Cuba in 1961. When they became aware of Castro's Marxist-Leninist leanings, they left Cuba for good. So, technically they are exiles. Marco Rubio's pertinent statement is posted on his web page. I hope Marco Rubio will announce his intentions to run for president. He is highly knowledgeable in all areas especially foreign policy. I have a special fondness for the Freedom Tower. It is where my parents and I were received and welcomed by the United States government. I wish Marco Rubio much success. If anyone can get this nation back on track, and help the Cuban people obtain democratic reforms, it is him. Now, that will be historic; not the Obama/Castro fiasco that is currently being played out. Onward! Freedom for Cuba! Justice for the Cuban people!
"Cuban government . . . seems intent on moving cautiously at a pivotal moment when its historically tight grip on Cuban society will inevitably be tested."
They are also well aware of the deep hostility of many in the US, and the open talk of attacking Cuba's government economically and politically in the Color Revolution method. The US already supported many attempts, so more would be normal.
We'll get further with Cuba if we don't go all Color Revolution on them. We need to end the hostility, really end it, not just pretend to end it.
The Cuban people will get further too. Nobody needs any repeats of Arab Spring or s fiasco of newly empowered kleptocrats such as overwhelmed Russia's post-Soviet experience.
They are also well aware of the deep hostility of many in the US, and the open talk of attacking Cuba's government economically and politically in the Color Revolution method. The US already supported many attempts, so more would be normal.
We'll get further with Cuba if we don't go all Color Revolution on them. We need to end the hostility, really end it, not just pretend to end it.
The Cuban people will get further too. Nobody needs any repeats of Arab Spring or s fiasco of newly empowered kleptocrats such as overwhelmed Russia's post-Soviet experience.
19
"President Raúl Castro of Cuba ...."
Did I miss an election?
BTW, none of the many people I have spoken with over there are optimistic of much change in their daily lives.
Did I miss an election?
BTW, none of the many people I have spoken with over there are optimistic of much change in their daily lives.
5
I've just returned from a visit to Cuba and, while not claiming to be an expert, my surprise was that Cuba is NOT the bundle of lies and disinformation that Americans are fed. There have been drastic changes since Raúl took over.
Havana is bustling, bursting with activity and renewal. The food is great (except in the all-inclusive tourist resorts where it's mediocre at best) and there are affordable-to-all, top-rate restaurants in spite of occasional shortages. The streets are safe and impeccably clean; the people – everyone, not just those catering to tourists – are generally happy (there are grumblings like anywhere else – take a look at the USA), agreeable, welcoming, not a scowl in sight, always a bright smile.
Cuba is in NO need of Americans to bolster their ever-expanding tourist industry. Canadians abound but so do Brits, Germans, Eastern Europeans, Spaniards and Latin Americans. Not everyone, native or tourist, sees Americans as a positive influx.
Industry and trade would be beneficial ... mostly to American entrepreneurs.
Those deprived are the American Joes ... from experiencing a rich and vibrant culture.
I'm no dupe. I don't travel snapping selfies to show back home.
My guess is that America is afraid of the strides Cuba has made in spite of its obstructions.
Go take a peek. Taste the rum. They won't stamp your passport to betray your visit.
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.” ~ ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT
Havana is bustling, bursting with activity and renewal. The food is great (except in the all-inclusive tourist resorts where it's mediocre at best) and there are affordable-to-all, top-rate restaurants in spite of occasional shortages. The streets are safe and impeccably clean; the people – everyone, not just those catering to tourists – are generally happy (there are grumblings like anywhere else – take a look at the USA), agreeable, welcoming, not a scowl in sight, always a bright smile.
Cuba is in NO need of Americans to bolster their ever-expanding tourist industry. Canadians abound but so do Brits, Germans, Eastern Europeans, Spaniards and Latin Americans. Not everyone, native or tourist, sees Americans as a positive influx.
Industry and trade would be beneficial ... mostly to American entrepreneurs.
Those deprived are the American Joes ... from experiencing a rich and vibrant culture.
I'm no dupe. I don't travel snapping selfies to show back home.
My guess is that America is afraid of the strides Cuba has made in spite of its obstructions.
Go take a peek. Taste the rum. They won't stamp your passport to betray your visit.
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.” ~ ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT
76
I, too, returned recently from a Cuba visit and agree wholeheartedly with all your comments. The place is vibrant and full of talent. People welcome Mr. Obama's initiative (having incorporated December 17, 2014, into their list of significant dates in history) but still are wary. They don't want anything turning into an American capitalist takeover, with a Starbucks on every corner. Their already growing entrepreneurial class has its own excellent offerings. Slow but steady will win the race for all.
