As mentioned in Steve's post, I'm a fan of the US adopting an enlightened Monroe Doctrine that promotes democracies in the Western Hemisphere under the project of building a (North and South) American free trade market and mutual aid alliance that promotes self-rule and free markets as a mechanism for allowing people in our immediate sphere of influence to improve their lives and countries, no matter where they may live in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm not a fan of Biden doing anything militarily to aid in the protests, but I wouldn't be opposed to a blockade around Cuba that keeps OTHER foreign actors out of Cuban's own internal fight (weapons and military gear get turned away - food and other civilian trade is allowed through), along with food and medicines (and vaccines) at the standby with the understanding that the US will help Cubans get on their feet, should the democratic forces prevail.
After our shameful abandonment of the Afghan people who looked to us for help against Taliban oppressors, we need to redeem ourselves as Reagan's "shining city on the hill". Cuba's literally right on our doorstep, so we should do what we can to convince them to make the decision to embrace democratic self-rule.
These are really sensible proposals Chris. Expanding and strengthening free trade among the countries in the Western Hemisphere is something where I see very few downsides, if any. Having strengthened economic and political ties with these countries is, IMHO, the best way to isolate the despotic Cuban government, and further embolden the freedom fighters in Cuba. When they see the fruits of free trade and political pacts among the democratic states in Latin America, it could embolden more Cuban citizens to join the cause of a free and democratic Cuba. What Chris mentioned here would a welcome contrast to tariffs and other economically isolationist measures of the past few years, that however well intentioned it may've been, was misguided. I don't think it would give us the leverage against rogue states such as Cuba, and others globally.
Given the geographical proximity of Cuba to the US as Chris mentioned here, this would be the best and easiest of opportunities among all of the rogue states to influence into a liberal democracy. They do not have the historical/cultural stumbling blocks that many Middle East countries that sometimes conflict with a secular democracy. And there isn't that dangerous geographical circumstances such as with North Korea.
Let's hope for the best, and do everything we can to help make it happen!
Thank God good old Bernie and Michael don't speak for the majority of those on the left eh? On the other had the nut jobs at CPAC now represents better than 50% of those on the right. While you are quick to point to our minority Curtis, you invariably fail to acknowledge the absolute loony-tuners who make up the preponderance of whack jobs speaking at CPAC and the followers who religiously swallow the venom they preach.
Thanks for the more balanced article David. I read Steve's column this morning and i simply refuse to reply to him. I spent way too many years inside organized labor and around working men and women and never once heard anyone refer to Cuba as a "leftists workers' paradise. " Never.
The only thing i remember about Cuba was they had the coolest collection of vintage automobiles. That was because they couldn't afford anything else so they worked their butts off to keep them running. This would be the time to try and establish humanitarian aid and normalizing relationships with whichever party becomes the next government.
Since you mentioned organized labor, I remember reading how the late Lane Kirkland, who was the president of the AFL-CIO a few decades ago, was a staunch opponent of communism. During the Cold War, he and many prominent union figures were vociferous opponents of the Soviet Union's Afghanistan invasion. They also opposed theirs and other Iron Curtain countries' refusal to let workers organize and collectively bargain. Labor unions contributed much to help bring an end to the Cold War.
"I spent way too many years inside organized labor and around working men and women"
Probably explains why we have a different opinions on who are nut jobs and whack jobs. I spent way too many years dealing with malicious slow downs, poor performance, contrived grievances and fake sick days by labor unions. I suppose I would never qualify as a working man by your standards.
I would never use a standard of carrying a Union card as to whether or not you were a "working man" Curtis. Sorry, not how i am wired. That said, how did you feel about the freak show know as CPAC this past weekend? In case you haven't read it, try and get a hold of Charlie Syke's assessment of it in today's column. Brilliant take and from one of your own.
I really do not follow CPAC. If I did, I'm sure our opinions would differ on who's freaky and who's not. I just consider myself to be an imperfect conservative.
