Originally Posted by Ianmac37

I doubt that any of those calling for the end of the US trade embargo on Cuba actually know what that embargo consists of and why it was put in place in the beginning.

After Fidel took power in an armed revolution, with US benign assistance (in that the US government did not support Batista and allowed several civilian groups to help arm Fidel's troops), he was lionized in the US press. After the first year in power his government expropriated businesses owned by US citizens without any compensation. These included sugar farms, electric power plants, and other large businesses.

In retaliation the US government froze Cuban assets in the US (and still holds them) and imposed a trade embargo with the expressed purpose of forcing negotiations for compensation for the seized property. Castro then openly claimed his communist connections and has refused negotiations ever since. The US trade embargo has been modified in various ways over the years, but one can sell food and medicine to Cuba after applying for a special export license.

Of course, the US embargo does not affect Canada, the European Union, or any other country, which can, and do, sell to Cuba just about any goods they are barred from getting from the US. As far as automobiles, food, medicine, and many other products, including oil, the US embargo has only the effect that Cuba wishes to portray to the world. They can buy anything they can afford.

What they can afford is the real problem. Because the Cuban economy is run under a foolish communist system, it is a failure and relies on the support of political friends. In the beginning this was the USSR. When that economy fell apart, and the Russian empire with it, Cuba opened up to capitalism and tried to entice European investments, particularly in tourism.

With a modest increase in living standards brought about by this economic conversion, Cuba again clamped down on "capitalistic tendencies" and the economy floundered. Then Venezuela, and Chavez, became Cuba's friend in need. Chavez offers oil at cut-rate prices and other benefits that allow Cuba to keep its poor economic system. So far.

Eventually, Cuba will fall apart or accept a fair amount of free enterprise (as China and Vietnam have done). In the meantime the US trade embargo has its greatest effect in denying US tourism at any large scale and limits Cuban purchases of large civilian passenger jets (because the companies that make them or their engines are under US export controls).

Castro can posture all he wants. I feel sorry for the people of Cuba who have to live under a dictatorship. Those who have fled to the US are benefiting our economy.

Originally Posted by Jihad4Beer

If one looks at the history of Cuba, one will see that relations with America were excellent until Castro took over.

Cuban policy is Castro policy.

Some speculate that Castro has racist, elitist vendetta against the USA because he was born into the Spanish elite that had historically ruled over Cuba.

It was Spain that Cuba won independence from with the help of the USA.

Castro was cheated out of his fortunate birth right by the USA when Cuba won independence from Spain.

Originally Posted by jpsartre12

Very nicely summarized. Ever think of writing Cliff Notes for World History textbooks?

Originally Posted by CowboyTed

Embargo is a waste of time. It is just hurts common Joe Cuba. It will never bring down Cubain Goverment. Saudi is a worse goverment.

Might as well send them a starbucks...

Originally Posted by Ianmac37

I'd have to remove a lot of opinion from that piece. I would add that I think the US is wrong to keep Guantanamo Naval Base since the "forever" treaty was negotiated with an overthrown government. To me, a responsible and respectable government would realize that the situation has changed and hand back the foreign territory rather than hold that the agreement remains in force and pay a very modest annual rent.

I, too, was in the Strategic Air Command. About 48 years ago; 8th Air Force, Loring AFB, Maine.

Originally Posted by The Progressive

I think Cuba along with North Korea provides examples for nations when they do not trade with the US so perhaps the embargo should stay for now? Otherwise America and the world would have no way of measuring just how great the US is for global growth throughout the rest of the planet for there would be no example to compare it against.

I think when the US does lift the embargo and Cuba's economy drastically improves, the world should thank us for yet again lifting another desparaged 3rd world economy from the gutter and giving them jobs to sell us stuff but im not optimistic, afterall, we are building the global economy faster than at anytime in history with a 600 billion dollar per year trade deficit yet their politicians get elected by tricking their population into blaming everything on America.

Originally Posted by danielpalos

We should be promoting the general welfare in our hemisphere. Improving trade relations with nearby states can improve the standard of living for all market participants.

Originally Posted by doniston

Fortunately for us, the "Unsupervision" of the people is what is called "FREEDOM" you don't have that.

Originally Posted by jpsartre12

laca, you do realize that the Cuban Secret Police are monitoring everything that you write and can trace your ISP to your house, right? That said, go ahead and tell Fidel he's full of shit and see how bad we have it compared to YOU when they come knocking on your door to take you away.

Originally Posted by Malvolio

This embargo is a joke. If you want to crush the Cuban regime, send McDonalds and Wal-Mart.

Originally Posted by laca

Someone said, I've forgot who ,that America has lots of freedom of choice but nothing to chose from.

Originally Posted by danielpalos

The Cold War is over. The evil communist empire is no longer a threat. Why do we need to embargo a nearby country?