Glad you acknowledged Hillary Clinton's clear and well reasoned stand on this issue for a change.
4
Mrs. Clinton wants Cubans to be able to "surf our web". Since when is it "ours" and what, precisely, are we doing to prevent their surfing it? If the Castros want internet access in Cuba they should call The Times' minority owner, Carlos Slim. He and his Telmex and Cablemas teams would be in Havana within 24 hours!
2
The U.S. embargo of Cuba over 50 years ago was a misguided effort and political mistake from the very beginning. The U.S. Government believed that by isolating Cuba and cutting off trade, this would eventually force Fidel Castro out of office.
Instead, the opposite occurred. By isolating Cuba from the world community, the USG policies blocked all ideas, commercial ties, political and cultural exchanges which would have shed light into the dark corners of the Castro regime, thus ensuring its stranglehold on Cuban society for the past half-century.
Had the USG not imposed the embargo, Cuba would have become integrated into the global mainstream long, long ago. Exposed to the material benefits of Western and U.S. capitalism, Cuba's leadership could not have survived the onslaught of modern automobiles, refrigerators, air conditioners, color TV's, Coca-Cola and Big Macs.
The Cuban embargo was a dumb idea from day one.
Instead, the opposite occurred. By isolating Cuba from the world community, the USG policies blocked all ideas, commercial ties, political and cultural exchanges which would have shed light into the dark corners of the Castro regime, thus ensuring its stranglehold on Cuban society for the past half-century.
Had the USG not imposed the embargo, Cuba would have become integrated into the global mainstream long, long ago. Exposed to the material benefits of Western and U.S. capitalism, Cuba's leadership could not have survived the onslaught of modern automobiles, refrigerators, air conditioners, color TV's, Coca-Cola and Big Macs.
The Cuban embargo was a dumb idea from day one.
6
Will it ever be so, that the rich plunder and make nice as they tread on all those who have no millions. I had hope that some day all would be acceptable and accepted. How many lifetimes until we join hands?
One of the important reasons to lift the embargo is to take away the Cuban regime's excuses that it is the United States that is impoverishing the people of Cuba. It is the regime that is impoverishing the people of Cuba and taking away their human rights as well. The removal of the embargo will do nothing to truly empower or liberate the Cuban citizenry, we should not fool ourselves. The Cubans need to overthrow the regime as was done in Poland and East Germany and other former Soviet satellite countries. In this regard, one can hope that Pope Francis can give the Cuban community the moral leadership and courage that Pope John Paul gave to the Polish people. That is what is needed in Cuba. More American tourists with selfie sticks are OK, but its not going to solve the problem.
You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and you make more friends with open trade than you do with embargoes. While the GOP thrives on vinegar and embargo, cold war and fear, the rest of the world thrives on making friends, not maintaining enemies.
2
A memo to all those who are in opposition to the deal made with Iran regarding their nuclear ambitions:
Sanctions have never worked. They did not bring down Fidel, they did not bring down Saddam Hussein, they did not bring down the Kim Dynasty and they won't bring down the Iranian dictatorship. Sanctions only strengthened them all.
On the other hand, 40 years ago, China was a belligerent and potentially dangerous nation. However, the decision to start working with them, over time, gave them a stake in the international economy. Once they had something to lose, they became part of the international community.
Perhaps, over time, the same thing can happen with Iran. The Iranian people, like the Chinese people before them, certainly seem to want to open up to the world.
Sanctions have never worked. They did not bring down Fidel, they did not bring down Saddam Hussein, they did not bring down the Kim Dynasty and they won't bring down the Iranian dictatorship. Sanctions only strengthened them all.
On the other hand, 40 years ago, China was a belligerent and potentially dangerous nation. However, the decision to start working with them, over time, gave them a stake in the international economy. Once they had something to lose, they became part of the international community.
Perhaps, over time, the same thing can happen with Iran. The Iranian people, like the Chinese people before them, certainly seem to want to open up to the world.
1
Because the majority of Americans are pro ending the Cuban embargo, it could rightfully be considered undemocratic should our representatives decide otherwise.
Other rational reasons include: it's been ineffective; After surviving 11 US Presidents it's time has passed; we already trade with China, Vietnam and Russia; it punishes the wrong people; only Israel and the US voted against ending the embargo during a recent UN vote; It's expensive forfeiting at least 1.2 billion dollars in potential US earnings; and normalizing relations with Cuba while maintaining a trade embargo makes no logical sense.
Other rational reasons include: it's been ineffective; After surviving 11 US Presidents it's time has passed; we already trade with China, Vietnam and Russia; it punishes the wrong people; only Israel and the US voted against ending the embargo during a recent UN vote; It's expensive forfeiting at least 1.2 billion dollars in potential US earnings; and normalizing relations with Cuba while maintaining a trade embargo makes no logical sense.
2
The authoritarian central state fans at the NY Times will only make the authoritarian Castro tyranny in Cuba rich with ending the embargo. Just as with tourists, all the profit goes to the tiny minority controlling the country.
Let's help the Cubans emerge from the era of kings and tyrants one more time, and establish democracy there - THEN we trade with them. Our sugar market needs to be completely opened up anyway.
The Castros can move in with the Obamas since they already share the same opinions on everything important anyway.
Let's help the Cubans emerge from the era of kings and tyrants one more time, and establish democracy there - THEN we trade with them. Our sugar market needs to be completely opened up anyway.
The Castros can move in with the Obamas since they already share the same opinions on everything important anyway.
3
Isn,t it absurd that the U.S. has not had faith in the corruptive influence of capitalism. Ye of little faith!
This has allowed the our Communist neighbors in Cuba to blame us for all their short comings and perpetuate their rule.
This has allowed the our Communist neighbors in Cuba to blame us for all their short comings and perpetuate their rule.
of all of the rogue and downright dirty nations we do business with (Pakistan? Saudi Arabia? China?)...this is a joke. This should have been repealed YEARS ago.
3
For 50 years, the embargo never worked. Repeal it. Rubio and his anti-commie knuckleheads can just get used to it.
5
No lifting of the embargo until Cuba extradites cop killer Joanne Chesimard.
On May 2, 1973 New Jersey State Troopers James Harper and Werner Foerster were patrolling the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of East Brunswick. They stopped a car with three occupants.
The Troopers were questioning the occupants when the driver and female passenger suddenly came up with semi-automatic pistols and opened fire. Trooper Foerster was struck twice in the chest, and Trooper Harper was hit in the shoulder. The female then proceeded to take the service weapon from the injured Trooper Foerster’s. She pointed it at the wounded Trooper and shot him twice in the head, execution style. The thirty-four-year-old trooper with just three years on the road died soon after. He left a wife and family behind. Fortunately, Trooper Harper survived.
The three were apprehended a short time later.
In 1977 the female shooter was convicted and sentenced to life plus 26 to 33 years in prison.
On November 2, 1979 in the daylight hours this convicted murderer was serving her time in Clinton when she was taken from her cell to the visitor’s area to meet with four people who had come to see her. It was a setup. The four visitors took a Corrections Officer hostage. They then took a prison driver hostage. Using the hostages, the visitors helped her escape.
She eluded capture for several years until 1986 when she made her way to Cuba. There she was granted political asylum. She has been there ever since.
On May 2, 1973 New Jersey State Troopers James Harper and Werner Foerster were patrolling the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of East Brunswick. They stopped a car with three occupants.
The Troopers were questioning the occupants when the driver and female passenger suddenly came up with semi-automatic pistols and opened fire. Trooper Foerster was struck twice in the chest, and Trooper Harper was hit in the shoulder. The female then proceeded to take the service weapon from the injured Trooper Foerster’s. She pointed it at the wounded Trooper and shot him twice in the head, execution style. The thirty-four-year-old trooper with just three years on the road died soon after. He left a wife and family behind. Fortunately, Trooper Harper survived.
The three were apprehended a short time later.
In 1977 the female shooter was convicted and sentenced to life plus 26 to 33 years in prison.
On November 2, 1979 in the daylight hours this convicted murderer was serving her time in Clinton when she was taken from her cell to the visitor’s area to meet with four people who had come to see her. It was a setup. The four visitors took a Corrections Officer hostage. They then took a prison driver hostage. Using the hostages, the visitors helped her escape.
She eluded capture for several years until 1986 when she made her way to Cuba. There she was granted political asylum. She has been there ever since.
5
I am all for ending the Cuban embargo as the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Cubans who had to leave everything - educations, professions, family, friends, colleagues, houses, personal property, and two hundred years of ethnic and anscetral ties and history on the island - behind when they fled in 1960 and 1962.
My great-grandmother died in the United States, without ever seeing her beloved homeland again, as did all of my grandparents and numerous members of our extended family. My father and mother wisely took their three daughters to visit Cuba once, for the first time since they left, in 2009. It was a wonderful trip to our beautiful homeland, a chance for my parents to coone t their American-born daughters to their Cuban heritage and ancestry. My father died three years later.
I am all for ending the embargo, but let us ask the Cuban government - in return - to justly, righteously, and deservedly grant Cuban citizenship (without having to relinquish our American citizenship) to all of those Cubans, their children, and descendants, who had to leave that country. It is only fair that we should be allowed to return free and unfettered of any restraints.
If the Cuban government is sincere in its rapprochement, and the United States is successful in lifting the embargo, then Cuba must welcome back its departed families as citizens.
My great-grandmother died in the United States, without ever seeing her beloved homeland again, as did all of my grandparents and numerous members of our extended family. My father and mother wisely took their three daughters to visit Cuba once, for the first time since they left, in 2009. It was a wonderful trip to our beautiful homeland, a chance for my parents to coone t their American-born daughters to their Cuban heritage and ancestry. My father died three years later.
I am all for ending the embargo, but let us ask the Cuban government - in return - to justly, righteously, and deservedly grant Cuban citizenship (without having to relinquish our American citizenship) to all of those Cubans, their children, and descendants, who had to leave that country. It is only fair that we should be allowed to return free and unfettered of any restraints.
If the Cuban government is sincere in its rapprochement, and the United States is successful in lifting the embargo, then Cuba must welcome back its departed families as citizens.
2
Let's not forget all the personal property the Cuban government stole following the Castro take-over. All these stories about how much sense lifting the embargo makes, forget this important piece of history. And most of the young people who support lifting the embargo, don't even know that Cuba stole property. Leaving out this piece of information, in an article calling for normalized relations, perpetuates the ignorance.
3
This requires Congress so here is one thing the President can't do while hiding in a dark closet as he usually does to avoid Congress.
2
I'm with Hillary on this. For sure.
Insanity, what people would want to not be able to live and go anywhere they want? The Embargo is outdated and it's people want to see the world. I love how everything looks so vintage but it's 2015, time to add new things to the Cuban people. I for one would love to vacation there, and it's just sad that Europe and Canada can, and we can't travel there. Are we really free?
Weren't the Republicans the ones who repeated broken record-style that "sanctions don't work" in the runup to the Iraq war. Yet here they have half a century's proof of their theory staring them in the face and they refuse to acknowledge it. It's time our leaders acted like leaders instead of petulant children. Or else we should give them a time out to cool their heads and think next election.
2
When the corporations and big donors to both parties let their (and they are definitely 'theirs', not ours) public servants in Congress know that its time to many money in Cuba, the embargo & trade restritction will be gone in the blink of an eye. For that matter, they'd be gone already if those same donors were not concerned about the impact on the 2016 presidential election, vis a vis the Cuban vote in Florida.
