The last moon of 2009
Yesterday I ran from the El Cerro neighborhood home, at the setting of the sun, to film it and post it on my blog. The last circle of fire displayed in 2009 turned out to be surrounded by clouds and impossible to record with the camera. Somewhat frustrated, I looked to the northeast and a spectacular moon was rising alongside the column of smoke from the Nico Lopez refinery. Light side by side with the filth, a silver ring next to the flames generated by the burning of that “dark” petroleum.
I leave you here, along with this text, some images of this natural satellite that shone with all its brilliance upon us. I also threw the traditional bucket of water from my balcony at midnight, in an act of yearly cleansing to expel everything that keeps us from advancing as a Nation. Today, in the morning, the first sun of 2010 dried the puddles from the streams of water that fell from the buildings all around. These streams sounded like a cataract, plural and dispersed, as they left every house. “Let the bad go, let it go,” we thought, in unison, millions of Cubans.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 14:53
Dr Freud, I wonder if there is something we can do from the psychological point of view to get the hostage in that situation of to wake up?
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We as people can do a lot of thing to help our people in the island to expel the tyranny. To demand to the existent organizations the needed union is the most important thing to do. To demand the internal opposition to develop a unification process is also a must. To support any form of opposition in Cuba is another thing the general opposition has to learn. Particular this last thing is one of the changes the exile has to do. Propaganda, a lot of propaganda, and education using mass media. We have wonderful professors that can give the cabal education to our people in the exile and so give them the ideological ground they need. Ichikawa, Rodriguez Tejera, Saul Sanchez are people with clear and fresh minds that knows how to reach the mass. The mass media in Miami and a helpful bunch of important media around the world are willing to be part of the effort. But first we have to get united we have to show our decision, our seriousness……. to wake up the other important factor in the solution: The world.
Today the Iranians are fighting , yesterday the Albanians and Croatians gave happily and courageous their blood quote for reaching freedom but those peoples saw the world making signs before they raised. No people will raises against a tyrant if it is not sure about the victory or at least sure about some foreign support. Our fight against castro has always had a lack of serious foreign support.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 14:21
Suppose we are a cop (US) pursuing a criminal with a deadly weapon(Embargo). The criminal(Castro regime) does have a hostage (the Cuban people). So the criminal uses our own weapon (Embargo) against the hostage (The Cuban people)!
That is really twisted government!
So again is it moral to continue such path?
Should not we change strategy and pursue other solution that will affect the people of Cuba less?
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Dear Julio, you brought the exactly picture for describe how things works in Cuba’s case. The cuban is an abducted people used as hostages for getting eternal ransoms.
Ramsons that never goes to relive the needs of the hostage but to fill the bank account of the criminals and to finance theirs planes of control. The masterminds behind this mass-abduction has become masters in getting ransoms. The created artificial poverty in order to get money from the relatives of the abducted, they keeps the abducted as hostages to get obedience from the relatives, so it does not matter you escaped you still are under control of the criminals because they have your relatives. They are now yelling for more ransoms in form of credits and tourists but they has any intentions of giving a better life to the hostages…. they will not give them a better life but they will use the extra money to harder the control and the represion…. they can not do things in another way ….. the are abductors, this is their business, this is theirs way and they will do this on and on until they die by the abducted or God.
Now, I am convinced that things has worked and works in this way ….. how can I believe that to give money to the criminals is the solution?????
For me is not moral to help the criminals get more resources to control my relatives.
I know that the way USA has implemented the embargo and the way the world has ignored our disgrace is the cause for the longevity of the tyranny….. I know that the better way of getting rid the tyranny is to implement an embargo Sudafrica style…….. but Europa wanted to erase the menace that the economical and political strong Sudafrica represented for theirs interests in Africa but do not wanted to help the cuban people to get free of castro for strategical reasons in the pulse between the worlds powers.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 12:37
Thanks Albert for your comment!
One more on the hostage analogy.
You guys are probably familiar with what is call the Stockholm syndrome. Where the hostage show signs of loyalty to hostage-taker.
Dr Freud, I wonder if there is something we can do from the psychological point of view to get the hostage in that situation of to wake up?
This fragment is from the wikipedia entry
The Stockholm syndrome is a psychological shift that occurs in captives when they are threatened gravely but are shown acts of kindness by their captors. Captives who exhibit the syndrome tend to sympathize with and think highly of their captors, at times believing that the captors are showing them favor stemming from inherent kindness. Such captives fail to recognize that their captors’ choices are essentially self-serving. When subjected to prolonged captivity, these captives can develop a strong bond with their captors, in some cases including a sexual interest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome
Enero 6th, 2010 at 11:41
@#117 & #118
Statue:
nice to hear your “voice” again …
The americans are not to blame, is the lies & misrepresentations of castro & co.
Is their hold on power, their costumary “beat down” of what he calls “for their own good”
But everything changes, everything evolves … there is a time for everything & everything in its time.
The existence of the web & its possibilities (I never imagine it)the people’s patience, the eternal strength of thruth & freedom always prevails.
It is a human right proved by history time & time again.
It is not the fault of the americans it is the fault of human beings & our nature.
About health … if it is so good … whit did the main PARASITE have to get treated by Spanish doctors?
elite … elite … elit … :do as I say … not as I do …
Enero 6th, 2010 at 11:28
Julio:
you insight does not surprisees me, it just amazes me!
Like Siggy’s comments I have learned to read twice & keep it as a lesson learned.
Back to guevara’s ideas …
Thru the years I have developed this picture:
here is aman who grew up within a family group with a father who failed in just about all his business ventures and a mother suffering “guilt” for her son’s respiratory problems.
Both parents of socialist leanings within an “intellectual” self picture of themselves.
Here is a man who enjoyed the freedom to come & go as he pleased, who attended a medical school (so he said) who took to traveling thru south america muching his way to the north.
His pictures of poverty and need, his visions of equality or none cloloured by what his pseudo intellectual eductaion predisposed him to.
Quick to judge (youth) poverty in comparison to what he grew up with, freedom or lack off also compared to what he grew up with.
All his ideas & judgements as preconceived notions of a youg fool (age).
This man whom as far as I know never worked to earn a living for more than a few days or weeks, is the man preaching work & commitment to a cause.
This man who broke his marital vows, who was “keept” is the one that preached self suficiency thru a socialist model.
This man is the one preaching about the “new” man.
This man whom never learned the art of “running a home budget” is the one who structured the economic plan of Cuba.
But at the risk of offending our Argentinian bretheren:
It was guevara’s own self agrandizing, his own picture of himself the one he sold even to the castros.
The argentinian attitude, quasi arrogant, petulant? the “know it all” behaviour lke their sense of superiority derived from other people’s use of the language.
His opinion of the northen spanish, mexican, central american and cuban, with all the coloquialisms, the colorfull expresions … he judged them as of “low class” unintelligent expressions of servile people; remember his quick temper & fast judgement?
This is the man that fooled the castros with his pseudo knowledge of everythin, with is false courage and his “ideals”
The only thing I think fidels did right was to know that gurvara was NOT Cuban & he had rised as far as he could go in power.
fidel quickly discovered how to use this fool so full of himself.
In spite of all this, guevara’s theories & ideas have survived, the castros & co. perpetrated them on the people till today.
To admit wrong will be the end of the regime since they endorsed, supported & executed this ideas.
Since this is where they are, obstinatly holding on … why should the enter into level “talks” to improve the situation?
As I said before, the embargo only makes the people suffer, they in the regime are not gusanos, they are PARASITES!
The cure is comming & they can not stop it from comming
Viva Cuba!!!
Enero 6th, 2010 at 11:12
Please STOP blaming the Americans; it is not our fault but those who are in control in a totalitarian regime in Cuba.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 11:06
If the Cuban government has the best equipment and medicine in hospitals (Including personal hospitals for the Castro’s family) catering the elite and tourism, then they can do the same for all other hospitals servicing the rest of the population, it is a double standard and a social injustice that contradict the essence of the Robolution. Not to many news organizations and individuals care to denounce these inadequacies and atrocities. This is another example of Apartheids which should not be tolerated, instead of blaming the Embargo and The United States.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 10:52
Following the analogy of the Cop against criminal in a hostage situation I believe the thing to do is to negotiate. At least that is what cops do in that case.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 10:47
So as a conclusion from the statements made by Concubino, Dr Freud and Albert it will be very fair to say that the regime uses the embargo to punish normal Cubans even more!
I guess that is their way of telling us
Aah, you want to embargo me!
Look here how I will punished my people even more and they will not even raise a finger against me!
Every step one realize about the things the tyranny does, its so revolting! so gruesome so abominable!
So knowing that. Is it moral for us to continue such path?
To place an analogy
Suppose we are a cop (US) pursuing a criminal with a deadly weapon(Embargo). The criminal(Castro regime) does have a hostage (the Cuban people). So the criminal uses our own weapon (Embargo) against the hostage (The Cuban people)!
That is really twisted government!
So again is it moral to continue such path?
Should not we change strategy and pursue other solution that will affect the people of Cuba less?
Enero 6th, 2010 at 09:54
… and … this centralized economy (in guevara’s view) would run counter with the law of value & compensation which he belived it to be the root of capitalism & poisin of society.
