So??

[Hooter]

   Do we need to be buddies with Cuba?  Good Idea?

[Momz]

It will be a boon to the travel industry. Canadians flock to Cuba as it is warm and cheap.

I could find many more interesting places to visit myself.

[Serk]

[ricoman]

it might give us a source for some pretty neat old US cars and bikes

[mrtappan]

I thought we already did that years ago.  I guess I don't keep up with politics.

[Moonshot_1]

I've always thought our foreign policy regarding Cuba was a bit on the bi-polar side. We trade and have diplomatic relationships with the likes of China, Russia as well as other dictatorships in the past with records of various abuses that Cuba's would pale in comparison.

The point was to remain engaged with those countries and to use that leverage to bring about change. Albeit slowly.
Got no idea why that didn't apply to Cuba.

To me the change in Cuba relations should be a win/win. But with this administration, I'm not so sure. We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

[Wizzard]

I've always thought our foreign policy regarding Cuba was a bit on the bi-polar side. We trade and have diplomatic relationships with the likes of China, Russia as well as other dictatorships in the past with records of various abuses that Cuba's would pale in comparison.

The point was to remain engaged with those countries and to use that leverage to bring about change. Albeit slowly.
Got no idea why that didn't apply to Cuba.

To me the change in Cuba relations should be a win/win. But with this administration, I'm not so sure. We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

 

[Jess from VA]

We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

Make it CA, and it's a deal.      

[Serk]

We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

Make it CA, and it's a deal.      

Hell, we'll throw in DC just to sweeten the deal!

I do find it interesting (Quote from Ted Cruz) that we're gonna have an embassy in Havana before we have one in Jerusalem...

[NEHI]

   I live in South Florida, they already have most of it! Good people though!

[The emperor has no clothes]

We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

Make it CA, and it's a deal.      

Hell, we'll throw in DC just to sweeten the deal!

I do find it interesting (Quote from Ted Cruz) that we're gonna have an embassy in Havana before we have one in Jerusalem...

I thought Tel Aviv was the capital ?

[sandy]

We supported Castro to oust Batista in the late 50's. As soon as Castro took over, he declared himself a commie and turned his back on us. That's what set up the scenario of the last 56 years.

[Serk]

We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

Make it CA, and it's a deal.      

Hell, we'll throw in DC just to sweeten the deal!

I do find it interesting (Quote from Ted Cruz) that we're gonna have an embassy in Havana before we have one in Jerusalem...

I thought Tel Aviv was the capital ?

Sorry for more threaddrift but nope, Jerusalem is the capital...

On 5 December 1949, Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, proclaimed Jerusalem as Israel's capital,[215] and since then all branches of the Israeli government—legislative, judicial, and executive—have resided there, except for the Ministry of Defense, which is located at HaKirya in Tel Aviv.[216] At the time of the proclamation, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan and thus only West Jerusalem was proclaimed Israel's capital.

In 1995, the United States Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which required, subject to conditions, that its embassy be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.[221] However, U.S. presidents have argued that Congressional resolutions regarding the status of Jerusalem are merely advisory. The Constitution reserves foreign relations as an executive power, and as such, the United States embassy is still in Tel Aviv.[222] Due to the non-recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, some non-Israeli press use Tel Aviv as a metonym for Israel.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem#Political_status

[Woton]

I've always thought our foreign policy regarding Cuba was a bit on the bi-polar side. We trade and have diplomatic relationships with the likes of China, Russia as well as other dictatorships in the past with records of various abuses that Cuba's would pale in comparison.

The point was to remain engaged with those countries and to use that leverage to bring about change. Albeit slowly.
Got no idea why that didn't apply to Cuba.

To me the change in Cuba relations should be a win/win. But with this administration, I'm not so sure. We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

 

Can only give a half-thumb here - You lost me at the "this administration" comments...

As was said we have diplomatic relationships with countries that pose a MUUUUUCH greater threat to us these days than does Cuba. 

In this day of intercontinental nuclear missiles, other than being a truly historical event what is the significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis to our national security TODAY.

Heck, the wife and I have a trip booked in November to SE Asia - including four nights in Vietnam.  What does Cuba have against it that apparently pales with the national travesty that was Vietnam?

One must wonder if the "President's Book of Secrets" contains something about Cuba, Castro, Bay of Pigs, or whatever that most of us know nothing about.

It's GOT to be more than the political significance of the Miami Cuban population... or, maybe again it's not...

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've always thought our foreign policy regarding Cuba was a bit on the bi-polar side. We trade and have diplomatic relationships with the likes of China, Russia as well as other dictatorships in the past with records of various abuses that Cuba's would pale in comparison.

The point was to remain engaged with those countries and to use that leverage to bring about change. Albeit slowly.
Got no idea why that didn't apply to Cuba.

To me the change in Cuba relations should be a win/win. But with this administration, I'm not so sure. We will probably find out Cuba agreed to this because they will get Florida in 2020.

 

Can only give a half-thumb here - You lost me at the "this administration" comments...

As was said we have diplomatic relationships with countries that pose a MUUUUUCH greater threat to us these days than does Cuba. 