1
The current embargo is pointless, and represents the grievances of an era long gone. The only vestige left of it is an old, enfeebled Castro and his doddering brother. The embargo essentially punishes a population that should not see America as petty and antiquated in her thinking, but rather as progressive and an avenue to a better future. It's time for the U.S. to recognize Cuba - not as America's Cuba, which is what got the U.S. into trouble in the first place - but as a neighbor and trade partner.
1
Liberal rationale is rarely rational. Look at the facts. Castro is a simple case of one brutal dictator, ultimately backed by Khrushchev, who deposed another brutal dictator backed by Meyer Lansky. Whether the ensuing Embargo worked is irrelevant. Castro confiscated all private property, forced hundreds of thousands of productive citizens into exile, created a prison island at gun point, and with all that, destroyed Cubans' incentive to work. Castro's economic disaster was of his own making. The USA owes him no apologies. In any healthy society, the actions of Castro would have long ago established him as a major criminal. We have the same moral obligation to trade with Castro and his generals as we have doing business with El Chapo Guzman. Restoring trade ties and further enriching Cuba's new class of drooling oligarchs, while getting nothing in return for the Cuban people or Cuban exiles, is a rationale that could only be endorsed by a liberal.
3
No one I have ever run into knows much about or cares about the embargo of Cuba, save for a joke or two about a Cuban cigar. It appears that we have again seen the Obama Administration give up on a US foreign policy and see nothing back in return; no political freedoms for the Cuban people, simply more daily repression and bellicose behavior. No business with Cuba will add up to much and is no reason to give up on our attempts to add freedom to Cuba. Let the Cubans show some movement where we say it counts and then reward them; until then, it should be no business as usual.
3
It's been long, long past the time we should have lifted the embargo and stopped propping up the Miami Cuban-American interests.
2
So stupid. All these crazy ideas by the GOP are only to gain leverage for the one saying them. In my opinion all Republican contenders are liars and the public continues to fall for their loony tunes. Times will be nuttier than ever before if one of them is elected president because the lies will be a constant barrage.
Yes please. It's time to move on.
The only reason we're still talking about it, instead of seeing a change, is terrified politicians, afraid of loosing their jobs if they vote for this change.
This will be done, we will normalize relations with Cuba, but because of these politicians (Read: Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush), we will get the scraps of anything left available when we finally go in. Meantime the rest of the world is rushing in and eating our lunch right in front of us.
The only reason we're still talking about it, instead of seeing a change, is terrified politicians, afraid of loosing their jobs if they vote for this change.
This will be done, we will normalize relations with Cuba, but because of these politicians (Read: Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush), we will get the scraps of anything left available when we finally go in. Meantime the rest of the world is rushing in and eating our lunch right in front of us.
1
I think Americans need to think about why there was a revolution in Cuba in the first place when the topic of compensation of lost property is brought up. Which I see regularly in comments.
One of the principle reasons for the revolutoin was "the people" had nothing to loose and more to gain by having a revolution - as the government in power was corrupt and in league with powerful business interests, most of them American. If people fled the country and left behind property and lost their livelihoods, maybe they should ask themselves the question - if "we the aristocracy" - "the rich - land owners" - had been nicer and kinder to the lower classes and had not abused them as we did to our exclusive benefit " maybe there would not have been a revolution at all.
When one sees the current disparity between rich and poor in the America, can one not ponder and reflect why there was a French and Russian revolution, and a Cuban revolution.
Or maybe man continues its cycle of build, destroy, forget, build and destroy over and over again.
One of the principle reasons for the revolutoin was "the people" had nothing to loose and more to gain by having a revolution - as the government in power was corrupt and in league with powerful business interests, most of them American. If people fled the country and left behind property and lost their livelihoods, maybe they should ask themselves the question - if "we the aristocracy" - "the rich - land owners" - had been nicer and kinder to the lower classes and had not abused them as we did to our exclusive benefit " maybe there would not have been a revolution at all.
When one sees the current disparity between rich and poor in the America, can one not ponder and reflect why there was a French and Russian revolution, and a Cuban revolution.
Or maybe man continues its cycle of build, destroy, forget, build and destroy over and over again.
1
Most certainly, it's time to end the embargo and the sooner, the better. It just does not make any sense and year after year, the nations of the world have asked the US to end it. Year after year, the vote has been consistent at the UN. What changes need to occur in Cuba, will be easier to undertake without the threat of the Helms-Burton amendment. Also, this will make it clear to those Cubans in the USA that, if they truly want positive changes in Cuba, they will have to change their whole philosophy of waiting for the USA to solve "the Cuban problem". It's up to Cubans to decide how they want that society to change and the means they will use to bring about any changes. Because those Cuban-American hardliners never had a Plan B, they now simply want to cling to that which is not only outdated, but actually counterproductive. Grow up, once and for all!
1
Those who still think an embargo will topple El Jefe from in Cuba are smoking funny smelling cigarettes. The people of Cuba has suffered enough and American Business are missing out on lucrative contracts.
It's like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. Seriously Rubio and Bush and all those who oppose lifting the embargo, let go or be dragged!
It's like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. Seriously Rubio and Bush and all those who oppose lifting the embargo, let go or be dragged!
1
Obama foreign policy is reverberating in Florida, the most-significant battleground state on the presidential map, where Cuban-Americans make up a sizable share of voters. Obama won the state of Florida in 2012 by only a 0.87 percent margin, or “74,000 votes out of over 8.4 million cast”. His victory wouldn't have been possible if he didn't make major inroads with the traditionally conservative Cuban-American community. Obama's unorthodox new Cuba policy, conducted “after” his reelection in 2012, will receive a clear up-and-down vote in the Sunshine State next year—but with Hillary Clinton on the ballot.
The public supports ending the embargo and some in Congress are taking steps to make that happen? Naw!
3
Cubans could use the support of all the current elected presidents in the Americas. The CELAC could be re-christened as Campaña por Elecciones Libres an la Amada Cuba. Free and Transparent Elections is a non-violent exercise. Good.
3
The biggest problem with embargoes is that it hurts the common people the most. Because the government "represents" them, they suffer the consequences. It is a stupid means of achieving a political end, and obviously does NOT work in the real world. People still manage to get things like the Soviet youth got jeans by hook or crook and rock and roll.
so in the end it is poor government policy for a country that talks "democracy" to punish people who may or MAY NOT believe what their government stands for. Not all Russians were communists the same as not all Americans are democrats or republicans--I don't ALWAYS agree with Obama. This is certainly one time that congress can get its act together to do something useful for real people--not imaginary foes. If they can't find a humane reason, then they will help their "business partners" make more money.
so in the end it is poor government policy for a country that talks "democracy" to punish people who may or MAY NOT believe what their government stands for. Not all Russians were communists the same as not all Americans are democrats or republicans--I don't ALWAYS agree with Obama. This is certainly one time that congress can get its act together to do something useful for real people--not imaginary foes. If they can't find a humane reason, then they will help their "business partners" make more money.
2
Just shows what non-patriots these Republicans are. I believe in my country, and I believe that its ideals will win over people more readily than force, economic as well as military.
It's the Republicans who are the naive ones.
It's the Republicans who are the naive ones.
5
South Florida congressional republicans such as Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln Rafael Díaz-Balart have relied on this failed policy as part of their political dogma to punish the Castro regime and secure their congressional seats.
Little concern with the plight of the Cuban people and whether the embargo was consistent with the interest of the United States. The interesting dynamics of an immigrant community exercising their political muscle in a less than democratic American traditional fashion.
Little concern with the plight of the Cuban people and whether the embargo was consistent with the interest of the United States. The interesting dynamics of an immigrant community exercising their political muscle in a less than democratic American traditional fashion.
8
Other than increased tourism from the US, it's hard to see how ending the embargo could help Cuba. After all, the rest of the world trades with Cuba so there are very few things produced in the US that aren't available from other countries. Ending the embargo would show the falsity of the Castros' claim that Cuba's problems are because of the US.
7
Keep the pressure on to lift the embargo. But beware of rapacious American companies, it will be the end of Cuba —it may want the return of the embargo.
3
Miami money is what the Cuban people on the street fear most.
2
What has to always be taken into account: The reason that the Florida Cuban-American contingent has been doing everything they could to force the US to go after Castro is that they are the folks that were profiting handsomely from Castro's predecessor, the US-backed Fulgencio Batista. They have lived in Miami for decades dreaming of an eventual triumphant return, just like the French Royalists after the French Revolution.
The problem with their dream is that for most Cubans life has been much better under Castro than it had been under Batista. Cubans today are literate, have fairly good health care (infant mortality and life expectancy are comparable to US numbers), a works schedule similar to Americans, and while there is definitely not a lot of extra food or supplies there is enough for families to manage.
That's why the efforts to take down the Castro regime, including the embargo, have been laughable: The exiles simply don't understand that they do not have the support of the population of Cuba.
The problem with their dream is that for most Cubans life has been much better under Castro than it had been under Batista. Cubans today are literate, have fairly good health care (infant mortality and life expectancy are comparable to US numbers), a works schedule similar to Americans, and while there is definitely not a lot of extra food or supplies there is enough for families to manage.
That's why the efforts to take down the Castro regime, including the embargo, have been laughable: The exiles simply don't understand that they do not have the support of the population of Cuba.
9
Enough already of this insanity. The embargo was outdated in the 70's and has survived thanks to gutless American politicians who were afraid to offend the Cuban reactionaries living in Miami.
9
The Hundred Year war didn't work out either.
3
When the embargo gets lifted as it inevitably will due to the huge profits to be made by a few wealthy American investors in the new Cuba, let's have no compensation for the ill-gotten gains of the former plantation-owners that Castro kicked out (and good riddance). If compensation claims are allowed they must be processed by Cubans without American interference, if the the cronies of the former dictator come up short, tough luck for them.
2
I visited Cuba in 2002 and concluded that educated Cubans want a mixed economy but they do not want nonprofit public services devolved to "social entrepreneurs" who take a cut for raising money for them privately.
1
I believe we are starting out setting up a dangerous idea of superiority of American vs. Cuba. They had a revolution because American's were completely disrespectful of their culture. We set up a leader and kept him in power even though he mistreated the people he governed. Now the idea that they want to read our books, buy our goods, etc. is surfacing again. Actually we also want to buy their goods, read their books. They have already chosen their road. It is one that does not allow another country to make the rules. We are not the parents and they the children.
12
I am an Republican living in Florida and believe in freedom, that includes my freedom.
I am told that I cannot visit Cuba, but american Cubans can. That is an affront to my freedom.
The only reason for the Embargo which has not worked (50 years+ & 10 presidents) is my party pandering to the cuban vote in Florida. Well I guess they forgot about my vote which I assume they are taking for granted.
If they really wanted end Castro's regime they would have opened up Cuba years ago. Average monthly salary $20, average tourist tip earned $50+ a day. The Cubans would have told Castro to stuff it a long time ago once the greenbacks started to arrive. Every one of his police and army would have quit and went to work serving tourists. The embargo did nothing but keep them in power by blaming a failed system on the U.S.
I am told that I cannot visit Cuba, but american Cubans can. That is an affront to my freedom.
The only reason for the Embargo which has not worked (50 years+ & 10 presidents) is my party pandering to the cuban vote in Florida. Well I guess they forgot about my vote which I assume they are taking for granted.
If they really wanted end Castro's regime they would have opened up Cuba years ago. Average monthly salary $20, average tourist tip earned $50+ a day. The Cubans would have told Castro to stuff it a long time ago once the greenbacks started to arrive. Every one of his police and army would have quit and went to work serving tourists. The embargo did nothing but keep them in power by blaming a failed system on the U.S.