5
Excuse me Robert Conte, but it sounds like you didn't venture too far from where you were staying in La Habana Vieja, because to say that the streets were clean is just an outright lie!! And good food? What are you talking about? In Cuba you can't find some of the basic ingredients to most foods, you can eat better Cuban food in Miami than in Cuba, except maybe for the pigs there which are fed natural foods as opposed to those we consume here. And you felt safe in Cuba because you're a tourist, harming a tourist in Cuba is like hunting in the king's forest...If Ameicans are so bad for Cuba then why are they trying to open up to the US? If the Cuban industry is so great in Cuba and they do so much business with the rest of the world then why are people so mad with the embargo, when they can obviously trade with everyone other than the US, which you assume will be harmful for the Cubans?
3
Thank you for an enlightened point of view about the realities of cuba. When we visited in 2001, we found the same. Americans are fed a bunch of self serving bunk about the world in general from our Government and the billionaires who own it and the billionaire owned media.
9
"...it became clear that change would unfold slowly..."
Because the Cuban dictatorship remains implacably opposed to all things Americano. Beginning with an open society. The entrenched Cuban bureaucracy will only take and take, as they always have, and the Cuban people will languish with their free medical care that has few medicines, and few modern technologies, despite decades of trade with Europe, and the rest of the world beyond the US. 100% literacy, despite being allowed nothing to read beyond state censorship, where even internet access is severely proscribed for the average cuban. And decades of food lines in a fecund country.
Let's not deceive ourselves, Obama's opening to Cuba is going to add up to an opportunity for the Cuban state tyranny to continue to profit at the expense of the Cuban people. Essentially, Cuba is still operating the same kind of despotic state monopoly that collapsed from gross injustice, and inefficiency in Russian and Eastern Europe, decades ago.
Tourists might consider tipping the ordinary Cuban worker well. For the foreseeable future, cash tips are probably the only access they're going to get to hard currency.
Because the Cuban dictatorship remains implacably opposed to all things Americano. Beginning with an open society. The entrenched Cuban bureaucracy will only take and take, as they always have, and the Cuban people will languish with their free medical care that has few medicines, and few modern technologies, despite decades of trade with Europe, and the rest of the world beyond the US. 100% literacy, despite being allowed nothing to read beyond state censorship, where even internet access is severely proscribed for the average cuban. And decades of food lines in a fecund country.
Let's not deceive ourselves, Obama's opening to Cuba is going to add up to an opportunity for the Cuban state tyranny to continue to profit at the expense of the Cuban people. Essentially, Cuba is still operating the same kind of despotic state monopoly that collapsed from gross injustice, and inefficiency in Russian and Eastern Europe, decades ago.
Tourists might consider tipping the ordinary Cuban worker well. For the foreseeable future, cash tips are probably the only access they're going to get to hard currency.
12
Well, with your thinking, perhaps we should discontinue "relations" with China, Russia, many of the Middle East countries, et al.
Relations with Cuba may diminish the abusive and unique immigration policy that is in place for Cubans. The free ride may soon come to an end and that would be fair.
Relations with Cuba may diminish the abusive and unique immigration policy that is in place for Cubans. The free ride may soon come to an end and that would be fair.
17
Whoever said trade with China, Vietnam or any other totalitarian country was ethical? Yes, we should discontinue trade with these countries because such commerce enslaves and exploits its citizens. Foreign trade entrenches totalitarianism.
Airbnb, like Uber, has recently received scrutiny, and the deregulate and underpay model is finally being questioned. But it's cause for celebration that Airbnb is putting its tentacles into Cuba? And it will also supposedly be great when Cubans can make their contribution to the worldwide proliferation of dead electronic devices. Having visited the island a number of times, I just wish there was a better way to improve things there. And again, the United States IS to blame for many of Cuba's economic problems, as anyone who has investigated the many facets of the embargo would know.
12
Did you think the purpose of an embargo was to solve economic problems?
2
The purpose of the embargo was not to solve economic problems. It was enacted to penalize the Castro regime for confiscating and nationalizing all private property from Cuban exiles and U.S. corporations. It was outright theft. The Castro regime owes litigants 7 billion dollars. Castro has not paid a cent. This is a matter of principle and justice. There are six statutes enforcing the embargo. Until the stipulations are met, the embargo stays. Only the U.S. Congress can nullify the embargo.
I think the only real question here is when can I buy my Cohibas, legally. The rest, well, is not that important..!
