Last December President Obama announced a "new chapter" in US-Cuba relations by reestablishing diplomatic ties with the communist country. This entailed (among other things) the loosening of the 54 year embargo and establishing an embassy in the coming months. This was met with strong opposition by Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush of Florida, claiming that it only throws an economic lifeline to the oppressive Castro regime and basically gives them what they want. The other side of the coin is that this will open Cuba to the democratic pressures of the free market and stir up revolution and rebellion among the long oppressed Cuban population. It might also have a broader effect on other oppressive regimes in Latin America that have long used the excuse that American policies are to blame for their poor economic growth. Read this Economist article (and the article linked above) on the possible effects it might have and answer the following questions. What do you think the net effect on Cuba will be? Will it only help the Castro regime maintain control by providing them with more resources? Will it give the Cuban people more firepower to begin the push for democracy and civil rights? Will it be a mix of the two? Do you agree with Rubio and Bush or do you agree with Obama? Explain what side you are on and why. Use at least two quotes from the Economist article to back up your own analysis. I am looking only for insightful responses that show individual thought, not a regurgitation of the article. As Floridians, this is an issue that will especially affect us and our population. Also, if you are of Cuban decent, or know any Cubans, how might they feel about it? Label this post "Post #1"
After your initial post, read this article about Raul Castro's new "demands" for opening up relations with the US and answer the following questions. Will we ever give up Guantanamo Bay and return it to the Cubans? Do you think Castro's demands are reasonable? Why or why not? Rank the three demands in terms of most likely to least likely. Why did you rank them this way? Do you tihnk the united States owes Cuba for "human and economic damage"? What does Castro mean by this? Be sure to explain your reasoning throughout to provide a background for your views. Label this post "Post #2"
36 comments:
Post #1:
I think removing the embargo will be beneficial for both the U.S. and Cuba economically and politically. As stated in the article, “…the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America.” And “The Economist has long argued that the embargo is self-defeating. Rather than ending the Castros’ rule, it has provided an evergreen excuse for their failures and so helped maintain them in power.” These quote show that, by removing the embargo, the U.S. and Cuba will benefit. From my macroeconomics class, I know that embargoes are not ever good, economically speaking. This is a good reason as to why we have extended our hand to Cuba- both Cuba and the U.S. will benefit economically. This same article also states that getting rid of the embargo on Cuba will also increase friendly relations with other Latin American countries, only benefiting everyone further. The quote, “…the embargo has manifestly failed for half a century. It has only remained there because of the political clout of a dwindling number of elderly Cuban exiles in Florida…”, from the article provides evidence that the embargo has obviously not been working; in order for it to work, the U.S. would either have to remove the embargo and allow free-trade between the states or force the Cubans who have immigrated to the U.S. back to Cuba… obviously the first decision is much more practical and ethical. I do believe that with Cuba being more closely associated with a giant anti-communist country like America, there will be more pressure on the Cuban government to be more of a democracy. Also, although this is a smaller point, it is important to remember that Cuba released Gross in response to removing the embargo, another advantage to the U.S.
Post #2:
1. It is fully up to congress to decide whether or not we will ever give up Guantanamo Bay and return it to the Cubans, but I think it is likely to happen because the deal has angered the Cubans for quite some time, as demonstrated by the fact that they haven’t ever cashed the annual check that the U.S. gives Cuba in return for keeping Guantanamo Bay.
2. I think the demands are quite reasonable, aside from the fact that it is not stated in the article exactly how much, “compensation for "human and economic damage"” the U.S. will have to supply to Cuba.
3. Most likely to least likely, I would place the demands as: lifting the embargo, compensation for human and economic damage, then the return of the U.S. base at Guantánamo Bay. I place the demands as such because the U.S. will most benefit from lifting the embargo, especially economically. Depending on how much compensation the Cuban government requests, the compensation demand could be either second or last.
