Castro offers medical aid to U.S.

[Ecthy]

I'm not entirely sure if that is a good thing, che. Isn't hegemony also helpful with regional stability? If more Latin American countries go the path that Cuba did or that Venezuela is taking, and if they win more independence, that will sure as hell increase security competition among them. More players = more conflict. Also, who knows what unchecked lefty governments will do with their countries' resources. The IMF might have proven useless as a guidance to 3rd world countries, but leftist governments are often more irresponsible, especially when they'd do anything to get away from the United States AND show. (Cuba)

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ecthy
Isn't hegemony also helpful with regional stability?

Peace without justice is slavery.

[Ecthy]

"Justice" without economic sense leads to poverty.

Also, who says there's no justice if there's a hegemon?

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ecthy
"Justice" without economic sense leads to poverty.

Injustice leads to poverty regardless.

Also, who says there's no justice if there's a hegemon?

When has any hegemon ever been just?

[Ecthy]

How relevant is American injustice if their hegemony is mostly about a) being stronger than the rest and b) keeping others out? Don't think those countries would be better off with left-wing dictators opposed to the US.

[Flubber]

Cuba is a gorgeous island and while it lacks in some amenities, it is quite pleasant to be on a fun island with multicultural tourists

I really should visit there again-- My experience was friendly people, beautiful uncrowded beaches and no crime.

Oh and Castro's possible reasons have been listed. The US should accept and end the embargo. Its not like the US hasn't ever traded with a dictator

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ecthy
Don't think those countries would be better off with left-wing dictators opposed to the US.

Historically, the U.S.'s right-wing allies in this hemisphere have been far more violent to their own people than Castro or the Sandanistas. In fact, with the exception of Canada, Cuba was the only country in this hemisphere in the 60s, 70s and 80s that had no death squads.

[Sikander]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara

Originally posted by Ecthy
Don't think those countries would be better off with left-wing dictators opposed to the US.

Historically, the U.S.'s right-wing allies in this hemisphere have been far more violent to their own people than Castro or the Sandanistas. In fact, with the exception of Canada, Cuba was the only country in this hemisphere in the 60s, 70s and 80s that had no death squads.

I guess I just missed the Costa Rican death squads.