Since in his mind the end “justified the means” the relationship between Cuba as socialist and othe countries, even capitalists was possible for as long as the rules of the rest of the economic world did not apply to Cuba’s model.
In that idea was built the dependency in Russia’s economic aid.
Let us not forget tha even at the 60’s the trade for goods such as sugar was used in payment for materials, the human trade, military or other was also used as currency by guevara (Algeria).
The use of the banner of education was/is also a tool for this economic package, since guevara belived as well that better education would produce better companeros/as for the betterment of socialism.
The rest … we see today, list we forget, when USSR collapsed till today’s Raul’s Cuba … some of this concepts postulated by guevara have come back into use …
Enero 6th, 2010 at 09:44
@#111
Dr. Freud:
right on the nail’s head.
If I remenber correctly (fussy) the plan devised/envisioned by guevara was based in two principles, production & commitment/dedication.
Provided that all was “owned” by the state, those two principles helped by “voluntered” labor wold eventually translate in to a success.
guevara’s fear was that any deviation of this would result in a return to capitalism.
By creating a piramidal (spelling?) structure guevara belived the innovative & creative nature of the Cuban people would produce more and with better quality because the Cuban people would have “ownership” of what produced.
His research centers if I remember were geared to that concept of his & so were the “camps” which if needed for punishment because goals or attitides weren’t with the revolution … would be “attended in voluntary” bases by the supervisors …
That much I remember from hsi ideas …
Enero 6th, 2010 at 09:41
Sigmund
Yeah Sigmund you are 100% in your comment 111.The Castros made their propaganda against the embargo with the equipment thy can’t get for the regular hospitals for the ordinary Cubans.
The equipment of the Cira Garcia Clinic and CIMEQ are within the standars of the most moderns hospitals of countries of the 1st world.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 09:24
108
concubino
Enero 5th, 2010 at 23:28
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Concu……. it is partial true…… the embargo makes Cuba to buy those equipments and parts in other countries that fabricate them completely (Europa, Canada, etc) and it maybe is not so easy and chip as to buy directly to USA……. but….. the “effects” of the embargo are only noted in the hospitals for common cubans, you will never find shortages of medicines, equipments and parts in hospitals for the elite, the health tourism and ideological tourism like Cira Garcia, SENIT, Aimejeiras, etc. This make me think the true embargo that affects the cuban people is the internal one and not the american embargo.
Enero 6th, 2010 at 07:59
To Yubano#23
Helen Keller once said: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Enero 6th, 2010 at 05:31
The embargo is a tit for tat, political & monetary.
Perhaps is the result of reaction guided decisions made by the parties involved.
The consecuences were not & still are on the consideration of the people suffering them.
The people of Cuba is the one suffering because theirs is the fate of the oppressed.
Whereas the exists because of retribution to unilateral decisions from fidel & co.
or it exist because the political power (fuled by anger?) of a “minority” of Cubans in Miami the fact is that it exists.
The benefits of it (or not) are not represented by the suffering of the people since castro & co. do care more about “being right” giving all value to their stance & no value to their people.
The failures of the embargo again are not represented by the suffering of the people but by the intransigence of political philosophies, economic resentments and matters of protocol.
In other words (to me) it looks & feels like all this is the result of decisions made in the rarified airs of the “ivory tower” where the few reign & the many deals with the consecuences.
Yes … yesterday all this happened in a local geograhpy but today it has evolved into a global geography & everything has evolved except the basic stand … “we are right” & “you are wrong”
Ruled by principles & philosophies, ideological & religious dogma, made/thought by the few, dwalt with by the many.
The embargo deters others from doing something …
Does it change the positions castro & co. took then? no.
Does it change the positions the US took then? no.
However, I belive we must “talk” heck … we “talk” to the russians, the french, the koreans, the iranians & many others.
Have we accomplished anything in those “talks” ? gee … I can’t remember …
Enero 5th, 2010 at 23:28
DEAR DR FREUD….
Sigmund you are cool. Our war is in Spanish only. LOL!. Seriously the Cubans can send medications and some other stuff to their relatives in Cuba, I’m not disputing that.However when it comes to hardware like replacements parts for equipments like Dialysis machines , X Rays , Ct scans, MRI , ultraosounds etc, they have a real hard time getting it.You have to realize that the some of the equipment may said “Made in China”, but the core parts of the equipments are made by GE and other American Companies.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 19:47
.
Image of April 25, 2009 which was released today (5/1/2010) shows the former leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro, in a wheelchair talking to his brother, Cuban President Raul Castro and Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega, in Havana
http://noticias.uol.com.br/alb.....fotoNav=13
.
Castro ill, Cuba patient.
Must be pretty boring living in a country that has no future …
A country that lives in the past, driven by a “leader invincible” …
Enero 5th, 2010 at 19:06
WHERE IS HEFA? WE NEED YOU!
Enero 5th, 2010 at 18:49
Julio de la Yncera
Enero 5th, 2010 at 07:15
I did not mentioned Sigmund on the vote below because I am not sure where he stands he seems to be leaning towards keeping embargo but maybe he should tell us what he think.
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About this issue I has been a kinda of flip-flop……… I only want the best for my people and I know the best goes through the tyranny fall….. I am sure the most resources the tyranny has the long it going to be in power….. I also know that the more resources the tyranny has it doesn’t means the cuban people will have it better…… the tyranny has receive before much more resources then it would receive if the embargo is lifted and the people has been as poor as always. I only want to find a way to get my people free or better……. that’s why I debate…… I want to thank all commenter for participating……. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Enero 5th, 2010 at 18:37
concubino
Enero 5th, 2010 at 09:42
1. That depends which Cuban in Cuba you ask. If you ask a patient in chronic kidney insufficiency who depend on Dialysis for their treatments and the only way to get the dialysis machine working is by replacing some key parts of the deficient machines to work by using American made parts, then the Embargo is wrong.
2. If you ask the people like Dr Darsi Ferrer, Dr Diaz Bicet and many others political prisioners, then the Embargo is right. The embargo is the way the Americans can help by bringing the fundamental changes the Cuban Society needs.
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Dear Concubino……. (I guess our little and ridiculous war is over and we are “dears ones” again)
1. One of the items the embargo do not forbid is the medical items. Cuba is free of buying medical supplies anywhere…… USA is the biggest donor of medical supplies to Cuba.
2. Correct!!!!
Enero 5th, 2010 at 14:54
Well Albert they still got 48 years of punishment. I guess that’s what we will be telling potential dictators. Incidentally the origin of the embargo I think it had more to do with the nationalization without retribution of American interests in Cuba.
Still I am not proposing to take it away completly at one time but to do it in steps.
Like steps
1) allow them to buy anything but military equipment.
2) allow them to sell here the nickel and other products they have.
3) allow american tourist.
4) Allow american companies to set shop in Cuba.
5) allow them to buy on credit (This should be last)
Number 1 is partial right now. Since they are allow to buy food or some food items here. Let us let them buy anything they want but military equipment.
And see if they soften their stand against dissidents. If they do then go to step 2
I will be careful of the steps that give the Cuban regime money.
That is why credit for me is last. And American companies setting shop I would recommend to allow first for companies that do not require lots of equipment just in case we need to pull the plug.
As every bad relationship you do not want to go all the way in you want to test the water little by little. Anyway I think my head aches just on thinking about this.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 13:26
My fears about lifiting the embargo:
If lifted, what are we telling other potential dictators?
They should feel free to:
nationalize properties at will?
support terrorist organizations?
Would’t the lifting of the embargo:
strengthen the represive control of the castros * co. using the military?
make all business (since they are state controlled) stronger?
The suffering of the people is not the embargos’ consecuence.
The castro economic model with its dependency in subsidies (Russia’s mainly) is what put them down for the count.
The castro’s & co. generated the national debt as it stands.
The Cuban people suffers the consecuences of each failed policy the castros came up with.
Remember there are perhaps over 40 countries investing in the Cuban economy in one for or another, yet the investment percetage is declining because the handling of debts, red tape and the regime’s inability to play capitalist in a socialist setting; I guess they have not learned anything from the chinese.
So I am not sure about lifitng the embargo, I read the opinions & value them but, I can’t seem to make up my mind … I guess I need more iformation otherwise my decision will be coloured by emotion alone.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 12:06
MIAMI HERALD: Solution to Cuba claims issue proposed
Some foreign investors are seeking permission to buy claims against Cuba for U.S. properties it seized and then swap them with Havana.
“A group of foreign investors is seeking a U.S. government license to buy claims against Cuba for American-owned properties seized in the 1960s, and then swap them with Havana in a debt-for-equity exchange.
The settlement would resolve one of the oldest U.S.-Cuba disputes and perhaps open the way for other improvements in bilateral relations, according to the investors’ company, Clarinbridge.”
http://www.miamiherald.com/bus.....09402.html
Enero 5th, 2010 at 11:57
I KNOW THE EMBARGO IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LASTEST ON THE EUROPEAN UNION’S CHANGE OF ITS “COMMON POSITION” ON CUBA?
NY TIMES: Spain: Cuba Erred in Expelling Politician
“The politician who was not allowed to enter Cuba, European Parliament member Luis Yanez, is known to be critical of the Cuban government, but this does not justify Havana’s decision, Moratinos said. Cuban authorities held him and his wife at the airport upon arriving in Havana and sent them on the first plane back to Spain on Monday.