52
Diplomatic socioeconomic political engagement with foreign nations should be the preferred method of American foreign and national security policy. The Cuba Lobby, along with the Israel and Taiwan Lobbies, defies and distorts American national interests and values. Boycott, divestment and economic sanctions should be the 2nd choice only after trying and failing at the first options. Military force should be the last option provided there is an existential threat or attack upon America.
6
I have visited Cuba many times over the past 15 years. There have been many changes that have in general improved Cuban lives. One obstacle is food. Their is hardly enough food for the Cuban people as most goes to the areas with tourist hotels. I have almost always stayed in the same Casa Particular because of the people and the excellent food they provide. Much of the ways of life necessitated by the Castro Regime will be hard to change, others will fall away like leaves in the fall from trees. To think we isolated Cuba is ridiculous, other countries sneered at the embargo and have done profitable business the entire period of the embargo. Cuba was not isolated, the US was.
48
Fifty nine percent of Republicans and 52 percent of conservative Republicans want the embargo lifted according to the cited Pew poll. It's time for the Republican presidential candidates, senators and congressmen to join the mainstream of their party on this issue. Lifting the embargo removes a major excuse for the Castro's economic mismanagement and will provide opportunities for budding Cuban entrepreneurs. It's good for America and good for the Cuban people.
41
It matters little historically that the Castro regime won the engagement against the Yanki Imperialistas long ago, since the Che Guevara t-shirts did more for Fidel than us railing against him. I direct everyone's attention to the more ghastly war we waged against Vietnam with its horrible cost in life and now we are engaged with them. Yes, it's high time we engage freely as citizens with the wonderful people of Cuba. I hope to visit this beautiful country someday instead of flying over it on the way to Colombia from Miami. Mr. Obama and Pope Francis deserves much credit for finally moving the U.S. foreign policy forward to restore diplomatic relations and hopefully repeal the embargo.
4
We don't foresee any problem in creating momentum to negotiate free elections in Cuba. However it's up to the Cuban People to decide about that. This is a golden opportunity for them. And it is consistent with the comments that President Obama made last week in Africa. In addition Congress does not pay any attention to We the People of the United States, as seen in Immigration Reform, Arms Control, and other important issues. Ah?
2
The Cuban Constitution is actually a charter for a modern postwar European style parliamentary democracy.
My parents fled Cuba and I was born in Puerto Rico.
1. The embargo has been a total failure relative to its purported objectives,
2. It has actually helped embolden the rulers in Cuba, and
3. Has been cruel to millions of families - such as mine - who were separated.
Do I have communist family in Cuba, yes! But above all we're family, it's ridiculous to continue this policy.
TEAR THIS EMBARGO DOWN TODAY.
1. The embargo has been a total failure relative to its purported objectives,
2. It has actually helped embolden the rulers in Cuba, and
3. Has been cruel to millions of families - such as mine - who were separated.
Do I have communist family in Cuba, yes! But above all we're family, it's ridiculous to continue this policy.
TEAR THIS EMBARGO DOWN TODAY.
17
“The embargo has benefited the Castro regime and hurt the Cuban people,” said Representative Emmer. “We’ve given it plenty of time.”
Amen, amen and amen to that!
Amen, amen and amen to that!
6
Several commenters have suggested that lifting the embargo would have little effect in moving Cuba toward more U.S.-centric goals and ideals. Perhaps we should consider the converse of this argument: If little would change by removing the embargo, the embargo isn't accomplishing much of value in the first place. Therefore, other than bad faith, ill will, and spite, there can be little or no reason in perpetuating it.
55
I totally agree.
Why would Barack "Nobel Peace Prize" Obama make a statement about human rights abuses by leaving Cuba to its own devices as long as they CONTINUE murdering and torturing Cuban dissidents?
Absolutely nonsensical.
Why would Barack "Nobel Peace Prize" Obama make a statement about human rights abuses by leaving Cuba to its own devices as long as they CONTINUE murdering and torturing Cuban dissidents?
Absolutely nonsensical.
1
I know of no Cuban dissidents being "murdered and tortured". What I do know is that, most of the time, you find them flying between Havana and Miami, attending conferences here and there and then returning to Cuba, to the safety of their homes. What do they actually do? Do they organize Cubans or become their spokesmen? Do they do any type of field work among their neighbors? NO, no, and NO! No one knows them in Cuba because that is not their goal, their objective is to be known in Miami because that is where their money is coming from. Money which is donated by the US govt. to some groups in Fla. and these groups then send a small percentage to those "dissidents" in Cuba. These Miami organizations and individuals seek to use these dissidents in Cuba as their echo. So while the overwhelming majority of Cubans in Cuba strongly favor lifting the embargo and restoring relations, these dissidents follow the lead of the Miami hardliners and oppose any changes to relations between the two countries, while offering no alternative.
It is a virtual certainty that removing the embargo will steadily corrode the grip of Cuba's central government. It is a painless experiment. It will likely lead to bloodless coup.
1
You know things are going to change when a congresswoman from Florida, of all places, is pushing for change as well as the CEO of the Marriott Corporation. Florida politics has for decades been the main stumbling block to lifting the embargo -- the merest suggestion that the embargo was counterproductive was political death given the well organized and well funded political bloc of Cuban exiles. It must be that the old generation -- who equated Fidel Castro with Adolf Hitler -- is dying out and that their children and grandchildren want the restoration of a normal relationship. And the participation of Marriott in the mix speaks for itself -- the tip of the iceberg of a multitude of corporations eager to invest. Please, please, please, let Americans visit this country as tourists. Cuba is the most physically beautiful country I have ever seen -- and its people (believe it or not) miss us. It's outrageous that in the land of the free, we are not free to visit.
13
Part of the problem with the Cuban embargo lies with the historical relationship between our two countries for more than one hundred twelve years and the role our American political parties played in it.
In 1903, after the end of the Spanish American War gave Cuba the freedom it had been fighting for since 1868, a Republican controlled Congress attached the infamous Platt Amendment to our relations, giving the US the right to intervene in Cuba when necessary. The US did several times until the Democrats, under Franklin D. Roosevelt, abrogated the Amendment in order to foster its claims of good neighbour to the Americas.
While Puerto Rico became a “de jure” American territory in the aftermath of the Spanish American war, Cuba became a “de facto” American territory all along supporting Cuban dictators the USA was willing to accept, a relationship that the Castro brothers ended with their socialist revolution.
The only way the US could continue to meddle in Cuban affairs at this point was establishing an embargo that allows us to continue to run the island “or else.” No more Republican inspired Platt Amendment; now it is a Helms-Burton Republican amendment that has no meaning whatsoever for us or for Cuba. Any conversation about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the embargo is pure interventionist rhetoric on our part, both sides of the argument included. We must talk to each other, not amend each other, whatever that means after one hundred thirteen years.
In 1903, after the end of the Spanish American War gave Cuba the freedom it had been fighting for since 1868, a Republican controlled Congress attached the infamous Platt Amendment to our relations, giving the US the right to intervene in Cuba when necessary. The US did several times until the Democrats, under Franklin D. Roosevelt, abrogated the Amendment in order to foster its claims of good neighbour to the Americas.
While Puerto Rico became a “de jure” American territory in the aftermath of the Spanish American war, Cuba became a “de facto” American territory all along supporting Cuban dictators the USA was willing to accept, a relationship that the Castro brothers ended with their socialist revolution.
The only way the US could continue to meddle in Cuban affairs at this point was establishing an embargo that allows us to continue to run the island “or else.” No more Republican inspired Platt Amendment; now it is a Helms-Burton Republican amendment that has no meaning whatsoever for us or for Cuba. Any conversation about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the embargo is pure interventionist rhetoric on our part, both sides of the argument included. We must talk to each other, not amend each other, whatever that means after one hundred thirteen years.
3
The chances of repeal of the embargo in the House and Senate are near zero irrespective of the arguments advanced by the Board. Probably would not happen even if the Castro regime shows some reciprocal response to the U.S. or on the human rights violations in Cuba, neither of which has happened.
1
To: Alan Brown -- You seem so certain of what you state as if you had some inside information. Otherwise, it is just an arrogant statement. As a Cuban-american I tell you that it Congress is oblivious to the obvious, it will be an affront to me, to 73% of the American people, to well over 50% of Cuban-Americans and to easily 95% of the Cuban people whose welfare is paramount to me. Then I will begin to wonder - what kind of a democracy is this? Let alone other questions, like where is common sense and humanity?
Don't be so sure. Apart from the editorializing, the piece points to some changes of opinion and moves by a certain number of politicians that may well result in the lifting of the embargo. Apparently the chances are a lot further from zero than you imagine.
Ending the embargo will be a boon for business and for that reason alone the embargo will be lifted. Kind of a creepy reason but as Deng Xiaoping said, it makes no difference if the cat is black or white as long as it kills the mouse. Viva Cuba and it's people!
8
On issue after issue the Republicans continue to personify stupid. How anyone could admit publicly to being a Republican is beyond me.
In a democracy 72% of people polled usually can't agree on what day it is. Numbers don't get much higher than that. To twist the line from When Harry Met Sally - I'll have what she isn't having.
In a democracy 72% of people polled usually can't agree on what day it is. Numbers don't get much higher than that. To twist the line from When Harry Met Sally - I'll have what she isn't having.
9
Just because we lift the embargo does not mean that Cuba will take any steps towards freedom and democracy. We might confuse our freedom to spend money with Cubans' freedom to speak out against their government, but the government itself won't risk making that mistake. We do business is several authoritarian countries that flatly refuse to consider Western-style democracy, and if we lift the embargo, Cuba will just be one more.
4
"We do business is several authoritarian countries that flatly refuse to consider Western-style democracy..."
There is one crucial difference in the case of Cuba: it is a mere 90 miles from the U.S., with a culture that is common to millions of U.S. citizens. It will be like Central Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Granted, some of the former East European countries are still a little democracy-challenged, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and Eastern Europe is arguably better off in most ways than before, notwithstanding the rise of an oligarchic class, something that even the U.S. is struggling with now.
There is one crucial difference in the case of Cuba: it is a mere 90 miles from the U.S., with a culture that is common to millions of U.S. citizens. It will be like Central Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Granted, some of the former East European countries are still a little democracy-challenged, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and Eastern Europe is arguably better off in most ways than before, notwithstanding the rise of an oligarchic class, something that even the U.S. is struggling with now.
3
It's up to the Cuban people to decide what kind os system they want and if you reconnect on a people to people basis, they will probably vote for a hybrid socialist/capitalist state like the Scandinavian model.
I just hope they don't loose their wonderful healthcare system and free education in the process.
I just hope they don't loose their wonderful healthcare system and free education in the process.
1
That is a strong argument for lifting the embargo. Should we embargo the other authoritarian countries, or lift the embargo on Cuba? No votes for embargo against China? Then to stop the hypocrisy, end the embargo on Cuba.
1
Anyone who thinks reason has much to do with public policy, especially when it is addressing "threats," should read Charles Darwin.
In terms of historical time, it's only been a blip in time since we evolved from the apes. And by looking at the world of apes one can get some insight into why certain "leaders" support the idiotic policy of continuing the Cuba embargo (or defeating the Iranian nuke deal or ...). In the chimpanzee world, "order" is maintained by alpha males wreaking violence on any who dare question their authority (and those males love displaying their ... well, manhood to prove their manliness). Interestingly, though, the chimps have a sister species, one we rarely hear about. They are called bonobos. The bonobos are a matriarchal society where violence is rare and where tension and conflict is resolved through ... well, look it up as this is a family newspaper.
Unfortunately, it seems that way-too-many of our "leaders" love displaying their manhood, especially since it has the benefit of being backed up by a multi-trillion dollar war machine where young man (NOT their children) fight their battles.
