Hard-Line Lunacy on Cuba

[Jaga]

Just treat Cuba as eternal enemy.... instead of trying to do something more positive about it (this remind me a hard core Soviet system, which defined a friend and enemy very easily and stupidly):

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/30/AR2008053002119.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

For nearly five decades, the United States has pursued a policy toward Cuba that could be described as incredibly stupid.

It could also be called childish and counterproductive -- and, since the demise of the Soviet Union, even insane. Absent the threat of communist expansionism, the refusal by successive American presidents to engage with Cuba has not even a fig leaf's worth of rationale to cover its naked illogic. Other than providing Fidel Castro with a convenient antagonist to help whip up nationalist fervor on the island -- and prolong his rule -- the U.S. trade embargo and other sanctions have accomplished nothing.

Now, with Fidel ailing and retired, and his brother Raúl acting large and in charge, the United States has its best opportunity in years to influence the course of events on the island. George W. Bush, as one might have expected, won't do the right thing. It will be up to the next president.

...

[Atlantis5]

May 31, 2008 15:58:37 GMT -7 Jaga said:

Just treat Cuba as eternal enemy.... instead of trying to do something more positive about it (this remind me a hard core Soviet system, which defined a friend and enemy very easily and stupidly):

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/30/AR2008053002119.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

For nearly five decades, the United States has pursued a policy toward Cuba that could be described as incredibly stupid.

It could also be called childish and counterproductive -- and, since the demise of the Soviet Union, even insane. Absent the threat of communist expansionism, the refusal by successive American presidents to engage with Cuba has not even a fig leaf's worth of rationale to cover its naked illogic. Other than providing Fidel Castro with a convenient antagonist to help whip up nationalist fervor on the island -- and prolong his rule -- the U.S. trade embargo and other sanctions have accomplished nothing.

Now, with Fidel ailing and retired, and his brother Raúl acting large and in charge, the United States has its best opportunity in years to influence the course of events on the island. George W. Bush, as one might have expected, won't do the right thing. It will be up to the next president.

...

Jaga

I do certainly agree with you. There is no truth in a traditional enemy. For enemies are created, but friends are made.

For you are very correct, now is the time for Bush to step forward out of the box to Cuba. It is an island nation with many needs of the people even though, primarly only sugar as a cash crop, still the people are educated and willing to work hard as they have done for so many years.

Charles