”This is not good news. I think the Cubans made a mistake with this expulsion,” Moratinos told reporters. ”
“Yanez has promoted contacts between European socialists and democratic Cuban dissidents as president of a group called Cuba-Europe in Progress. Spanish news reports said Yanez was denied a visa to enter Cuba in 2008 when he was invited to attend a meeting of the Progressive Arc dissident group.”
“Moratinos said that during its EU presidency, Spain will urge the bloc to move away from its ”common position” on Cuba. That dates from 1996 and makes improved ties contingent on better respect for human rights and democratic reforms.
The policy has not yielded much, and instead the EU should now take a more active approach that might open up a process of dialogue and elicit firm commitments from Cuba, Moratinos said.
The EU imposed diplomatic sanctions, including a ban on political and other consultations, against Cuba in 2003 after the arrests of dozens of dissidents. The sanctions were suspended in 2005, but not lifted, and relations between the EU and Cuba have remained touchy.”
http://www.nytimes.com/aponlin.....-Cuba.html
Enero 5th, 2010 at 11:41
Guys:
why are we at each other’s throats over matters of opinion?
If the exercise is as a search for the truth we are doing well.
I the exercise fosters misunderstandings we are not
I for one appreciate your lively debate, in a friendly & understanding as well as tolerant atmosphere; the benefits (at least for simpleton like me) come from your intelligence, learned opinions and your passion.
Keep in mind: we are in this together, as frustrating as a point of view can be … tolerance.
I’m not preaching … just that I truly value the opinions you post here; I’ve learned more in 2 monthS, I have read more from your suggested sources than I have read in years.
THANK YOU!
Enero 5th, 2010 at 10:13
Concubino, welcome back, you have made some excellent points
as for this
“A democratic vote was already taken in Congress and the Helms-Burton act is a fact. Our opinions are irrelevant in this matter”
you are correct on the first sentence, the second part “Our opinions are irrelevant in this matter” I am not sure is correct.
I think we can influence congress to change the exiting law. Nothing is set in stone. They should listen to our opinions on the matter because you, Hank, E de la Yncera we are the ones that vote for them. I have myself gone as far as to write to my two senators on the matter of the embargo and travel ban. That is the way representative democracy is suppose to work. They need to listen to us. If there is enough of us telling them to change the law they will change the law.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 09:42
The Helm -Burton act aka as Embargo against Cuba is United States Law, therefore is does not matter whether you take a democratic vote or not regarding this issue .A democratic vote was already taken in Congress and the Helms-Burton act is a fact. Our opinions are irrelevant in this matter
We here debating whether the Embargo is right or wrong, whether has worked or not.
Well is proven it has not worked .The Castros has been there for 51 years and counting.
Is the Embargo morally right?
That depends which Cuban in Cuba you ask. If you ask a patient in chronic kidney insufficiency who depend on Dialysis for their treatments and the only way to get the dialysis machine working is by replacing some key parts of the deficient machines to work by using American made parts, then the Embargo is wrong.
If you ask the people like Dr Darsi Ferrer, Dr Diaz Bicet and many others political prisioners, then the Embargo is right. The embargo is the way the Americans can help by bringing the fundamental changes the Cuban Society needs.
The only purpose of the Embargo at this point is to use it as a bargaining chip at the negotiating table.
If the Castros are willing to negotiate in good faith and they do what is right for the Cuban people. I’m very sure that Congress will propose a bill that will be quickly passed and the Embargo will be lifted.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 07:15
I did not mentioned Sigmund on the vote below because I am not sure where he stands he seems to be leaning towards keeping embargo but maybe he should tell us what he think.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 07:03
For example let us take a look at Hanks solution
“What’s wrong with building a coalition of nations willing to put real, multilateral pressure on the regime to immediately release the political prisoners and then go even further than that? If you agree that that might be a good idea, then how do you propose building the coalition? Or do you think such a coalition would be a bad thing?”
With us dropping the embargo there will probably be more wiliness from the Europeans to get on board in such a plan.
Why have we not pursue other solutions?
Enero 5th, 2010 at 06:59
Let me go back to two simple question
1) What is the purpose of the embargo?
2) Did the embargo produce what we wanted?
If your answers to 1 is
Get rid of the regime
the answer to
question number 2 then is clear
NO
So can it be more clear than this?
So if it did not produce what we wanted why have we not look for other solutions to the problem? Just because one “propose solution” failed does not mean that there is other possible solutions that could be successful.
Why do we keep ignoring the problem?
Enero 5th, 2010 at 06:44
Statue Futhermore
You wrote before in prior post
“I don’t hide my way of thinking when expressing myself about the Embargo, therefore I could care less if after this post I get attacked one more time, to me is irrelevant.”
And this was my reply
I think I have shown that I am very cordial when I debate so no need to mention about attacks unless my words above and below are perceived as such.
As everyone has witness I have not attacked you in any way even when you are attacking me when you say this
“Do you think you are just a little bit conceited or is just my imagination?”
This is a clear attack ad hominen on me by you and this only reflect your lack of arguments on favor of your express opinion of continuing the embargo.
When you attack the person and not the arguments they propose then is obvious. Should I remind you this is the same techniques the Cuban government uses against “enemies”.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 06:29
Statue on 82
Ok here is what I wrote
“Still I am correct in what I am saying. Just because they do something wrong does not gives us the right to also do something wrong.”
and here is your answer
“You know what Julio? You think you are always right, but you are not. Do you think you are just a little bit conceited or is just my imagination?”
I have written in the past even as we are debating on this issue that I will like to know the arguments you and Yubano have with regards to keeping the embargo and that I like to know where I am wrong. So I think that is very far from what you state about me above.
It is clear that you and Yubano do want to continue with the embargo with the knowledge that it has not produce the solution we expected from it.
To not recognize the failure of the policy will be insane. It has not produce the results we wanted.
I will point something interesting. If we were to make a vote of the people that frequent this blog the majority are for the elimination of the embargo.
Let me see
For Embargo: Yubano and Statue
For the elimination of Embargo: Andy,Hank, John Two, E de la Yncera, Liam, and Me.
So if this was a democratic exercise you guys are in the minority.
These is also reflected as I was saying before with the Cubans here in the US and also with the Americans. around 60 percent of the people think the embargo should be drop.
So what congress is doing right now is not following the will of the people of this country but just of small powerful minority. I do not think that is fair.
I do not even want to speculate as to the reason this powerful minority wants to keep the embargo policy but many speculative reasons come to my head.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 06:01
I think Hanks analogy with the car air conditioner is very clear. If the air conditioner does not work you fixed or buy a new one or do something at least open the windows of the car.
We need to do the same with the embargo. It did not deliver the goods we wanted. So it needs to be change.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 05:47
I mean to say weak instead of week
Enero 5th, 2010 at 05:46
Yubano yes let us speak of week arguments
Let me see, the embargo has been in place for 48 years and the reason to be there was to bring the regime down. To make the Castro brother loss power.
Simple question.
After all this years
Did it do what was intended?
Answer NO
So now explain to me why do we still have it?
Enero 5th, 2010 at 05:18
Hank
The comments I have made are directed at others as well as you. You aren’t the only one making anti-embargo comments in here. I have explained why I oppose lifting the embargo ad nauseum. You can continue disqualifying my comments, it makes no difference. I don’t base my opinions on wishful thinking, what the consensus thinks (the UN vote against the embargo) and pie in the sky solutions (building a coalition??). The “embargo doesn’t work”,”let’s try something new becuase it hasn’t worked for 50 years”, cliches that are easy to repeat but have no basis in fact. As far as the thoughtful new ideas you refer to where are they? I haven’t heard any. All I hear about lifting the embargo are tired cliches, harebrained ideas and the consistent ignoring of historical facts. We are on the same side but the arguments are based on different perspectives, the embargo is a punitive act, I am for punishment and continuing to apply pressure. You wish to engage because you think that will make things better or expedite change. I disagree regardless of how anachronistic or other disqualification you want to apply to my comments. Don’t attempt to lay down the gaunlet and invite me to really get into the trenches and discuss the specifics. What specifics? Get serious Hank, and you accuse me of generalities … hahahaha
Julio
Don’t ask me to explain myself to you. Your statements are confused and contradictory and yet you insist that you are always right.
Enero 5th, 2010 at 03:43
Yubano — With regards to the embargo:
- I did not say anything about the opinion of the rest of the world… I only said that if Fidel is for something (he’s FOR the embargo), I’m against it.
- I did not mention the U.N.
- Fidel is not my friend.
- I (the U.S. taxpayer) write checks for so many BAD reasons, people, causes, weapons systems, wars, support of dictators and totalitarian states, states that oppress women — hell, what’s a few million for food and medicine for Cuba… bring it on.
I repeat — the embargo has accomplished nothing except hardening the iron fist of the Castro regime. Therefore, end it.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 23:08
Yubano,
With all due respect and in spite of what you may think, you have not heard about dreaming; wishful thinking; change for the sake of change; or let’s drop the embargo because the rest of the world says we should — these are all your own invention.
