Bush vows to create 'peaceful' Cuba

[cal04]

PRESIDENT George W. Bush said overnight the United States was committed to helping Cubans create "peaceful" government in a message ahead of the island's independence day. "The United States is committed to advancing the values that sustain liberty and helping establish a just and peaceful government in Cuba," Mr Bush said in a message for the 104th anniversary of Cuban independence, to be celebrated later today.

"On this anniversary of Cuba's independence, we look forward to the day when Cuba embraces democracy and human rights for all her people," he said. Mr Bush's message came after the State Department announced the postponement of a report from the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, an advisory panel created in 2003 to help hasten the demise of Fidel Castro's regime.

Following recommendations from the panel in 2004, Mr Bush tightened the four-decade-old US embargo against the communist-led island.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19197242-1702,00.html

[Robbien]

1. Sure he will. Just as he has done in Iraq

"Spreading democracy" is becoming a new four letter word in my dictionary.

[SunDrop23]

4. Freedom is on the march...

[saigon68]

45. A peaceful country being created like Iraq-Nam

FALLUJAH, Iraq - US troops fire off another volley of shots amid the trashed houses of Fallujah, hunting down new adversaries carrying a potentially deadly weapon that threatens to plague reconstruction efforts.

But this time the marines are not chasing down the insurgents who they defeated in a devastating assault on the city last month. Their quarry is stray animals grown fat on the flesh from corpses and who could harbor rabies.





A stray dog feeds on an Iraqi corpse. Marines are now hunting down stray animals grown fat on the flesh from corpses and which could harbor rabies Photo AFP/Cris Bouroncle.

[VegasWolf]

56. Cuba should never have admitted they found oil! nt

[Kenergy]

25. My thoughts exactly. Cuba is doomed n/t

[tirechewer]

42. Yes he will....

As he has done in Iraq, wants to do in Iran, is attempting to do in Somalia and probably other places that are still receiving their "democracy" secretly.

I wonder if there will be anyone who manages to escape the spreading of Bush's "democracy"?

[saigon68]

44. THEY NEED A FEW LIBERTY AND FREEDOM CHECKPOINTS

[leesa]

52. So true. The cops were in the Ministry of Love, Miniluv in doublespeak.

[tirechewer]

77. DoublePlusGOOD

Worry not. There are enough liberty and freedom checkpoints for all. But we must not forget what it takes to insure that they remain.




Great website, by the way. Plenty of DoublePlus for everyone. ;)

[NewJeffCT]

2. Why is it ok...

Why is it ok to do business with Communists in Vietnam & China, but not okay to do business with Communists from Cuba?

[Mika]

6. Because Cuba doesn't have sweatshops or slaves.

All professions/vocations in Cuba are represented by unions.

[Erika]

3. Cuba is peaceful - W needs to be told to stay away

Or is he profit driven enough for his business buds to turn Cuba into another Iraq?

Elian's father described what freedom was as he escorted his son back home.

[SunDrop23]

5. Bush needs to work on a peaceful USA first.

[babylonsister]

7. The same blivet who wouldn't accept help from thousands of

doctors who offered it from Cuba after Katrina, with Castro's blessing?
He's so full of shit it ain't funny. Who is he trying to appease now? I imagine
Cubans aren't buying it.

[Mika]

11. Most Miami Cubans are not happy with *'s travel restrictions.

Cuban expats used to be able to go to Cuba every year for a family visit (despite the propaganda that they were "escaping" Cuba). Now they can only visit direct family (mother/father or son/daughter) once every three years. All this at the same time that Bushco's State Dept denies Cubans visas for a visit to their families in the US.

Of course Bushco then blames Castro for the family separations.

[babylonsister]

14. So my contention that dimson is full of shit remains untarnished!

:evilgrin:

[benburch]

8. We interrupt this thread for an important announcement!

[uppityperson]

9. (insert expletive here)

On this anniversary of Cuba's independence, we look forward to the day when the USA embraces democracy and human rights for all her people.