4. I think Castro is using the excuse that his country has been deprived economically due to the embargo placed on them; however, I don’t believe that the U.S. owes Cuba this compensation because the U.S. placed the embargo for good reason and Cuba never changed their ways in order to have the embargo removed.
Post #1
I think that reestablishing the US-Cuba relations will benefit both will benefit both politically and economically. I believe that the net effect on Cuba will increase since there will not be an embargo on the country it will result in "the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America", which means there will be greater opportunities to trade, and Cuba will get to make more decisions as a whole country. I think that this will only help the Castro regime maintain more control, as the article explains "it has provided an evergreen excuse for their failures and so helped them in power", because with these new liberties some may feel Castro is the only one who is able to negotiate these types of things, but in the long run it will give the Cuban people more courage to push for their civil rights and more, as with these new diplomatic ties comes benefits for the Cuban people, such as internet, people are able to voice their opinions, which could go for or against the Castro regime, the people finally have some type of control and are using it towards their advantage. I understand all viewpoints of Rubio, Bush and Obama, and they all have great reasoning, but I have to side with Obama, because it seems like Cuba will have a progressive step towards being able to voice in what happens in their country, and head towards being a democracy, and it wouldn't be right to let another country suffer or not progress to help our own, who has more liberties than Cuba does. But with these US-Cuba relations, there has to be something that will benefit both countries.
Post #2
It is unsure if Guantanamo Bay will be given up and returned to the Cubans, it's up to Congress to make this decision. Maybe if there is enough pressure put on the U.S then maybe Congress will be inclined to give up the territory.
I think that there isn't anything wrong with these demands, because the U.S is able to make sure each demand is accomplished, and its helping Cuba become more of a democracy. The ranking is most likely lifting the embargo, compensation, and then giving up the Guantanamo Bay. The reason I ranked it this way is because lifting the embargo is already in consideration, and the U.S has no other choice but to help the Cubans, since the U.S is trying to establish a relationship with Cuba, and the Guantanamo Bay last since the U.S has offered checks towards Cuba but they have refused every single one. I don't think that the U.S should owe Cuba compensation for "human and economic damage" since it was done internally and not by the U.S, even though the U.S may have put an embargo on Cuba which caused political and economic problems between Cuba and the U.S , but Cuba damaged their country further more by the opposition against the Castro regime.
Post #1:
It will definitely give Cuba a sense of freedom and benefit their society as they begin to step towards a modernized age. It could possibly "restore diplomatic relations" and "normalise" a relationship that now seems old-fashioned and unnecessarily hostile. While supplying Cuba with more resources may work against the nation, I'm sure the Castro regime realizes that a new age is dawning and the tension that existed previously does not matter anymore, so providing resources may facilitate trade. I definitely think the Cuban people will begin to realize how the world around them is working and begin to push for their own rights, as the loosening of the embargo would represent the "advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America." The strengthening of diplomatic relations would also provide a medium for communication between Cuba and the rest of the world, which may be beneficial as it links nations together. I have to agree with Obama -- although there is some threat in loosening the embargo and welcoming Cuba, the time where such actions were necessary has passed. It's been roughly fifty years and the need for tension has passed as such conflicts have subsided. Obama is right to reestablish diplomatic ties as it will help the Latin American countries move towards a modernized state. He is essentially exposing the area to the way our world functions now: with "open markets, trade, and regional cooperation."
Post #2
I'm not sure if we will give up Guantanamo Bay.. I think it would actually be better for us to do so, and actually follow through with all of Castro's demands, as it may be the only way to finally secure diplomacy with Cuba. His demands are pretty reasonable, though I'm sure people won't be too thrilled about completely lifting the embargo and providing compensation to the Cuban people. It may just be a method to gain money. The most likely to occur is the lifting of the embargo, followed by the return of the base, and then compensation. The embargo has benefits that will keep Cuba informed and in touch with the surrounding world and have us using common resources, and returning the base would give Cuba more land and hopefully satisfy their wants. I honestly don't think Cuba needs this compensation, which is why I ranked it last. It may, again, be a method to gain more money. While the embargo may have hampered the amount of resources Cuba received, they were able to continue as an independent economy for so long so I'm sure they were able to find a means of supporting themselves. Castro probably wants this as a sort of payment for the embargo, or for an apology for everything that happened throughout history that caused hostility, including the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Five, etc.
