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The Latin American leaders you talk about can point to the U.S. and claim that it's hypocritical and two-faced, and therefore doesn't need to be paid attention to. They can make a good case, since the U.S. will trade with almost anyone if there's enough money in it; dictatorship is not a problem.
With respect to creating havoc, the U.S. were less hypocritical, then those dictatorial leaders would have less of a leg to stand on.
The U.S. policy toward Latin America has been an utter failure the past 8 years. Part of the problem is that the U.S. wasn't even paying attention to the region. Anything would have been an improvement over that.
Your attitude toward looking tough is very typical neocon-think. You'd think that a set of policies that have failed consistently for years would have an effect on people who hold that ideology, but that is apparently not the case. If a "leftist" is one who wants to move away from failure, then it sounds like a compliment.
What we need is 'gradual change' and a measured, methodical stabilization of trade relations. Anything too drastic would result in chaos, IMHO. Leftist leaders in South America would interpret drastic change between Cuba-US policy as an excuse to fuel the socialist fire in South America and cause more anti-US havoc.
What we need is 'gradual change' and a measured, methodical stabilization of trade relations. Anything too drastic would result in chaos, IMHO. Leftist leaders in South America would interpret drastic change between Cuba-US policy as an excuse to fuel the socialist fire in South America and cause more anti-US havoc.
Or not. I think all of the leaders of Latin America would take notice if they thought the U.S. was paying attention to anything in Latin America.
How stupid do you think they are? You don't think they've noticed the U.S.'s policy toward China? The U.S. normalized diplomatic relations with Vietnam almost 14 years ago. The world didn't stop spinning when they did. There is no rational reason to treat Cuba differently than Vietnam, unless kowtowing to a political interest group is the "new rational".
Hey, they stole our canal! How about if you go to Panama and straighten out that little issue, since you're living several decades in the past.
While I think this post should be part of the Politics forum, I'll respond here.
Where was all this righteous indignation when America was being run into the ground during the last 8 years??
Do you think we can find Sadaam Hussein in a bunker in Iraq, but Cuba still has a dictator that the US hates for all these year right off our shores and we couldn't do anything about it?
You really need to be more saavy. We could have used your cautions more effectively when the country was being economically pillaged.
Location: Lots of sun and palm trees with occasional hurricane :)
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Today I heard that whatever was signed and now Cubans can come and go to see their relatives in Cuba as they please. Don't have to wait to do it every 3 years.
Suppose you are Cuban born, came to the US way back when (really long time ago) and are a US citizen. Is that any different?
I was told that if you came to the States pre 1970 something, you don't need a Cuban passport and just go with the US passport. You do have to go through a 3rd country however.
So........can Americans come and go too?
(I know I should know these answers but if I did I wouldn't be asking here).
Last edited by vpcats; 03-13-2009 at 05:58 PM..
Reason: terminology change
Today I heard that whatever was signed and now Cubans can come and go to see their relatives in Cuba as they please. Don't have to wait to do it every 3 years.
Suppose you are Cuban born, came to the US way back when (really long time ago) and are a US citizen. Is that any different?
I was told that if you came to the States pre 1970 something, you don't need a Cuban passport and just go with the US passport. You do have to go through a 3rd country however.
So........can Americans come and go too?
(I know I should know these answers but if I did I wouldn't be asking here).
Anyone in the US should be free to travel to Cuba, Cuban or not. I see it as an infringement on personal freedom to restrict a US citizen (or anyone else) from visiting another country.
Besides, allowing Americans/Cuban Americans to travel to Cuba will help that country. There's a huge opportunity for Cuba to become a major tourist destination, because it's the closest of the Caribbean islands to the mainland United States.
I believe that opening up the lines of communication and trade will help Cuba become "free", even if it is a gradual transition (which is the safest kind of transition, IMO). It's time to end the embargo and the nonsense, regardless of your political views. The status quo clearly hasn't worked and has only harmed the people of that nation, not the government
Location: Lots of sun and palm trees with occasional hurricane :)
8,293 posts, read 16,163,217 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BCreass
Anyone in the US should be free to travel to Cuba, Cuban or not. I see it as an infringement on personal freedom to restrict a US citizen (or anyone else) from visiting another country.
Besides, allowing Americans/Cuban Americans to travel to Cuba will help that country. There's a huge opportunity for Cuba to become a major tourist destination, because it's the closest of the Caribbean islands to the mainland United States.
I believe that opening up the lines of communication and trade will help Cuba become "free", even if it is a gradual transition (which is the safest kind of transition, IMO). It's time to end the embargo and the nonsense, regardless of your political views. The status quo clearly hasn't worked and has only harmed the people of that nation, not the government
Thanks but I know the "should" part. I need to know the facts.
As someone who HAS ACTUALLY BEEN THERE Cuba is not what the media would have you believe. I went to Havana for 2 weeks in 2002 (before George Bush enacted the travel restrictions for educational purposes-I went for a student trip). The entire time I was there I saw 1 homeless person (they may not live lavishly, but most everyone has food, work, and a home) and there really was a 24 hour vibe to the city. American dollars were everywhere, the hospitals were top notch, and the universities were very nice (and free). I heard plenty of English from the locals as well. A couple of guys who went on the trip with me actually went back for a couple of semesters to take advantage of the free universities. Though the place might not be perfect, there are many other places with much worse going on. I can't wait to go back myself!!!
Location: Moose Jaw, in between the Moose's butt and nose.
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Why is it ok for the US to LOVE China (especially cons and repugs), but not ok to show anything but HATE for Cuba?
What's the difference, particulary 20 years ago?
Is now the time? Amidst an economic crisis with no hope in sight? Will we have to jeopardize our morals to barter a liberalized Cuba? What about human rights? I see something alla Carter 1980. I can see nothing but negative implications for Miami if Cuba gradually opens...
But who cares, right? Havana was a bustling city hundreds of years before Miami was even on the map...
May I ask what morals we would have to jeopardize?
Thanks/
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