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Sunday, April 29, 2012 | 2:01 a.m.
Sun Archives
“How stupid are we?”
With apologies to my young granddaughter who constantly reminds me that stupid is not a nice word, that question is almost all I have been thinking about for the past week after my wife and I returned from an almost week-long trip to Cuba.
If you don’t like the word stupid, try foolish, ridiculous, nuts — or other words that describe the foreign policy of the United States toward Cuba for the past 50 years — because what we saw there just ain’t working.
I realize there are many people — mostly Cubans who fled the Fidel Castro regime when the revolution he headed ousted Fulgencio Batista over New Years in 1958 — who hold a deep animosity toward the man who took everything they had and forced them to leave their homeland. While most of them went to Miami and have since become U.S. citizens, many fled to other parts of the country, including Las Vegas.
We have been fortunate over the years that some made Las Vegas their destination because our community has been enriched by them.
That desire to strike back at Castro, however, while personal and understandable, should no longer drive the policy of the United States toward a country just 90 miles off the Florida coast. The reason is simple: That policy does not work, and it is not in the best interests of the United States.
Not only has the embargo, which was placed on Cuba by the United States a half century ago and which is flouted by almost every other country on the planet, not worked, it has chased Cuba into the waiting arms of practically every other enemy or economic competitor of America. The losers in this deal are the people of the United States who could take advantage of the many opportunities available, and the people of Cuba who have paid a heavy price for not being able to do business — at all societal levels — with the country most convenient and most able to partner with them.
The embargo was placed on Cuba to force the people into such an economic crisis that they would oust Castro and his Marxist, communist, socialistic and anti-capitalistic Soviet colleagues from power, thus freeing the Western hemisphere of any corrupting or competing political ideologies.
That embargo — the Cubans call it a blockade — started in 1960 and was supposed to bring the Commies to their knees in a couple of years.
The cynics among us might ask whether the embargo has worked. I would answer yes, just fine. Just fine, that is, if you consider the collapse of the Soviet Union as the reason for the embargo, which we all know it was not. The U.S.S.R., by the way, disappeared over two decades ago. So, what about Cuba, you may ask?
That country collapsed, too. It collapsed because, as we all know, a Communist economic system does not work. It may have some governance attributes, but that comes with an unsustainable financial capacity. Cuba also collapsed on a human level as more and more young people are leaving their country because there are no opportunities and, let’s face it, Cuba is a dictatorship in which there is no freedom.
When the Soviet Union disappeared, so, too, did the billions of dollars in financial support that Castro was milking from his Cold War benefactors.
But Cuba did not give up and Castro did not go away. What was supposed to take just a few months to accomplish — his demise or rejection — has been going on for over 50 years.
Once the Soviets departed, Castro found other suckers to hit up for the money needed to keep his failed financial plan afloat, the whole time keeping the Cuban people under his thumb.
Perhaps there is a better way.
If you had taken a picture of Havana, Cuba, on New Year’s Eve 1958, you would have seen one of the most beautiful and exciting cities on the planet. You would have seen a locale ready to take its place among notable cities.
Little has changed — literally. The cars that were new in 1958 are still there. The buildings are still there, but they are crumbling from neglect. The energy of the people has been sapped, but their positive attitude remains, as does their fondness for Americans. And, for the life of me, I could not find a Communist anywhere.
A half-century later, Cuba is a failed experiment. But its future, if our two countries can get out of our own way, can be very bright, very exciting and full of promise.
Two billion dollars a year is sent to Cubans from their friends and families in the United States. Imagine if that much money and considerably more could be invested in Cuba — with appropriate laws and protections. Cuba could turn around almost overnight.
All it takes is a little attitude adjustment on our part. We have to give up the idea that Castro, or his brother, or whoever is next, will be leaving anytime soon. And Cuba has to figure out that it is far better to do business with us and the Cubans they chased away who live in the United States than it is to depend on countries half a world away.
There is no reason — other than a prisoner or two, or three — why talks could not start right away and would lead to a new beginning for the people of Cuba and for America, too.
We have made decisions that may or may not have been right when they were made over the past five decades. There is no reason to second guess them.