What you have heard is honest, thoughtful criticism of a failed policy. You have heard people who are willing to think and propose new ideas instead of relying on tired, anachronistic policies that were put in place decades ago and which have failed miserably. When the air conditioner in your car doesn’t work, do you take the car to a mechanic and get it fixed? Or do you keep driving, oblivious to and ignoring reality, hoping that it will fix itself?
There have been many cogent arguments made here to justify lifting the embargo for the purpose of effecting real change in Cuba, which, I think we can agree is what we all want. But instead of engaging in sweeping generalizations, why not get into the trenches and address some specifics.
Name one goal that the embargo has achieved — one tangible success. That shouldn’t be too hard, should it? It has had 50 years.
What’s wrong with building a coalition of nations willing to put real, multilateral pressure on the regime to immediately release the political prisoners and then go even further than that? If you agree that that might be a good idea, then how do you propose building the coalition? Or do you think such a coalition would be a bad thing?
Saying that it is not possible to lift the embargo because the Castros won’t play nice is a non-starter. We imposed the embargo on Cuba, not the other way around. Once we lift the embargo, by whatever legislative action is necessary, if they turn around and embargo themselves, that is a completely different story.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers or a monopoly on truth, but please, if you want to engage in a serious conversation, then por favor, stop with the mischaracterizations. I am ready to listen to your cogent arguments for maintaining the embargo. I haven’t heard any so far.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 22:47
Estoy con la Revolucion!
Que viva la Revolucion, es todo!
Chris
Enero 4th, 2010 at 22:45
Viva Cuba Revolucionaria, CARAJO!
A todos estos jovenes de la tal Generacion Y les recuerdo que el Capitalismo no es nada facil……!
Feliz 2010
Enero 4th, 2010 at 22:33
Yubano and statue of liberty:
I would like to know how the embargo and restriction work in the past 50 years? Can you explain to me please.
What I mean in the past 50 years the Castros have violated the embargo more than a million times .The have established enterprise in different countries including the U.K, Panama, Spain ,Chile and others . Have laundry money from the drug traffic of las FAR of Colombia.
In Cuba before the 80 in all the school the equipment was made in the U.S.A in all the E.S.B.E.C and I.P.U.E.C. and all the hospitals . They just to buy equipment FORD and GMC from Mexico and Argentina. Then I ask you again what the embargo have done to the Castros, “Nothing” they still laughing in all the American Presidents from Kenedy to Obama . I ’m really sorry the embargo has done nothing to the Castros brothers.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 21:27
In reply to your #72
Statue with regards to this
“The embargo forces people in Cuba to vote a certain way?”
Statue says: Unfortunately, the Cuban people never had a right to vote for the last 50 years. The votes that you see are Rubber Stamps votes by the puppets that run the Communist Party and not the Cuban people as a whole; there is a big difference.
You are correct. People in Cuba never had the chance to vote for anybody other than them. I remember when I voted over there it was just a show. Since the only have in the ballot the candidates appointed by them. And in order to get the high voter turn out they even look for you in your home if you do not go to vote.
Still I am correct in what I am saying. Just because they do something wrong does not gives us the right to also do something wrong.
You know what Julio? You think you are always right, but you are not. Do you think you are just a little bit conceited or is just my imagination?
Enero 4th, 2010 at 21:16
In reply To #67
The following is your proposal:
1) allow them to buy anything but military equipment.
2) allow them to sell here the nickel and other products they have.
3) allow american tourist.
4) Allow american companies to set shop in Cuba.
5) allow them to buy on credit (This should be last)
This is my reply to you and others with the same kind of mentality.
1) They are doing that right now and they are paying in Cash, so what is the point in lifting the Embargo if they are already buying in large quantities to supply all their tourist Hotels, anything they don’t want or have left they re-sell at a scamming price at the “Shoppings” they have created to suck Cubans of any money they receive from abroad. By the way the regular Cuban is unable to buy anything at these stores with their meager salaries, except if they have a “gusano” relative or friend who send them hard currency and here again the system benefits by taking 25¢ out of every dollar we send. This is the Robolution that was suppose to take care of all the ills “problems created by Batista”
2) I will agree if they pay for all the properties they “unlawfully confiscated” from US businesses.
3) Agree, I don’t have any problem with that.
4) No way José, if we do that, in a couple of year or earlier they will take over again any American business, just like they did before.
5) Why? Do you want The US to become another victim of their non-payment scam they being perpetrating on other nations, all their life?
The following video carries a lot of history into the take over of American corporate properties by the Robolution of Fidel Castro. Cuba would do it again if given the chance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEIkHuqEUT0
Enero 4th, 2010 at 20:49
Speaking of weak arguements, I haven’t heard a single cogent argument here to justify the lifting of the embargo. We’ve heard about dreaming, wishful thinking, change for the sake of change, let’s drop it because the rest of the world says we should … nothing based on reality. You can all continue to make cases pro and con but the one relevant point concerning the embargo is that it will never be dropped because it requires the aquiescence of the Castro regime. Lifting the embargo is a dance that requires both partners to want to go in the same direction. The US cannot lift the embargo by fiat, this is a democracy, it will require a congressional vote. A vote that will be swayed by the Cuban government’s behavior. How many of you actually think that the Castros want the embargo lifted and will play nice? At every opportunity in the past when there has been an opportunity to better relations the castros have perpetrated a provacation and torpedoed the effort. They do not want the embargo lifted, they do not want hordes of American tourist, what they want is capital, loans, credit so they can continue to perpetuate themselves. They will only play with us as long as they get to make the rules. They are rotting from within and it’s only going to get worse for them, why even consider throwing them a life line. I wonder how many of you even notice the parallels with Iran. How far have negotiations and good intentions gotten us with them?
Enero 4th, 2010 at 19:21
Ok Sigmund then let us go back to the example of my brother or to the example of Statue’s family who he have to teach a few things.
For people who only have access to the regime propaganda and that is many of them. They really do not know what is true. If it is the way the regime portraits it or the way we speak.
And I did understand you. It is possible they may not take 2 million american tourist after all they do not have the capacity unless they allow more Cubans to be able to rent their homes. Something that will be really awesome way of them to get to know american and vise versa.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 19:01
77
hank
Enero 4th, 2010 at 18:53
No one ever said “Break the embargo because the rest of the world is against it.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Hank in 1946 Cuba was the only country in the UN that voted against the creation of Israel without the parallel creation of a Palestinian state…… the rest of the world favored the creation of Israel and rejected the creation of Palestine…… very soon the world learned it was a mistake…… not always the “the rest of the world” is right.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 18:53
No one ever said “Break the embargo because the rest of the world is against it.”
Oversimplifying an argument just to attack it is weak. The illustration of how the UN votes is only meant to demonstrate that the rest of the world IS against the embargo — it doesn’t provide a justification for lifting it as you imply. But if that’s how you want argue, then go ahead.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 18:36
Julio, it seems you did not understand my last comment:
Tyranny will not accept 2 millions american tourists…… forget that…….. right now they does not accept the amount of canadian or spanish tourists they does not can handle …… forget the invasion of 2 millions american tourists you dream with, they will never accept that……. maybe in the future when they can redirect this mass tourism to places under strict control……. and theirs american partners will accept this control gladly just if they makes money. What think the american tourist about this control?????…… tyranny does not care about americans preferences…… americans can take what tyranny offers or leave it!!!!
About cubans knowledge of freedom and friendship…… I do not understand why do you believe cubans does not know what is freedom or who is theirs friends……. of course they does know what freedom is and they does know american people is their freinds.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 18:14
Sigmund
There will be American tourist that will do exactly what they want them to do but in 2 million they will get lots of people that will do whatever they want to do and not what the Cuban government wants them to do.
What percentage I do not know but it will happen.
As you know I am Cuban I did know in Cuba about freedom I did know about repression by the regime I did know all those things and about my human rights. Unfortunately not every one have that knowledge. I learn about those things from my family. Still there was little I could do. Because I was not able to shared my way of thinking with others or meet with others that though similarly. If I was in Cuba now I would have probably join Yoani. If I have learned about it. But you see, the Cuban regime already blocked her site and that of other bloggers so Cubans can not read what they say. At least not in a direct way!
Been able to realized that one is not unique is a good thing. I remember some of my friends that graduated from the University I was far from thinking they will ever go to live in another country and later I found they did! Or people I knew over there that I know they are now outside too. Some people you just do not know on what side of the fence they are because nobody tells anyone else what their real position is. Everyone distrust of everyone else. Is paranoia. Many seem to live in this fear.
The fear the revolution created with the initial massacre.
I was telling before that as we arrive here someone at the airport was asking us questions about Cuba and instinctively we were talking in very soft voice! Its years of repression to overcome.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 17:48
MSNBC: Spain miffed after politician denied entry to Cuba
“Yanez was detained upon arrival and expelled from the communist-run Caribbean country before dawn Monday, the ministry said. There was no immediate comment from Cuban officials in Havana, and no one answered the phone at the Cuban embassy in Madrid.”
“Yanez has promoted contacts between European socialists and democratic Cuban dissidents as president of a group called Cuba-Europe in Progress. Spanish news reports said Yanez was denied a visa to enter Cuba in 2008 when he was invited to attend a meeting of the Progressive Arc dissident group.
