2009.04.06
A gesture to Cuba
Later this month, President Obama is expected to lift travel restrictions to Cuba for Americans with relatives there and also lift the limit on the amount of money Americans can send to family members on the island. In an unscheduled editorial, we'll note that both steps will be in keeping with Obama's campaign promises and show a welcome openness to thawing a frozen relationship that has not served either country well.
You can read Sen. Richard Lugar's staff assessment, which concludes a change in policy toward Cuba is in U.S. interests, here. Lugar is ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
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Take a good look at Cuba. Government-run factories, health care, everything. It has everything every wonderful socialist society has; long lines, shortages, lack of advanced medical procedures, outdated equipment, and disinterested government employees with no incentive except to go through the motions.
In short, Cuba is Obama's end game.
Comment by Kevin — April 6, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
Kevin, I am seriously starting to think you are just trying to instigate an argument with every post as opposed to actually wanting an honest discussion. How on earth you can compare Cuba in any way shape or form with a country that has not been embargoed with many sanctions for decades much less what President Obama or any other sane person would aspire to is just beyond ludicrous. Surely you are not that misled or that angry, but in case you are; try adding a little more truth and a little less partisan sniping and you might eventually make an actual case for your argument. The reason no one is joining the hysteria from 'the right' is that the argument is bogus, the facts are too skewed even for the apathetic and the rhetoric is too insulting to be anything but self-serving.
Considering the limitations and sanctions on Cuba, they are still a remarkably capable and determined people. President Obama does not want to emulate Cuba nor is it his "end game" and everyone knows it.
The much needed and decent gesture towards Cuba will go a long way toward restoring the shine to America in the eyes of the world, just as the words and efforts of President Obama have done during his trip to the continents of Europe and Asia and the closing of GITMO will do. Good moves, all, Mr. President!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — April 6, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
The Democrats and the Roanoke Times are pandering to communists.
Cuba still imprisons people for being homosexuals. Maybe Obama agrees with that practice.
Comment by Henry — April 7, 2009 @ 9:07 am
Is Cuba any worse than China, one of our main trading partners? Why do they get a pass on the communist thing, Henry?
Oh, yeah, because they help capitalists make money using slave/prison labor.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — April 7, 2009 @ 9:28 am
"Why do they get a pass on the communist thing, Henry?"
They shouldn't. Nor should they get a pass on the slave labor either. I'll look forward to your editorial condemning that practice.
Comment by Henry — April 7, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Hmm, making someone work, then taking their money and giving it to other people actually sounds like socialism to me, not capitalism.
Comment by Marked Man (Mark) — April 7, 2009 @ 10:01 am
OK, Marked Man (Mark): I read all 6 posts and I am confounded by your point yet again. Do you think Cuba is a socialist country? Are you saying China is a socialist country? Or are you saying the US companies selling China's slave labor produced products to us are socialists?
Comment by Sandi Saunders — April 7, 2009 @ 8:29 pm
Sandi,
Cuba is indeed the ultimate consequence of liberal practice. Cuba is the face of unfettered leftwing government. I'm sorry you don't like the picture you see. Admittedly, it's not pretty.
Let's count the ways:
1) The ultimate in a strong central government
2) Government-owned industry
3) Government-run health care
4) Censorship of voices opposing the adminstration
Umm. Which of these on this list is Obama leading America away from?
Comment by Kevin — April 7, 2009 @ 8:49 pm