[The Traveler]

10. The use of newspeak

is really getting dull and repititious.

[madeline_con]

12. Oh great. Another invasion. n/t

[Minstrel Boy]

13. Please, hurry Mr Bush!

The Cuban people hunger for the peace and freedom for which you're so famous.

[babylonsister]

17. Those pictures are wonderful, M B!

So colorful and 'happy'!

[AnOhioan]

19. Yeah..those poor Cubans.....

So destitute...so downtrodden...so wanting to be under Bushboy's thumb...NOT

[babylonsister]

Welcome to DU, AnOhioan!

:toast:

[AnOhioan]

27. Thank you

This is actually my second go around here on DU...

Was a member for awhile and then let it lapse...been missing the place

[Judi Lynn]

41. Wow! Are they pining away for some Bush-styled freedom, or what?

Poor things. They really need to cheer up.

By the way, I've heard from Cuba travelers that they, too, were overwhelmed by the warm, friendly Cubans they met everywhere.

Great photos. It's a real treat to see them.

[roody]

49. Even the dogs are ready to resist an invasion!

[Canuckistanian]

72. Such wonderful, vibrant people, the Cubans

They could teach wealthy, fat Americans a few things about the quality of life.

Thanks for the pics!

[Amonester]

76. Yep. The following is the "peace" the little tyrant king George...

...vows to bring to cubans. What a "devine benefactor," (for Big Oil) hey?



*** WARNING ****** WARNING ****** WARNING ****** WARNING ****** WARNING
*** GRAPHIC CONTENT ****** CLICK BACK - SCROLL PAGE OR HIT PAGE DOWN **




















I remember in F9/11 how the kids in Iraq were having fun playing with kites...

Bu$h, you're a M*F*King SOB.

[davekriss]

15. What the f*ck?

Bush, you idiot, it's peaceful NOW!

[pdurod1]

16. title should read: "Bush vows to 'exploit' Cuba

Castro is getting ready to kick the bucket, Iraq is becoming the 51st state (or "New Texas")and already has border issues. Cuba the 52nd --what the hell

[Mika]

18. You don't think that Cubans would tolerate that, do you?

Unlike Iraq, the Cuban general population would put up an instant resistance to any US incursion into Cuba. Cuba has vast civil militias, and -contrary to popular belief in the US- they are well armed and trained.

They know just what US occupation would mean. Been there, done that. No thanks.

[pdurod1]

24. Tell you the truth...

We've seen what one Marine and one Army Division did to Iraq with another division stuck in Turkey. After occupying Cuba it would be just like Iraq. They hate us or free enterprise. All those malitia's with those Soviet AK-47's would be flooding into the US. Just like Iraq did with their fighter jets during Gulf war I, fly 'em to Iran.

These neocons have hijacked this administration.
like you said "no thanks"

[fooj]

20. You're on a roll, Lottle Lord Pissypants...

Sure. Destroy another country.

[onehandle]

21. Cuba seems pretty peaceful to me.

I'm no fan of Castro. I wouldn't mind seeing him overthrown and tossed to the sharks, but when I think of unpeaceful overseas, I don't think of Cuba.

I think of China. Why don't you vow a just and peaceful government in China, smirk?

Is it because they own us? Or is it just because Republicans are pussies.

Both?

[subterranean]

51. Why China?

Except for a brief border skirmish with Vietnam, China hasn't engaged in any foreign military conflicts since the Korean war.

[onehandle]

61. And Cuba has?

China are our slave labor commie masters.

Bush loves to lick their balls.

[leesa]

53. And why do you feel this way? Too much communism propaganda

for you, young man or young woman!

[Peace Patriot]

22. Ye, gods! Not another Bush peace war! n/t

[cantstandbush]

23. Why doesn't he vow for a "peaceful America?" n/t

[ConcernedCanuk]

26. Cuba has how many Military Bases in OTHER people's countries??

.
.
.