Posted on the group’s Web site is a column Yanez wrote in the Spanish newspaper El Pais in 2007 decrying “the disappearance of the most minimal freedom of expression and of artistic creation” in Cuba, as well as the jailing of dissidents.
Manuel Cuesta Morua, head of Progressive Arc, told The Associated Press that Yanez had indicated that he planned to visit with him during his trip.
“I think that (the authorities) are taking reprisals,” Cuesta said.”
“In recent years, Cuba has refused entry to several European and Spanish parliamentarians who arrived on the island with tourist visas but who were believed to be planning to meet with dissidents.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34.....orld_news/
Enero 4th, 2010 at 17:17
59
Julio de la Yncera
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 17:30
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi again Julio ….. sorry for delaying to continue our conversation……. vacations finite = working like a dog……
I believe the hopes of NO embargo and first step believers are grounded more in personal wishes then in real math…….. for example:
- of course that an invasion of 2 millions american tourists would cause a huge lose of control for the regimen…… they know it too and that’s why they will not allow it happens.
- “We have to make sure that American tourist do not get treated like flocks of migrating birds and get sent to the places they want them to be”…….. well….. it is the kind tourism Cuba offers to the visitors since they decide open the country to the tourism….. and they do that just to avoid at maximum the contact between cubans and foreigners……. by other side…… once the embargo is lifted and deals made between the regimen and american tour-operators who can stop the direction of americans tourist to preconceived places????
- “My bet is that Cubans do not need to learn about freedom but more about america not been the enemy that have been portrait for so many years. That will open many eyes! If we are not the annexionist or the invaders and we are helping them then I guess they will have no choice but to think we are friends”
Once again dear Julio, the Cuban people knows very well that…….. if not….. why then the choose USA as destination when they escapes????
Enero 4th, 2010 at 16:59
Statue with regards to this
“The embargo forces people in Cuba to vote a certain way?”
Unfortunately, the Cuban people never had a right to vote for the last 50 years. The votes that you see are Rubber Stamps votes by the puppets that run the Communist Party and not the Cuban people as a whole; there is a big difference.
You are correct. People in Cuba never had the chance to vote for anybody other than them. I remember when I voted over there it was just a show. Since the only have in the ballot the candidates appointed by them. And in order to get the high voter turn out they even look for you in your home if you do not go to vote.
Still I am correct in what I am saying. Just because they do something wrong does not gives us the right to also do something wrong.
If you do read the law passed by Congress. They explicitly name people they do not want elected in Cuba. As much as I do not want for them to get elected I have to recognize that the language use in such laws is inappropriate to say the least. Because they are referring to affairs in some other country.
Are elections in Cuba what we call democratic elections with multiple political parties and a contested election? With parties offering different solutions to the same problems. Obviously they are not what we understand by democratic election. I am not sure they should even be call elections. Since the way they are design to work the same person gets elected all the time.
Still I think the more contact we have with Cubans the better they will learn about all the lies their government have been telling them.
If they raise walls and we raise walls what do we do then?
Is that what you are proposing?
Yes there is some commerce between Cuba and the US but its is mainly one way commerce where Cuba buys from US. How about Cuba selling to the US?
There is still restrictions on ships that make port on Cuba can not come to the US for 6 month or executive of companies trading with Cuba not getting visas etc etc. There is a lot of things we do not know. But yes there is still an embargo.
It may not be a full fledged embargo but we do not have normal relations.
I may ask something that someone asked before. I think it was Liam
China is a communist country and repressive dictatorship. We trade with them.
Vietnam is a communist country and repressive dictatorship. We trade with them.
So why is Cuba so special with regards to trade?
Enero 4th, 2010 at 16:42
Andy
You want to give the Castros credit? Since you are so generous with others money why don’t you write the first check. Make it out to your buddy F. Castro since that’s where the money is going,I’m sure he will distribute your funds equatibly…
Break the embargo because the rest of the world is against it? There’s another sensible reason for lifting the embargo. Are we so naive to think that world opinion against the US on this issue is based on morals or sound, ethical, economic policy? This vote was taken in the UN, the same UN that has Cuba sitting in a human rights committee. I could care less about the UN and its biased and political votes and sensibly neither has the US government, regardless of party affiliation or political leanings.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 14:16
I meant …the brainwashing & … loves the person …
sorry
Enero 4th, 2010 at 14:15
statue @ #65
I think I know a little how you may feel.
Trying to explain when he brainwashing took hold is hard, specially when one lives the person …
Enero 4th, 2010 at 07:59
As for information to Cubans as I was saying that is a hard nut to crack. The only way is people to people contact unless they go crazy and give unfilter internet access to everyone something I am sure they will not do.
They have been very strict about only letting Cubans listen to their propaganda.
My understanding is that TV Marti have been a waste of money.
In the time we used to live in Cuba we used to listen to radio Marti and it was very hard since the regime place noise stations in the same frequency so people can not listen to it.
Cuban people are not stupid. They know what the government is doing is wrong they just may not know the scale of the wrong done to them.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 07:48
Well, Statue I will not be willing to give them credit. Only cash payment or whatever equivalent governments use.
Embargo is multidimensional as Humberto was saying.
We do not have to drop the whole thing but keep taking away parts of it
Like I was saying
1) allow them to buy anything but military equipment.
2) allow them to sell here the nickel and other products they have.
3) allow american tourist.
4) Allow american companies to set shop in Cuba.
5) allow them to buy on credit (This should be last)
I am sure I have probably skip a few steps I do not know but this could be done in a progressive fashion. A tit for tat.
We do something and see if the soften their stand.
In the worst case scenario they do something we do not like then we can always not buy the products they produce or take away parts of it.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 04:24
Statue: Yes, I am willing to open a line of credit that will never be paid back to get rid of the embargo. Keep in mind, after the first year, the line of credit, if not paid back, can be closed. So… we lose a few hundred million… so what.
My reasons are two:
First and most important: Fidel wants the embargo. Therefore I don’t.
Second and also important: It has accomplished nothing for nearly 50 years.
The definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Enero 4th, 2010 at 01:17
I will ask all supporters of having the Embargo lifted the following questions:
If lifting the Embargo means offering a totalitarian and repressive regime an open line of credit, would you be willing to accept that Cuba will never pay back. If this is acceptable to you, please explain to me why is it that we need to bankroll Cuba’s failing economy when we know their “modus operandi” which is to pay on time for the first few shipments, and then they will do the same thing they had done to other countries like China, Russia, Germany, Italy, Spain and many others, renege on their responsibility to pay.
to #40
Are you aware that this United States (a country they hate so much) is being the primary supplier of goods to Cuba for a long period of time and every year their purchases increase over the previous years? In 2008 Cuba bought from USA over $711 Millions in CASH, DO YOU CALL THIS AN EMBARGO?
To comments made on #24
“The embargo forces people in Cuba to vote a certain way?”
Unfortunately, the Cuban people never had a right to vote for the last 50 years. The votes that you see are Rubber Stamps votes by the puppets that run the Communist Party and not the Cuban people as a whole; there is a big difference.
I would like to comment on your #15 post about your brother change of mind.
“People do change when they see reality and not the falsehood propagated as absolute truth by the Cuban regime. We need to show Cubans the reality of the world and not the lies the regimes tells them. We can do that by having all the contact we can with Cubans in Cuba.”
At this moment I have a cousin of my wife visiting from Cuba, she is being with us for the last two month. In all our conversations about Cuba, she constantly repeats to me the propaganda she reads in “Granma”. Since she does not have access in Cuba to any outside news she takes for granted that what she is being reading is the right message. Even tough she is not a communist (that I know) she sounds like a parrot repeating the venom spewed by “Granma” and every time that happens I have to come in defense of this great nation and explain in detail why it is not the truth. Another thing that makes matters more complicated is her inability to understand English when we are watching the news at home. I have show her several videos of Yoani’s and videos from dissidents or simply videos of protests and she is totally speechless because she is unaware that these types of protest are happening in Cuba.
I do not know how we can show 11 million of Cubans the reality, unless they are able to see it for themselves, as my wife cousin is being able to see.
I would like to repeat the following article I posted on the previous blog (the color of the highway), mainly for #14 to understand.
Here is an article from The Miami Herald that tells a lot about the “good intentions” of the Cuban leader toward better relation with The United States.
The reason I want you to be aware of this article and to read it, is to show you that Cuba is not in the bit interested in better relation with this country.
Those of us who still think we can persuade and negotiate with Cuba, better wake up and smell the coffee. Here is the tread to the article, copy and paste the following:
http://www.miamiherald.com/new…..92141.html
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 22:13
YOU CAN TAKE THE CUBAN OUT OF BEIGN AN ENTREPENEUR BUT YOU CAN’T TAKE THE ENTREPENUER OUT OF THE CUBAN! I FUCK*** LOVE THIS STORY!
NY TIMES: A Black Market Finds a Home in the Web’s Back Alleys of Cuba
“Two Cubans in their 20s who left the island for Spain have created a way to make all this secretive selling easier. It is a type of Cuban Craigslist, which allows the small but growing number of Cubans with access to computers and the Internet to buy and sell with less sneaking around.”"
“Such entrepreneurship is outlawed but thrives nonetheless, and right under the noses of the block captains who are supposed to report such transgressions to the Communist Party chain of command.