But today, right now, there is great opportunity for the people of Cuba and the United States to be friends, partners and allies.
The alternative is to continue to ignore reality and each other. If we go that route, I guarantee there will be Americans walking down what were once beautiful streets of Havana, looking at what few beautiful buildings are left and watching the rest turning to dust, all the while looking into the faces of an otherwise proud and passionate people and seeing nothing.
In the end, they’ll be asking themselves the same question that perplexed my wife and me after we returned home last week — we just can’t be that stupid, can we?
As long as Cuba represses its people why should we support them
I agree with the author our policy towards Cuba is stupid. And, I'll add it's inconsistent. We've normalized relations with countries that were our sworn enemy - including Vietnam and Libya. Heck, we've bestowed "most favored" trade status on China. Yet, we're still punishing toothless little Cuba. I've always suspected the reason was Cuba embarrassed us. The Cubans fought off our lame attempt (Bay of Pigs) to intervene in that country's civil war. So, we'll make them pay. But, we're only hurting the citizens at this point.
Very well written Brian. Our governments' reasons for continuing the Cuban embargo apppear ridiculous when compared to the fact that the US gives China favored nation status. I personally believe the only reason we continue this farce is votes, votes pure and simple. Neither party wants to lose the critical swing state of Florida. Sad, very sad.
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Insanity, "doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results" perfecting describes the US policy towards Cuba. The time I spent there was amazing; wonderful, warm and entrepreneurial people who exist in a dollar-based economy. Remove the embargo and the State would fall almost overnight.
The Cuban embargo is a waste of time and money. We're beyond this yet politicians are simply too stupid to remove this costly program.
"But Cuba did not give up and Castro did not go away."
Greenspun -- for once we agree, and "utterly stupid" is a better description of the embargo. You gave us a look at Cuba's history but it would have been far better if you had included why Castro & Guevara & gang overthrew Batista, another U.S.-supported tyrant. Check what then-president JFK said about it all @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulgencio_B... --
"I believe that there is no country in the world including any and all the countries under colonial domination, where economic colonization, humiliation and exploitation were worse than in Cuba, in part owing to my country's policies during the Batista regime. I approved the proclamation which Fidel Castro made in the Sierra Maestra, when he justifiably called for justice and especially yearned to rid Cuba of corruption. I will even go further: to some extent it is as though Batista was the incarnation of a number of sins on the part of the United States. Now we shall have to pay for those sins. In the matter of the Batista regime, I am in agreement with the first Cuban revolutionaries. That is perfectly clear." -- U.S. President John F. Kennedy, to Jean Daniel, October 24, 1963
In the early 90's, Castro extended an olive branch during his visit to the UN. Fidel was for the first time ever, in a suit and not the usual fatigues. Castro was looking to transition his Nation and avoid the pending chaos upon his death - but, was rebuffed by the US administation.
This embargo is about VOTES...and just like the amnesty teaser the politiicans use today...It's nothing more than trying to benefit from the latino vote and We send millions to the PLO every year...
Of course, under Castro, Cuba has remained a communist country with some very dark economic times. The American sanctions has surely perpetuated their trade and industry woes. Mr. Greenspun is right; through all this, the Cubans have remained a lively population. I just love their "descarga" type music. It is otherwise known as, the "Cuban jam session".
Castro's successful overthrow of the Batista regime was ultimately successful due to the huge disparities between plantation owners, the one percent, and the remainder of the populace, the ninety-nine percent. Odd isn't it? Five decades later, these are the same roots that are forming here in America today between corporations and the rest of the populace. One would generally think we would be smart enough, as a nation, to learn from not only our self, but, as well, the history of others.
THE LONG ARM OF THE CACTUS CURTAIN
Reaching out and normalizing relations with Cuba may not be as easy as one thinks. There is the issue of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. The United States contends the indefinite land lease for our military base signed during the Batista reign is valid. The Castro regime has disputed this claim.
The term "Cactus Curtain" came about after the revolution. Cubans sought refuge on the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Cuban troops planted an 8-mile barrier of cactus to stop Cubans from fleeing the new regime to take refuge on the naval base.