Oh right

Those evil people send doctors and teachers around the world

Why don't they wake up and send Military people around the globe and occupy other countries like the USA does

silly people . . .

[Rex]

28. Some gummits just talk to the people of other gummits.

A lot of shit talk and bold nothing.

[spacelady]

29. NOOOOO! Cubans, run for your lives!

[IChing]

30. Free the Sudetenland for Miami Cubans, I mean Germans, I mean Iraqis.

I mean Venezuelans, I mean native Hawaiians, I mean native Americans....what a bunch of crap.

This message of the pResident hopefully will reach the prisoners at Gitmo in Cuba.

[ninkasi]

31. That democracy stuff

sounds like a good idea. Do you think there's any chance of having it here? I mean, dear sweet merciful Mother of God, we could use it. Maybe we could eliminate the chasm between the wealth of the uber-rich and the rest of us. Maybe we could have clean water, and air, if enough of us want it. Would a democracy cater to the whims of bloated corporations?

Oh, and if enough of us wanted, we could get rid of homelessness, and hunger, and just spend our tax money on things which make the lives of all of us better, and therefore stronger. If we legislate mandatory pregnancy, then surely we, as a society, would be more than willing to see that mothers and children have a standard of living that ensures them food, shelter, and medical care.

Well, Cubans already have several of those things, so maybe the idiot in chief can explain how they would be better under the kind of government that sucks up their wages, and redistributes the money to the wealthy. That's what we do here. I hope somebody more intelligent than me can explain why our government is so much better. Let's begin the explanation with what happens to the uninsured working poor. Can you explain, Lord Pissypants?

[Union Thug]

32. make CUBA peaceful?

When was the last time Cuba bombed and invaded a sovereign nation, anyway?

[barb162]

98. they seem pretty peaceful to me!

[truthisfreedom]

33. does rove write this "straw man" crap? where is the violence in Cuba?

the citizens of any nation on earth that hear bush talking about them would do well to dig bomb shelters.

[niyad]

34. the * must be freaking because the cubans are doing their disaster-

preparedness civil defense drills again, in advance of hurricane season, which starts in less than two weeks, as SOME need to be reminded.

or maybe he was just informed of the missiles that were in cuba in "63?????

[daleo]

35. In other words - he's planning to invade

That's Bushspeak for "peaceful".

[jaysunb]

36. Could this be our October surprise ?

:evilfrown:

[IndianaGreen]

37. Bush has been so successful in bringing freedom & democracy

to Iraq and Afghanistan. I am sure Cubans are ready to replace their free health care with an American HMO.

[BlueStater]

38. Blah Blah Blah

Hasn't every president since Eisenhower made this kind of statement? I doubt Monkeynuts will succeed whereas the others failed.

[barb162]

39. Bush is so beyond nuts

[acmavm]

40. Maybe it's time that bush** suited up and started putting HIS ass where

his mouth is. He's always going to do something to someone or some country. What he means is he's going to run his mouth like he's a big man and someone else will do the dirty work.

What a cowardly asshole.

edit: It is way past time that those two girls of his enlisted.

[Kailassa]

46. Shrub already has an ass where his mouth should be.

[shadowknows69]

43. I have news for GW

I doubt anyone in the world wants what the world must perceive is our "democracy"

[Orsino]

47. ...Starting at Gitmo, and spreading from there. n/t

[happydreams]

64. Bingo!! Turn the island into a detention center. I spent

a year at GTMO back in the 70's.

[Supersedeas]

102. Somehow preaching about human rights in Cuba w/out mentioning Gitmo

or at least conjuring images of Gitmo and Abu Ghraib seems paradoxical to me

[Bushies gotta go]

48. That will certainly teach Cuba for cozying up

to that bad, bad man down in Venezuela.