2
What troubles me about perceived opportunities toward open relations between the US and Cuba is how we see it as a business opportunity. We need to recognize Cuba has much to teach us. Health care is one area where we can learn from the Cuban community based system that emphasizes wellness over illness. As we look for ways the US can signal a new cooperative relationship with Cuba we should consider supporting the Cuban Medical Assistance Program that has been educating developing country doctors worldwide. In addition to educating hundreds of doctors in South America, the Caribbean and Africa Cuba has trained over 120 Pacific Island doctors who are changing the face of health care in their own countries. I am not sure we can say the same of our own medical education system.
47
Healthcare in Cuba is an absolute failure today for Cubans. If you're a tourist great, but you pay for it, if you're Cuban you get a dirty room and you have to bring most of your own things. The only reason Cubans are "healthier" is because they don't eat the high fat, cholesterol and sugary foods we eat and since they don't have cars or good public transportation they walk or take a bike everywhere...as in they exercise, that's it.
3
It would be interesting to see our firms getting involved rebuilding telecommunications infrastructure and improving internet service. After all Companies such as AT&T and ITT have 55 year old judgements not including 55 years of lost revenues of their assets seized and nationalised by the Cuban Government. In fact thousands of US legacy businesses and property owners lost their property through seizure. There are also hundreds of thousands of Cuban nationals that fled from private lands that Cuba nationalized and turned into agricultural cooperatives. No investments in Cuba can or should take place unless these key property issues are resolved and US courts everywhere in the US will be active in acting for restitution for both corporations and individual investors or property holders.
3
You do realize that some of those properties that cuban nationals and american companies claim to have lost where obtained initially through a corrupt system that preceded the Castro. To now turn around and give these people or corporations anything would be preposterous. A war was fought in Cuba and Castro won, like it or not. The ones on the losing side of that war can't come back and claim they want their stuff back. Then what was the point of the battle?
21
If we are going to compensate people for lands that were confiscated in Cuba, we must do the same for Native Americans here. We also need to begin paying restitution to the families of Black Americans who were brought here against their will and placed in to forced labor. We will also need to begin paying restitution to the people and families of the Japanese that were forced in to "relocation camps" and lost their property and possessions.
35
" Then what was the point of the battle?"
I think many Cuban doctors ask themselves that question when they see waiters and taxi drivers making several times what they earn. Not to mention the millions who can't afford to stay at hotels or eat at restaurants frequented by foreigners. My grandmother was a dedicated Communist and Fidelista, but she was refused entry at a hotel with us a few years back. I asked the manager that same question. We stayed at a casa particular instead. If she were alive today she could stay there if she paid a decade or so of regular Cuban's salary. Corrupt system indeed.
I think many Cuban doctors ask themselves that question when they see waiters and taxi drivers making several times what they earn. Not to mention the millions who can't afford to stay at hotels or eat at restaurants frequented by foreigners. My grandmother was a dedicated Communist and Fidelista, but she was refused entry at a hotel with us a few years back. I asked the manager that same question. We stayed at a casa particular instead. If she were alive today she could stay there if she paid a decade or so of regular Cuban's salary. Corrupt system indeed.
6
This is a curious editorial that reads more like a news story than Opinion, leaving little purchase for comment; and it's decidedly at odds with other NYT editorials that have strongly favored Mr. Obama's efforts to normalize relations with Cuba.
But other visits the president has made to summits of the Americas have proven embarrassing to both America and to Barack Obama -- Caesar Chavez's lecturing of him on alleged U.S. hegemonic aggressions in Latin America comes to mind. I suspect he may find himself this time on the sidelines, which isn't a comfortable perch for an American president. While his outreach to Cuba certainly is attention-grabbing, the truth is that Central and South America have been distancing themselves from us for the entire duration thus far of his administration. Our general disengagement from the region has seen Venezuela crater, and Argentina, Brazil and Chile moving in very concerning directions; and, of course, much of Central America is starting to look like the Chicago gangland of Al Capone.
I'd welcome strong re-engagement with the region, but very little time remains to this administration to do much more than talk about it.
But other visits the president has made to summits of the Americas have proven embarrassing to both America and to Barack Obama -- Caesar Chavez's lecturing of him on alleged U.S. hegemonic aggressions in Latin America comes to mind. I suspect he may find himself this time on the sidelines, which isn't a comfortable perch for an American president. While his outreach to Cuba certainly is attention-grabbing, the truth is that Central and South America have been distancing themselves from us for the entire duration thus far of his administration. Our general disengagement from the region has seen Venezuela crater, and Argentina, Brazil and Chile moving in very concerning directions; and, of course, much of Central America is starting to look like the Chicago gangland of Al Capone.
I'd welcome strong re-engagement with the region, but very little time remains to this administration to do much more than talk about it.
