Time to Change the Cuban Embargo Laws!

Time to Change the Cuban Embargo Laws!

The Cuban Embargo has been a complete failure. It has allowed Castro and his brother Raul to perpetuate the excuse that the problems and issues inside Cuba are the fault of someone other than themselves--and to get away with it all these years. The Cuban embargo is the longest standing embargo in history for the express purpose to punish Cuba for the seizure of American corporate properties-- it was never about democracy. Why are we continuing this farce that does nothing but keep the common Cuban citizen from overtaking the current regime that the American government facilitated in the first place? Change the Cuban Embargo law and as part of the negotiations the Castro brothers must go!

April 6, 2009 This week American lawmakers in Cuba, meeting with Cuban leaders.
April 13, 2009 This week President Obama plans to ease Cuba travel restrictions for Cuban Americans.
April 15, 2009 President Obama lifts ban on travel to Cuba for Americans with family in Cuba. Also raises limits on monetary gifts to members of family in Cuba. Allows certain cellular and internet communications and services to be expanded.
April 16, 2009 Raul Castro showing signs of willingness to negotiate changes in trade policies with the Obama Administartion
April 17, 2009 President Obama expressing positive and promising statements regarding Cuban governments steps to negotiate with the United States.
April 18, 2009 Obama/Clinton awaiting Raul Castro's response to the olive branch held out

Cuban Exiles on the Trade Embargo:
Interviews

This short summary (182 pages) of the effects of the economic embargo should be read by all national politicians and policy makers. Shows how good intentions fail when there is not a unified, world-wide support.

Uses the words of the common man on the streets of Miami as well as some of the most educated Cubans living in the US....people who will soon die and whose feeling would have been lost, had it not been for this writing.

It gives an ultra short yet acccurate history of Cuba form the time of the liberation from Spain in the 1990's to the current situation. This is "must read" information for all second generation Cuban Americans who are "too busy" to do their own research on how we got here.

Carlos E. Rio, M.D.
San Antonio, Texas

History of the Cuban Embargo Law

Cuban Embargo:
Domestic Politics Of American Foreign Policy
(Pitt Latin Amercian Studies)

"An engaging study of the behind-the-scenes forces shaping the U.S. embargo of Cuba. . . . Carefully takes us through intrigues in the White House, politics in Congress, and shifts in the exile community to grasp the complex dynamics at work. Haney and Vanderbush expand our historical and conceptual understanding of how multiple actors and circumstances can influence foreign policy."
--Maria de los Angeles Torres, author of In the Land of Mirrors:Cuban Exile Politics in the United States

Strengthening ties with Cuba can lead to a strong ally in the Caribbean. (look at the map in relation to the island's location in the world!)

A strong Cuban ally could provide the U.S. with badly needed, improved diplomatic relations with countries who have greater confidence in Cuba. (and not just Communist or dictator-ruled countries)

Both countries' citizens could benefit from the tourism to this beautiful island.

Open door policies can lead to improved communication even with the worst regimes.

Lifting the embargo could help families and citizens of Cuba gain the inner strength to take on the Cuba dictatorship.(This would circumvent decades of ongoing resentment from a people who may feel abandoned by a large and powerful nation who could leverage their freedom with minimal effort)

Strengthening the confidence of the citizens of Cuba by providing overt support and resources could give the people the courage to stand up against the regime and ultimately change the government internally. (This would consume significantly less resources than a war with Cuba to liberate its people)

The simple act of lifting the embargo could create a natural process that allows for a peaceful or more preferable movement of change.

Lifting the Cuban embargo shows the world that the U.S. does not want to dictate to any people or government how it should be run, and signals a more amicable willingness to allow other nations to take care of their own affairs. (Not everyone in the world wants a democracy or economy like the U.S. but they do want liberty and freedom and justice for every citizen in a way that supports their cultural values).

Changing the Cuban Embargo law could bring Billions of dollars to both countries, and create thousands of new jobs in both countries.

What will President Obama Do?

Love, Loss and Longing:
The Impact of U.S. Travel Policy on Cuban-American Families

Bush policy is wrong, November 14, 2007

Love, Loss and Longing details one more failed foreign policy of the Bush administration. In 2004, Bush placed restrictions on Cuban-American, only allowing them to travel back to Cuba once every three years and with no emergency travel allowed. The harsh punishment of Cuban-American families is detailed in this book with vivid photography and moving testimony. If you would like to see another aspect of Bush's foreign policy that is largely ignored in the media, buy this book. It is also a good book for photojournalism.
5.0 out of 5 stars
By B. Jolly (Plattsburgh, NY)
(REAL NAME)

Indispensible tool for advocacy for right to travel, November 14, 2007

This book is available as an effective tool for those wanting to change U.S. policy toward Cuba. Interviews with real people -- Cuban Americans who relate true-life stories about how travel restrictions affect their lives. An ideal book for education of policymakers and your own family.
5.0 out of 5 stars
By M. Anderson
(REAL NAME)

Above: Cuban Flag sent by political prisoners from the "Pedro Luis Boitel" Cuban Political Presidium at Combinado del Este in Havana, Cuba. The Flag was presented to the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. It is signed with the blood of political prisoners and constitutes a symbol of courage of all those men and women arbitrarily incarcerated in Castro's prisons for defending the rights and fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people.~~From the blog of Xavier Cortada

This poster is inspired by "Cambio" by Miami Pop Artist, Carlos A. Navarro. It's 12" x 18" and has an inscription in English and Spanish on the bottom. The poster costs $15 and that includes shipping via USPS first class mail. The proceeds from these posters go directly to dissidents in Cuba. Posters can be bought directly from the Blog "Bloggers United For Cuban Liberty"