Post #1:
Easing the embargo would stimulate economic growth between Cuba and America. I agree from the article that, it would be “a deal to restore diplomatic relations and the liberalisation of travel and remittances.” Cuba will be opened up to new resources and opportunities by having diplomatic ties with America. In my opinion, it would help the Castro regime grow from oppressiveness. It will be a mix of the two because the Cuban people would push for democracy if they have the influence of America and our diplomatic ties. “As Cuba’s relations thicken with the democratic giant next door, its citizens’ demands for freedom may grow more insistent”, which I reiterate, that these ties will benefit the Cubans with bravery through Americans providing and demonstrating individuality and courage. I agree with Obama’s “decision to loosen America’s 54-year-old embargo on Cuba”. Through loosening the embargo, it allows for America to expand relations and gain an ally. It is a good opportunity to trade resources and share ideas. The impact of making this decision would allow Cuba to have America’s influence which could implore their step towards becoming a democracy. It would be advantageous for both countries.
Post#1
Both economic and political benefits will follow the loosening of the embargo on Cuba for Cuba. It will not only provide them with more resources from the United States but also help trade throughout Latin America. “The embargo warps the United States’ relations with other Latin American countries, as well as their relations with one another.” It will help Cuba with more than just resources. The articles states, “But the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America”, meaning it will help its relationships and well being in a multitude of countries alongside The United States. I think its new ties will benefit the country and its people. As the people begin to have access to things like internet, they may begin to realize the power people can have and begin to push for their own civil rights and democracy. Although the loosening of the embargo may help Cuba, it threatens the United States and as the article says, “But Latin America needs to return the compliment.” It should be beneficial to both countries.
Post #2
It is up to congress to make the decision of if we will ever give up Guantanamo Bay and return it to the Cubans. I think Castro is demanding a lot but I could see the U.S. doing this if they want secure diplomacy with Cuba. It is most likely that the U.S. embargo on U.S. will be lifted as it has already been partially lifted. Next likely would be his second demand of returning the base and least likely would be the compensation. It would be least likely for the United States to provide Cuba with compensation for “human and economic damage” as we do not owe Cuba anything for that and it is a means for them to get more money. .” An embargo was placed on Cuba by the United States but that may be lifted and the United States us not the cause for their “human and economic damage.” Castro is probably seeking an apology and money.
Post #2:
In my opinion, I believe we will eventually give up Guantanamo Bay because it is the only way to carry out the “efforts to establish normal diplomatic relations with the United States.” Castro’s demands are not reasonable because America is simply trying to normalize their ties and develop an ally. However, Castro simply wants the bay back and is not rational while America is reaching out to him. The U.S. however, would give it up in efforts to help Cuba become a democracy. Most likely to least likely would go from “the return of the U.S. base at Guantánamo Bay” to “the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba” to “compensation for "human and economic damage" the Cuban people have suffered.” I ranked them this way because America wants to expand their relations and help Cuba become a democracy and therefore, the first step towards this is returning what they desire. Once the bay occurs, the embargo should be lifted to further expand economic growth. The return of the base at the bay would come before lifting the embargo because Cuba does not want these diplomatic relations without his proposal of receiving the bay back. Castro states, “a rapprochement with its northern neighbor would not make sense” without these occurring. Therefore, America should return the base in efforts to lift the embargo. Compensation is last because in my opinion, it is unnecessary and a probable way for Cuba to try to simply receive money. Castro knows that America is expanding all efforts to mend the ties with Cuba and therefore, requests more than what is fair, being compensation. The United States does not owe Cuba for "human and economic damage" since the U.S. did not directly cause these problems for Cuba. Castro carries out policies and decisions, which could have contributed towards the damage in Cuba. America is not solely the one to blame and they do not owe Cuba anything. Cuba means by this that America contributes to their damage of human rights and economic instability. This however, is inaccurate since Castro carries out the actions led in Cuba and America does not partake in the damage done.
