tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21674624.post2333302242402971005..comments2024-02-21T05:16:22.788-05:00Comments on Two Weeks Notice: A Latin American Politics Blog: What to do about CubaGreg Weekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15765114859595124082noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21674624.post-65943021099702263382009-01-07T19:19:00.000-05:002009-01-07T19:19:00.000-05:00The embargo's purpose was never conceived in refer...The embargo's purpose was never conceived in reference to advancing democracy or some idealistic notion like that. The US' record in the region over the same 50 years makes it clear that this was never a priority. The strangulation of Cuba was meant primarily to prevent Cuba from becoming a socialist model to others in the region. By showing others what would happen if they dared threaten US interests, the US made its point loud and clear. Cuba simply could not be allowed to flourish. <BR/><BR/>The embargo even extends beyond US borders. Today I read that some big Chilean grocery chain being acquired by Walmart is having to divest itself of all its Cuban (and Venezuelan) products. <BR/><BR/>US elites know that if the embargo were lifted Cuba would experience an economic boom probably unprecidented in recent history. For this reason, it will remain until the Castro's are dead. Too much US prestige is invested in the embargo to just give up while they are still in charge.leftsidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00676827005815770066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21674624.post-48299818172267893812009-01-07T11:12:00.000-05:002009-01-07T11:12:00.000-05:00In fact, that is a major driving force for potenti...In fact, that is a major driving force for potential changes in policy--namely, businesses (with strong ties to Republican governors) want to sell goods to Cuba, and wonder they can't while the rest of the world makes money.Greg Weekshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15765114859595124082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21674624.post-1290243049848010932009-01-07T10:49:00.000-05:002009-01-07T10:49:00.000-05:00Not being an expert on Cuban and Latin American po...Not being an expert on Cuban and Latin American policy, I for one, have never understood the embargo. I certainly want Cuba to reform and embrace democratic principles, but I'm not sure why we punish Americans (i.e. inhibiting our ability to freely travel there) and Cubans with this embargo. It's always seemed quite undemocratic to me.King Politicshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03083280088830635942noreply@blogger.com