[roody]

50. You can participate in preemptive resistance

by informing yourself about Pastors for Peace and their civil disobedience. This summer is their 17th annual friendshipment to Cuba. Check it out at www.ifconews.org

[Judi Lynn]

55. Terrific info. from your link.

IFCO/Pastors for Peace 2006 Caravan to Cuba
Wonder why George W. doesn't want you to know the truth about Cuba?
Find out this summer!
http://www.ifconews.org/Cuba/caravan17/main.htm





A line of buses, vans, and cars bound for Cuba wait to cross into Mexico at the
Hidalgo-Reynona International Bridge Wednesday, July 7, 2004. The caravan is part
of a supply of medicine and other goods to Cuba Through the organization Pastors
for Peace. (AP Photo/Joel Martinez)

Photos of a caravan seized by the Department of Homeland Security:



http://www.ifconews.org/Cuba/caravan16/photos.htm

[K-W]

54. Well, I did oppose Cuba's invasion of Iraq.... EOM

[Judi Lynn]

58. That WAS so uncalled for!

Next thing you know, they'll be savaging tiny countries like Grenada just because they can! That would, obviously, expose their leader and his supporters as the lowest scum on earth.

[Catchawave]

57. From 2002, Common Dreams article...

The Bush Dynasty and Cuba :shrug:

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines02/1202-05.htm

[Judi Lynn]

59. Love the exact title: The Bush Dynasty and the Cuban Criminals!

Duncan Campbell is a tremendous Guardian writer. Thanks for posting this link. It'd be great if far more people knew about these unsavory, 3rd rate connections.

[sakabatou]

60. Oh no...

Oh, fucking no...

[0rganism]

62. Nominated for "Irony of the Year" award

Really, it's just mindblowingly fucked up on so many levels...

[killbotfactory]

63. Says the guy protecting a man who blew up a Cuban airliner

killing 73 people and imprisons hundreds of people in Gitmo without charge or trial.

No one wants the "peace" that Bush is selling.

[longship]

65. Well, he brought peace and freedom to Iraq!!!!

Maybe he can do the same with Cuba.
:sarcasm:

[gordianot]

66. I thought Bush was not into nation building?

Bush and create should not be in the same sentence.

[TransitJohn]

67. Anybody else

feel the disconnect for calling for human rights in Cuba? Guantanamo Bay much? Sometimes irony can be.......pretty ironic.

[kysrsoze]

92. and Gitmo is right friggin' next door. How dangerous can it be?

We're the only one doing sick, violent things on that island.

[Patsy Stone]

68. Okay, let's focus

Cubans in Miami are a very large, important, and, in some cases, wealthy constituency. They are, I beleive, the only block of Hispanics to vote consistently Republican. Why, do you ask, does a group of immigrants (illegal at that!) vote for Republicans? The answers are the Bay of Pigs and Ronald Reagan.

They still vote against Democrats because of Kennedy. In the 80s when Reagan opened the doors to the Mariel boat lift, the Republicans are again proved a friend to Cuban immigrants.

Miami Cubans are rabidly anti-Communist. Anyone who in perceived in the least to be sympathizing with Castro, Che Guavara, or even visit the island (God forbid they are ever near enough to Castro to be photographed) is the devil. Democrats fit that bill.

If he could take out Castro, Cuba would return to it's former role as an offshore Las Vegas. Cubans would vote Republican forever more.

One last thing: I've always said that if * wanted to take out a "bad man" he should have started with Castro. It was so much closer and could have been accomplished in a 3-day weekend.

[RagingInMiami]

82. It was Carter who opened the doors for the Cubans in 1979

[Patsy Stone]

83. Carter, sadly, gets none of the credit.

After that tough anti-Communism thing, you know it was all Reagan. :)

Besides Carter had them all detained.

