Gore Vidal Slams U.S. Policy on Cuba

[Judi Lynn]

Gore Vidal Slams U.S. Policy on Cuba
American writer Gore Vidal visits Cuba, slams U.S. trade embargo as 'ridiculous'

HAVANA, Dec. 11, 2006
By ANITA SNOW Associated Press Writer

(AP) Celebrated American writer Gore Vidal slammed the four-decade-long U.S. trade embargo against Cuba on Sunday, saying during a visit to the island that he hopes recent changes in U.S. politics will help end the sanctions.

"I've never been here before and it's a fascinating country," Vidal said, touring Old Havana. He arrived late Sunday and is scheduled to return to the United States on Thursday.

Vidal said the United States is "undergoing tremendous political change," referring to growing opposition to the war in Iraq and the Democratic Party's return to control of both houses of Congress in November midterm elections.

"After more than 40 years, the embargo is ridiculous," said Vidal, who himself ran for Congress and who regularly raises funds for Democratic candidates.
(snip/...)

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/11/ap/entertainment/mainD8LUDBO80.shtml

[Judi Lynn]

1. (Arizona R. Congressman Jeff) Flake to Cuba; GOP dead heat

Flake to Cuba; GOP dead heat

Dec. 11, 2006 12:00 AM

Rep. Jeff Flake R-Ariz., is expecting to head to Cuba this month, in a scheduled trip with about nine other members of Congress to meet with representatives of the island nation's government.

The group also is expected to meet with officials from the U.S. Interests Section and some dissidents.

The trip, if not canceled by the Cuban government, comes as speculation continues to focus on the health of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

The trip also would come on the heels of a recent General Accountability Office report that revealed some embarrassing news about how money is being spent to bring democracy to Cuba.

The GAO report, made public at the request of Flake and Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., disclosed that U.S.-taxpayer-funded anti-Castro groups have been spending the money on, among other things, Godiva chocolates, Harry Potter novels and video games.

Flake has been a leader in Congress in trying to ease the U.S. ban on civilian travel and trade with Cuba. But President Bush opposes the lifting of those restrictions, as well as an easing of embargoes.

How Flake's efforts might be affected by a new, Democrat-controlled Congress is uncertain.
(snip/)

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1211azindc1211.html

[demnan]

2. Maybe he's raising his profile

in case his cousin runs for President. Hope he doesn't dis him like he did the last time.

[Laughing Mirror]

3. How did he dis him the last time?

There was a long interiew of Gore V on C-Span books just before the 2000 election and he said that he had never met his cousin Al but that he was voting for him. He is close to Al's daughter however. I have been a long reader and watcher of Gore Vidal and I don't recall any dissing of that other Gore. Gore Vidal is not the dissing type.

[nealmhughes]

4. Excepting Wm. F. Buckley, Truman Capote and Lee Radziwell...

He loathed all 3. Not sure how he feels about the Princess and Bill these days.