Hello forum! As many of you know, I'm pretty conservative, so, I feel the need to put this disclaimer on this thread. This is not a criticism thread about Obamas latest policy. Instead, its a discussion thread. I'm not sure how to feel about this latest policy move on his part, so I'm turning to you for opinions.
Here is the deal. After a year of "secret discussions" Obama announced that the United States would be loosening/lifting trade sanctions with Cuba. What does this mean?
Well, from what I see, it means Americans can smoke Cuban cigars, like the rest of the civilized world now. It also means that Cuba may become a major tourism destination, as businessmen snap up cheap coastal land and pop up resorts. Remember, Cuba was a major tourist hub prior to the 1950s.
Anyhow, from my distant view point, the American sanctions didn't really keep Cuba in poverty. Casto did that. Communism did that. If America bought a few cigars or not would make little difference. Also, Cuba had trade relations with European countries, so, if Americans think the sanctions kept Cuba in poverty, they need to get over them selves. Even so, there is no doubt that building a tourism industry there will Benefit Castro.
The question is, will it help the people? Also, should America do business with a communist dictator that committed terrible atrocities against his own people and has shown no sign of relenting?
I'd love to know how Cuban Americans feel about this. Many people fled Cuba in the wake of castros rise to power, and many others died trying.
Although this is an international forum, I think its safe to say, with out offending too many people, that communism sucks. Cuba is still an old style communist country.
If America is now willing to throw money at this country and do dealings with a leader that has a known track record of human rights violations, what will the Cuban people get out of it? Should America be demanding anything for the Cuban people in return for its looser sanctions, or should Obama just go forward with a "first step"'and see what happens?
Anyhow, this was more rambley than usual for me. Sorry about that. Please leave any comments below. Talk to the moose!
Here is the deal. After a year of "secret discussions" Obama announced that the United States would be loosening/lifting trade sanctions with Cuba. What does this mean?
Well, from what I see, it means Americans can smoke Cuban cigars, like the rest of the civilized world now. It also means that Cuba may become a major tourism destination, as businessmen snap up cheap coastal land and pop up resorts. Remember, Cuba was a major tourist hub prior to the 1950s.
Anyhow, from my distant view point, the American sanctions didn't really keep Cuba in poverty. Casto did that. Communism did that. If America bought a few cigars or not would make little difference. Also, Cuba had trade relations with European countries, so, if Americans think the sanctions kept Cuba in poverty, they need to get over them selves. Even so, there is no doubt that building a tourism industry there will Benefit Castro.
The question is, will it help the people? Also, should America do business with a communist dictator that committed terrible atrocities against his own people and has shown no sign of relenting?
I'd love to know how Cuban Americans feel about this. Many people fled Cuba in the wake of castros rise to power, and many others died trying.
Although this is an international forum, I think its safe to say, with out offending too many people, that communism sucks. Cuba is still an old style communist country.
If America is now willing to throw money at this country and do dealings with a leader that has a known track record of human rights violations, what will the Cuban people get out of it? Should America be demanding anything for the Cuban people in return for its looser sanctions, or should Obama just go forward with a "first step"'and see what happens?
Anyhow, this was more rambley than usual for me. Sorry about that. Please leave any comments below. Talk to the moose!