In this day of intercontinental nuclear missiles, other than being a truly historical event what is the significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis to our national security TODAY.

Heck, the wife and I have a trip booked in November to SE Asia - including four nights in Vietnam.  What does Cuba have against it that apparently pales with the national travesty that was Vietnam?

One must wonder if the "President's Book of Secrets" contains something about Cuba, Castro, Bay of Pigs, or whatever that most of us know nothing about.

It's GOT to be more than the political significance of the Miami Cuban population... or, maybe again it's not...

I think it's mostly because they are so close to us. Having a satellite of the USSR just miles from us was too much to handle. Now granted the USSR has nonexistent for years but once policy was set we didn't want to change.

[Woton]

It will be a boon to the travel industry. Canadians flock to Cuba as it is warm and cheap.

I could find many more interesting places to visit myself.

I actually think Cuba will experience an influx of US tourism over the next few years that they are not prepared to handle.

It's simple human nature - we love what we can't have.  Or, at least in this case what has been denied us for years...

Then, they'll get their act together -- and we'll grow tired of it.

[pastmast95]

Can't wait to go! Get some great cigars and good rum drinks!

[czuch]

They have an vast un-tapped reserve of prisoners and dissidents they just cant wait to dump over here. All the Cigaros took their knowedge and seeds and went to Nicaragua and other like climes.
As far as the cars go, other than the parts that went to France, then to Cuba, they havent had parts since they were new. Alot of them have Peugeot diesels and such. I'm equally sure the tropical ocean air and warm temps have been equally kind.
On the other hand, maybe some of the 99%ers will go there and find out what its like to speak out against a real tyranny, instead of the made up one their professors stuffed into their little heads.
AND as far as them not ready to handle the influx of Tourista Gringo, the only problem will be wandering away from the approved tour area and actually seeing the People's paradise.
That is all.

[J.Mencalice]

When the almighty dollars flood into Cuba by the ton, the race will be on for corporate America to rebuild the country and install every hotel chain/resort along as much of the coastline that can be acquired.

Cuba was the playground of the rich, the famous, the mafia, the politicians, the yachtsmen, the sport fishermen,  and the smugglers of any type of goods that were wanted on the mainland back in the 40's and 50's.

What makes you  think that it wouldn't return to the days of yesteryear given the opportunity in 2015 and forward?  In 25 years it will be transformed into a "destination resort" for the Atlantic seaboard.
As soon as all the payoffs are made, the games will begin.

[Jetflyer]

Reestablishing relations with Cuba has nothing to do with cigars or tourism... its a smokescreen.

Putin and the Russian Bear have woken back up, and are on the move again. They have moved back into the Ukraine and now have a forward base in Syria. Dont think for a moment, that Cuba wasn't back on the radar for them.

The Stars and Stripes flying again at our Embassy in Cuba is strategically huge. We just beat Putin back to Havana.

[Oss]

Cuba and Afghanistan were Russia's Vietnams the past few decades

Cuba as an endless hole into which they poured money (like owning a boat)
and Afghanistan was where they bled their military

Now they have a forward base in Syria and they REALLY want Iranian Oil badly and always have lusted for it   Ukraine was their breadbasket. Imagine if we lost our breadbasket we would be also going nuts to get it back.  They control their media, and I seriously think they control much of ours how else could they be so freaking left wing clueless

Poland or what is now Poland was Russian dominated for centuries When my grandpa Jack escaped in 1903 at age 6 it was Russian-Cossack controlled and you had to join the Russian army as soon as you were of age

Nato is a shell, only Germany can be relied on to stop the bear as they have a long memory of what happened to their country after WWII.  France will be useless as totally co opted by Moslem extremists and political correctness as they call it (ok to beat women for wearing clothes that offend them and beat jews for living) and the italians will surrender before the 1st shot. Turkey will turn on us as soon as we arm the Kurds, who are are only other real ally in the persian theatre

Thats my 2c

and yes Serk is right Jerusalem is and always has been the capital of Israel, has been for 3500 yrs
as its where David was told his son would build the Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant


Yom Kippur just ended. I wish all of you a healthy happy and prosperous 5776.  But keep your powder dry anyway

Oss

I have never had a bad experience with a cuban client, hard working people and very loyal

[signart]

I just took the seats to my '65 F85 Olds to a Cuban owned upholstery shop. He speaks very broken English. He told me the old cars were not to be leaving the country. They are considered historical artifacts, and illegal to export.
Maybe they will be allowed to import much needed parts. He did mention the diesel transplants, as they would burn all manner of oils and fuels to keep them on the road.

[BobB]

Perhaps we will be allowed to dump a lot of Volkswagens in Cuba.  The original Beatles did a great job of polluting Mexico City...

[grandpaweaver]

Don't forget they have a lot of good baseball players we can sign

[G-Man]

Why is the U.S. to blame for the poor living conditions in Cuba?  They get tourists from Canada, Europe, other Caribbean countries, etc.  Why isn't all that tourism money working?  They can trade freely with all those countries, and South America as well.  Why is it OUR money that's the thing that will make every OK now in Cuba?

