Fidel Castro had a stroke and is near vegetative state

[VictorCharlie]

Hmm... @El Kabong, apparently you only answer questions with a graph attached.
Here's a neat one for you. Maybe now you'll answer my twice-asked question.




image001.jpg

Am I missing something? What happened in 1990?

[El Kabong]

We tried to get rid of him...missed our chance I guess

[TitoFan]

Hmm... @El Kabong , apparently you only answer questions with a graph attached.
Here's a neat one for you. Maybe now you'll answer my twice-asked question.




image001.jpg

Am I missing something? What happened in 1990?

Well I'm taking into consideration the fall of the Soviet Union as a factor. One could argue that the embargo was needed on Cuba while there still was a chance, however slim, that Castro would again cooperate with the USSR on something that could be a threat to the U.S. I'm thinking that threat went away with the demise of the USSR. My point is that the usefulness of the U.S. embargo on Cuba has long outlived its purpose... and has only brought unneeded suffering on the people of Cuba.

[VictorCharlie]

Ending the embargo is long overdue and I'm sure it has effected the Cuban people but I think the amount of suffering from it is being vastly overstated particularly when taking into consideration the regime they live under. If it was even a remotely free country and still impoverished then I could see some validity in the argument but as is I think the finger of blame is much more appropriately pointed at their leadership over the last several decades. My interaction with Cubans over the years has confirmed this.

[TitoFan]

Ending the embargo is long overdue and I'm sure it has effected the Cuban people but I think the amount of suffering from it is being vastly overstated particularly when taking into consideration the regime they live under. If it was even a remotely free country and still impoverished then I could see some validity in the argument but as is I think the finger of blame is much more appropriately pointed at their leadership over the last several decades. My interaction with Cubans over the years has confirmed this.

Which is exactly why I'm saying. Would the Cuban people not have been much better off if... rather than continue a useless embargo, the U.S. government would've removed Castro from power a long time ago? There were no reprisals to fear from the Soviet Union. Not too many world leaders would've shed a tear for the ouster of Castro. The leadership in Cuba would've been different... people would be freer... and there would be no need for an embargo. Any argument against the ability of the U.S. to remove a leader from a country such as Cuba goes out the window when you mention the example of Manuel Noriega from Panama and his removal from power in 1989.

[VictorCharlie]

I agree Tito they would have been better off. Maybe we smoke Castro and Cuba successfully moves to a representative government and maybe we fuck it all up and another despot comes to power. Circa the missile crisis I could have supported military action for a regime change but other than that time frame I'd prefer us just be our awesome selves and win them over by exporting MTV and Levi 501 jeans.

[TitoFan]

I agree Tito they would have been better off. Maybe we smoke Castro and Cuba successfully moves to a representative government and maybe we fuck it all up and another despot comes to power. Circa the missile crisis I could have supported military action for a regime change but other than that time frame I'd prefer us just be our awesome selves and win them over by exporting MTV and Levi 501 jeans.

[TitoFan]

Early winner of the "WTF was he thinking?!?" 2012 award:

Ozzie Guillen, now ex-manager of MLB's Miami Marlins.
After having just been hired by the Marlins, he said in an interview: "I love Fidel Castro."
Then... he compounds his sin by finishing in last place in the Marlins' division.




Never underestimate the power of the Cuban-American fanbase in Miami.




Marlins split from Ozzie Guillen, controversy

[Master]

I agree Tito they would have been better off. Maybe we smoke Castro and Cuba successfully moves to a representative government and maybe we fuck it all up and another despot comes to power. Circa the missile crisis I could have supported military action for a regime change but other than that time frame I'd prefer us just be our awesome selves and win them over by exporting MTV and Levi 501 jeans.

And they do like wise with their Cuban cigars and amateur boxing?