In terms of historical time, it's only been a blip in time since we evolved from the apes. And by looking at the world of apes one can get some insight into why certain "leaders" support the idiotic policy of continuing the Cuba embargo (or defeating the Iranian nuke deal or ...). In the chimpanzee world, "order" is maintained by alpha males wreaking violence on any who dare question their authority (and those males love displaying their ... well, manhood to prove their manliness). Interestingly, though, the chimps have a sister species, one we rarely hear about. They are called bonobos. The bonobos are a matriarchal society where violence is rare and where tension and conflict is resolved through ... well, look it up as this is a family newspaper.
Unfortunately, it seems that way-too-many of our "leaders" love displaying their manhood, especially since it has the benefit of being backed up by a multi-trillion dollar war machine where young man (NOT their children) fight their battles.
4
The fact is, Cuba has been dictated to with an iron fist by the Castro Brothers for the past fifty five years. The fact is, by comparison, the Castro dictatorship now makes Batista's prior eight year dictatorship look almost like a tour on a cruise ship.
Not counting Iran, the US also has embargoes in place against North Korea, Sudan, Syria and Burma. There are also sanctions in place against more than a dozen other nations, again, not counting Cuba or Iran.
Sure lift part of the embargo. On a quid pro quo basis.
The Cuban government has been a sworn enemy of the US since the first year of the dictatorship, when Cuba refused to hold free elections, and began nationalizing all private property.
Let the Cubans show good faith that, for example, they aren't setting the US up for some inventive "revolutionary" activity, like the 1980 Mariel Boat Lift debacle. When President Carter was duped into letting Castro dump thousands of criminals, and severely mentally ill, into Florida. Or perhaps something even worse than the Mariel tragedy.
For example, Let the Island nation offer to re-negotiate the 1934 Permanent Treaty for Guantanamo Bay, the major blue water port in the Caribbean, on terms more favorable to Cuba.
Since the US Navy defeated the Spanish Navy while helping free Cuba from Spanish colonial rule, they have had a strategic interest in Gitmo.
Who else would a Cuba eager for better relations with the US want to occupy such a strategic location, Iran?
Not counting Iran, the US also has embargoes in place against North Korea, Sudan, Syria and Burma. There are also sanctions in place against more than a dozen other nations, again, not counting Cuba or Iran.
Sure lift part of the embargo. On a quid pro quo basis.
The Cuban government has been a sworn enemy of the US since the first year of the dictatorship, when Cuba refused to hold free elections, and began nationalizing all private property.
Let the Cubans show good faith that, for example, they aren't setting the US up for some inventive "revolutionary" activity, like the 1980 Mariel Boat Lift debacle. When President Carter was duped into letting Castro dump thousands of criminals, and severely mentally ill, into Florida. Or perhaps something even worse than the Mariel tragedy.
For example, Let the Island nation offer to re-negotiate the 1934 Permanent Treaty for Guantanamo Bay, the major blue water port in the Caribbean, on terms more favorable to Cuba.
Since the US Navy defeated the Spanish Navy while helping free Cuba from Spanish colonial rule, they have had a strategic interest in Gitmo.
Who else would a Cuba eager for better relations with the US want to occupy such a strategic location, Iran?
1
It's evident that you're not aware of the brutality of Baptista's regime or that it was wholeheartedly supported by the US government. Cuba did not become a "sworn" enemy of the US, the US government became a sworn enemy of Cuba because it would not toe the US line. Cuba was pushed into the Soviet embrace by US hostility, threats and attacks.
Since when are being a democracy and having respect for human rights criteria for US support? The US has supported dictactorships all over the world, when it suits US interests. Take a good look at Saudi Arabia; Is it any more democratic and free than Cuba? Our second largest trading partner is China, an oppressive country that undermining its neighbors and conducting harmful cyber war against the US. Your arguments are hollow.
The US sanctions against Cuba are nothing more than bullying by a superpower against a weaker neighbor, e.g. Russian and the Ukraine. We have just as much reason to boycott China, but we don't because they're not weak like Cuba.
The embargo is ineffective, hurts the Cuban people, gives the Cuban government an raison d'etre and an act of cowardice by a bully - END THE EMBARGO.
Since when are being a democracy and having respect for human rights criteria for US support? The US has supported dictactorships all over the world, when it suits US interests. Take a good look at Saudi Arabia; Is it any more democratic and free than Cuba? Our second largest trading partner is China, an oppressive country that undermining its neighbors and conducting harmful cyber war against the US. Your arguments are hollow.
The US sanctions against Cuba are nothing more than bullying by a superpower against a weaker neighbor, e.g. Russian and the Ukraine. We have just as much reason to boycott China, but we don't because they're not weak like Cuba.
The embargo is ineffective, hurts the Cuban people, gives the Cuban government an raison d'etre and an act of cowardice by a bully - END THE EMBARGO.
5
Cuba denying "free elections?" Thanks to the current Supreme Court, we are now on that same track.
Over the decades, American presidents and lawmakers have used embargoes and various types of economic sanctions in attempts to change regimes or to force them to alter policies not to our liking.
These attempts have rarely succeeded. Instead, they have tended to embolden and energize those targeted and make them more determined to resist our attempts, and to render their peoples more impoverished, but also more resilient and more hostile toward us.
This is why we should abandon this policy that has rarely born fruits.
Mrs Clinton's forceful appeal is on target. Her appeal, however, should not be confined only to Cuba. It should include all who are subjected to any form of economic sanctions.
Broader contact with all mankind, irrespective of other governments' policies, should become an integral part of our foreign policy, because the whole world "want to buy our goods, read our books, surf our web and learn from our people." Economic interaction with the whole world is indeed "the road toward democracy and dignity" to all mankind.
Economic sanctioned should therefore be internationally banned, so that we may all "walk it together” toward a higher standard of living in a more peaceful world.
Cuba is a clear example, but there are many others, including Iran and Russia.
These attempts have rarely succeeded. Instead, they have tended to embolden and energize those targeted and make them more determined to resist our attempts, and to render their peoples more impoverished, but also more resilient and more hostile toward us.
This is why we should abandon this policy that has rarely born fruits.
Mrs Clinton's forceful appeal is on target. Her appeal, however, should not be confined only to Cuba. It should include all who are subjected to any form of economic sanctions.
Broader contact with all mankind, irrespective of other governments' policies, should become an integral part of our foreign policy, because the whole world "want to buy our goods, read our books, surf our web and learn from our people." Economic interaction with the whole world is indeed "the road toward democracy and dignity" to all mankind.
Economic sanctioned should therefore be internationally banned, so that we may all "walk it together” toward a higher standard of living in a more peaceful world.
Cuba is a clear example, but there are many others, including Iran and Russia.
17
And, in case you're not feeling that noble, you can always remember that sanctions don't work. They hurt the little people and empower those in power.
The irony of this inane policy is that while I can vacation in Moscow, Tehran, Pyongyang DPRK, Beijing, Damascus Syria, Baghdad Iraq, or any number of unfriendly places, if I go to Havana to walk the Malecon, where I would be somewhat safer than many of the others, I could be subject to criminal prosecution, including imprisonment and fines.
Since January 1, 2013, Cubans are free to leave the country to travel to foreign destinations, including the U.S. Although, I am no fan of the Castro brothers regime, I question why Cubans should have more rights to international travel than do Americans!
Since January 1, 2013, Cubans are free to leave the country to travel to foreign destinations, including the U.S. Although, I am no fan of the Castro brothers regime, I question why Cubans should have more rights to international travel than do Americans!
America and its arrogance, I mean why are we even having this conversation after sixty years of stupidity? Is Cuba part of America? NO! Why are we still occupying Guantanamo? I.E., should never have been and do I have to state the obvious; of course it should be dropped immediately; put on the shelves as a distant memory of another botched American foreign policy agenda.
8
It's hilarious that we have a trade embargo with Cuba, ostensibly because it's run by Communist Dictators.
All the while our largest trade deficit comes at the hands of China (the biggest Communist Economy on Earth), and one of our biggest allies is the horrific Saudi Regime who are arguably the worst and most violent dictators on Earth, spreading Wahabi Terrorism throughout the Middle East
All the while our largest trade deficit comes at the hands of China (the biggest Communist Economy on Earth), and one of our biggest allies is the horrific Saudi Regime who are arguably the worst and most violent dictators on Earth, spreading Wahabi Terrorism throughout the Middle East
12
I totally agree. If you try to find logic in US Foreign Policy, you will slowly go crazy. Either way the embargo, to quote Lawrence Wilkinson, is the dumbest foreign policy the US has ever had. The US is doing equally egregious things to its citizens on a regular basis. Look how many Americans, mainly African-Americans are found to have been found gui9lty when they were innocent, look no further than Guantanamo, how about all of the rendition-black sites, the list goes on and on.
1
SM and others claim "There is no evidence for the claim that greater 'engagement' will lead to reform in Cuba. None."
The argument is specious, because there is no evidence to the contrary, either. However, there is common sense, and common sense says it is likely the coming high level of commercial and social interaction between Cubans and Americans will result in a substantial improvement of the quality of economic and political life for the Cubans. It will also go a long way toward exploding the myth that there has been any wisdom in the policy that the United States has followed in the past 50 years. It will also show that the poverty imposed upon most Cubans by US Policy, has not deterred them from being fully competitive with, and in some ways superior to the US in health care, education, social welfare, the arts, ecological preservation, agriculture, sports, and crime control, all with far more value for the money expended.
The abridgment of civil rights by Cuba, for most of the past 50 years is properly condemned. But let's stop playing holier than thou. Just look at what has happened to privacy and down-graded dignity of the person in the US, as a result of the mentality created by (or rationalized by) 9/11. The on-going threat to Cuba for the past 50 years, has been substantially greater.
With its financial hands untied, it will be interesting to compare growth of Cuba over the next five and ten years to our own progress.
The argument is specious, because there is no evidence to the contrary, either. However, there is common sense, and common sense says it is likely the coming high level of commercial and social interaction between Cubans and Americans will result in a substantial improvement of the quality of economic and political life for the Cubans. It will also go a long way toward exploding the myth that there has been any wisdom in the policy that the United States has followed in the past 50 years. It will also show that the poverty imposed upon most Cubans by US Policy, has not deterred them from being fully competitive with, and in some ways superior to the US in health care, education, social welfare, the arts, ecological preservation, agriculture, sports, and crime control, all with far more value for the money expended.
The abridgment of civil rights by Cuba, for most of the past 50 years is properly condemned. But let's stop playing holier than thou. Just look at what has happened to privacy and down-graded dignity of the person in the US, as a result of the mentality created by (or rationalized by) 9/11. The on-going threat to Cuba for the past 50 years, has been substantially greater.
With its financial hands untied, it will be interesting to compare growth of Cuba over the next five and ten years to our own progress.
28
There's plenty of evidence that engagement with Cuba has not worked, and I included it my comment. The Europeans and Canadians have tried 'constructive engagement' with Cuba since the 1980's and have achieved nothing. As the Soviet Union collapsed, Spain's Socialist President Felipe Gonzalez worked tirelessly to help Cuba transition to democracy, offering exceptionally generous support from the international community. He eventually concluded that Fidel Castro was simply a stubborn old dictator who did not want to change and did not care what happened to the Cuban people. Millions of western tourists have visited Cuba since and the Cuban government has 'normal' diplomatic relations and conducts business with every country on earth, minus the United States, and yet the Cuban people remain trapped in a political and economic system that is essentially Stalinism with palm trees and (much) better beaches. The unilateral lifting of the embargo will do nothing to change that and, to the extent that it fills the government's coffers, risks simply perpetuating an intolerable situation.