[Judi Lynn]

85. You're right, there. He lifted the travel ban,and also favored, to no

success, lifting the embargo. Here's a quick link:

The ban on travel was maintained until President Jimmy Carter lifted it in 1977; but restrictions were re-imposed during the Reagan administration and have been tightened further under the current administration.
(snip)

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB158/index.htm

That link also indicates "ROBERT F. KENNEDY URGED LIFTING
TRAVEL BAN TO CUBA IN '63

Attorney General cited inconsistency "with traditional American liberties"
State Department overruled RFK proposal to withdraw prohibitions on travel"

[Mika]

86. Miami is one of the poorest cities in the USA. #1 in sec 8 housing.

It is overwhelmingly Cuban expat in population.

Not exactly a wealthy constituency.

But well used by the anti Cuba propaganda machine of both US political parties. But, I notice that you fall for some of stereotypes based in ignorance of Cuban expats and their offspring.

The main reason why the anti Castro factions wield so much political power in the US is because they are part of a campaign funding system using our tax dollars. Millions of taxpayer money goes to the various "free Cuba" foundations, "democratic transition" think tanks, Radio & TV Marti, Cubanet (the group that writes the checks to the "independent journalists" in Cuba who produce Newsmax-like propaganda), the CANF, etc etc etc. Then, in turn, their paid membership donates maximum sums of money to the various politicians (both Dems and repukes) who add millions of dollars of pork spending -ammended to numerous bills in the US congress- to these various groups.


----



As for your commentary on Cuban-Americans being republicans.. WRONG!

charts from opensecrets.org




----


Plus, just who the F is *, or are we, to be judging who is a "bad man" regarding Castro? Like it or not, Mr Castro is a much revered revolutionary hero in Cuba who is endeared by the vast majority of Cubans in Cuba - who by far outnumber the ex Cubans in S Florida.



Maybe its you who needs to focus on some information, because so far you're batting a 0.

[Patsy Stone]

93. As a 42-year Miami Beach resident

What I have to say is not based in ignorance. In fact, I think it's based on what I see and have seen. I have friends who have been to Cuba numerous times, and those who would disown me if I set one toe on Cuban space.

I do not care whether you or I think Castro is a bad man. I was using *'s own term about the 43rd reason we went into Iraq -- Saddam is a "bad man". If he thought Saddam was bad, he's gonna think Castro is bad. It was a reference, not my opinion.

One of my opinions was, however, that although it would be a bad move to do it, the initial occupation would have taken much less time and energy than Iraq, and he would have secured a block of voters on the way to whatever nefarious scheme he and his cronies have planned for those poor people. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen isn't gonna keep getting re-elected, and hold on to the Diaz-Balart brother's seats, too, if she does one thing that'll piss off the people in Domino Park who turn out in droves for anything remotely anti-Communist. She is going to keep treading the hard-line for these folks as long as they're alive and that's not that much longer. and that's the way that is.

The wealthy older, now young grandparents, professionals -- the doctors, lawyers, community leaders, real estate developers, et al, have cash -- lots of it. They have issues and agendas and they donate to whoever is in power. Which is why I tried to find some statistics from 2000-2004, since the graph you showed was while Clinton was in power.

In the statistics I could find, it seemed that while we were Hispanic in the majority, the amount who identified themselves as Cubans was less than those who identified themselves as white.

Also, lastly, I do not dispute that the tide is turning and the younger generation has no axe to grind and votes with their head.

We should discuss this at Versailles sometime. :)

[Mika]

94. Some of things worth mentioning

First, the population demographic, income and sec 8 housing I was referring to is the City of Miami, not Miami-Dade county nor other cities within.

Second, Ileana Ros has run unopposed except for her last "election", where the Miami New Times revealed that her "Dem" opponent was funded by Ros's supporters - in an attempt to nullify the often discussed fact that she holds her office without any true democratic election (meaning no opposition to her seat).

Third, the graphs I posted weren't only during the Clinton years (unless I missed somethng ;) ).