These are tough economic times in Cuba, and while the black market has always bustled here it seems particularly intense these days, with enterprising Cubans in a constant search of compatriots who have money to spend.
There are no classified advertisements in the Communist Party newspaper Granma or the other state-run publications that circulate in Cuba. Rather, sales are made through Radio Bemba, which is not a radio station at all but the country’s extensive gossip network, which takes its name from the Spanish word for lip.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01.....avana.html
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 21:49
Dear Humberto Capiro,
Thank you for signing the ” CUBA, RECLAMO A LA UNIĂ“N EUROPEA” petition at iPetitions.com.
Your signature is valuable and makes a real difference. Please encourage others to sign the petition as well. Forward the text below to everyone who might be interested:
I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:
” CUBA, RECLAMO A LA UNIĂ“N EUROPEA”
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cuba/
I really think this is an important cause, and I’d like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It’s free and takes just a few seconds of your time.
Thanks!
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 18:14
SINCE THE US “EMBARGO” AGAINST CUBA IS MULTIFACETED, I FEEL A MULTIFACETED DISTMANTELING OF IT IS APPROPRIATE WITH A “GOODWILL GESTURE” BY THE CUBAN GOVERMENT IN RETURN! THAT IS HOW DIPLOMACY WORKS! BESIDES RAUL AND “THE MUMMY” SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN SUCH A FREE RIDE!
United States embargo against Cuba
The United States embargo against Cuba (described in Cuba as el bloqueo, Spanish for “the blockade”) is a commercial, economic, and financial embargo partially imposed on Cuba in October 1960. It was enacted after Cuba expropriated the properties of United States citizens and corporations and it was strengthened to a near-total embargo in February 1962.
At present, the embargo, which limits American businesses from conducting business with Cuban interests, is still in effect and is the most enduring trade embargo in modern history. Despite the existence of the embargo, the United States is the fifth largest exporter to Cuba (6.6% of Cuba’s imports are from the US).[4] However, Cuba must pay cash for all imports, as credit is not allowed.[5]
The 1963 U.S. embargo was reinforced in October 1992 by the Cuban Democracy Act (the “Torricelli Law”) and in 1996 by the Cuban Liberty and Democracy Solidarity Act (known as the Helms-Burton Act) which penalizes foreign companies that do business in Cuba by preventing them from doing business in the US. The justification provided for these restrictions was that these companies were trafficking in stolen U.S. properties, and should, thus, be excluded from the United States.
After Cuba’s shoot-down of an unarmed Brothers to the Rescue plane in 1996, which killed three Americans and another man, a bi-partisan coalition in the United States Congress approved the Helms-Burton Act. The Title III of this law also states that any non-U.S. company that “knowingly trafficks in property in Cuba confiscated without compensation from a U.S. person” can be subjected to litigation and that company’s leadership can be barred from entry into the United States. Sanctions may also be applied to non-U.S. companies trading with Cuba. This restriction also applies to maritime shipping, as ships docking at Cuban ports are not allowed to dock at U.S. ports for six months. It’s important to note that this title includes waiver authority, so that the President might suspend its application. This waiver must be renewed every six months and it has traditionally been. It was renewed for the last time July 17, 2006,[13] therefore the suspension of this provision will remain effective for, at least, another six months following that date.
In response to pressure from some American farmers and agribusiness, the embargo was relaxed by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act, which was passed by the Congress in October 2000 and signed by President Bill Clinton. The relaxation allowed the sale of agricultural goods and medicine to Cuba for humanitarian reasons. Although Cuba initially declined to engage in such trade having even refused US food aid in the past,[14] seeing it as a half-measure serving U.S. interests, the Cuban government began to allow the purchase of food from the U.S. as a result of Hurricane Michelle in November 2001. These purchases have continued and grown since then. In 2007, the US was the largest food supplier of Cuba[15] and its fifth largest trading partner.
Recent U.S. polling indicates that the American public is slightly in favor of continuing the embargo, and in favor of normalizing diplomatic relations as well. For instance, a 2007 AP/Ipsos Poll indicates that 48% of Americans favor continuing the embargo, against 40% who favor ending it. Interestingly the same poll revealed that, despite overwhelmingly unfavorable opinions of Fidel Castro (6% favorable vs. 64% unfavorable), Americans believe that diplomatic relations “should” be re-established with Cuba. (62% in favor, 30% opposed).[40]
An April 2009 CNN / Opinion Research Corporation poll showed that 64% of Americans surveyed think the U.S. should lift its travel ban on Cuba, while 71% thought the U.S. should reestablish diplomatic relations with the island nation.[41]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.....ainst_Cuba
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 17:58
The way I see the problem is that Cubans have been force into this economical dependency by the regime. Now the regime is even unable to provide the help they used to give them. So… Now thats when they see and cry like in the Granma article
You are paternalistic, I am paternalistic etc.
But naturally many cubans would not like to be dependent in anyway from the regime. But is the regime itself that wants that dependency because they know that dependency equates for them to be on control and to have the power!
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 17:40
on number 2 i am not sure how to change the behavior of the regime. I do agree they should help the really needy people they have but not in exchange for their vote. That is what Chavez is doing in Venezuela.
Maybe the way is for us to help independently of the regime thru the church those needy people. Not sure how else.
Still I believe you are right they can come back to that same behavior of dependency and paternalism once they have more resources.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 17:30
In number 1 we agree so I got nothing to add
number 2
The tyranny does not want to give the first step. So we must. Since that will force their hand to do something in reciprocation.
With regards to helping needy Cubans there we could possibly help. The biggest problem is that the great majority of Cubans right now are needy. They are really poor.
number 3
I agree with you about the way the regime handles information. They are always behaving like bullies. They want total control of information to the Cuban people and this is the key they know about keeping absolute power and control.
My idea on how to solve this is with the person to person contact.
You are also right about many Americans not speaking Spanish and many Cubans not speaking English. But that could be change over time. With American societies forming where we teach them English. That will help them in their tourist endevours and also to understand Americans and american point of view.
point number 4
I do not think they regime got a lot of choice here. If they get and invasion of 2 million american tourist. There is little they can do to control them. Even less to control the Cubans. We have to make sure that American tourist do not get treated like flocks of migrating birds and get sent to the places they want them to be.
Knowing americans as I do. Many will not let that happen to them either. And creating educational programs on TV about Cuba and their system will be very instructive to people thinking on visiting etc.
As to what difference can american make compare to Germans or Canadians or any one else. I say that others have make a difference. I explained a while back that we can enjoy reading Yoani thanks to the economical independence she gained by teaching Spanish to German tourist!
My bet is that Cubans do not need to learn about freedom but more about america not been the enemy that have been portrait for so many years. That will open many eyes!
If we are not the annexionist or the invaders and we are helping them then I guess they will have no choice but to think we are friends.
Number 5 we also agree! :-)
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 17:07
Julio de la Yncera
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 15:03
Ok Sigmund
1. We need to be able to break the dependency between the Cuban people and the Cuban regime. They themselves do not want this any more because they can not support this anymore. But given a better economical situation they may want to place all the subsidies back and all the dependency that is how they keep power. The main reason for it is to have people like children and be the strong father in control.
So that the kind of behavior we do not want the Cuban government to have.
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Correct …..
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2. With no travel restriction for Americans and individuals traveling specially from organizations likes churches and democracy promotion organizations its possible something could be done. And to be clear with the Cuban regime that if they do not behave or restrict individual freedoms then we go back to square one and that we are expecting them to release all political prisoners in a short time frame after the elimination of embargo and ban travel.
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I would like that the tyranny gives the first step……. just because they never play fear…….. Anyway, supposing we give the first step and they play fear…… what make you think the economical bettering it would bring to the tyranny would make them not to come back to the situation described in point #1.?????
______________________________________
3. Now on the practical benefits of lifting the embargo. The Cuban regime for the first time will be out of the scape goat for their problems. Its been 50 years of blaming every problem on the embargo. I am not sure they will know or will be able to handle that.
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The tyranny handles the information with no seriousness at all. Once the embargo is lifted they will have 20 years more for blaming the “50 years long and cruel blockade” or “the menace of invasion of the imperialism make us divert huge resources for the national defense”, etc, etc, etc. I almost can hear them!!!!
____________________________________________
4. Another and big tangible benefit will be direct contact between people in Cuba and people in the US. From all the countries in LatinAmerica Cuba is the one with bigger affinity towards the US.
Direct contact is very important because it will let them know we are not to invade or to force our ways. That is something they have been listening from Castro and his groupies all this time. We will be there to help.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I believe it is something the cuban people already knows but do you believe the tyranny will allow direct contact between americans and cubans?????……. first, there are few americans that speaks spanish and fewer cuban that speaks english. Second, I guess the tyranny will manage easily the american tour-operators to sell only packages and hotels in the keys or easily isolating places like Varadero. Third, why are so special the americans, why they will get what millions of canadians, spaniards, italians, french or mexicans did not?????
________________________________________
5. But maybe still restrict business here to set up shops over there.
Once we allow our business to set shop over there then is harder to turn back because they will have to abandoned their investments.
On the other hand, setting up shop over there will be maybe the best thing out of it as long as we can take the Cuban regime out of been an intermediary between the Cubans and the companies.