The poverty was not imposed by US policy, the poverty is imposed by the Cuban regimen: if people are looking for food, they cannot do any other thing. If changes to the embargo can change the way that cubans live, welcome, but at the same time we have to be very sure that we are the good ones, and the bad ones are the criminals that took the power 56 years ago in our Cuba.
1
When Hillary Clinton says "Cubans want broader contact with the United States. They want to buy our goods, read our books, surf our web and learn from our people...That is the road toward democracy and dignity, and we should walk it together."
I'm just wondering out loud if after 40 some years of recognition and trade interaction, is this the same "road" the Chinese Communist Party is on? Not that the Cuban embargo should not be ended, I'm just saying...
I'm just wondering out loud if after 40 some years of recognition and trade interaction, is this the same "road" the Chinese Communist Party is on? Not that the Cuban embargo should not be ended, I'm just saying...
3
Lifting the embargo will no doubt have a beneficial impact on Americans doing business in Cuba It will also mean that the Castros won in the end, and that the Cuban people will have to endure them or their descendants for sixty more years. If you moral conscience allows you that, go for it.
2
Where do you get 60 years of how it will be in the future from? Can you pick stocks that well?
Well, the embargo has been in existence for decades and during all of these long decades, the Cuban people have had to endure the Castro Brothers. Keeping the embargo will contribute nothing to their empowerment. The Castro brothers will soon be gone and then Cubans will have to sort things out by themselves and decide they type of society they want. Just like any other country, Cubans will learn by trial and error. Keeping the embargo will contribute nothing positive. The fact that the overwhelming majority of Cubans, regardless of their political views vs. the Castro govt. wants the embargo lifted and relations normalized, speaks volumes. I know some Cubans in the US still believe they know better, and some still think the US has a divine right to demand a regime change. But that mentality is really counterproductive and favors the Cuban government's position and standing in the world. When those countries in Easter Europe were still ruled by Communist parties, the USA did not impose any embargo on them. And look where they are now! Communism there is just a memory.
Yea, it's bad for Cubans who got free citizenship just for showing up in Miami. They seem to be the first to complain.
1
Most people making comments miss what I think it's the most important point of all: it is absolutely immoral to make the innocent pay for the sins of the guilty. Why punish the whole population of a country for disagreements between governments? And despite all the animosity, Cuba is one of the few countries in the world where US flags have never been burnt. Cubans have long understood that the American people are well above their governments.
6
Repeal Cuban embargo?
In exchange for what?
Hint: Nothing.
Now we will all just have front row seats to the Cuban government's atrocities against its own people by the Castro regime.
The Obama Legacy
In exchange for what?
Hint: Nothing.
Now we will all just have front row seats to the Cuban government's atrocities against its own people by the Castro regime.
The Obama Legacy
4
Nothing? Tell that to the rice growers in my state. They think there's a market there. Silly farmers.
1
But the US has been living under a Socialist Dictatorship with Obama for quite some, and it really hasn't been all that bad. Mabye socialism isn't so bad after all. So, since Cuba and the US really have the same governments, why have the embargo?
I look forward to sipping a mojito, eating a plate of ropas viejas, after an appetizer of papas rellenas, at the Havana Marriott, preferably in January.
2
Me too, can't wait to visit. Specially before they turn Cuba into CanCun
It doesn't matter to the republicans what the majority of the American people think. All that matters is what the trumpeting base thinks. It doesn't matter that the embargo has been an abysmal failure for the last 53 years. It doesn't matter that other nations are moving in, investing, and gaining a foothold in Cuba while American businesses are forced to watch,sidelined, unable to compete or enter the market.
This is what the GOP does. Double down on failed policies, refuse to admit that their policies don't work, and to vehemently resist any change to policies that don't work, have never worked, ad will never work. Hopeless and changeless . . .
This is what the GOP does. Double down on failed policies, refuse to admit that their policies don't work, and to vehemently resist any change to policies that don't work, have never worked, ad will never work. Hopeless and changeless . . .
8
The embargo has been in place for decades and has never worked. I suppose if we wait a few more years the Castros will be gone and we can claim victory. Continuing the same failed policy rarely makes sense.
3
So since the current US policy with Cuba doesn't work, the Obama solution is appeasement?
Wow.
Wow.
Or, they can claim victory!
Lifting the embargo with Cuba doesn't mean we like everything the Cuban regime does. It only means we will do business with you.
Sanctions seem only to harden opinions of the target country against the sanctioner throwing them into the arms of those who are more friendly to your business.
Sanctions seem only to harden opinions of the target country against the sanctioner throwing them into the arms of those who are more friendly to your business.
1
Lifting the embargo with Cuba means Obama on our behalf, accepts everything the Cuban regime does.
Which is why its appeasement and diplomatic surrender.
Which is why its appeasement and diplomatic surrender.
1
"What is going to happen is Americans are going to flock to Cuba, they’re going to be staying in Spanish hotels, eating German food and using Chinese computers,” she said."
I agree that the embargo should be lifted, but as someone looking forward to a visit to Cuba someday soon I don't think having a Marriott and a McDonalds on every corner would make that experience a better one. If I want to be surrounded by the usual mediocre American franchises I can stay home.
I agree that the embargo should be lifted, but as someone looking forward to a visit to Cuba someday soon I don't think having a Marriott and a McDonalds on every corner would make that experience a better one. If I want to be surrounded by the usual mediocre American franchises I can stay home.
7
No doubt Mrs. Clinton has her own cynical motivations for trying to get to the left of Bernie Sanders on this issue.
But she and the left generally need to consider not merely the Castros in this unwise desire to introduce a little Kumbaya into the world, but also the entrenched power structure that the Castros created and maintain. They will survive the eventual, inevitable passing of the founders, probably largely unreformed and perhaps strengthened with the new cash that will come available with a lifting of the embargo.
They’ll simply laugh in their beards, like the Iranians, at us; and more importantly, they’ll both have given their people hope for engagement with the world but continue to keep them from it since that kind of engagement is anathema to a governance that benefits only them.
But she and the left generally need to consider not merely the Castros in this unwise desire to introduce a little Kumbaya into the world, but also the entrenched power structure that the Castros created and maintain. They will survive the eventual, inevitable passing of the founders, probably largely unreformed and perhaps strengthened with the new cash that will come available with a lifting of the embargo.
They’ll simply laugh in their beards, like the Iranians, at us; and more importantly, they’ll both have given their people hope for engagement with the world but continue to keep them from it since that kind of engagement is anathema to a governance that benefits only them.
1
Wait a minute: When did "governance that benefits only them" become a bad thing? Isn't that what privatization is really all about?
Just like the Castros the anti-Castro Cubans will soon pass from the scene. That there are still Cuban-American politicians who cling to the failed embargo in a knee jerk manner is probably more about hatred of Obama than anything else.
7
How strange that when Cuba was under the boot of Batista, a ruthless dictator, and Havana was a wide open city where gambling, drugs and prostitution fed the needs of gangsters, crooked politicians and captains of industry, while the average Cuban lived in poverty with no education and no health care, there was no outcry for democracy, human rights and market capitalism from her rich uncle to the north.
Today, with a literacy rate Mississippi would love, an infant mortality rate and life expectancy among the best in the world, and a determination among the vast majority of Cubans to preserve their freedom from fear and want some Americans still dream of overthrowing their revolution. Shame on us for the Bay of Pigs invasion, the sabotage and the embargo.
It is time to embrace Cuba and their revolution and allow Cubans to determine their future free of interference.
Today, with a literacy rate Mississippi would love, an infant mortality rate and life expectancy among the best in the world, and a determination among the vast majority of Cubans to preserve their freedom from fear and want some Americans still dream of overthrowing their revolution. Shame on us for the Bay of Pigs invasion, the sabotage and the embargo.
It is time to embrace Cuba and their revolution and allow Cubans to determine their future free of interference.
20
Cuba's "rich uncle to the north" in the Obama Era is maxxed out, tapped out and sold out. How strange that liberals are so generous with other people's money.
Cuba has done nothing to curb or reform its oppressive, deadly treatment of political critics and dissidents. Nothing. Obama didn't even ask about it.
Yet in a rush to get his name in the history books, Obama normalizes relations with Cuba and is pushing to have the embargo dropped.
In exchange for what?
Cheaper cigars? American style resorts?
Are you kidding?
Cuba has done nothing to curb or reform its oppressive, deadly treatment of political critics and dissidents. Nothing. Obama didn't even ask about it.
Yet in a rush to get his name in the history books, Obama normalizes relations with Cuba and is pushing to have the embargo dropped.
In exchange for what?
Cheaper cigars? American style resorts?
Are you kidding?
2
In post after post, it's all about Obama.
Are you kidding?
Are you kidding?
2
Fun fact: JFK made sure to have aides stock up on Cuban cigars for him before signing the embargo into law. Therefore, it should be repealed.
3
Tourists from all over the world travel to Cuba and have been doing so for many years. We're the only ones with the embargo.
Enough already, the embargo hasn't accomplished anything besides punishing the Cuban people.
Enough already, the embargo hasn't accomplished anything besides punishing the Cuban people.
7
In 1962, the embargo on Cuba was in retaliation for Castro's confiscation (without compensation) of property owned by US citizens in Cuba. In present dollars, this amount is in the USD$6 billions range. So far Cuba has not addressed this issue and continue to ignore it.
Poor management and economic decisions based exclusively on ideology have sunk the Cuban economy. One only needs to examine Venezuela's present chaos to understand the effects of a demagogue economy.
Cuba is not interested in embarking in a new an progressive course to better the life of the cuban people. Cuba is only interested in getting access to US credits to finance its decrepit economy just as it depended for 30 years on the Soviet Union and later on the largesse of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
The embargo does not preclude Cuba for obtaining medical supplies to treat its "nomenklatura" and other ideological allies of the regime.
What can possible the US gain from trading with a country where the average salary is USD$20 per month and the government is the only employer?
Poor management and economic decisions based exclusively on ideology have sunk the Cuban economy. One only needs to examine Venezuela's present chaos to understand the effects of a demagogue economy.
Cuba is not interested in embarking in a new an progressive course to better the life of the cuban people. Cuba is only interested in getting access to US credits to finance its decrepit economy just as it depended for 30 years on the Soviet Union and later on the largesse of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
The embargo does not preclude Cuba for obtaining medical supplies to treat its "nomenklatura" and other ideological allies of the regime.
What can possible the US gain from trading with a country where the average salary is USD$20 per month and the government is the only employer?
1
In 1938, Mexico expropriated U.S. property to create Pemex. Were those owners ever compensated?
The large companies refused to negotiate with Cuba and wanted a continuation of Batista economic system . These companies were raping the Cuban people . These people got by lightly , they should have been prosecuted in the US and all their wealth given to Cuba .
The fall of communism in the Soviet Union and eastern bloc countries was certainly aided by exposure to western democracies. The majority population wanted more freedom, legal rights and a higher standard of living. Repressive regimes exist for a time through the use of force with or without economic isolation. But internal pressure from the citizenry is crucial for bringing about change, which is accelerated by direct exposure to other systems and markets.
I think we should end the embargo to Cuba on humanitarian grounds and to promote more trade, exchange of ideas and cultures. The last thing we need to is impose our will on another country with all the attendant suffering that entails.
I've seen many people say that people who lost property fleeing Cuba 50 years ago must be compensated before we open trade. I understand this point and also the significant losses of both Cubans and Americans who fled when Castro came to power. But total compensation is not possible and neglects the realities of human history. By that measure, we as Americans owe an insurmountable amount of compensation to Native Americans because we systematically killed them and drove them out to gain all of their land.