Fourth, of the Miamicubano professionals -- the doctors, lawyers, community leaders, real estate developers that you mention, many are members of the aforementioned "free Cuba" foundations and "Cuba transition" projects that funnel our tax dollars to those political campaigns we both mention.

Fifth, here's a poll you might be interested in..
Cuban-Americans focus is local, not on Cuba or Castro

The survey, aimed at gauging Cuban American views on a range of topics, also found that most of those polled want their elected officials to focus more on local issues rather than on international concerns, such as the much-debated U.S. trade and travel embargo
against Cuba.

Sixth, I wouldn't spend one red cent at Versailles (but, I do love real Cuban food).

[kestrel91316]

69. Will this be before or after he turns Iran into a glassy parking lot??

Enquiring minds want to know............

[Jack Rabbit]

70. I look forwar to the USA again embracing democracy and human rights

for all people.

[bvar22]

71. Has anyone seen what the Big Corporate Developers....

...have done to the once beautiful Cancun?

Castro is the only thing that has stopped the destruction of Cuba.

and NOW bush* wants to Iraqify Cuba.

I'm glad I'm old.

[Doctor_J]

73. Well, our military might be able to beat Cuba

unlike Iraq.

[roody]

84. Many of our soldiers speak Spanish.

That would change things. Maybe ours would switch sides. Especially when they find out that Cubans have free health care, from pre-natal to end of life.

[Vogon_Glory]

74. Gee Dubya Would Bungle A Cuban Transition The Way He Bungled...

Gee Dubya Bush would bungle a Cuban transition just as thoroughly as he has bungled Iraq and Afghanistan. I fail to see how any thinking person, from out-and-out leftist even to moderate-conservative, could see the bunch ensconced in the federal government's Executive Branch as being even remotely competent to handle affairs just in this hemisphere, let alone in the Middle East or South Asia.

And I believe that almost any of the Republicans currently in power would botch a Cuban transition just as thoroughly.

[Mika]

87. Cuba's already undergone transition. When it kicked out corporate control-

- in 1959.

Since then it has been continually transforming. A major turning point came in 1976 when it transformed to a democratically representative parliamentary system of government. Cuba continues to transform.


Most Americans know NOTHING about this because they are information restricted on Cuba issues (not to mention couldn't care less about the place) and only have contact with anti Cuba US corporate/government propaganda - unless they take the time and spend some effort to learn.

Americans are travel banned by the US government from easily going and seeing the place for themselves.


Cuba doesn't need to the US. But they would like the American people to have access to Cuba so they could learn about Cuba, and then - in turn- affect US policy towards Cuba. Cuba seeks dialog, exchange, trade, and friendly relations with Americans and their government, BUT not with a US goal of forcing any "transition" of US or Cuban expat design.



Folks, there's a LOT for Americans to learn about Cuba.


A good place to start is here..


Democracy in Cuba and the 1997-98 Elections
Arnold August
1999
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0968508405/qid=1053879619/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-8821757-1670550?v=glance&s=books

[Vogon_Glory]

88. Gee Dubya Would Bungle ANY Transition

After six years in office, Gee Dubya has proved that he would bungle ANY transition in Cuba--whether the transition is from Castro's state socialism to a post-Soviet style property grab, from Castro's state socialism to a "third way" mixed economy, from Castro's state socialism to a Batistiano fantasy transition where the post-Castro government meekly hands back properties expropriated in the late 1950's and in the late 1960's "Intensification" to their owners, or from Castro's state socialism to more of same under somebody else.

The threatening collapse of law and order in Central America under the weight of the financial and organizational clout of the drug smuggling cartels shows how the current flavor of Republican thinking would botch the aftermath of Castro's passing.

