How I believe Raul Castro will be sold to the US citizens.
There are many monied interests that would love to see the island nation opened up for renewed tourism. Any cruise line would salivate at the prospect of Havana as a destination and hotel casinos certainly long for a return to the good ol' days before the revolution.
The only thing standing in the way of US easing of trade now is Raul Castro. He isn't about to relinquish power without a fight so a re-branding is in order. I expect to hear soon about how Raul is a "different" Castro, a kinder, gentler machine gun hand if you will who bears no more than a passing resemblance to his evil brother. This propaganda will be the product of millions of dollars in PR from the usual suspects, Addleson, Wynn, and The Mouse.
After President Blind Trust hears from an investor about how glorious 100 foot tall gold letters spelling out his name would appear at Havana Harbor I fully expect Donald Trump will jump on that marimba band wagon as well. This will possibly be the one thing that pits Trump against Putin and I know who can supply the ample palm grease to Castro to get the job done.
Castro will have to be assured he will remain at the helm for any deal to work so free elections will be out, but once he's defined as the "Compassionate Comrade" it's smooth sailing to the tropical paradise as long as he spares enough islanders to wait tables and dance for the tourists. It'll be wrapped up and sold as Honolulu of the Caribbean.
I'm torn myself as opening up Cuba to the West may be the best thing for the people there, but without a decent govt they'll still live in relative poverty while those in the statehouse roll in the greenbacks.
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Trump! Havana! Palace!