I think we should end the embargo to Cuba on humanitarian grounds and to promote more trade, exchange of ideas and cultures. The last thing we need to is impose our will on another country with all the attendant suffering that entails.
I've seen many people say that people who lost property fleeing Cuba 50 years ago must be compensated before we open trade. I understand this point and also the significant losses of both Cubans and Americans who fled when Castro came to power. But total compensation is not possible and neglects the realities of human history. By that measure, we as Americans owe an insurmountable amount of compensation to Native Americans because we systematically killed them and drove them out to gain all of their land.
4
Why continue to punish the Cuban people? What did they do to us? They don't fund international terrorism like the Arab gulf states do. The don't train and export murderous religious death cults. They don't invade other countries. They don't fight proxy wars. They don't decapitate people or amputate limbs as punishment. They don't have honor killings or stone people to death. They don't punish little girls for going to school. They don't sell children into slavery.
There are many nations in the world that practice these terrible things everyday and we trade with them. In fact, we consider them to be our trusted allies. We not only trade with them, we send them foreign aid.
Lift the embargo. Open up Cuba. We can no quicker oust the Castro regime through embargo than we can oust the Ayatollah from Iran with sanctions.
Cuba will change through economic and cultural exchange, not through the pain of embargo. 1963 has come and gone. It is the height of folly to become trapped in the past. For example, it took us 150 years to finally recognize the horror of the Confederate flag.
We also have much to gain from lifting the embargo such as access to the Cuban healthcare system. People would flock there to get treated in order to avoid bankruptcy. This could grow into a huge industry for them. I would go in a heartbeat if faced with economic ruin. Is that why the embargo remains?
There are many nations in the world that practice these terrible things everyday and we trade with them. In fact, we consider them to be our trusted allies. We not only trade with them, we send them foreign aid.
Lift the embargo. Open up Cuba. We can no quicker oust the Castro regime through embargo than we can oust the Ayatollah from Iran with sanctions.
Cuba will change through economic and cultural exchange, not through the pain of embargo. 1963 has come and gone. It is the height of folly to become trapped in the past. For example, it took us 150 years to finally recognize the horror of the Confederate flag.
We also have much to gain from lifting the embargo such as access to the Cuban healthcare system. People would flock there to get treated in order to avoid bankruptcy. This could grow into a huge industry for them. I would go in a heartbeat if faced with economic ruin. Is that why the embargo remains?
24
Mr. Rozenblit, We may be able to lift the embargo, but we can no more open up cuban than have the Canadians, Spanish, and British, who have had full ties with Cuba for decades, been able to.
Over a million Cubans have braved all manner of high risk challenges to flee from the Cuban dictatorship over more than a half century, free health care doesn't seem to have influenced them to stay.
Over a million Cubans have braved all manner of high risk challenges to flee from the Cuban dictatorship over more than a half century, free health care doesn't seem to have influenced them to stay.
@Bruce Rozenblit: Thanks for the great, enlightening post! I have never given a thought to people going to Cuba for treatment of what ails them "on the cheap" rather than be forced to undergo procedures in the good old U.S. of A. and end up staring down the barrel of bankruptcy for the pleasure. I don't doubt at all that it's what Republicans would greatly prefer, seeing they're in the pockets of BigMed, BigPharma, and BigTech. The Right is against any and every aid that might benefit the struggling and working poor. Cuba has competent doctors, nurses, technicians and medical facilities? Gee, who would have thought!
Other than lawmakers from Florida, I doubt it's a major campaign issue. I suspect that for most of them it's a matter of political philosophy.
3
The cuban embargo does not make sense, it is useless and punishes the cuban people for a system they did not choose. Yes, there are human rights violations, but apparently there are no restrictions in doing business with China, in spite of its autocratic government and abuses inherent in its system. Hypocrisy ought to be recognized when present, and removed. Its high time.
7
The Obama administration and Mrs Clinton place Cuban people first. Cubans will be better off; it's a good deal. American leaders put Americans first.
The Times dismisses Cuban American leaders - the ones who escaped after watching friends and family tortured and executed; they're for the sanctions.
Liberals call it failed policy because Castro is in power. They believe the sole purpose was regime change, not to punish Cuba economically; by that measure they've worked... wonderfully.
The Times cites poll data as though it was DNA evidence. 34% of Latinos favor a candidate...? What about the other 66%. 40% of Cuban Americans want them lifted, and 26% don't but what about the other 34%? 34% was a good number when it was used for Latino voters.
The best is "72% of Americans favor lifting sanctions." That survey of a whopping 2002 people, doesn't indicate how many can actually name Cuba's leader, find Cuba on a map, know what/when the missile crisis was or can name both of their own senators.
Let's re-read the Times article(s) on how polling data is completely unreliable... never mind polling only 2,000 people.
The sanctions should come down. But not to cement Obama's legacy, not to provide corporate welfare for Marriott, not to secure Latino votes for anyone. They should come down when the Castros check out... Fidel is 88, Raul is 84. It shouldn't be a long... maybe not by Dylan's next album but soon.
The Times dismisses Cuban American leaders - the ones who escaped after watching friends and family tortured and executed; they're for the sanctions.
Liberals call it failed policy because Castro is in power. They believe the sole purpose was regime change, not to punish Cuba economically; by that measure they've worked... wonderfully.
The Times cites poll data as though it was DNA evidence. 34% of Latinos favor a candidate...? What about the other 66%. 40% of Cuban Americans want them lifted, and 26% don't but what about the other 34%? 34% was a good number when it was used for Latino voters.
The best is "72% of Americans favor lifting sanctions." That survey of a whopping 2002 people, doesn't indicate how many can actually name Cuba's leader, find Cuba on a map, know what/when the missile crisis was or can name both of their own senators.
Let's re-read the Times article(s) on how polling data is completely unreliable... never mind polling only 2,000 people.
The sanctions should come down. But not to cement Obama's legacy, not to provide corporate welfare for Marriott, not to secure Latino votes for anyone. They should come down when the Castros check out... Fidel is 88, Raul is 84. It shouldn't be a long... maybe not by Dylan's next album but soon.
2
From the 1960s Cuba purchased in democratic countries whatever Communist countries didn’t have or couldn’t sell. Canada, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., Italy and Spain were and still are its main suppliers of machinery, industrial commodities, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and services. Most of those countries granted export credits to national firms that sold to Cuba. What they wouldn’t do was what the USSR did: give for free what the perennially insolvent island demanded.
The U.S. wants to repeal the embargo, that is its prerogative. But whoever thinks that the embargo is the main reason why Cuba is bankrupt doesn’t know what he or she is talking about. And whoever thinks that when the embargo is repealed the dictatorship will cease to exist and democracy will be restored is, to put it mildly, living out in Lalaland
The U.S. wants to repeal the embargo, that is its prerogative. But whoever thinks that the embargo is the main reason why Cuba is bankrupt doesn’t know what he or she is talking about. And whoever thinks that when the embargo is repealed the dictatorship will cease to exist and democracy will be restored is, to put it mildly, living out in Lalaland
5
There is no evidence for the claim that greater 'engagement' will lead to reform in Cuba. None. To the contrary, the Europeans and Canadians have been pursuing this policy for at least 30 years and have nothing to show for it. The U.S. should be prepared to lift the embargo, but only in return for genuine movement towards greater political and economic freedom for the Cuban people.
5
It's none of our political business sm. How about we just lead by example. Your way has failed for half a century. Sheesh.
5
The Europeans and Canadians have been pursuing no particular policy towards Cuba besides making money from selling the island whatever the US won't. It's the US policy that has failed miserably and deserves to be reversed.
4
We see sentiments like this expressed all the time, but never with any indication of how they should be implemented. Are the Cuban people to return to the good old days of the Platt amendment and simply let the American government dictate how they should move "towards greater political and economic freedom". Often this kind of talk amounts to nothing more than "let's put the cronies of the Batista regime (at least those that are still alive) back into power.
So how is it going to be different this time? How is there going to be a true engagement with the real Cuban people? Which, by the way, is not the same thing as the exiled planter class and their descendants now living in Florida.
So how is it going to be different this time? How is there going to be a true engagement with the real Cuban people? Which, by the way, is not the same thing as the exiled planter class and their descendants now living in Florida.
3
Is the position of the Times that the will of the people should define policy?
Fine, I agree.
Can we now talk about illegal immigrants? Or does your inclusiveness fade when your ideology is threatened?
Fine, I agree.
Can we now talk about illegal immigrants? Or does your inclusiveness fade when your ideology is threatened?
9
Neither party is in favor of Illegal immigration, but only one, the Democrats, are working on a feasible policy to handle the millions already here.
3
Fine. Let's talk illegal immigration. Is there any consensus at all -- even amongst those who believe that a real problem exists -- as to any set of policies intended to address the issue? Policies which are the least bit realistic under current economic, geographic and political realities. Let's be honest -- there isn't. Lots of random talk-radio chatter, but nothing substantive. So there really is no "will of the people" in play here.
And you compare this to simply abandoning a restrictive trade policy which has clearly failed -- which has in fact had an effect opposite to that intended -- after 50 years of application.
Now let's talk about apples and oranges.
And you compare this to simply abandoning a restrictive trade policy which has clearly failed -- which has in fact had an effect opposite to that intended -- after 50 years of application.
Now let's talk about apples and oranges.
Cuban-Americans are ideologically-opposed to lifting the Embargo, and with an emotional bent. They still blame the Democrats because they believe that JFK failed to adequately support the Bay of Pigs Invasion, in 1961. Kennedy was more focused, however, on the much, much greater threat--the Soviet emplacement of ICBMs on the Island, in 1962. The so-called "Missiles of October".
The nonsense about great business opportunities being lost to Canada and Europe is equally nonsensical. On an island that has a population of eleven million, and with an average income of just $20 monthly, the only people who have money to spend are the tourists--and corrupt officials. So yes, Marriott might see business being lost, but IBM, Microsoft, Boeing, etc?
Until the legal systems between the U. S. and Cuba are re-vamped considerably, anyone should consider the extensive amount of assets that the Castro Regime had confiscated in the early days, before making capital expenditures there.
Lastly, the Embargo, after 54 years currently serves only one purpose. It provides the Castro Bothers with a bogey-man to blame all of its mismanaged socialist problems on.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The nonsense about great business opportunities being lost to Canada and Europe is equally nonsensical. On an island that has a population of eleven million, and with an average income of just $20 monthly, the only people who have money to spend are the tourists--and corrupt officials. So yes, Marriott might see business being lost, but IBM, Microsoft, Boeing, etc?
Until the legal systems between the U. S. and Cuba are re-vamped considerably, anyone should consider the extensive amount of assets that the Castro Regime had confiscated in the early days, before making capital expenditures there.
Lastly, the Embargo, after 54 years currently serves only one purpose. It provides the Castro Bothers with a bogey-man to blame all of its mismanaged socialist problems on.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
6
No... The few who amassed fortunes at the expense of the vast majority of Cubans took their money to Miami when the poor rebelled. They became a reliable Republican voting block because Republicans distrust popular movements, preferring military juntas that murder poor & indigenous people. The Bay of Pigs incident was planned completely under Eisenhower's watch not Kennedy's, and Mexico expropriated American oil refineries TWICE. No calls for reparations from Mexico from Republicans. This has been a partisan fight for decades with the Cuban people- the poor ones still in Cuba, caught in the middle. Some facts that don't support your 'truth'.
3
Your position would be easier to accept if there was an acknowledgment that it was the policies of the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations -- as dictated by the Cuban planter class and their masters at the United Fruit Company et al -- which drove the Castros into the Soviet camp in the first place.