In the early 1970's Marines fresh out of boot camp were sometimes sent, as a temporary training assignment, to Guantanamo Bay. I have to admit, the short time I was there, it would be one of the most grueling guard posts I would ever stand as a Marine. Standing guard in an open tower, I looked across "no man's land" at the bunkers the Cuban soldiers positioned themselves in. The separating line between us was the world's second largest mine field.
I remember thinking, while on guard duty, "What a wasted time of life this is to be in facing each other in this manner."
I believed the Cuban soldiers were probably thinking the same thing as I was. I don't see anything changing, anytime soon.
"...under Castro, Cuba has remained a communist country..."
BChap -- good you brought it up. I remind all China is and remains "a communist country" without sanctions. More hypocrisy from those we send to to our national capitol, and the best Congress money can buy.
"In the general course of human nature, a power over a man's subsistence amounts to a power over his will." -- Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper 79, 1787-88
The citizens of Cuba have to fight their own fight. If they hate it so much and want change they will say as much.
The U.S. policy towards Cuba will not change until the extreme right wing Cuban hardliners in Florida who dictate Washington's policy either die off or the Castro brothers die off. You can not win the White House without Florida and you can't win Florida with out the extreme right wing Cuban vote. Until that changes nothing changes.
Worth reading is the article at http://www.thenewamerican.com/history/wo..., titled "Birch Society's Robert Welch Was Correct on Castro." The article states:
". . . All of the above quotes [from New York Times, Look, Reader's Digest, and Newsweek, denying that Castro was a communist] were before December 2, 1961, when in a five-hour-long televised speech Castro said: 'I am a Marxist-Leninist and will be until the day I die.' He also said on the same occasion that he had hidden his belief in communism 'because otherwise we might have alienated the bourgeoisie and other forces which we knew we would eventually have to fight.'
"But Castro's communism was also hidden [during the initial overthrow] with the help of the American media, and the John Birch Society's founder Robert Welch's warnings were not heard by enough people prior to Castro's acquisition of power to overcome the major-media spin or to alter American foreign policy, which at the time was tilted on behalf of Castro."
Moreover, in a three-hour-long speech, titled "If you want it straight," (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9VRUU0uz..., Robert Welch proved that our own State Department was complicit in setting up Castro and deposing Batista.
Is Brian Greenspun finally "outing" himself as a Castroite? Is he hinting that his INSIDER connections with Brookings Institution tell him that the INSIDERS now want a rapprochement with the Castro regime?
It does indeed seem as though acejoker has some personal insight/knowledge into the topic.
Too bad he destroys his credibility by his obvious hatred for "Barack Hussein Obama", and reduces his commentary to typical right-wing jibber-jabber instead of honest and intellectual debate.
The embargo has worked, but it should be strengthened. Too many tourist dollars from Canada, Europe and elsewhere have propped up Castro. Do that and it won't be long until the evil and corrupt government dies.
Mr. Greenspun has writen a wise article. As a Canadian, I can attest that Cuba is a wonderful holiday destination.
In my opinion, if America began trading with Cuba and treating them like their other trading partners, then wonderful benefits would flow for both Cuba and America. You would open up still another customer for your businesses, and the standard of living of the Cuban people would quickly rise.
"Do that and it won't be long until the evil and corrupt government dies."
FreedomRadio -- you're showing your profound ignorance on this topic. The embargo has been in place 50+ years. Do try to post something actually relevant to these Discussions.
"I love and treasure individuals as I meet them, I loathe and despise the groups they identify with and belong to." -- George Carlin
Nothing like a guy born with a silver spoon in his mouth opining on what should be done with poor people. Cuba today, why not North Korea tomorrow? Btw greenspun has not made a wise decision (most financially based) in over a decade and lost most of what his heritage earned. Take his advice...tongue in cheek
I beleive that after 50+ years of embargo, the punishment really goes against the cuban people and not against Castro and his family.
Us and Russia signed the non-agression pact after the missile crisis.
Today we really do bussiness with China and other socialist countries.
Anything we wear and eat in the US,comes from China.It includes chinese garlic and vietnamese tilapia.
