Are we funding Fidel?

[FunkyPorcini]

I have always wondered how the whole Cuban Cigar trade world rotates. If we buy a Cuban cigar is it money going directly into Castro's pockets and in turn funding his armies?

I did a brief Google search but was unsuccesful.

[morenoloco]

Yes, it does... Next time, just write the check out to Fidel... It makes it easier for him to deposit.

[WillyGT]

I think so. Maybe not directly as the vendors have to make some profit, but, since in cuba everything has to pass through goverment so then it can be distributed "evenly", I guess we DO are funding Fidel. No problem for me as long as they keep the habanos coming and as good as always

[MM2(SW)S]

Cant be that much. I mean as much as some of the guys here spend on cigars from the Island then it shouldn't be a third world country. But then again I could be wrong and he pocketing the money and sending to his US bank accounts

[GOAT LOCKER]

By "we", are you saying USA? Yep, if you want to look at it that way, we are funding Castro, and his "Army". Not much of an army though... I don't think it makes much difference, as Cuba will sell all of it's tobacco crop, regardless of wether Americans buy or not. Go into any overseas cigar store and you will see 75%-90% cuban cigars. As far as the rest of the cuban economy, the embargo, and world markets, have had a devastating effect.

[SeanGAR]

The US is indirectly funding Torano, the Padrons and Fuente. If Cubans were available to US smokers, do you think there will be as much excitement over those smokes? I guarantee you Don Carlos and Hemmingway won't sell for close to $200 a box if you can get Mag46, PSD4, or any of the other great Cuban smokes for the same price.

Castro? I'm more concerned about the Red Chinese....they have nukes, a chip on their shoulder, and they're psycho. Next time you buy something, take a look at the label. Do it daily for a week....then tell me that Red China isn't a threat. Castro is such small potatos that it blows my mind the US gives a rats a$$ about him....oh yeah....Cuban-American votes in Florida...I remember now why Castro is supposedly relevant....

Sean

[Jeff]

SeanGar. Good point about the Peoples Republic. They are the ones with nukes and the largest standing Army in the world. Thank God they don't have an equivelant Navy yet, or else they could project their power anywhere.

I wonder what the prices of ISOMs will be after the embargo is lifted?

[TheSmokingHiker]

Originally Posted by Jeff

I wonder what the prices of ISOMs will be after the embargo is lifted?

I dont know, but I bet it will be better than what we get now. My question though is what is going to happen with the company names? I mean, all the companies like RyJ and Cohiba stole the names of their cigars from their cuban counterparts. What will happen with that?

[FunkyPorcini]

Both governments oppress the people. I realize that it would suck to have to think about some poor family in Cuba getting held down in part because of this cigar that I'm trying to enjoy while I relax in luxury but, it's kinda true. It's like beef. You should know where it comes from and how it's processed before eating it. If it is possible for people here to not buy Chinese goods it could help. I remember talking with someone that came back from there and said that they drove down this road that had nothing but factories on either side, bellowing smoke and packed with workers. That road went on for 50 miles. If China ever does decide to do something with all the money they have we are going to have to realize that we were the largest majority that gave it to them. As it is they are already beating out the US for purchasing steel and many other natural resources. When was the last time that has happened?

[Quixote]

Originally Posted by SeanGAR

Castro? I'm more concerned about the Red Chinese....they have nukes, a chip on their shoulder, and they're psycho. Next time you buy something, take a look at the label. Do it daily for a week....then tell me that Red China isn't a threat. Castro is such small potatos that it blows my mind the US gives a rats a$$ about him....oh yeah....Cuban-American votes in Florida...I remember now why Castro is supposedly relevant....

Sean

Amen brother, on the China/Cuba comparison.


A riddle:

What's the difference between an optimist and a pessimist?

An optimist learns to speak Arabic.

A pessimist learns to speak Chinese.


-Q

[dadof3illinois]

Everyone needs to start paying attention to China. Why do you think raw building materials and fuel prices are high. China is buying any and everything they can get their hands on. China's infrastructure is growing 2 to 3 times faster than anyone's right now.

[jknoche]

Yep, but why?
Cheap worforce with a good education and low taxes...yep!
They buy the recources because their industry longs for it!

And for Cuba....well, Castro is a dictator, certainly a murder and should definably be replaced by democracy (but pleace no war or assecination) but the money going there by your cubans-shopping is not used for surpressing his people (of course it sponsors his whole machinery) but the average cuban is not so bad off...they got a lower illiteracy (English spelling correct?) rate than the US or most European countries. Castro is a dictator but surely one which isn't as bad as a lot of other governments.

Wait a few years and the problem will solve itself and then you'll be ably to buy Cubans for as little as 1.65€ like here in Germany (if there isn't somebody else getting a grab on power.

[Gargamel]

I don't put much thought into it. Like someone else said..."Just keep the Havana's coming!"

[miketafc]

Originally Posted by FunkyPorcini

I have always wondered how the whole Cuban Cigar trade world rotates. If we buy a Cuban cigar is it money going directly into Castro's pockets and in turn funding his armies?

I did a brief Google search but was unsuccesful.

YES, He confiscated all the farms when he took over and the Gov owns and gets most of the revenue from them. Called Communism.

[shelvingunit]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

I don't put much thought into it. Like someone else said..."Just keep the Havana's coming!"

I'm with you....I just want to sit back and enjoy the cigars.