The "confiscated" property is not going to be returned. At least not without something akin to the return of Batista and those good old days. That needs to be accepted before there can be any progress at all.
The "confiscated" property is not going to be returned. At least not without something akin to the return of Batista and those good old days. That needs to be accepted before there can be any progress at all.
2
This government is continually in a spiraling dichotomy/paradox when it comes to doing the right thing for its policies toward past antagonist nations. While we have adopted normalized relations in shorter periods with Vietnam, Germany and Japan, etc. We have the audacity to abnegate boldness and resolve when it comes to Cuba; a small country only ninety miles from our Florida coast with immeasurable ties. President Obama has done the right thing; but, a congress lead by Republicans continue to obfuscate. If this nation can normalize relations with past countries where thousand of American lives were lost soon after war after a few short years; why then, should it take nearly 50 years to settle our differences with Cuba, a country we did not go to war with and did not lose the life of thousands of Americans? This is inconsistent with our past behavior toward other foes and the American people does not support the continued isolation. Why is it our government, elected by the People, cannot adhere to the People or, Common Sense?
59
I smoked a Montecristo No. 1 this weekend smuggled in from the Bahamas. It was much superior to anything grown elsewhere but obscenely expensive.
I look forward to an end of the embargo but as a practical matter it doesn't exist as to cigars if you're willing to pay a premium.
I look forward to an end of the embargo but as a practical matter it doesn't exist as to cigars if you're willing to pay a premium.
1
Is this supposed to be an argument for or against lifting the embargo? Frankly, why should anyone care what cigar you are smoking? They are all cancer risks and air pollutants.
1
This push for an end to the embargo should have a chance to succeed in Congress because there is bipartisan support to end it and this has been growing long before President Obama pushed for normalization of relations.
The embargo has been leaking for years in republican districts as almost 70% of Cuba's imported food comes from the United States. That's right, cattle from Florida, peace from eastern Washington, rice from California, etc. While this is done on a "cash and carry" basis without extending credit, it shows how the embargo has loosened over the years. With President Obama allowing
Cuban Americans to travel freely and take with them billions in remittances, the last days of the embargo seem to be at hand.
A good way to proceed would be to have Pope Francis suggest a truth and reconciliation commission look into a whole set of issues, including property for Cuban exiles and ways for human rights to be respected on both sides of the Florida straits. His upcoming visit to the region could break the deadlock and already, he has been an important voice in normalizing relations.
The embargo has been leaking for years in republican districts as almost 70% of Cuba's imported food comes from the United States. That's right, cattle from Florida, peace from eastern Washington, rice from California, etc. While this is done on a "cash and carry" basis without extending credit, it shows how the embargo has loosened over the years. With President Obama allowing
Cuban Americans to travel freely and take with them billions in remittances, the last days of the embargo seem to be at hand.
A good way to proceed would be to have Pope Francis suggest a truth and reconciliation commission look into a whole set of issues, including property for Cuban exiles and ways for human rights to be respected on both sides of the Florida straits. His upcoming visit to the region could break the deadlock and already, he has been an important voice in normalizing relations.
13
• In 1962...the American government began imposing an economic embargo on Cuba...to subvert Fidel Castro.
In 1961 the U.S. had already failed to subvert Castro via the CIA-financed Bay of Pigs invasion.
• “They want to... learn from our people.”
I guarantee Mrs. Clinton that the U.S. has a lot more to learn from Cuba than Cuba from the U.S. It is precisely this "Uncle Sam Knows Best" attitude – "Latin America is America's backyard" as per John Kerry – this delusion of "exceptionality", of "Manifest Destiny", that keeps America in hot water.
I can assure the American public that they have more to gain – economically, politically, diplomatically – from Cuba than Cuba from the U.S.
Cuba needs access to the international money markets, until now banned by the embargo. It has sufficient and growing foreign investment and exports to keep it going for some time and more tourists than it can house at this time. The hotel industry is booming. The construction (reconstruction / restoration) is booming even though lack of access funds delay.
And let's no get into the areas of healthcare and education.
I've been there.
• “That is the road toward democracy and dignity, and we should walk it together.”
This is nothing but standard U.S. blather, pretense and propaganda.
I hope, for the sake of the Cuban people, that their "walk together" does not lead down the road to the calamity that is Puerto Rico, something Havana has surely learned from San Juan.
I've been there too!
In 1961 the U.S. had already failed to subvert Castro via the CIA-financed Bay of Pigs invasion.
• “They want to... learn from our people.”
I guarantee Mrs. Clinton that the U.S. has a lot more to learn from Cuba than Cuba from the U.S. It is precisely this "Uncle Sam Knows Best" attitude – "Latin America is America's backyard" as per John Kerry – this delusion of "exceptionality", of "Manifest Destiny", that keeps America in hot water.
I can assure the American public that they have more to gain – economically, politically, diplomatically – from Cuba than Cuba from the U.S.
Cuba needs access to the international money markets, until now banned by the embargo. It has sufficient and growing foreign investment and exports to keep it going for some time and more tourists than it can house at this time. The hotel industry is booming. The construction (reconstruction / restoration) is booming even though lack of access funds delay.
And let's no get into the areas of healthcare and education.
I've been there.
• “That is the road toward democracy and dignity, and we should walk it together.”
This is nothing but standard U.S. blather, pretense and propaganda.
I hope, for the sake of the Cuban people, that their "walk together" does not lead down the road to the calamity that is Puerto Rico, something Havana has surely learned from San Juan.
I've been there too!
15
The "walk" we want to take is to exploit Cuba's potential before other predatory businesses can get there. Cubans beware. This is what we did to the former USSR.
2
@ Nora01
Bimgo!!! No argument!
Bimgo!!! No argument!
1
PS:
• I hope, for the sake of the Cuban people, that their "walk together" does not lead down the road to the calamity that is Puerto Rico....
To the point, see:
PUERTO RICANS BRACE FOR CRISIS IN HEALTH CARE
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Aug. 2, 2015
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/03/us/health-providers-brace-for-more-cut...
"Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pájaro las dos alas."
("Cuba and Puerto Rico are, of one bird, the two wings.")
~ LOLA RODRÍGUEZ DE TIÓ
(1843 – 1924)
Puerto Rican poet
May the Cuban "wing" be spared the travesty.
• I hope, for the sake of the Cuban people, that their "walk together" does not lead down the road to the calamity that is Puerto Rico....
To the point, see:
PUERTO RICANS BRACE FOR CRISIS IN HEALTH CARE
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Aug. 2, 2015
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/03/us/health-providers-brace-for-more-cut...
"Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pájaro las dos alas."
("Cuba and Puerto Rico are, of one bird, the two wings.")
~ LOLA RODRÍGUEZ DE TIÓ
(1843 – 1924)
Puerto Rican poet
May the Cuban "wing" be spared the travesty.
2
How does the United States claim to be the 'land of the free' when its government can restrict where its people may travel? Is this law constitutional? Should it be?
33
Hal, I assume you are aware of the fact that Cubans can't leave the Island, and that thousands have died in makeshift rafts trying to leave.
3
The US evidently avoids charging anyone who might challenge the constitutionality of this kind of travel restriction.
1
The Times should write an article on this myth. In fact, the US would not permit Cubans to enter the US UNLESS they made it to our shores though that dangerous route. Otherwise, they were returned to Cuba.
The whole thing has been a ghastly charade to make certain that deaths, injuries and dramatic landfalls would regularly create the appearance of flight for freedom. In fact, most of those people were fleeing from the economic deprivation created by the embargo, and had to run a gauntlet at sea, in order to create evidence that the embargo was justified.
The whole thing has been a ghastly charade to make certain that deaths, injuries and dramatic landfalls would regularly create the appearance of flight for freedom. In fact, most of those people were fleeing from the economic deprivation created by the embargo, and had to run a gauntlet at sea, in order to create evidence that the embargo was justified.
3
This embargo is obviously not going to change the Cuban government. The people of Cuba have to bear the brunt of the restrictions of the embargo. I have no problem with the Cuban people. Time to move on.
4
Bush and Rubio took the wrong side on this one.
It will be interesting to see if, as this issue evolves during the 2016 election season, they stand behind their original positions or 'flip-flop' and accept that Obama was correct on this, as he is on most things.
It will be interesting to see if, as this issue evolves during the 2016 election season, they stand behind their original positions or 'flip-flop' and accept that Obama was correct on this, as he is on most things.
54
Obviously in life, diplomacy, engagement, open commerce, politeness, discussion, conversation and evolution have many, many benefits and are the very basis of modern society, economics and forward progress.
The Cuban Embargo - while it had some relevance during the deep depths of the Cold War - has been an award-winning failure for several decades.
It's only purpose in the last 20 years has been to serve as a fear-and-scare-mongering tool for America's belligerent, puritanical right-wing that has eternal contempt for problem-solving without bombs.
The Cuban Embargo deserves to be struck down this afternoon, along with the Republican Embargo on reason, compromise, forward progress and the very liberal bias of reality.
Viva Cuba and her 11 million residents yearning to be economically free !
The Cuban Embargo - while it had some relevance during the deep depths of the Cold War - has been an award-winning failure for several decades.
It's only purpose in the last 20 years has been to serve as a fear-and-scare-mongering tool for America's belligerent, puritanical right-wing that has eternal contempt for problem-solving without bombs.
The Cuban Embargo deserves to be struck down this afternoon, along with the Republican Embargo on reason, compromise, forward progress and the very liberal bias of reality.
Viva Cuba and her 11 million residents yearning to be economically free !
143
Cuba's 11 million residents indeed yearn to be economically - and politically free. Let's let them decide their own future. The mechanism for them to do so is through free, democratic elections. Unfortunately, the current Cuban government has not allowed an election in its entire history. The embargo should be lifted in return for a promise from the government to hold elections by a date certain. That's change you can believe in. Si se puede!
8
Why should we dictate when Cubans have elections or not? Such hubris is breathtaking.
7
The lifting of the embargo will have few demands on Cuba, nor should it. Do you really think that Cubans see US elections as free and fair? What we call free and fair elections, are seen elsewhere as elections corrupted by the wealthy and powerful who keep the population in bondage.
5
What to do about Cuba will promises to be the foreign policy outlier for 2016. The greatest reason to end the economic embargo is the plain fact that it's never worked. Cuba has never succumbed to the pressure. Castro shrugged and told us to "take your embargo where it will do the most good," or sentiments to that effect. Republicans are the ones who worship at the statue of Mammon. Why would they willingly yield untold rich markets in Cuba in the blind pursuit of an outdated jingo trip? European and Asian entrepreneurs doung business in Cuba are smirking their way to swelling bottom lines while GOP "leaders" smoulder in their narrow corners. Jeb! and Marco Rubio insist on keeping the whetsone of opposition to all things Cuba handy for their knives. In their rush to pleasure the Cuban-American bloc in South Florida, they reveal their unfitness to command American foreign policy with their unfortunate insistence on keeping a heel on Cuba's neck. As is usual with Republicans, these two candidates in particular are slow in taking the pulse of what most Americans consider to be a reasonable and long-overdue course of action.
23
Rubio and Bush are not "slow in taking the pulse of what most Americans consider to a reasonable and long-overdue course of action."
Reasonableness has no traction in GOP-land. They lost their tenuous grasp on that decades ago. Bush and Rubio are just following the GOP playbook and what the people want (how about starting with ending the Bush tax cuts and the sequester?) is the least of their concerns. They have no interest or intentions of ever considering that beyond lip service to get elected.
