Dump the Cuban Embargo

[Lumpold]

Originally Posted by gnukfu

If massive oil fields are found under or near Cuba the embargo will disappear.

Did you miss that news story?

[Finfan]

Originally Posted by Lumpold

Did you miss that news story?

wow, thats really interesting. I didnt know about this--oil off of Cuba. I'm surprised that we havent named Cuba among the axes of evil and gone in to secure said oil.

[burninator]

Originally Posted by Finfan

wow, thats really interesting. I didnt know about this--oil off of Cuba. I'm surprised that we havent named Cuba among the axes of evil and gone in to secure said oil.

Seems US foreign policy is somewhat more nuanced than we may think.

[gnukfu]

Originally Posted by Lumpold

Did you miss that news story?

Yeah I did! Holy Cow.

[Ron1YY]

Originally Posted by icehog3

OK, I will have it dumped tomorrow.

No tom, he said dump the cuban EMBARGo, Not the cuban Sandwich!!!!


Ron

[gnukfu]

Mmmm Cuban Sandwich. Psssst I know where you can get some of those (PM me for details).

[Ron1YY]

Originally Posted by gnukfu

Mmmm Cuban Sandwich. Psssst I know where you can get some of those (PM me for details).

Sending PM!!! I usually go to my friend whos uncle has a brother that works in a Cuban Sandwich factory!!!! MMmmmmm Mmmmm!!!


Ron

[gnukfu]

I've had mine from Luis Tiant's stand at Fenway Park (no he doesn't make the sandwiches; he just owns the stand). I have no idea how close they are to the real thing but they are quite tasty! And where else can you get an autograph and picture with Luis?

[SR Mike]

Raul Castro named Cuba's new president

11 hours ago

HAVANA (AFP) — Cuba marked a historic milestone in its revolution Sunday as Raul Castro took over as president from his brother Fidel, defying the United States with pledges not to abandon the communist path.

"Fidel is irreplaceable; the people will continue his work when he is no longer with us physically, though his ideas always will be here," Raul Castro, 76, told lawmakers in his acceptance speech.

"I accept the responsibility I have been given with the conviction I have repeated often: there is only one Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution: Fidel is Fidel and we all know it well."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier urged Cuba to move toward "peaceful, democratic change."

"We urge the Cuban government to begin a process of peaceful, democratic change by releasing all political prisoners, respecting human rights, and creating a clear pathway towards free and fair elections," Rice said in a statement in Washington.

But Raul Castro vowed to be on guard against its powerful northern neighbor the United States, saying "we have taken note of the offensive and openly meddling declarations by the Empire (as Cuba refers to Washington) and some of its closest allies."

Ailing Fidel Castro, 81, who announced on Tuesday he was stepping aside after ruling for almost 50 years, was not present as the National Assembly held its landmark session to select a new leader.

But newly reelected speaker Ricardo Alarcon announced Sunday to the assembly that Raul -- the only candidate to be put forward -- had been named the new president.

Raul Castro then asked lawmakers for permission to consult with his legendary bearded older brother, on "matters of great importance," and lawmakers gave him a swift green light.

Also in defiance of US-led calls for democratic change, Fidel Castro this week ruled out any betrayal of the Cuban revolution ahead of Sunday's historic vote.

In his Tuesday announcement, the frail communist icon quashed speculation that he would retake the reins of power, which he "temporarily" ceded to defense chief Raul Castro on July 31, 2006, shortly after undergoing surgery.

The 614-member assembly on Sunday was also choosing the country's Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, first vice president, five other vice presidents, a party secretary and the 23 members of the Council of State.

Jose Ramon Machado, another "old guard" Cuban leader, was selected for Cuba's number-two spot, lawmakers said.

Machado, 77, a former health minister, is a founder of the Communist Party and has been chief of party organization since 1990.

Meanwhile, Carlos Lage, 56, a rising younger-generation leader seen as having a longshot chance at the presidency, retains his post as one of several vice presidents.

With Machado behind him "Raul Castro is signaling that the old guard is still on top," Dan Erikson, an analyst with the Inter-American Dialogue, said in Washington.

"Machado Ventura is a longtime insider and party crony (so) Cuba still is not in the process of a major generational transition," Erikson added..
After years in Fidel's charismatic shadow as Cuba's number two and defense minister, Raul Castro faces massive challenges, including dismantling a monolithic leadership; preparing the transition to a newer generation in power; reforming the economy; and resolving domestic problems.

With half of Cuba's farmland idle, monthly salaries averaging 15 US dollars, national transportation near collapse; and housing and food in short supply the outlook is not good.

Most analysts predict Cuba's upcoming changes will be largely economic.
In the 19 months since he took over as temporary leader, Raul Castro has made some timid adjustments in the economy but has promised bigger changes.

Raul Castro mentioned in his acceptance speech that he would begin eliminating some simple economic restrictions in coming weeks, but he did not offer details.

He has made it clear however that everything will take place "within socialism," and that solutions to the country's problems will come "little by little."



Link

[pistolero]

Originally Posted by Finfan

wow, thats really interesting. I didnt know about this--oil off of Cuba. I'm surprised that we havent named Cuba among the axes of evil and gone in to secure said oil.

Well maybe if Latin American commie terrorists start flying planes into American buildings and killing thousands of us at a time WE WOULD?
Maybe, just maybe there is something else to it?

I get so tired of hearing that "blood for oil" crap, "were gonna send our boys over there to die so we can have cheap gasoline" yet now that gas is over $3/gallon THAT is Bush's fault too, because "he's in with all the oil men makin millions"
SOOOO, which is it?

[smokering10]

it might be possible to talk to Cuba since Castro is gone. his brother brought him into communism but hes willing to talk to us. i say we flood the country with American goods because no one can resist the best in the world hell even iran wants our ice cream, baskin robbins. i understand the embargo but by now we should be able to settle this like men, or women if your p.c.

[the nub]

Originally Posted by smokering10

even iran wants our ice cream, baskin robbins.

If you can get ice cream to the Cuban people for $0.10 a scoop I'm sure they'd love it. That's how much they pay, although they usually only have 3 flavors.

[shvictor]

I dont see how we justify trade with China, but not with Cuba. China has an absolute horrible human rights record....

[ArnaudDMR]

Originally Posted by shvictor

I dont see how we justify trade with China, but not with Cuba. China has an absolute horrible human rights record....

This is exactly what I was telling co-workers the other day. Not sure how we can have such HUGE trade agreements with countries like China and still keep the old-man embargo with Cuba.

Things change and people change but jeez, the Cuba business has got to end. Makes no sense anymore!

[shvictor]

Big business is keeping China safe from any embargos. They need their cheap labor.