Well, sure, if you want to look at it reasonably.


I would say, however, that Cuba has really posed no realistic threat to us for quite a long time, despite its proximity.

What I find most intriguing, however, is how American citizens can be subject to criminal penalties for the simple act of visiting Cuba. Land of the free, as long as you don't go to the wrong beach? WTF?

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When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears

So moral turpitude and double standards are fine as long as doing what you personally consider the "right" thing is too much of a hassle?

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If a neocon whines about big government wealth redistribution, just ask him what he thinks about the portion of that big government that sends aid to Israel.

The last threat from there was far more recent than the last time we were threatened by anything in Cape Dezhnev.

Think about it, when the Russians wanted to put missles within striking distance of the United States, where did they put them?

It sure the fuck wasn't Cape Dezhnev.

Even the Russians don't wanna' go there...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

One day, you'll probably learn that you cannot take on every battle you see. It's really as simple as that.

The reality is that we trade with countries such as Russia and China. it's to our advantage.

Cuba has nothing to offer us but cigars.

Ergo, there's no compellinig reason to lift the embargo...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

In other words, "yes," moral turpitude and double standards are okay. That would have been a shorter answer.

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If a neocon whines about big government wealth redistribution, just ask him what he thinks about the portion of that big government that sends aid to Israel.

So the theory is that if Americans visited Cuba, and saw what a paradise it is, they would return and demand Communism be adopted in the US?

I believe that if trade relations were normalized, the pressure on the Castro regime would have forced big changes in Cuba, the embargo is what's keeping Fidel in power. We conveniently provide Fidel with a big bad enemy that the Cuban people need to be protected against. Trade with Cuba, and the two economies merge.

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“ The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities; that is, in proportion to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the state.”

Adam Smith , The Wealth of Nations 1776

"We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economics"
FDR's second Inaugural Address

What do you think we should do, Slon?

Castro has already exhibited his willingness to permit his ally to point put their missles 90 miles off our coast. Why would we want to do anything that might appease him?

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

Well, first I think you should drop the embargo. Because an embargo is authoritarian and unjust to US citizens who would want to trade with people in Cuba. Besides, a lack of an embargo does not mandate you to trade with them. YOU can still choose not to trade, unless of course you need the government to act as your mother and tell you what to do because you can't make decisions regarding your morality unless they are forced upon you.

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If a neocon whines about big government wealth redistribution, just ask him what he thinks about the portion of that big government that sends aid to Israel.

I have no idea how you came to that conclusion. It sure isn't based on anything I've said...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

Now, after all of that, do you have a compelling reason why the embargo should be lifted?

The embargo has been in place for some time. Those who wish to see it remain don't have to argue for it to remain. Those who want it lifted need to argue why it should be lifted, and an effective argument is hardly pointing out perceived failings of the others' argument.

Essentially, what you've done is admit that I should expect a compelling argument from you no time soon...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

I'm not really making an argument. I don't have to.

The people who want it changed have to make the argument. Thus far, all they've really done his whine about double-standards, without providing any solid reasons why we should resume trade with Cuba.

Oh, and I reported you for calling me an asshole; no need for that.

And I don't care that you deleted the post...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

I didnt delete my post. And I ment it slightly as a compliment because in some instances you're spot-on, but this time you're just way off. By the way I recall you insulting people often enough.

The argument is clear: the Cuban people are suffering under the embargo.

Because it is a grave injustice to the people of the US?So laws should exist, no matter how unjust, just because they exist?Uh, I gave you one: "Because an embargo is authoritarian and unjust to US citizens"

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If a neocon whines about big government wealth redistribution, just ask him what he thinks about the portion of that big government that sends aid to Israel.

A "grave injustice"??

My, you do have a flair for the dramatic.

I don't see a grave injustice...

Fucking what?

How is an embargo of Cuba unjust to US citizens?

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

Well, that'd just be tough shit, then, wouldn't it?

How are they suffering, and why is it incumbent on the United States to see to it that they're not?

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"