The GOP figured out from Reagan that messaging and governing are completely independent of each other. Fitting to use an ancient ad jingle here? "Promise her anything, but give her [what you want instead]."
Reasonableness has no traction in GOP-land. They lost their tenuous grasp on that decades ago. Bush and Rubio are just following the GOP playbook and what the people want (how about starting with ending the Bush tax cuts and the sequester?) is the least of their concerns. They have no interest or intentions of ever considering that beyond lip service to get elected.
The GOP figured out from Reagan that messaging and governing are completely independent of each other. Fitting to use an ancient ad jingle here? "Promise her anything, but give her [what you want instead]."
1
If one makes a pact with the devil, one should be smart enough to iron out all the economic wrinkles before signing it. Without crying over spilt milk, people north of the Strait of Florida have a right of access to Cuban cigars, as any US official stationed in Havana has. There should be enough either open or closet cigar smokers in Congress to have the import ban lifted.
1
One rationale presented here is that the public supports lifting the embargo against Cuba. So that makes it worth considering? Are you serious? You're talking about the same public that elected George Bush the second time around? I think the embargo should have been lifted a long time ago but definitely not based on the whims of a fickle public.
5
True. The wise elders, in the case of the Times, white men mostly, should make decisions for all of us.
"Whim" is the will of the people who actually are supposed to run this country.
God, how elitist.
"Whim" is the will of the people who actually are supposed to run this country.
God, how elitist.
1
People mention reparations for seized assets. Well if it's nine to 12 billion ( adjusted for inflation ) that is really not much considering our whole budget. If we have to put up part of it, that would be well worth it. Another thing to remember is that when Batista and the mafia ran the country they basically bankrupted Cuba and left the treasury with nothing after the revolution. I have heard interviews with family members that had to flee and lost property, they would rather be talking with Cuba than nothing at all. And as this article points out other countries are going to take advantage and move on in if we don't get on it fast.
8
I see no reason why repartitions should be made at all. The people who escaped Cuban during the revolution had already lived high on the hog at the expense of the Cuban public. They had their fun; they lost it from greed and corruption. C'est la vie! Be glad you got out with your lives. Marie Antoinette wasn't as lucky.
4
R: Other countries have been openly dealing with Cuba for decades. Not that the Cuban people have much to show for it.
Please explain why the US should have to pay for property the cuban communists seized? You are aware Cuba nationalized all private property at the beginning of the regime, more than five decades ago?
Please explain why the US should have to pay for property the cuban communists seized? You are aware Cuba nationalized all private property at the beginning of the regime, more than five decades ago?
1
This is a no-brainer. Establish MFN, then circumvent all the NeoCon-inspired illegal trade sanctions hurting American business for the Crusaders, by using Cuba as the middle man, the same way Israel uses Russia to trade with Iran! And close Gitmo!!
5
Wishful thinking, seeing that until Cuba pays, totally and in full, all the asset seizures, including interest, repeal is out of the question. So, Cuba needs to pony up about $12 Billion. Will not happen, and therefore the repeal will not happen. Think about it, Cub claims an offsetting $50 Billion in economic harm as an offset. Times, admit it, you are in the tank for Cuba. No mention in your editorial about the this matter. Why?
3
After the US pays the Native Americans and Mexico for California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas perhaps?
35
So the whole country is supposed be a debtor's prison forever?
10
Wishful thinking.
Relations with Cuba will be normalized and all aspects of the embargo will be repealed.
Payment for asset seizures have not happened in 50 years and would not happen in the next 50 years if the embargo continues. The issue may be addressed symbolically, for pennies on the dollar, with offsets, or not at all. There are many more wrongs in the world that have not been redressed.
It doesn't really matter anymore. What matters is moving forward.
Relations with Cuba will be normalized and all aspects of the embargo will be repealed.
Payment for asset seizures have not happened in 50 years and would not happen in the next 50 years if the embargo continues. The issue may be addressed symbolically, for pennies on the dollar, with offsets, or not at all. There are many more wrongs in the world that have not been redressed.
It doesn't really matter anymore. What matters is moving forward.
12
Quite few of my NYC neighbors in 1960 were families who fled Cuba, I went to grammar school with their children who were like any other children except that they were learning English. What I learned later later is that these children and their parents fled Cuba leaving their homes and property behind. Many had professional careers and were well educated but were resigned to working cleaning offices or stocking shelfs in stores. This recounting is not about the suffering, because Cubans did not whine. It's about their property or family businesses that was confiscated and nationalized by Fidel Castro. Sure opening up the US-Cuba relationships and travel could help both - but what about the stolen property or commercial businesses that were lost 55 years ago. Are the Castros going to give it all back - who is the winner here? No one.
4
Right, and the Russian government needs to return all the property confiscated from the Czars and the nobility in the Russian revolution, the French government must return property taken during the French revolution, oh, and what about the land taken from native Americans by---forget that.
44
Evidently the Times' Board and its sycophants haven't noticed a "minor" illustration of the intractibility of well developed institutionalized dictatorships : China. The Chinese example points to the certainty that the Cuban political establishment, unperturbed, will survive long after the Castro brothers are gone. No amount of international trade in the context of weak, vascillating extraconstitutional Obama administration 'negotiations" and international relations will alter that. Nor will Cuba's governmental establishment fail to oppose and undermine U.S. interests in the Caribbean, South America and Africa when it offers them some advantage. So another Obama triumph, brimming with good hopes and communicating weakness and incompetence, slouches towards Miami to be born.
3
To compare China and Cuba is way off the mark and an example of the silly arguments from the far right.
China has regional and world leverage with financial and military power that the government can leverage. Cuba?; nothing but words and rhetoric.
It is not a defeat for the US to lift the embargo; in the long run, it will lead to the downfall of communism in Cuba. Opening up Cuba to its prosperous neighbor and the US tourism dollars will do more to defeat the Castro fantasies than the embargo ever did in 50 years. (It will also make Marco Rubio less relevant which is why he ardently is fighting the lifting of the embargo).
It is not simply an Obama overreach. Read the news and see how many Republicans have been pushing for the change over the years.
China has regional and world leverage with financial and military power that the government can leverage. Cuba?; nothing but words and rhetoric.
It is not a defeat for the US to lift the embargo; in the long run, it will lead to the downfall of communism in Cuba. Opening up Cuba to its prosperous neighbor and the US tourism dollars will do more to defeat the Castro fantasies than the embargo ever did in 50 years. (It will also make Marco Rubio less relevant which is why he ardently is fighting the lifting of the embargo).
It is not simply an Obama overreach. Read the news and see how many Republicans have been pushing for the change over the years.
28
Sorry, the comparison is apt. They are both dictatorships run by the modern equivalent of a feudal nobility. They have the guns, police, informants and networks of spies among their people.
Barring violence, what set of thugs ever gave up power willingly?
Barring violence, what set of thugs ever gave up power willingly?
1
Try Gorbachev.
Short memory you got there.
Short memory you got there.
1
I have long said that removing the embargo would have toppled the Castro brothers long ago. Opponents such as Jeb! and Rubio have other items on the agenda.
96
Agreed. Well observed.
3
Marquito (little Marco) Rubio and Third Bush are playing the old republican trope, guys who have never worn a uniform, never been to war, playing tough guys, pimping perpetual war, with the lives of others people's children in the balance.
Given their druthers it would be American's storming the beaches of Playa de Giron this time.
New Cuban migrants, 40,000 a year, the single most privileged immigrants in the US, after they have a green card, in one year, can go visit Cuba, and do, in the hundreds of thousands a year. While collecting $19K each, per year, in SSI, SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8 Housing.
Given their druthers it would be American's storming the beaches of Playa de Giron this time.
New Cuban migrants, 40,000 a year, the single most privileged immigrants in the US, after they have a green card, in one year, can go visit Cuba, and do, in the hundreds of thousands a year. While collecting $19K each, per year, in SSI, SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8 Housing.
69
It really is time to end this since it really has done no good anywhere.
72
This might sound more convincing if some mention was made of compensation for Cuban-Americans who lost their property etc.
Repealing the embargo is for the benefit of American business interests now, but the past cannot be wiped out.
Repealing the embargo is for the benefit of American business interests now, but the past cannot be wiped out.
16
How about your country provide for the Palestinians who lost property, and leave use to deal with Cuba.
Lost property in Cuba can be dealt with many ways, after Castro is gone because we opened up with them.
Much of the lost property ought to have been lost, because it was organized crime or corporate corruption with Batista.
The losses of middle class professionals are much more easily dealt with, because much smaller.
Lost property in Cuba can be dealt with many ways, after Castro is gone because we opened up with them.
Much of the lost property ought to have been lost, because it was organized crime or corporate corruption with Batista.
The losses of middle class professionals are much more easily dealt with, because much smaller.
63
Did the Americans pay compensation to the British?
33
"...but the past cannot be wiped out."
Really? This from a citizen of a country where religious identity is political identity and which actively discriminates against non-Jews? Feeling a little, er, paranoid are we?
Really? This from a citizen of a country where religious identity is political identity and which actively discriminates against non-Jews? Feeling a little, er, paranoid are we?
25
"Any lawmaker who remains on the fence on the matter should consider the dramatic change in public opinion."
It is right or wrong. It is an objective test. It is like civil rights, not something dependent on popularity. The point is to get it right. Statesmanship. Leadership. Despite mistakes along the way, Lincoln and FDR won their wars. That is the basic standard: Don't mess it all up.
As this quotes, "“The embargo has benefited the Castro regime and hurt the Cuban people. We’ve given it plenty of time.”
It didn't work. At all. For a long time. In fact, it was counter-productive. It helped our "enemies" and harmed the innocent we claimed were our concern. For half a century, unchanged policy and unchanged failure.
The concern for American business interests in Cuba is misplaced. It is small and poor. Any business is better than none, but the total business possible in Cuba is just not enough to get all excited about. That is like popularity, not really the point.
We are doing something. We say we have a reason. Judged by that reason, it is a failure. A total, complete, unmitigated, undeniable failure that all see and admit. THAT is the reason to stop doing this.
Now it may be that our reason itself is no longer a concern. Cuba is no longer a dangerous outpost of the Soviets, because the Soviets are gone. Vanished. Let the policy goal of fighting them go with them.
New policy goal? FDR called it the Good Neighbor Policy. That was best for us then, and still is.
It is right or wrong. It is an objective test. It is like civil rights, not something dependent on popularity. The point is to get it right. Statesmanship. Leadership. Despite mistakes along the way, Lincoln and FDR won their wars. That is the basic standard: Don't mess it all up.
As this quotes, "“The embargo has benefited the Castro regime and hurt the Cuban people. We’ve given it plenty of time.”
It didn't work. At all. For a long time. In fact, it was counter-productive. It helped our "enemies" and harmed the innocent we claimed were our concern. For half a century, unchanged policy and unchanged failure.
The concern for American business interests in Cuba is misplaced. It is small and poor. Any business is better than none, but the total business possible in Cuba is just not enough to get all excited about. That is like popularity, not really the point.
We are doing something. We say we have a reason. Judged by that reason, it is a failure. A total, complete, unmitigated, undeniable failure that all see and admit. THAT is the reason to stop doing this.
Now it may be that our reason itself is no longer a concern. Cuba is no longer a dangerous outpost of the Soviets, because the Soviets are gone. Vanished. Let the policy goal of fighting them go with them.
New policy goal? FDR called it the Good Neighbor Policy. That was best for us then, and still is.
99
Coercion is counter productive
Albeit for hawks so seductive,
Luckily the Pope
Helped us off the slope
So slippery and so destructive.
Albeit for hawks so seductive,
Luckily the Pope
Helped us off the slope
So slippery and so destructive.
57