[dreamchaser]

We supported Castro to oust Batista in the late 50's. As soon as Castro took over, he declared himself a commie and turned his back on us. That's what set up the scenario of the last 56 years.

Seems as though you got that one backwards and inside out, Sandy:  Batista, who was a mass murderer, was the leader supported by the US.  Fidel went home from being a mediocre baseball player in the US to oust Batista.  When that was almost done he asked our government to help supply him with arms so he could defend his country and the US told him it was not a good idea, as they would take care of him as long as he towed the mark, so to speak. 

Russia offered him what he was denied by his neighbor and had no strings attached, so he snapped it up. 

The US continued to try to tell him what to do and he said "No way! " and that's when the poop hit the air conditioner.  While Castro was a heavy handed SOB with his people, he was a breath of fresh air compared to Batista, and while he went about making all businesses Government owned and controlled, he also stripped his own family of their own wealth, right along with all the upper crust in both the US and Cuba.  This is why so many fled Cuba with as much wealth as they could carry, which gave Castro the idea to flush the toilet on us with his criminals and lunatics and a lot of poor folks that were just plain  scared of all that was going on around them.

This is a very abbreviated account of what I understand happened with Cuba, contrary to what the US Government fed Us at the time.
Our gov has been feeding us a line of BS for a long time.  They never have liked admitting to anything they screw up on.

No I am not a commie or a sympathizer, but I did have a Hippie Aunt (God rest her troubled soul) that set me strait quickly and was able to document it to show me she wasn't inventing what she was shelling out.  She did that to defend herself when I opened my big mouth and attacked her version of what was going on.  (I have always done the big mouth thing.   I don't know why and yes it has gotten me into a lot of messes in my life)

[..]

Why is the U.S. to blame for the poor living conditions in Cuba?  They get tourists from Canada, Europe, other Caribbean countries, etc.  Why isn't all that tourism money working?  They can trade freely with all those countries, and South America as well.  Why is it OUR money that's the thing that will make every OK now in Cuba?

 

Does make you wonder where the money goes!!!

It doesn't appear to go to infrastructure.

[Willow]

We supported Castro to oust Batista in the late 50's. As soon as Castro took over, he declared himself a commie and turned his back on us. That's what set up the scenario of the last 56 years.

Seems as though you got that one backwards and inside out, Sandy:  Batista, who was a mass murderer, was the leader supported by the US.  Fidel went home from being a mediocre baseball player in the US to oust Batista.  When that was almost done he asked our government to help supply him with arms so he could defend his country and the US told him it was not a good idea, as they would take care of him as long as he towed the mark, so to speak. 

Russia offered him what he was denied by his neighbor and had no strings attached, so he snapped it up. 

The US continued to try to tell him what to do and he said "No way! " and that's when the poop hit the air conditioner.  While Castro was a heavy handed SOB with his people, he was a breath of fresh air compared to Batista, and while he went about making all businesses Government owned and controlled, he also stripped his own family of their own wealth, right along with all the upper crust in both the US and Cuba.  This is why so many fled Cuba with as much wealth as they could carry, which gave Castro the idea to flush the toilet on us with his criminals and lunatics and a lot of poor folks that were just plain  scared of all that was going on around them.

This is a very abbreviated account of what I understand happened with Cuba, contrary to what the US Government fed Us at the time.
Our gov has been feeding us a line of BS for a long time.  They never have liked admitting to anything they screw up on.

No I am not a commie or a sympathizer, but I did have a Hippie Aunt (God rest her troubled soul) that set me strait quickly and was able to document it to show me she wasn't inventing what she was shelling out.  She did that to defend herself when I opened my big mouth and attacked her version of what was going on.  (I have always done the big mouth thing.   I don't know why and yes it has gotten me into a lot of messes in my life)

I was a child at the time and I guess it is possible that the news being handed to us was not accurate but that is highly contradictory to how I understand that it went down.  The U.S. did provide support for Castro against Batista and after he had ousted the dictator was when he declared himself to be a communist. 

It was a surprise to the United States public when Castro aligned himself with the U.S.S.R.

[Oss]

That piece of crap Castro was willing to let his country be the
launch pad for nuclear missiles aimed at USA   That is my memory

I hope he rots in hell as his brother also

He wrecked his own country and I dont want my money bailing his ass out

I would however probably enjoy sitting on the beach    sippin on a nice beverage and
commencing secretary auditions  

Hola Isabel, wanna be a secretary ?

[G-Man]

That piece of crap Castro was willing to let his country be the
launch pad for nuclear missiles aimed at USA   That is my memory

I hope he rots in hell as his brother also

He wrecked his own country and I dont want my money bailing his ass out

I would however probably enjoy sitting on the beach    sippin on a nice beverage and
commencing secretary auditions  

Hola Isabel, wanna be a secretary ?

We can do this on any beach down there.  Jamaica, anyone??  Yea Mon, Evritings Cool!!

[old2soon]

Weren't some of the folks that tortured U S airmen at the hanoi hilton cuban? RIDE SAFE.