What I mean is that if we pay Cuban workers they will get the salary we pay and not the Cuban government. Those things should be able to be negotiated for all american companies by the US government by setting up the max allowable tax the Cuban government will charge etc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Correct.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 16:58
I GET THE FEELING THIS IS ANOTHER LIE!
REUTERS: Cuban efforts to reduce bulk food imports on track
“The cash-strapped Cuban government has embarked on a program to cut import costs by increasing the island’s food production and hopes to slash rice, bean and powdered milk imports — staples of the Cuban diet — 50 percent by 2013.
President Raul Castro, who took over for his older brother Fidel Castro in February 2008, has increased what the state pays for crops, decentralized agricultural decision-making and distribution and leased 50 percent of vacant state lands to 100,000 individuals and private and state cooperatives farms.
Cuba imported 567,000 tonnes of rice in 2008, most of it from Vietnam’s state-run Northern Food Corp under preferential financial terms.
The Communist-run Caribbean island imported from various countries 246,000 tonnes of dried beans and 52,113 tonnes of powdered milk in 2008, according to government statistics.
Cuba spent $2.2 billion in 2008 to buy food, including $700 million for rice and beans combined and $250 million for powdered milk. It imports about 70 percent of its food.
Most land in Cuba remains in state hands, but private farmers and cooperatives own some 20 percent and produce more than 60 percent of the food.”
http://www.reuters.com/article.....arketsNews
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 15:17
Sigmund about the inertia you talk about assuming the embargo is drop.
We do not need to drop the whole thing to start.
We can let them buy anything they want here. Except military equipment.
But maybe still restrict business here to set up shops over there.
Once we allow our business to set shop over there then is harder to turn back because they will have to abandoned their investments.
On the other hand, setting up shop over there will be maybe the best thing out of it as long as we can take the Cuban regime out of been an intermediary between the Cubans and the companies.
What I mean is that if we pay Cuban workers they will get the salary we pay and not the Cuban government. Those things should be able to be negotiated for all american companies by the US government by setting up the max allowable tax the Cuban government will charge etc.
So the whole thing could be work out as a progressive system. They behave better we give them more and so on.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 15:03
Ok Sigmund
You have a good question here
“I would like to read some practical benefices that lifting the embargo will bring to the cause of Cuba’s freedom.”
We need to be able to break the dependency between the Cuban people and the Cuban regime. They themselves do not want this any more because they can not support this anymore. But given a better economical situation they may want to place all the subsidies back and all the dependency that is how they keep power. The main reason for it is to have people like children and be the strong father in control.
So thats the kind of behavior we do not want the Cuban government to have.
With no travel restriction for Americans and individuals traveling specially from organizations likes churches and democracy promotion organizations its possible something could be done. And to be clear with the Cuban regime that if they do not behave or restrict individual freedoms then we go back to square one and that we are expecting them to release all political prisoners in a short time frame after the elimination of embargo and ban travel.
Now on the practical benefits of lifting the embargo. The Cuban regime for the first time will be out of the scape goat for their problems. Its been 50 years of blaming every problem on the embargo. I am not sure they will know or will be able to handle that.
Another and big tangible benefit will be direct contact between people in Cuba and people in the US. From all the countries in LatinAmerica Cuba is the one with bigger affinity towards the US.
Direct contact is very important because it will let them know we are not to invade or to force our ways. That is something they have been listening from Castro and his groupies all this time. We will be there to help.
Somethings need to be understood by the Cuban government and that we will not quick on freedom and helping Cubans that like a society that respects freedom. Individual freedoms. All of them.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 14:28
50
Julio de la Yncera
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:39
Sigmund my point is
that the embargo has not deliver the goods we wanted.
So let us change that. Nobody can stop us from placing it back……
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, to break the inertia is always hard, once the embargo is gone it would be so difficult to place it back as difficult is now to lift it.
In the other side, I agree that the embargo has not worked until now but the reason of this failure is not in the embargo self but the way it has been implemented. First, the timing. In same way the cuban people started a armed fight in 1962 choosing so the worst timing to make such effort, just when castro had more popular support, the US gov. placed the embargo in wrong time……. exactly few month before the soviets started sending huge financial and material aid to castro. Second, international support. A unilateral embargo of any country on another without international support and participation will not succeed. Third, will. A weak embargo, often broken, modified and partially suspended denoted that the will was not to harm the “enemy”, the will was…….. only God and US dept. of state knows.
But the first concern I believe we must have about lifting the embargo is….. how lifting the embargo will works on the tyranny?????…….. most embargo criticizers says that to lift the embargo and to prove other strategy will works better but few ones gives arguments to demonstrate it…….. I would like to read some practical benefices that lifting the embargo will bring to the cause of Cuba’s freedom.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 13:23
The embargo enjoys an almost unanimous lack of support in the world. The last time the embargo came up in the UN, it was universally condemned 187-3, the three in support were the US, Israel and Palau. That’s a great coalition.
If the US were to lift the embargo, it could expand this coalition and be in a much better position to help bring about the change everyone wants for Cuba. Here’s how.
Lift the embargo, build a broad coalition based on support for fundamental human rights. Demand that Cuba release all political prisoners within six months or else face sanctions originating not just from the US, but from the members of coalition. Sanctions not directed against the Cuban people, but at the top.
I agree that change for the sake of change is not a valid solution to anything. What I suggest is change for the sake of a different strategy — a different tactic.
No one thinks that the US is responsible for the deterioration of Cuba. We all know that it is the fault of the Castros. And no one is in favor of aiding or abetting them. The point is that the approach we have taken in effecting change there – the embargo — has not worked.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 13:05
LA TIMES: Black activists launch rare attack on Cuba about racism
“A group of 60 African American artists and thinkers have launched a rare — and some say unprecedented — attack on Cuba’s human rights record, with a particular focus on the treatment of black political dissidents.
In a statement issued in November, luminaries including Princeton professor Cornel West, actress Ruby Dee and director Melvin Van Peebles criticized the Communist government for its “increased violations of civil and human rights for those black activists in Cuba who dare raise their voices against the island’s racial system.”
The statement, “Acting on Our Conscience,” was denounced by the Cuban government.”
“Meanwhile, Obama has also had an effect on the Cuban streets, said Carlos Moore, a left-wing Afro-Cuban scholar and Castro critic.
With Obama’s election, “it’s not that black Cubans became pro-U.S. or pro-Washington, but they said, ‘A black man can become elected head of state in a country that we were always told was racist — but here we are with [a majority] and we cannot come into power,’ ” said Moore, a Brazilian resident who supported, but did not sign, the Americans’ statement.”
http://www.latimes.com/news/na.....1302.story
Acting on Our Cnscience-A Declaration of African American Support for The Civil Rights Struggles in Cuba
http://www.lanuevacuba.com/arc.....tement.pdf
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:41
One thing I will see as a mistake it to allow them to buy on credit. As we know they like to ask for money and not pay back.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:39
Sigmund my point is
that the embargo has not deliver the goods we wanted.
So let us change that. Nobody can stop us from placing it back. For a long time it was not even law. It was understood to be done by every elected republican and democrat president. Now is law so only congress can take it away.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:35
Anonimo you should read post by Fernando Ravsberg from BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/mun....._ravsberg/
Many of those post explain how corrupted is the regime. You do get people in Cuba who use a foreigner as a coy and they in Cuba are the ones having the business and bringing containers from china to Cuba and making a lot of money.
You see for this people they have found a way around the regime to side step it.
And they have corrupted anyone in their way.
I am sure the Castros know about this things but there is little they can do.
for example if you can read Spanish read this
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/mun.....banos.html
It will give you an idea.
He does have many other post that talk a lot about the corruption in the system.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:28
It is a hard question…… to keep the embargo gives castro a weapon of propaganda…. propaganda aimed on the cubans and the international opinion……… to lift the embargo gives castro a huge amount of money that will not have incidence in the cuban’s welfare and freedom…….. what to do???!!!
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:23
Sigmud I think you have nailed on 45!
The economic problems in Cuba are self inflicted I am not sure if they did it on purpose. I doubt that but it definitely have been convenient for them.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:17
i know someone that sends food,medicine,clothes.etc..to cuba how does he do this ? his he part of the cuban mafia… i mean hundreds of pounds
Cuba right now does have a very high level of corruption. Mostly everyone is corrupted or corruptible. A society like that is dysfunctional {this what you mean}
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 11:15
42
Julio de la Yncera
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 10:01
…..The problems with their economy are not really the embargo is the centralize economy they have……
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I believe this problem is not systemic but strategical. I do not believe a high IQ like Castro can not find where are the problems that makes the cuban economy weak. I believe he knows the problem very well but at same time he knows that the strategy of maintaining the people at the border of misery is a good way for keeping it under control. The cuban economy does not work but it does not means the government is in financial troubles. A container with 3000 millions dollars of the Cuban gov. were found in Irak by US military, the Union of Swiss Banks (USB) were found guilty of helping castro to laundry money. Another conglomerate of Swiss Banks were fined recently for same reason, castro borrows money to the cuban state if needed, castro pays cash the huge amount of food he buys to USA and pays a lot of politicians and lobbyists in USA…….. they have money, they have contacts, they have knowledge, they do not have the will. If they decide to give economical freedom to the cubans they knows it could solve the problems immediately…… but it would bring also political freedom and loses of control. That’s why they will not allow the needed change……… they created poverty in Cuba as a strategy of control, they kept this poverty at maximum despite the huge soviet’s subside, they keep this poverty now and will keep it even if Us credits and tourists flood the island. For the tyranny this poverty is a life and dead question….. that’s why embargo or not embargo will not change anything in Cuba, I believe.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 10:09
Cuba right now does have a very high level of corruption. Mostly everyone is corrupted or corruptible. A society like that is dysfunctional.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 10:05
I believe that if we can give the majority of the Cuban people economic independence from the regime they will be free. Not because of the Cuban regime giving them freedom but because they will grab it on their own in the same way Yoani and other bloggers do.