Post #1:
I think removing the embargo will be beneficial for both the U.S. and Cuba politically and economically. Speaking economically the net effect on Cuba will increase since the embargo is removed, so the result would have "the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America" So this quote from the article is basically saying that there will be better opportunities to trade and Cuba will gain more authority as a whole. Also the U.S. and Cuba will gain friendly relations with other Latin American countries. The strength of diplomatic relations will also provide more communication between Cuba and everyone around the world. I do agree with Obama because this will just cause Cuba to have a progressive step in letting them have a say within their country. Also Obama is right to reestablish diplomatic ties as it will help Latin American countries to be more of a modern state.
Post #2:
1. It is up to congress to decide whether on giving up Guantanamo Bay and returning it to the Cubans. But i think if there's enough pressure on congress from the Cubans then it may happen.
2. I think the demands are ok and theres nothing wrong with them especially because the U.S. is capable of getting those demands accomplished.
3. From most likely to least likely i would place lifting the embargo, returning the Guantanamo Bay, and then compensation for human and economic damage last because the first two are the most easiest out of them all for America to do and will be more likely to happen faster.
4. I don't think the U.S. owes Cuba this compensation because the U.S. intentionally put this embargo for a good reason and Cuba never changed there ways so there was no good reason to remove it.
Post #1:
I definitely think that removing the embargo can release the tension between Cuba and America. Not only will it help both US and Cuba economically and politically, but it would give Cuban citizens a sense of freedom. "There is no guarantee that such engagement will unseat the Castros." Even with the embargo removal and providing more resources to the people. the communist regime will still continue, but only to a certain extent. "As Cuba's relations thicken with the democratic giant next door, its citizens' demands for freedom may grow insistent." This could mean that the people of Cuba will realize how the world around them works, especially how the US government works, and they will push for a democracy. I think Obama's decision was the right thing to do. Even though Rubio and Bush have point, saying that it only throws and economic lifeline to Cuba, it allows the tension to break as well as letting America help Cuba economically. I think Cubans are praising this idea. Although I am not Cuban, many of my friends described what it is like traveling there. There are many restrictions such as internet, cell network, etc. making it hard to see and talk to relatives outside of Cuba.
Post #2
I don't think we would give up Guantanamo Bay to the Cubans. Not only does it hold historical significance and allows us to spy on the Cubans, but it also proves how powerful and egotistical America is. We simply do not want to give up Guantanamo Bay because it shows how we won't let a little, poverty stricken country affect us. To a certain extent I think Castro's demands are reasonable. Due to the Embargo act, Cuba's economy has suffered, and even though it is a Communist country, America didn't want to help Cuba in their time of need. For example, when hurricane country hit Cuba, it left many devastated, hurt, and homeless. Cuba turned to the democratic country next to them, however, America said no. I don't agree with the return of Guantanamo Bay condition. I would rank the three conditions as 1) Uplifting the Embargo on Cuba 2) Compensation for "Human and Economic damage" 3) return of Guantanamo Bay. I did it in this order because I think that Cuba's economy has suffered heavily and it needed some help to bring it back up. I placed the return of Guantanamo Bay last because I think it wouldn't necessarily help the Cubans politically or economically, but just raise their ego and pride. In a way I think that the US owes Cuba for "Human and economic damage." Castro meant economic damage because of the US embargo on Cuba. Americans couldn't buy anything from Cuba like cigars because it was illegal, which damaged Cuba's economy a lot since they couldn't export many of their goods. I think when Castro says "human damage" was how many people left Cuba to go to America, where many have died in the process, how many people died from being poor, and how many people died during hurricane Katrina, yet America didn't help.
