The U.S. Policies On Cuba
Here's a brief summary of key reasons why I don't agree with the U.S. sanctions / embargoes / travel ban against Cuba:
1. Three liberties fundamental to a free society are being violated by the policies: economic freedom, freedom of association, and the freedom for law abiding citizens to travel. If one wants to "export" freedom, the way to start is by allowing these fundamental liberties to their own citizens first.
2. Capitalism and freedom can only work through open lines of communication and association. By closing that door, Castro's government and ideologies are made more (not less) viable.
3. Cuba is no longer is the tactical and strategical threat that it was during the Cold War.
4. The policies have (and will continue to) provide a strong platform for future radical non-capitalist leaders in Cuba.
5. The policies have (and will continue to) provide local leaders with a good excuse to point their finger at external sources to their problems.
6. The policies are horribly inconsistent, and Cuba is singled out, perhaps because it is not as lucrative a market as other countries. I don't believe I've seen a shred of evidence that Cuba's human rights record is anything but better than that of China or Saudi Arabia. Commercial interests seem to have made way for special treatment towards those other countries.
7. If the policies were intended to starve Castro's government out of existence or cause revolt: NEWS FLASH, it has been over 40 years and it hasn't worked. I understand that the policies are not monolithic and some aspects of them haven't been around for 40 years, but it is clear that they still haven't worked.
I agree with the U.S. over and against Canada on a number of things. In fact, I identify myself with the U.S. political philosophy (at least in regard to its original intentions) more-so than I do with the Canadian one. But on the issue of the Cuban embargo, I side with Canada. The U.S. needs to overhaul their policy in regard to Cuba. I've been to Cuba twice and am glad I have had that opportunity (and would visit again if I have a chance). It is a beautiful country with many extremely friendly people that have been through a lot of hard times (and it isn't just Atheists that live there, I've come across Presbyterians and Church of God members there). And I say that as a non-communist non-liberal freedom-loving Christian.
1. Three liberties fundamental to a free society are being violated by the policies: economic freedom, freedom of association, and the freedom for law abiding citizens to travel. If one wants to "export" freedom, the way to start is by allowing these fundamental liberties to their own citizens first.
2. Capitalism and freedom can only work through open lines of communication and association. By closing that door, Castro's government and ideologies are made more (not less) viable.
3. Cuba is no longer is the tactical and strategical threat that it was during the Cold War.
4. The policies have (and will continue to) provide a strong platform for future radical non-capitalist leaders in Cuba.
5. The policies have (and will continue to) provide local leaders with a good excuse to point their finger at external sources to their problems.
6. The policies are horribly inconsistent, and Cuba is singled out, perhaps because it is not as lucrative a market as other countries. I don't believe I've seen a shred of evidence that Cuba's human rights record is anything but better than that of China or Saudi Arabia. Commercial interests seem to have made way for special treatment towards those other countries.
7. If the policies were intended to starve Castro's government out of existence or cause revolt: NEWS FLASH, it has been over 40 years and it hasn't worked. I understand that the policies are not monolithic and some aspects of them haven't been around for 40 years, but it is clear that they still haven't worked.
I agree with the U.S. over and against Canada on a number of things. In fact, I identify myself with the U.S. political philosophy (at least in regard to its original intentions) more-so than I do with the Canadian one. But on the issue of the Cuban embargo, I side with Canada. The U.S. needs to overhaul their policy in regard to Cuba. I've been to Cuba twice and am glad I have had that opportunity (and would visit again if I have a chance). It is a beautiful country with many extremely friendly people that have been through a lot of hard times (and it isn't just Atheists that live there, I've come across Presbyterians and Church of God members there). And I say that as a non-communist non-liberal freedom-loving Christian.
Labels: cuba, foreign policy, liberty
posted by Mark Nenadov at 12:23 PM
2 Comments:
Very interesting post. What we are drilled about Cuba is that it is a place of hell. Communism this, Fidel Castro that....you hear about children coming over onto US soil by homemade rafts. Crazy...you make Cuba sound sorta like a paradise getaway.
While Cuba is very poor and has a very authoritarian government, it is also a very beautiful place with beautiful people. Put it this way, if there was no embargo, places like Jamaica, Dominican Republic, etc. would have a hard time competing for U.S. tourist dollars.
I certainly would not want to live in Cuba. First of all, there is the poverty and lack of opportunities. And then there is the all-encompassing lack of liberty. And yet, there is something very endearing about that country and its people, and Americans are missing out by not being able to visit there.
One nice thing about the embargo for non-American tourists is that it makes the resort less crowded. But I'm still against the embargo, and would like to see it lifted.
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