Will Ebola Finish Off the US blockade of Cuba?

[Judi Lynn]

October 27, 2014

A Creature of Its Own Making

Will Ebola Finish Off the US blockade of Cuba?

by W.T. WHITNEY Jr., MD


The New York Times October recently praised Cuba for sending health workers to West Africa to fight Ebola. “Cuba stands to play the most robust role among the nations seeking to contain the virus,” the Times said, adding that “Cuba’s contribution (…) should be lauded and emulated.”

More than that: “Only Cuba and a few nongovernmental organizations are offering what is most needed: medical professionals in the field.” Indeed nations “with the most to offer” have held back. The newspaper has some advice. “Washington (…) is diplomatically estranged from Havana, the boldest contributor. Therefore, the benefits of moving swiftly to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba” are clear.

The week before, the Times had also called for the U.S. government to establish normal relations with Cuba. But this time the editors added urgency to their plea and left out earlier qualifications.

The United Nations has secured pledges for almost $1 billion, but aid flows slowly; $50 million were in hand as of October 21. According to the Times, “19,000 doctors, nurses and paramedics are needed by December1.” The United States and Britain are sending soldiers and building field hospitals.

The U.S. government is stymied. “Up until now”, reports conservative Times columnist David Brooks, “aid has been scattershot and coordination has just not been there. At root, this is a governance failure.” In a subsequent column, he blames out-of control fear, which is a “function of isolation.” And, “We live in a society almost perfectly suited for contagions of hysteria and overreaction, (…) a segmented society, with widening gaps between different social classes.” “Things that are supposed to keep you safe, like national borders and national authorities, seem porous and ineffective.” Ebola “exploits the weakness in the fabric of our culture.”

More:
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/10/27/will-ebola-finish-off-us-blockade-of-cuba/

[Mika]

1. Imo - no.

American politics is sick.

[Judi Lynn]

2. The obsession with controlling Cuba has been there since the 1800's.

Washington politicians are sick with their hatred of Cuban independence.

Not being able to dominate a small country near US borders has driven them insane, and they can't grow up enough to respect Cuban rights. It's been one long tantrum.