POST # I
I feel that what is happening now is a long time coming. Cuba should have been opened to the world short after the crumbling of the Soviet Union. The U.S. needs to show that its people have a right to travel anywhere, and that is part of being an American, no parts of the world are closed to us (especially not places that are only 90 miles from the Shores of Key West)
The traveling of people to Cuba might at first bring money to the Castro regime, but it will also bring revolution along with it once the people of Cuba get a taste of democracy. Castro will not be able to hold up a communist dictatorship once the Americans have taken their toll on his country. I, unlike Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush, feel as if revolution is the best possible thing for this country.
As I am on Obama’s side, I disagree with this quote strongly “Rather than ending the Castros’ rule, it has provided an evergreen excuse for their failures and so helped maintain them in power.” Nobody will be able to prevent the wrath of the Cuban people once they have tasted the democracy, and I believe that this is all part of Obama’s plan.
I know many Cubans who live in Miami, and they are greatly discontented by the U.S. embassy opening in Cuba. The Cubans in America believe that this will only give the government more power in Cuba, but this will all be an experiment and it has been too long that nothing has been done.
When considering the dominos effect that this might have, this quote “The embargo warps the United States’ relations with other Latin American countries, as well as their relations with one another.” Is very true, but I still believe that when this embargo is lifted, revolution will strike and the U.S. will have an excuse to assist the Cuban people because their own citizens will then be involved.
On a more sentimental note, I have known people that left Cuba when they were children, and they are now adults with families. If I were them, I would want to be able to go back to my homeland and share with my kids where their roots stem from.
POST # II
Obama might try to give Guantanamo Bay back to the Cubans, but the republicans would stop him from making such a decision in consideration of many other risks that would be at hand if this were to happen. Castro’s demands are unreasonable. Castro is in my book, a terrorist, and terrorists should not be bargained with, but this is the only way to get back Cuba for the right reasons.
Most Likely= Lifting of U.S. Embargo because it is something that would have to happen for Americans to travel safely there anyways.
Middle= Compensation because the U.S. might make sure that the money would go directly to the people, and not the government.
Least= Return of U.S. Base because the U.S. military is our defense system and we are not on a level of trust with Cuba just yet to put American lives in their hands.
The U.S. owes Cuba nothing but an apology for not intervening Cuba. Castro cares nothing for his people, he is only thinking of the money he could gain for himself and his own expenditures if he worded it this way.
Post #1: I believe the net effect on Cuba will be extremely positive. Obama made a statement during the state of the union address that the policy that the US has been employing hasn't worked for more than fifty years, so why continue it, when its hurting both of the economies and the people of Cuba. I think it will help distance the people from the Castro regime, because they will be less reliant on them. I agree with President Obama, and I feel like it is definitely the right decision to make. "Rather than ending the Castros’ rule, it has provided an evergreen excuse for their failures and so helped maintain them in power." This explains my stance that the embargo does no good for the United States and keeps the Castro brothers in power. Another quote explaining my opinion from the article is "But the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America." Again this will introduce democracy into Cuba, and hopefully allow Cuba to prosper. My dad's side of the family were born in Cuba, making me half-Cuban. The older generation of Cubans in my family don't approve of the lifting of the embargo and would support the sides of Bush and Rubio, because they were part of the Bautistans, who left Cuba several weeks before Fidel Castro took over in 1959.
Post #2: After reading the article I feel that the only way the US will return Guantanamo Bay back to Cuba is when the Castro regime falls, and the power is given to the people. I don't believe that all the demands are justified, because I think that the Castros are more responsible for the human and economic damage than the Americans. Ranking the demands from likely to less likely, they are 1) Ending the Embargo, 2) Paying for economic and human damages, and 3) giving back Guantanamo Bay back to Cuba.
