One point I'd like to make about discussing travel to Cuba is the anti Castro sentiment which many Cuban exiles have. A lot of the people who left in the early sixties left when Castro nationalized their businesses. Prior to this they had no intention of leaving. They feel that any travel to Cuba means spending US dollars in Cuba which contributes to Castro staying in power. So when you speak of tavel to Cuba expect a backlash. Some Cubans visit and live in the DR because they can't go home. The DR is a spanish speaking island with a similar culture, their new home.
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Going to Cuba?
BostonMary
What is amazing is that a majority of the folks in Miami who want to maintain the embargo against Cuba are sending dollars to their families in Cuba so they can shop at the "dollar Stores". I can't visit Cuba and spend money but they can send $$ to their families????
What is amazing is that a majority of the folks in Miami who want to maintain the embargo against Cuba are sending dollars to their families in Cuba so they can shop at the "dollar Stores". I can't visit Cuba and spend money but they can send $$ to their families????
Would the money you spent on your vacation be reaching the same hands as money sent as a gift?
I always think it's funny that US dollars are used in Cuba! And I know Cuba is a vacation hot-spot right now (at least here), but is it good to go there? Is it wrong to go there? And is it OK to talk about this on DR1?
I always think it's funny that US dollars are used in Cuba! And I know Cuba is a vacation hot-spot right now (at least here), but is it good to go there? Is it wrong to go there? And is it OK to talk about this on DR1?
The official currency is the Cuban Peso. However there are dollars-only stores where you can buy imported goods not available in others state-owned stores. Furthermore, the average salary is not enough to support a family, therefore the need of "outside" help.
And what El Jefe said.
And what El Jefe said.
"AZB",a man on the moon?No "Friggin" way!
"AZB",as the "KING" of the "Conspiracy Theorists",you should know that the so called US moon landings were all staged events!They were all filmed in Hollywood,by "Jewish" movie producers!Want to take the "Train" to Cuba next weekend? Criss CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
"AZB",as the "KING" of the "Conspiracy Theorists",you should know that the so called US moon landings were all staged events!They were all filmed in Hollywood,by "Jewish" movie producers!Want to take the "Train" to Cuba next weekend? Criss CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
A Matter of Perspective
It's only "wrong" to spend money in Cuba if you believe all the anti-Fidel propoganda that the popular (American) media spews. With an administration like Bush's in office, I don't really care what anybody has to say about Cuba. When the opportunity presents itself, I'm going b/c everyone that I know that has visited says it is beautiful and the energy there is incredible.
And all the Cubanos that I've ever met (growing up in NY) have made the point that, although a lot of people may not even like or agree with Fidel, he doesn't hurt the Cubanos anywhere near as much as the US embargo does...
It's only "wrong" to spend money in Cuba if you believe all the anti-Fidel propoganda that the popular (American) media spews. With an administration like Bush's in office, I don't really care what anybody has to say about Cuba. When the opportunity presents itself, I'm going b/c everyone that I know that has visited says it is beautiful and the energy there is incredible.
And all the Cubanos that I've ever met (growing up in NY) have made the point that, although a lot of people may not even like or agree with Fidel, he doesn't hurt the Cubanos anywhere near as much as the US embargo does...
Will hear it from TonyC but...
The embargo against Cuba should be lifted. When the majority of the embargo supporters are sending dollars to their families it is hipocracy to continue this farce. I am definately not a fan of Castro or his government. the thing is that it is not, nor will it ever, bring down Fidel. We are the only country that I know of that is participating. In the meantime all of our allies and most that aren't are doing business with Castro. The little bit that we are keeping from him is made up for by the people sending money to family and by US citizens who find a way around the travel and business bans.
Unlike South Africa where most of the world participated we are the only ones with a dog in this fight and it is a losing battle. We lose trade, an opportunity to participate in change by being there and showing an example of how capitalism works vs socialism. How democracy works vs dictatorship.
The embargo against Cuba should be lifted. When the majority of the embargo supporters are sending dollars to their families it is hipocracy to continue this farce. I am definately not a fan of Castro or his government. the thing is that it is not, nor will it ever, bring down Fidel. We are the only country that I know of that is participating. In the meantime all of our allies and most that aren't are doing business with Castro. The little bit that we are keeping from him is made up for by the people sending money to family and by US citizens who find a way around the travel and business bans.
