Embargo on Cuba - Isn't it about time we drop this?

[Shai-Hulud]

You're right, of course. You can't just "hand capitalism" to any country. Capitalism, or Free Market economy, as we know it, is a complex system which takes off responsibility from state to individuals and corporations. This societal responsibility which is the prerequisite of freedom is not easily achieved. Because capitalism is a highly developed system consisting of free individuals it's not working very well in former socialist countries. This, however, is not due to failure of capitalism but because of failure of socialism. I don't think developing countries have to go through mercantilist period, but it will take time before societies adjust to western model.

A future Cuba policy which would make Cuba's poor poorer, less healthy, less well-educated, or more subject to crime is a policy we should not be advocating, because it is literally inhumane

I don't know what would Cuban people decide if they we're offered both capitalism and socialism, without the propaganda. The latter might ensure some security to poorest of people, but the first ensures freedom and wealth, it's just that the wealth is never same for everyone. I'm not sure what would happen to [B}actual[/B] crime rate. I don't think private sector would commit anymore crimes than public sector is committing now. These choices are never easy.