Post #1
I believe the net effect on Cuba will be more beneficial than what Cuba is currently experiencing. By getting rid of this embargo both the U.S and Cuba are benefiting. The following quote :"The Economist has long argued that the embargo is self-defeating. Rather than ending the Castros’ rule, it has provided an evergreen excuse for their failures and so helped maintain them in power," practically says that this embargo has made it possible for the Castro regime to remain instilled for as long as it has. By getting rid of this embargo, it may finally end all the tension and will put Cuba at ease with another president. A push for civil rights by the Cuban people seems likely in this case as said in the article, "As Cuba’s relations thicken with the democratic giant next door, its citizens’ demands for freedom may grow more insistent." People will take advantage of the situation and push for equality. I have to take sides with Obama on the issue, solely because his proposal to drop the embargo is beneficial for both sides. One way dropping the embargo benefits both Cuba and the U.S.: "So far most of the attention has been on Cuba. The Castros agreed to release 53 political prisoners (along with an aid worker and an American spy). Cubans will have more access to the internet, which should loosen the regime’s weakening grip on information." An advantage to the U.S and the citizens of Cuba: "But the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America."
Post 1:
Removing the fifty-year embargo between the U.S. and Cuba will allow both countries to reap economic benefits. According to the Economist article, “the embargo kept Cuba out of international bodies such as the Organization of American States, where other countries could have prodded the island towards greater openness. It put the United States at odds with most of its allies and nearly every other country in its hemisphere. It would be much better if the embargo were got rid of entirely”. This embargo only prevents economic growth between the two nations, as trade or commercial activity cannot occur. Cubans can gain more “access to the internet”, among other democratic and 21st century opportunities. Raul Castro probably realizes the negative, unnecessary effects that the embargo has placed on his nation, so he is now “open” to talks with American officials. The Cuban people, along with millions of other democratic thinkers around the world, will begin to push for their rights and freedoms within the regime that controls them. I agree with President Obama, in that diplomatic ties must be reestablished with Cuba over the next few years, as the same issues that plagued their relationship fifty years ago have slowly diminished. Latin American countries--Cuba included--have a right to experience open markets and the freedoms that modern, democratic nations get to experience.
Post 2:
I do not believe that the United States will ever give up Guantanamo Bay to Cuba simply due its economic and military significance. Republican leaders, such as Jeb Bush, have publicly stated their dismay towards loosening constraints between the US and Cuba, so it is unlikely that the red Congress will want to give up control of this small, yet important, piece of land. If Cuba becomes more democratic or when the hostile regime of Castro ends, the US may be more open to talks about returning Guantanamo Bay. The demands from Raul Castro are harsh and not reasonable, as many of the perils and damage that his country is currently experiencing is a result of his pressing policy and absurd control. The state that Cuba is in now can partially be placed on the Castro regime and its choices. From most to least likely, the demands are lifting the embargo, compensation for human and economic damage and the return of Guantánamo Bay. Lifting the embargo would be ranked number one simply because the United States can, too, reap economic benefits from loosening trade, travel and commercial constraints. Compensation would rank second because the Cuban government may demand an unreasonable amount from US officials, placing more constraints on their mending relationship. The return of the US base may be the most difficult to accomplish, because this interferes with the military security of the United States, which may be viewed as a threat. The United States does not owe Cuba compensation for “human and economic damage” because even though they sought an embargo, they are not to blame for this damage. The sealed, destructive environment that Castro created within his own country created instability.
Post #2:
The issue on whether we ever give Guantanamo Bay back to Cuba is solely up to the Congress, but it may seem likely to happen since Castro has brought it back into the spotlight. Castro's three conditions that he demanded be met by the U.S. are manageable but unreasonable. What he is asking for is extremely costly and somewhat beneficial to himself. Yea it helps Cuban people but its seemingly an alternative to better living and a form of compensation opposed to democratic ideals taking form in Cuba, which Castro has been showing some restraint to. I rank the three demands in order as they come in the article. I rank them this way because first, Obama wants to lift the embargo, so that requirement seems most likely, second, its costly but its more reasonable than the third demand, compensation for human and economic damage. This leads me to my next point, that I definitely do not believe we owe Cuba compensation for human and economic damages. The embargo shut off Cuba from opportunities such as trade, but as far as damage goes, it was done due to Castro's negative goals and vibe. I believe Castro meant by this that the embargo was a thing that "damaged" both the people of Cuba and Cuba's economy, so therefore we owe them that compensation. Castro surely plays a role in that damage such as much as we do.
