Schwarzeneger stogie flap (Cuban)

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Schwarzeneger stogie flap

Associated Press - June 2, 2007 6:53 AM ET

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The governor of California is the object of a stogie flap in Canada.

The Ottawa Citizen newspaper reports that during a trade mission to Canada this week, Arnold Schwarzenegger bought a $16 Cuban cigar on his way to the airport. The paper identifies it by brand.

Canadians can light up Cuban smokes anytime they like, but Americans can't. The law that bans Cuban cigars in the US also bars American citizens from buying them anywhere else, and that includes Canada.

Schwarzenegger's office will neither confirm nor deny that he indulged in the forbidden smoke. Spokesman Aaron McLear confirms the governor did buy a cigar. But was it Cuban? McLear says, quote, "There's no way of telling now because he smoked it."



Read more: http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=6601730&nav=menu25_2

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http://www.infowars.com.nyud.net:8090/headline_photos/April/arnold_cigar.jpg

[SaveAmerica]

1. And there's no proof that 4000 people have died in this war because

they're not around to ask. That's some kind of stupid mentality Republicans have.

[youngdem]

2. Who cares? Our Cuba policy is ignorant, self destructive and counter-productive

it galvanizes the Cuban people around Castro. If we just normalized relations, allowed travel and encouraged trade, commerce would cause the Cuban people to reject their compulsory poverty.

The whole policy is driven by South Florida crazies and political pandering of the worst sort.

Castro is an asshole. Big deal. So are MOST world leaders, including our very own. We should quit acting like cliquish high school girls when it comes to foreign relations....it is embarrassing and ineffective, and possibly much worse.

I don't like Arnie, but blaze away....Who gives a shit?

[Raine]

11. I agree

and I don't care what anyone says I think it's funny he smoked the evidence. :smoke: :rofl: I'm big on non-smoking but I still think its funny ... "fire" away. :evilgrin: :hide:

[TrogL]

3. What flap?

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

:rofl:

(sorry, couldn't resist)

It is legal to purchase Cuban cigars in Canada. You may have a lot more problems finding someplace public to smoke it but that doesn't appear to be the issue.

At no place in the article does the author actually indicate what the "flap" is about.

[Toots]

4. It is not legal for an America to purchase Cuban goods anywhere on earth

That is an American Law not Canadian. There was no "flap" in Canada but here it is a no no. I have seen big pictures of Delay and Limbaugh both proudly smoking easily identified Cubans. No "flap", funny how that works...:shrug: Personally I think the whole thing is ridiculous. There has been American "sanctions" on Cuba for fifty years and it hasn't done anything. I think it should be obvious by now a new method should be tried. Like being friendly and a good neighbor no matter what their politics. I think you catch more flys with honey than vinegar. It is a Republican thing though so (supposedly) if a Republican violates it, it is a big to do, but I think it depends on the Republican. Right now Ahnold is on the outs with the Republicans so he is ripe for scorn for anything. Like I say I have seen Cover pictures of both Delay and Limbaugh smoking cubans and not a word was ever said..

[deweyp]

6. How are Cubans easily identified in pictures?

It's difficult enough to tell if a box of cubans in your hand is genuine. That notwithstanding, most Cuban brands have similar counterparts made outside of cuba that have similar or nearly identical rings. Unless you can see the word "Habana" on the ring, how can you tell them apart?

[Judi Lynn]

7. This photo has been around a long time showing the lovely Tom DeLay.

http://www.mediacynic.com.nyud.net:8090/pics/delay_cigar.gif

Somewhat odd, considering he has been one of the loudest, most active supporters of the Batista Miami right-wing reactionary Cubans, Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Robert Menendez. He was one of their go-to guys. TOTALLY opposed to allowing any loopholes in the embargo on Cuba, or so he claimed.

[deweyp]

8. You're right

That's a cuban Hoyo De Monterrey. The domestic version has a gold ring.

He probably justifies it because he doesn't buy them. Diplomats from other countries bring them in and give them to him.

Bastard.

[Lasher]

12. Thanks for reminding me about The Hamper's Cuban cigars

Now I'm looking forward to the eventual rightwing hatemail that condemns Michael Moore for having visited Cuba. Arnie and Hot Tub Tom are just as guilty of violating the embargo.

I wish this embargo would end but I don't think it will. Politicians are afraid of blowback from Cuban-Americans living in Florida.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

15. His illegal cigar smoking is "different" than Schwarzeneggers.

:eyes:

[onehandle]

5. Deport him.

Not for this. Just deport him.

[Catch22Dem]

9. It's a dumb ass law of ours, so more power to him

It's a non-story to me.

[Canuckistanian]

10. A lot of stores here make a good living selling Cuban cigars

They cater to the American tourists, mostly.

Quite a few stores have serious humidors just for that purpose.

[Kablooie]

13. He belongs to a private Beverly Hills smoking club that regularly stocks Cuban cigars.

[Algorem]

14. He's above the law.

[High Plains]

16. Cuban cigars: Can't smoke 'em in America, can't afford 'em in Canada

Brutal Canadian tobacco taxes make cigars about twice as expensive as they are in the US.

[AndyTiedye]

17. Cuban Cigars Have Long Been Popular Among the Reich Wing