As mentioned in Steve's post, I'm a fan of the US adopting an enlightened Monroe Doctrine that promotes democracies in the Western Hemisphere under the project of building a (North and South) American free trade market and mutual aid alliance that promotes self-rule and free markets as a mechanism for allowing people in our immediate sphere of influence to improve their lives and countries, no matter where they may live in the Western Hemisphere.
I'm not a fan of Biden doing anything militarily to aid in the protests, but I wouldn't be opposed to a blockade around Cuba that keeps OTHER foreign actors out of Cuban's own internal fight (weapons and military gear get turned away - food and other civilian trade is allowed through), along with food and medicines (and vaccines) at the standby with the understanding that the US will help Cubans get on their feet, should the democratic forces prevail.
After our shameful abandonment of the Afghan people who looked to us for help against Taliban oppressors, we need to redeem ourselves as Reagan's "shining city on the hill". Cuba's literally right on our doorstep, so we should do what we can to convince them to make the decision to embrace democratic self-rule.
These are really sensible proposals Chris. Expanding and strengthening free trade among the countries in the Western Hemisphere is something where I see very few downsides, if any. Having strengthened economic and political ties with these countries is, IMHO, the best way to isolate the despotic Cuban government, and further embolden the freedom fighters in Cuba. When they see the fruits of free trade and political pacts among the democratic states in Latin America, it could embolden more Cuban citizens to join the cause of a free and democratic Cuba. What Chris mentioned here would a welcome contrast to tariffs and other economically isolationist measures of the past few years, that however well intentioned it may've been, was misguided. I don't think it would give us the leverage against rogue states such as Cuba, and others globally.
Given the geographical proximity of Cuba to the US as Chris mentioned here, this would be the best and easiest of opportunities among all of the rogue states to influence into a liberal democracy. They do not have the historical/cultural stumbling blocks that many Middle East countries that sometimes conflict with a secular democracy. And there isn't that dangerous geographical circumstances such as with North Korea.
Let's hope for the best, and do everything we can to help make it happen!
"anything militarily" meaning American boots on Cuban soil. I should have been clearer there!
Good grief. Michael Moore and Bernie Sanders missed the mark on Cuba. Wait 'til their progressive followers get that news.
Thank God good old Bernie and Michael don't speak for the majority of those on the left eh? On the other had the nut jobs at CPAC now represents better than 50% of those on the right. While you are quick to point to our minority Curtis, you invariably fail to acknowledge the absolute loony-tuners who make up the preponderance of whack jobs speaking at CPAC and the followers who religiously swallow the venom they preach.
Thanks for the more balanced article David. I read Steve's column this morning and i simply refuse to reply to him. I spent way too many years inside organized labor and around working men and women and never once heard anyone refer to Cuba as a "leftists workers' paradise. " Never.
The only thing i remember about Cuba was they had the coolest collection of vintage automobiles. That was because they couldn't afford anything else so they worked their butts off to keep them running. This would be the time to try and establish humanitarian aid and normalizing relationships with whichever party becomes the next government.
Since you mentioned organized labor, I remember reading how the late Lane Kirkland, who was the president of the AFL-CIO a few decades ago, was a staunch opponent of communism. During the Cold War, he and many prominent union figures were vociferous opponents of the Soviet Union's Afghanistan invasion. They also opposed theirs and other Iron Curtain countries' refusal to let workers organize and collectively bargain. Labor unions contributed much to help bring an end to the Cold War.
Spot on HCI.
What was their contribution to ending the Cold War?
"I spent way too many years inside organized labor and around working men and women"
Probably explains why we have a different opinions on who are nut jobs and whack jobs. I spent way too many years dealing with malicious slow downs, poor performance, contrived grievances and fake sick days by labor unions. I suppose I would never qualify as a working man by your standards.
I would never use a standard of carrying a Union card as to whether or not you were a "working man" Curtis. Sorry, not how i am wired. That said, how did you feel about the freak show know as CPAC this past weekend? In case you haven't read it, try and get a hold of Charlie Syke's assessment of it in today's column. Brilliant take and from one of your own.
I really do not follow CPAC. If I did, I'm sure our opinions would differ on who's freaky and who's not. I just consider myself to be an imperfect conservative.