Unlike South Africa where most of the world participated we are the only ones with a dog in this fight and it is a losing battle. We lose trade, an opportunity to participate in change by being there and showing an example of how capitalism works vs socialism. How democracy works vs dictatorship.
All I can do is shake my head in disgust. I can go on and on about a person's moral obligation to not support a murderous dictator but it won't matter All most people care about is what is in it for them! I can spew fact till I am blue in the face but it don't matter because they only want to hear what make them feel self-righteous.
Go ahead! Lift the embargo! I hope you feel good about yourself. After all it is your own little world isn't it? You can be bothered with things like Morals & Obligations!
Tony C.
Go ahead! Lift the embargo! I hope you feel good about yourself. After all it is your own little world isn't it? You can be bothered with things like Morals & Obligations!
Tony C.
Re: CUBA
I say this to everyone: You will never truly understand the real situation in Cuba; If you have not lived in Cuba and/or have family in Cuba.
How can we say we are a nation that is for the people, when under our leadership, we have allowed an island to suffer. The embargo does a lot of harm to the cuban people. Often times, I wonder if people don't realize that the battle is with Fidel and not the Cuban people. When I send money to my family in Cuba, I see it as a means of putting food on their table. Yes, I guess ultimately, the money goes to the government. So what am I to do? Not send money to my relatives because of Fidel.. This is a no win situation. I can understand why some Cuban -Americans are for the embargo. Castro receives a substantial amount of money from other countries. This is partly why Cuba's economy can somewhat function. Tourism is also a means for Cuba to stay afloat. When the relationship between Cuba and Russia dissolved, Cuba's economy began to crumble even faster. The resources were not there anymore.
My mother left Cuba in 1959, the night Fidel came into power. Most of my relatives including cousins and aunts are still living there. I pray that one day Cuban-Americans can reclaim their Cuba...
Cuba Libre,
Free
I say this to everyone: You will never truly understand the real situation in Cuba; If you have not lived in Cuba and/or have family in Cuba.
How can we say we are a nation that is for the people, when under our leadership, we have allowed an island to suffer. The embargo does a lot of harm to the cuban people. Often times, I wonder if people don't realize that the battle is with Fidel and not the Cuban people. When I send money to my family in Cuba, I see it as a means of putting food on their table. Yes, I guess ultimately, the money goes to the government. So what am I to do? Not send money to my relatives because of Fidel.. This is a no win situation. I can understand why some Cuban -Americans are for the embargo. Castro receives a substantial amount of money from other countries. This is partly why Cuba's economy can somewhat function. Tourism is also a means for Cuba to stay afloat. When the relationship between Cuba and Russia dissolved, Cuba's economy began to crumble even faster. The resources were not there anymore.
My mother left Cuba in 1959, the night Fidel came into power. Most of my relatives including cousins and aunts are still living there. I pray that one day Cuban-Americans can reclaim their Cuba...
Cuba Libre,
Free
TERRY said:And as usual Tony you neglect to mention the numerous murderous thugs the U.S.A. has supported.
You also dont mention China, which has favourable trading status with U.S.A.
Like all Americans you have a selective memory.
Terry
I do not have a selective memory! I have posted on DR1 before that I do not support US policy on China. I have also listed many other countries that I find oppressive that I will not support. Zimbabwe, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Angola(and most sub-Saharan countries) Venezuela, France and many others.
As for US policy of the past....I can't do anything about past history except learn from our mistakes.
Yours is the same tired old argument that has been used by many who support lifting the embargo. I, for one, practice what I preach...Do you?
Tony C.
Tony,
I respect your view but amicably disagree. If I had seen one kink in Fidel's armour from the 40+ years of embargo I could suppor it. But it has never done anyting to hurt Fidel...it has only hurt the innocent people of Cuba. I hope Fidel is out of the picture soon...I don't think Raul can govern. I want to see a Cuba Libre so my friends in Miami and the refugee kids I knew in the DR can go home and enjoy their country. I just do not see where the embargo is helping reach that goal and believe it is doing the opposite.
I have to ask you, in all honesty, do you or other members of your family send money to your family there? I can't remember the gentleman's name but one of the most stringent anti-Castro radio talk show hosts in Miami recently was interviewed on TV and they asked him about sending $$ to his family. He said that he does send it to his brother. When they asked him why he said his brother is old and if not for those dollars he would have nothig andd die. A sad commentary on a once flourishing country.