4
did you mean hugo chavez? cesar chavez was the leader of the United Farm Workers. he died in 1993.
13
Yes, I.P., I meant Hugo, not Caesar: obviously, I had unpicked fruit on the brain as I was writing. This is merely ONE of the downsides to being old enough to REMEMBER Caesar Chavez clearly.
There is greater reason to hope for Cuba's future now than at any time in the last five-plus-decades. This president understands that pique is not a foreign policy; his overhaul of US policy towards our neighbor island will not reward the aging Castros nearly as much as it may, in time, reward the Cuban people. Our isolation policy made comparatively little sense at the time of its implementation and zero sense today. The Communist system has largely failed, too, especially once the Castros' greatest benefactor collapsed in 1991. Cuban leaders are embracing this opportunity. Like with Iran, there a lot of work to do and a lot of resentment to overcome. The work is worth doing, though.
52
"...it may, in time, reward the Cuban people...."
It may not. Or it may, a few years, or decades, after the last Castro has died.
It may not. Or it may, a few years, or decades, after the last Castro has died.
2
Of course it will reward Cuban people, and sooner than you believe. Cuba is not as closed as you seem to believe. Tourism, cheaper goods, better communications, Cuban people working in the US and traveling there as tourists. if you really believe the government exert such a great control over people as to be able to completely control how they make money then you are reading old news. There is control, do doubt, but it no longer the same.
It is so obvious how this can help Cuban people that we can call it a no-brainer.
It is so obvious how this can help Cuban people that we can call it a no-brainer.
12
Cubans' biggest complaint is "We are not allowed to work", and those at the top agree. But between the top and the people's complaint is a massive bureaucracy hanging on to its power and holding the country back, resulting in entrepreneurial spirit expressing itself most in the flourishing underground economy. Readily available diesel fuel on the black market costs a fraction of the official price. As one Cuban remarked: "In a country where everything is illegal, everything is legal". This is a problem only Cuba can solve.
15
As an example of how insane our current Cuba policy is:
Each of the approximately 40,000 Cuban migrants that come per year get $19K per year in SSI, SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8 Housing. Indefinitely. Without having worked a day or paid a penny in taxes.
And, after one year, in possession of a green card, they can visit Cuba all they like.
Thee and me, as taxpaying American citizens, cannot.
Each of the approximately 40,000 Cuban migrants that come per year get $19K per year in SSI, SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8 Housing. Indefinitely. Without having worked a day or paid a penny in taxes.
And, after one year, in possession of a green card, they can visit Cuba all they like.
Thee and me, as taxpaying American citizens, cannot.
45
Or better yet, ramp up a Medicare billing service, collect all the profits and go back to Cuba a rich man.
8
What makes it even worse is some of the families use their elder parents to also get social security although those parents are pleading with them to return to Cuba. I meet so many elder Cubans who just want to go back home, even in the current system with Castro!!
2
Thank you for your post.
There is no immigrant in the world that has this carte blanche program waiting for them when they arrive here!
Not N. Koreans or Chinese nor anyone.
This free ride may be over soon.
There is no immigrant in the world that has this carte blanche program waiting for them when they arrive here!
Not N. Koreans or Chinese nor anyone.
This free ride may be over soon.
1
In Cuba our POTUS does well,
Emerging from an evil spell,
Still an early stage
Which the hawks doth enrage
Hoping friendship will not jell.
The Hawks are consistently wrong
Singing their same martial song
But Obama's been great
As a Leader of late,
Denying that for which hawks long!
Emerging from an evil spell,
Still an early stage
Which the hawks doth enrage
Hoping friendship will not jell.
The Hawks are consistently wrong
Singing their same martial song
But Obama's been great
As a Leader of late,
Denying that for which hawks long!
44
THE TELEGRAPH UK: Cuban dissident arrested on arrival at Panama's Summit of the Americas - Rosa Maria Paya, one of Cuba's most high-profile dissidents, has been arrested on arrival in Panama, ahead of a historic meeting at the end of the week between Barack Obama and Raul Castro - By Harriet Alexander
One of Cuba's most high-profile dissidents has been detained on arrival in Panama, ahead of the Summit of the Americas - She claimed the police told her: "You are going to be deported to Cuba if you cause any trouble or start raising banners. Go back to your own country to cause trouble."
The detentions have underlined the tensions ahead of the Summit of the Americas, which will take place on Friday and Saturday in Panama.
Presidents and former presidents of all American states, including Bill Clinton, Cristina Kirchner and Dilma Rousseff, will attend the gathering, which will also draw together hundreds of civil society campaigners.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/...