So what I am saying is that for individuals in Cuba
economical independence implies freedom
the reason is that the regime control what people can say because they all have to work for the government and they could fired you at any time or not let you study if you start to complain too much or be critical of them.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 10:01
That is a good point Sigmund
I still do not think that eliminating the embargo will give them the economical buoyancy they need. The problems with their economy are not really the embargo is the centralize economy they have.
I guess we could tell them that if they do something like that we go back to square one. That is embargo again.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 09:44
32
Alsdally
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 23:38
The embargo has to be lifted this year. Remove the scapegoat, open everything up and let the cards fall where they may. Recent history proves that the people will inevitably decide.
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I don’t see the way the “people can decide” if the tyranny get richer by giving it credits and millions of US tourists ……. to know the future we just need to know the past…… in the past, each time the tyranny got economically good the harder was the repression and the isolation of cuban people.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 09:10
Yubano:I would like to know how the embargo and restriction work in the past 50 years? Can you explain to me please?
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 08:51
Yubano one last thing for you.
About 60 percent of Cubans here in the US think the same way I do with regards to the embargo and travel to Cuba by american.
This data is base on polls. I still like to know why you think the embargo will work.
After 50 years. As you say it is debatable if it has work at all.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 08:14
Yubano
I am not really trying to convince you that I am right. I am just trying to understand where is my logic wrong. So please let me know.
I am not trying to convince you because I think people are entitle to think what they want. Maybe you do know something I do not. So please let me know.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 08:07
Yubano
you have not answer my questions.
I think I am clear on what I am saying.
I am giving a reason why there is an American embargo
I already explained.
My question is can you proof that I am wrong? That the reason I stated is not the reason they have place the embargo?
Futhermore can you give me reasons or a reason for the embargo different that what I have mentioned?
From what I have written what is it that you do not understand because I believe I was very clear.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 07:57
I do have a problem with Utopian societies.
Any Utopian society assumes individuals will have some sort of perfections it does not assume for imperfect individuals, for nuts, for greedy individuals.
That is the case of socialism and communism.
While in Capitalism we use these greedy individuals that do want to create their own businesses to produce wealth for society. We recoup part of the money they produce in Taxes. They should be allow to keep part of the money since they are the ones taking the risk investing their money. So you see. Someone like this in a country like Cuba is actually place in prison! That is why their economy is so bad!
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 07:49
Anonimo, Maybe the socialism you are talking about is the European style like the Sweden?
http://www.namyth.com/SocialismWORKS!/index.php?sw=Sweden
Here is the thing. You can not apply things that work for one group of people to another group of people that easily.
No matter how much Fidel Castro wanted Cubans to do socialism or communism they actually did their own thing.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 07:42
Anonimo
“Socialism is liberal. More people (preferably everyone) have some say in how the economy works.”
This is false.
The socialism I know back in Cuba only the few at the top are making choices for the rest. So socialism is not democratic. And it can never be so as long as it is a ditatorship. They called it ditatorship of the proletariat. But the reality is that it becomes the ditatorship of a few self appointed greedy individuals that like to make decisions for everyone else and claim that everyone else agrees with them.
So no socialism that I know has been democratic at least not the one in the Soviet Union, not the One in China,North Korea,Viet Nam and not the one in Cuba.
China and Viet Nam did realize a while back that the centralize and plan economies will not work. So they change to the economic model of capitalism but control politically by the communist party.
The issue I have with that model is that freedom is still restricted. Since some people are repress is not a good system either. On the other hand we can see the bad record that Chine have with regards to the environment and also the workers can not organize in unions to protect themselves.
Plus who needs the communist to direct a country especially been they the ones that say that capitalism was bad and exploitative!
A communist that uses capitalism is not a real communist. It really is a power grabber that likes to keep himself in power making decisions for everyone else.
Enero 3rd, 2010 at 07:39
Another nutjob comes out of the woodwork … equating conservatism to communism. I see the parallels Reagen and Stalin, Bush and Krushev, Lincoln and Lenin. Another deep thinker graces us with their brilliance… hahaha
Julio
You have every right to feel and think whatever you like. But your reasoning, arguments and form of expression are mostly unintelligible.
You can all hope for the embargo to be lifted but it will not happen until there is regime change or at least until the Castros make fundamental changes to the system. And what are the chances of that happening? Do I have any takers?
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 23:38
The embargo has to be lifted this year. Remove the scapegoat, open everything up and let the cards fall where they may. Recent history proves that the people will inevitably decide.
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 21:44
Yubano ; The Castros have always been afraid that the U.S Leaf the embargo again Cuba. Ex: went Clinton try to leaf the embargo in the 90 after he send Elian Glez to Cuba the through down the brothers to the rescued plains.
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 21:38
Yubano the embargo does not do any thing to the Castros brothers, the embargo only justify the oppression of the opposition . Let me splaying , the Castros said that the oppositions is paid by the west specially by the U.S. No embargo means the Castros can’t Justify this act. The public opinion will fail in favor of the opposition and the Castros will show their true colors. In the 50 years the embargo has been in place ;the embargo has don’t nothing to the Castros , they always are laughing about the U.S. Let see the history none of the U.S. president until now has been able to put the brothers on their knee. And their always using the embargo as a demagogic arm again the U.S. Like Daniel again Goliad.
Yubano the embargo has only work in favor of the Castros brother, no in favor of the Cuban, I do no know if you read what my brother wrote in here, but in the 70 my aunt show me the real face of the Castros Brothers , I just to believe in social justice that the lack of freedom was justified by the embargo, but when I went w/ my aunt to the diplomatic stores and the two tear system the Castros brother implemented on does stores one for the Cuba-Americans and other for the rest of the tourist from Europe .About the two tears one for the tourist and other for the Cubans. That may me change my way to think.
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 21:30
communism, socialism and a cult is it all the same
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 21:26
Socialism is liberal. More people (preferably everyone) have some say in how the economy works. Democracy is liberal. More people (preferably everyone) have some say in how the government works. “Democracy,” said Marx, “is the road to socialism.” He was wrong about how economics and politics interact, but he did see their similar underpinnings.
Communism is conservative. Fewer and fewer people (preferably just the Party Secretary) have any say in how the economy works. Republicans are conservative. Fewer and fewer people (preferably just people controlling the Party figurehead) have any say in how the government works. The conservatives in the US are in the same position as the communists in the 30s, and for the same reason: Their revolutions failed spectacularly but they refuse to admit what went wrong.
A common mistake is to confuse Socialism, the economic system, with Communism, the political system. Communists are “socialist” in the same way that Republicans are “compassionate conservatives”. That is, they give lip service to ideals they have no intention of practicing
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 20:07
Yubano, you are correct the embargo is right now law. So the only way to change it is by going to Congress and changing the law. So it will not be easy task to do.
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 20:00
Yubano
Yes I am serious
I do not think is nonsense. Let me explain
The american embargo is there to force the Cuban people to have to struggle so that they will hate the Cuban regime. Believe me there is no need for that. People already hate the regime for many other reasons.
Even if Cuba was economically Ok. If they still have the lack of freedom they have people will still loath them.
OK if that is not the reason the embargo is in place then explain to me why is the embargo there?
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 19:59
I MADE THESE POINTS ON THE LAST BLOG ENTRY ABOUT THE EMBARGO!
Enero 1st, 2010 at 20:05
Julio,
I dont know all the details about the “Cuban Five” but I keep hearing on NPR about how Israel trades prisoners for others by the Palestinians and recently how a British prisoner just happened to be released while the US releasead an arab Iman or some “important prisoner”. I still believe that step by step will show more about REAL INTENTIONS for ALL PARTIES. Given 50 years of the opposite behavior by the Cuban Government I think they will BALK at any REAL DIPLOMACY!
Enero 1st, 2010 at 19:26
Julio,
Given their response so far, it is the Cuban Goverment that looks BAD and it is showing their TRUE COLORS! I personally think that significant steps by the USA with significant steps by the Cuban Goverment is the best way. I was under the impression that this is the way diplomacy works normally!
Enero 2nd, 2010 at 19:39
Julio
“I mentioned before its is immoral to have an embargo to force people of another nation to vote in a way we like. That is my main point against the embargo. People should be able to vote without any pressure from a foreign government to do so.”
Por Favor…
Julio with all due repect are you serious? Do you actually believe this nonsense? The embargo forces people in Cuba to vote a certain way? I suppose the embargo is also responsible for who runs for office in Cuba’s free elections?