Raul Castro extends olive branch to U.S.

[TheStinger]

What exactly is the US's problem with Cuba. Its much better than alot of countries out there

[KrazyHorse]

They were the first Latin American country in which a US "intervention" failed miserably. It's sheer embarrassment.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by TheStinger
What exactly is the US's problem with Cuba. Its much better than alot of countries out there

Its VERY close. It was liberated by us in 1898, Teddy Roosevelt made his rep there. In addition to massive investments, and major security interests due to proximity, there was an emotional involvement going back to the 1890s.

Can you say "near abroad"?

[Ned]

The Stinger, I think it all began when Castro nationalized a lot of US property without payment. It got worse when he sided with the USSR, virtually making Cuba a Soviet forward base.

Today, I think Cuba still has to address the issue of compensation. That should be doable if both sides have good will. Since Cuba no longer threatens the US militarily, I think the only other outstdanding issue of substance has to be the issue of elections.

I personally think we should not make peace with the commies of Cuba until they allow elections for a legislature and for a president. If the Dems oppose this, I would like to understand why?

[TheStinger]

Do you have diplomatic relations with them

[KrazyHorse]

Today, I think Cuba still has to address the issue of compensation

[Ned]

No.

[KrazyHorse]

If anybody thinks they're getting money for something that happened 47 years ago then they're dreaming.

Won't happen.

[Ned]

KH, I don't know why that would be a problem for Cuba if Uncle Sam "helped." For example, we could loan Cuba the money to pay its debts, and make that loan forgivable if they hold elections.

[TheStinger]

As the US don't support thr right of return of Pals to Israel how can they demand compo from something equally historical.

BTW can we be paid for the 13 colonies

[Ned]

Stinger, the ROR involves changing the demographics of Israel. Compensation to US citizens for expropriated property is entirely different in nature.

[senowen]

Originally posted by TheStinger
BTW can we be paid for the 13 colonies

But seriously, you don't think there is a difference between revolution and nationalization?

[laurentius]

Originally posted by senowen



But seriously, you don't think there is a difference between revolution and nationalization?

You dont think there was a revolucion in Cuba?

[TCO]

DanS is right. There will be some jockeying for power, but the US is not totally against more normal relations. Sorry, but you all don't need to see that get played out for your benefit. And both sides will try to keep some leverage. There are issues like seized property from 1961 to deal with. At the end of the day, that will get washed under the dam, but there will be some method of fig leafing it over. Oh...and Cuba can do better then that for an olive branch for starters.

Now that the Cold War is over, normalizing relations makes sense. Before it did not, y'all "but we support the troops and are really strong on defense" *****-ass Democrat fellow travelers, sucking face with avowed communists on this board.

[Thue]

Originally posted by Ned
Today, I think Cuba still has to address the issue of compensation. That should be doable if both sides have good will.

Sure thing - right after you compensate the UK for assets seized during the American Revolution. There was the issue of some tea which was thrown in the harbour...