post1
I think economically and politically it will help as well as improving trade with Latin America. I think more money will come in however the Cubans, with their new freedom will want change. I agree with Obama and think there is only benefits by getting rid of the embargo. "The Castros agreed to release 53 political prisoners (along with an aid worker and an American spy)", " It put the United States at odds with most of its allies and nearly every other country in its hemisphere". Both of these things will help America and not being at odds can help us develop stronger relations. I feel they should be happy to hear freedom is near.
post2
I do not think we will ever give up Guantanamo bay. I feel like giving it up would risk the safety of America. I do not think they are reasonable. I believe giving up Guantanamo bay would hurt America. 1. The lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. 3. The return of the U.S. base at Guantánamo Bay. 2. Compensation for "human and economic damage" the Cuban people have suffered. I don't think Guantanamo bay is even a question. there are to many tourist that would want to get back at America. I feel like from a economic stand point it would only help to lift the embargo. America would have another business partner. I feel as though America does not like apologizing so we would not do it. I feel that America has no reason to apologize. America did what they had to do and Cuba never tried to fix it and so they should not get an apology.
Post # 1:
Removing the embargo will help both the US and Cuba better their relationships and economies like said in the article, “…the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America.” Cuba will gain a sense of freedom and help advance them to a future that helps their people as well. By modernizing, Cuba may be able to solve some of their foreign issues more peacefully. Having help from other nations will supply Cuba with the means to step away from their past transgressions and make a better future. I agree with Obama even though there could develop problems by creating a bond with Cuba, but it is time for these steps to be taken. He aims to help these Latin countries advance and then maybe gain a sense of democracy by seeing the weaknesses of their current situation. Obama is supplying Cuba with the means to progress into the modern era of culture, politics, and economy.
Post #2:
We may or may not surrender Guantanamo Bay, but it may be beneficial to do so and attend to Castro’s demands so that the US future with Cuba is not plagued by the past. The demands seem fair enough and no matter what happens, many people will not be happy. The demands from most to least likely are raising the embargo, return of Guantanamo Bay, then compensation. The embargo lifting will allow Cuba to further trade and expand financially. Castro asks a lot, but he has decided to make an attempt to smooth foreign relations and he is pretty much asking for an apology. The US really does not owe anything since it is the actions of both nations that has caused such grief.
Post 1
In my opinion loosening the Embargo Act Cuba with benefit America in a long term. Things like more revenue and friendly ties with Cuba would be great also being that the fact that the two countries are so close to one another. In the article, discused were things like " The Castros agreed to release 53 political prisoners (along with an aid worker and an American spy)." which in turn could benefit them with free "access to the Internet" and "open market" "democracy". I totally stand behind President Obama and his decisions even though there could possibly be a little bit of stress on the relationship. President Obama could possibly see Cuba as coming from a developing country to a developed country like America. quite possibly providing Cuba with the necessary funds and materials to strive could be among one of the ultimate goals that President Obama has by loosening the act.
Post 2
I think that the demands that president Raul Castro of Cuba has set for America to follow through on arennot reasonable. First off, lifting ties on the Embargo Act would be beneficial to America as for Cuba; however, America has already been supporting Cuba by cutting them checks for Guantanamo Bay every year and they have refused to cash the money in. It may be about honor it may be about respect but Cuba has been supported by America for a long time as to my understanding of the article. It is solely up to Cuba check cashed in the check. Therefore, I do not feel like America has to give up Guantanamo Bay after pretty much paying for it year after year since the spanish-american war in the late 1800's. the last demand was compensation for human and economic damage which can be supplied by the money per annum that America has been giving. And I completely think it is out of order for Congress to give in to those demands. I can see the first one but not the last 2 after all that was already given per my understanding of the article and this is only because the agreement to Guantanamo Bay is and will always be "perpetual".