[pooja]

75. history lesson

I must admit I am a younger American generation. When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down, I was in grade school. Everything that I can remember learning about Cuba came from my mother. I guess it was too much for our history books in school. (glad she's such a history buff). But I went back and followed a Cuban history timeline. It is fascinating really. Since the little island was discovered it has been a hot bed of who would control it. As America Accumulated lands, money, and goods from Cuba, of course naturaly, we wanted it. I find it insane to realize that we keep these embargo's in place (of course I always did, now it just becomes more ridiculous). Oh well. Maybe if more people of my generation was taught the "Americas history" Invasion of the white people... we would have more of an opinion and input into the situation. Also the pictures look really nice--would love to visit.

[SoCalDem]

78. We are quite late to the "party"

Europeans and Canadians have a pretty strong foothold there already, and the ex-pat Cubans are elderly now or dead.. The ones who left as kids, have no real connection to Cuba and have lives here, so i doubt they will go back unless it's to see about "right of return" policies that may or may not apply ..(I have a stake in that if it happens)

The Cubans living in Cuba today have little connection to the US..except for their old US cars and the 5cent coke machines :)

[rman]

79. Cuba has never started a war,

although it did come to the assistance of Angola when South Africa invaded. SA was defeated, which was the beginning of the end of Apartheid.

Fidel - The Untold Story
http://www.chomskytorrents.org/TorrentDetails.php?TorrentID=1205
Fidel Castro has been one of the most influential and controversial figures of our time. This documentary offers a unique look at the man through exclusive interviews with Castro himself, public figures, historians, and close friends, with footage from the Cuban State archives. Alice Walker, Harry Belafonte, and Sydney Pollack discuss the personality of Fidel Castro. Current and former U.S government figures including Ramsey Clark, Wayne Smith, Congressman Charles Rangel, and a former CIA agent offer their political and historical perspectives. "Infuriating & fascinating! Required viewing." (The Miami Herald).

[Vinca]

80. Wants peace. Tightens embargo. What a shocker. nt

[Voltaire99]

81. Your lucky day, Cuba! Uncle Sam wants to "democratize" you!

We'll just keep the torture-o-rama open on the other side of the island while we're building the malls and exclusive country clubs, if that's OK.

[gollygee]

89. Liberty? Human rights?

Like, uh, universal healthcare?

[xxqqqzme]

90. Mr 'walking foreign policy disaster'

sets his sights on yet another disaster he can promote for the benefit of a few family friends.

[The_Casual_Observer]

91. Translated: We need to destroy Cuba to save Cuba

It's for their own good.

[Terran1212]

95. Strangling them with a horrible economic embargo won't free them

Bush has 0 interest in a free Cuba. He lets his brother harbor all the anti-Cuban terrorists and continues to not lift the embargo, hurting the people and not Castro.

[CONN]

96. Modeled on Gitmo

[saigon68]

101. kick

[Gloria]

97. Bullshit! The planbook is already written for wrecking Cuba's

institutions, such as the education and healthcare systems via privatization. I've heard parts of it being read over Radio Havana. Cuba will be ruined...

The arrogance of these Bush pigs just gets bigger and biger...

[Mika]

99. "violent crime in Cuba is almost nonexistent"

From: Traveling to Cuba
by Michael I. Niman
Blue Dog Press
http://mediastudy.com/articles/bdcuba2.html

Despite the economic inequality between tourists and Cubans, violent crime in Cuba is almost nonexistent. While panhandlers and the occasional pickpocket will work tourist areas, outside of these areas few people will bother you. Havana is probably the safest large city in the hemisphere. Wherever you wander, however, Cubans will want to converse with you to practice their English or query you about life in the US.

And Bush wants to transform Cuba? Its laughable. If the US were to do so, and model Cuba in any way after the US, surely crime would go up.

[jmowreader]

100. Cuba is ALREADY peaceful, numb nuts!

Let's see:

They're in the tropics.

They've got some of the finest beaches in the world.

They have fine rum and finer cigars.

If it weren't for the fact that Cuba invented the Tinhorn Dictator, it would be perfect.

But now that we have a Tinhorn Dictator of our very own...