I respect your view but amicably disagree. If I had seen one kink in Fidel's armour from the 40+ years of embargo I could suppor it. But it has never done anyting to hurt Fidel...it has only hurt the innocent people of Cuba. I hope Fidel is out of the picture soon...I don't think Raul can govern. I want to see a Cuba Libre so my friends in Miami and the refugee kids I knew in the DR can go home and enjoy their country. I just do not see where the embargo is helping reach that goal and believe it is doing the opposite.
I have to ask you, in all honesty, do you or other members of your family send money to your family there? I can't remember the gentleman's name but one of the most stringent anti-Castro radio talk show hosts in Miami recently was interviewed on TV and they asked him about sending $$ to his family. He said that he does send it to his brother. When they asked him why he said his brother is old and if not for those dollars he would have nothig andd die. A sad commentary on a once flourishing country.
RE: CUBA Libre
El Jefe,
I agree with you whole heartedly. The money you send to Cuba and the dollars you spend to visit your family goes right to Castro's pocket. Either way, the situation is awful. I'm certain Tony, that you have a personal obligations to your loved ones in making certain that they are fed and clothe.
Free
El Jefe,
I agree with you whole heartedly. The money you send to Cuba and the dollars you spend to visit your family goes right to Castro's pocket. Either way, the situation is awful. I'm certain Tony, that you have a personal obligations to your loved ones in making certain that they are fed and clothe.
Free
As shown in the many posts there is a great deal of discussion about the embargo. In 1961 Castro nationalized mu father in law's business. At that point he saw the writing on the wall and decided to leave. In his mid fifties he chose to take his family and flee rather than live under a dictatorship. Leaving was not without it's cost. His wife and 2 sons were allowed to leave with nothing in1962. He was forced to remain until 1963 and then to leave penniless. The rest of the family had to remain until 1967 and again leave with nothing. It was not easy, but the price you had to pay for freedom. Think of living through that.
Yes, there is some family left and US dollars are sent, but it's not what it seems. If you talk to a family member in Cuba and you say something that is considered "controversial" you are disconnected.
Cuba is considered one of the countries with the worst record on human rights. I just think a lot of people don't think the facts through. They just know that Cuba is beautiful and they want to visit.
Yes, there is some family left and US dollars are sent, but it's not what it seems. If you talk to a family member in Cuba and you say something that is considered "controversial" you are disconnected.
Cuba is considered one of the countries with the worst record on human rights. I just think a lot of people don't think the facts through. They just know that Cuba is beautiful and they want to visit.
Neither me nor my family have ever sent even a single dime to our family in Cuba since Fidel took power.
For me the issue of whether the embaro wll bring about Fidel's fall is not as important as my belief that we should not support his corrupt, inhuman regime.
As for the Cuban people suffering because of the embargo....There are, I believe, 198 countries on this planet. Cuba can trade with every one but the US. So don't you think that the economic mess in Cuba just might be because of Fidel not the Embargo?
Tony C.
For me the issue of whether the embaro wll bring about Fidel's fall is not as important as my belief that we should not support his corrupt, inhuman regime.
As for the Cuban people suffering because of the embargo....There are, I believe, 198 countries on this planet. Cuba can trade with every one but the US. So don't you think that the economic mess in Cuba just might be because of Fidel not the Embargo?
Tony C.
I have never visited Cuba,but feel that the American embargo is unjust,and has accomplished nothing.The fact that it still exists is proof of its impotency.
If the U.S. had lifted the embargo Fidel would not be in power.The Cuban people would have been exposed to American capitalism,the allure of all that wealth would have assured Fidels demise.
Fidel has used the embargo to his advantage, the Cuban people are now martyrs that stand against the mighty U.S.A. You have to tip your hat to the man.
Tony if you and the other Cuban Americans could just put aside your hatred,and start a meaningful dialouge with Fidel, Cuba would again be free.
Regards Terry.
If the U.S. had lifted the embargo Fidel would not be in power.The Cuban people would have been exposed to American capitalism,the allure of all that wealth would have assured Fidels demise.
Fidel has used the embargo to his advantage, the Cuban people are now martyrs that stand against the mighty U.S.A. You have to tip your hat to the man.
Tony if you and the other Cuban Americans could just put aside your hatred,and start a meaningful dialouge with Fidel, Cuba would again be free.
Regards Terry.