Post#1
Removing the Embargo act would be great for the Us and Cuban relations. In the article it says "the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America". I feel that the Cubans will also run away from there way of Communism, and they will sense of what freedom feels like. I agree with Obama in these terms 100% because creating a bind with Cuba could be great when it comes to trying to accomplish different alliances and for trading purposes as well. His motives is to show the Latin American countries what a democracy looks like and how well it can help them
Post#2
I don't think The US will ever return Guantanomo Bay to the Cubans, the only way this might happen if the communism ends in Cuba and a democracy is established in Cuba. Castro's demands to me are not that reasonable in because the government in Cuba is only thinking about themselves and not what the people need, they are also responsible for a lot of economical damages in the country. Ranking the demands go from 1)Paying for economic and Human damages 2)Ending the Embargo Act 3)Giving Guantanamo Bay back to Cuba.
Post #1
I think that Cuba will benefit from this. They get a chance to get money from tourism and from trading with America. I believe at first it will help but over time it may hurt them because people want more things and they may rebel in order to get them. It will give them more firepower because they will have more access to the things that will help them. There will definitely be a mix of some kind because the new things that Cuban people will be experiencing will push them towards those kinds of changes. I agree with Rubio and Bush because they see that Cubans are going to want more after a while and they will eventually rebel, according to the Economist article “As Cuba’s relations thicken with the democratic giant next door, its citizens’ demands for freedom may grow more insistent.” And this rebellion will cause Floridian distress because we will be affected first.
Post #2
I don’t think we will give up the base but I do think Castro’s demands are reasonable because he wants what is best for his people. The U.S. won’t give up the base, I believe, because they want to be able to keep an eye on Cuba. I would rank the demands as follows:
1. Compensation for "human and economic damage" the Cuban people have suffered.
2. The lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba
3. The return of the U.S. base at Guantánamo Bay.
I ranked them this way because the U.S. is nice to everyone but only to a certain extent. The U.S. would give them money to help them out because it would benefit the U.S but they wouldn’t give them the base because they don’t trust them completely. I don’t think the U.S. should owe Cuba anything because it was Cuba that put itself there. Castro may mean that he wants money because of the hardship they got into. By hardship I mean being cut off from parts of the world and not being able to trade and get money from other countries.
Post #1:
I believe that abrogating the embargo on Cuba will be auspicious for the US and Cuba, both politically and economically. I believe that, like with most contemporary situations, abrogating the embargo will have both pros and cons for Cuba; however, I believe the pros will outweigh the cons in this case, thus ensuring a positive net effect. Lifting the embargo will inevitably provide Castro's regime with a more abundant supply of resources, which carries the potential to incite new problems; however, "the biggest prize should be the advance of democracy and open markets in Latin America." Abrogating the embargo will do just that. Relations between Cuba and America will drastically increase and tension will plummet; the Cuban people will be even more enlightened of the prosperous democratic principles of the United States, thus igniting a vigorous passion for democracy and equal rights. I favor president Obama's argument; his belief in improving the relation between the U.S. and Cuba, and modernizing and improving Cuba's overall state, to me, it's the most potent decision because it will provide " Open market, trade, regional cooperation."
No I don't believe we will give up Guantanamo Bay to the Cubans because due to the premise of American foreign policy since the Marshall plan, which is the containment of communism. As long as Cuba remains oppressed by a communist regime, I doubt that America will make any decisions such as giving away Guantanamo that will potentially aid the communist power, going against their core foreign policy.
To a certain extent, Castro's demands are reasonable. Cuba's economy has long suffered due to the embargo act and America hasn't prioritized aiding Cuba; thus, his demands are reasonable in that sense.
As a result, ranking the demands will go as such: lifting the embargo, compensation for human and economic damage, and then return of the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay.
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