Cuba really needs the american goods.We allow cuban-americans to send billions of dollars to their relatives.It's a demagouge way to enforce the emabrgo.
Lifting the embargo would be a win-win situation, for US manufacturing and investing opportunities.
US parts,replacements, and supplies will benefit from this trade.None the last oil drilling and tourism industries will also greatly benefit.
It's time to leave in peace. Cuba was and always will be a great paradaise for all. In God we trust.
I was born there but don't remember a thing. I came to LV when I was 5, back in the 60's. My mom says that back then, blacks weren't allowed to own land, vote, or hold office. Her parents had a sugar plantation that employed 20 black folks. Some to work in the house, some to work the fields. Her parents had 13 kids, so I imagine they needed help around the house. She says that 10 families now occupy the house she grew up in, but the house hasn't been kept up well, same fridge, broken doors, old paint, etc. Castro basically put everyone on the same level, black white or native, and told everyone they could have a free education, house, and food. Thing is the embargo has kept them from having much of anything. I personally don't understand why we get everything from communist China but hate so much on Cuba. If we traded with them, sure, Castro would be better of but so would the avg person, especially those who work for tips. What would be wrong with that? What is having "stuff" turns Cuba into a China style economy? What would be the problem then? And what about Chavez, why do we trade with him? Makes no sense.
We keep doing the same thing over and over and the US keeps getting nothing for the time, effort and money spent on a 50+ year wasted effort.
One would think it silly to deal with China the way we do and leave a neighbor 90 miles away to their own devices...
How many millions would the US save in this economy by stopping the childish behavior??
EXCELLENT ARTICLE ON CUBA
The answer to your question; YES.
Certainly it is time to revisit the issue, but Cuban cigars are overrated today.
"The embargo has worked, but it should be strengthened. Too many tourist dollars from Canada, Europe and elsewhere have propped up Castro. Do that and it won't be long until the evil and corrupt government dies." - Freedom Radio
Freedom Radio, you sound like the head "mean girl" in high school, pitting everyone else against the new girl. Do tell, why should we have the right to force other countries to hate on a little country that is no longer a threat to us? They really were only a threat because of support of the USSR, which no longer exists. Both Castros are over 80, so they'll be gone soon enough. Their supporters will never have the power either Castro has and will probably be easier to negotiate with. A 50+ year grudge is long enough, let's progress into the future, not regress.
So why does the US have to spend money on that country to help it out?
And Mr Belleville Canada, why don't you approach your government and suggest that they send billions to Cuba to help support them? People in the US are pretty taped out about now supporting foriegn countries.
"where else can you find an original '55 or '57 chevy with all the correct numbers?"
dipstick -- "Yank Tanks" is an excellent documentary film on just that if you can find it
"A prohibition whose reasons we do not understand or admit is not only for the obstinate man but also for the man thirsty for knowledge almost the injunction: let us put it to the test, so as to learn *why* this prohibition exists. Moral prohibitions . . . are suitable only for ages when reason is subjugated . . ." -- Friederich Nietzsche 1880 "The Wanderer and his Shadow"
The question shouldn't be if we should be buddies with Cuba it should be does Cuba want to be friends with us?
It seems [to me anyhow] that we let people from communist countries come here and move about freely while going to a communist country is a risk taking adventure.
What would Cuba offer us other than cheap cane sugar , 50s autos and a place to build a few 'wally worlds'?
I don't see that much difference between Cuba today and Venezuela/China, and we trade with them; and increased interaction would have the inevitable effect of undermining state controls. So yes, maintaining the embargo may not have much value as far as modifying the Cuban regime's behavior. But the US won't gain much out of it -- Cuba just doesn't have much to offer.
Open up free trade and tourism with Cuba. Do it now. The usual blather from the usual idiots.
Well.........I could use the cigars.
The Castros are still in charge.What'new to report.?Change takes two to tango.
If we can negotiate with the Taliban, then maybe keeping a Cuban embargo in place is a bit old fashioned and catering to the old Cuban American elite.
Cheap labor closer to home than China Whoopee!
Cuban health care is affordable and very good. Americans could get the care they need at a fair price and enjoy the Caribbean at the same time.