Cuba condemns USA for distributing radios to Cubans

[Capitalist]

By VIVIAN SEQUERA, Associated Press Writer

HAVANA - The chief of the U.S. mission Monday rejected charges by Fidel Castro (news - web sites)'s government that American officials had violated diplomatic norms when they distributed hundreds of small radios to Cubans.


"We reject that this was in any way a violation of the Vienna Convention," Vicky Huddleston told The Associated Press in the lobby of the oceanfront U.S. Interests Section, where security by Cuban police guards has been increased since the weekend. "Everything done by the mission here is correct."

Huddleston declined to comment on reasons for the increased police presence outside the mission since the weekend.

The Cuban government generally stations only two or three police guards outside each of the foreign embassies in Havana, but more than a dozen were guarding the American mission starting on the weekend.

Last week, Havana protested to Washington that U.S. diplomats — including Huddleston — had distributed 500 radios to Cuban activists. Cuban officials characterized the action as "subversive" and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque in a speech on Saturday accused the American mission of violating the Vienna Convention through that and other actions.

Cuban authorities said that the radios evidently were provided to allow Cubans to listen to the Radio Marti, a U.S. government station whose signals Havana has jammed in the past. Huddleston said Cubans could use the radios to listen to any station they liked.

"How could any government in the world be worried about people having a radio?" asked Huddleston, who said American officials have distributed similar radios in countries around the world, including Africa.

Huddleston characterized Perez Roque's warnings Saturday to American diplomats as "an attempt at intimidation."

"I don't think we should be intimidated," Huddleston said. "And if there are consequences because I won't be intimidated then I suppose I'll have to accept the consequences."

[Angie]

Last week, Havana protested to Washington that U.S. diplomats — including Huddleston — had distributed 500 radios to Cuban activists.I think you'll find your answer there. "Cuban activists". These are people who are not just trying to oust Castro out of office, but have been carrying out the murder attempts upon Castro's life for decades now.

I too wouldn't appreciate being a Cuban who hears that America, the country that is trying so hard to make my nation suffer, is fuelling violence within my nation by taking over some of our wavelengths illegally, and spewing forth it's racist propaganda.

No thank you.

[Communist Dominion]

and how is this not pure properganda? Well i wonder if any US citizens voted to do that, AHHHH democracy,
Demo-Demonic ,racy-racism just kidden around, communism is democratic, well republican anyway.

[Anarcho]

Quote: from Angie on 2:50 am on April 12, 2002

Last week, Havana protested to Washington that U.S. diplomats — including Huddleston — had distributed 500 radios to Cuban activists.I think you'll find your answer there. "Cuban activists". These are people who are not just trying to oust Castro out of office, but have been carrying out the murder attempts upon Castro's life for decades now.

I too wouldn't appreciate being a Cuban who hears that America, the country that is trying so hard to make my nation suffer, is fuelling violence within my nation by taking over some of our wavelengths illegally, and spewing forth it's racist propaganda.

No thank you.


Just out of curiousity, how would that be construed as a racist act?

[Angie]

Just out of curiousity, how would that be construed as a racist act?Americans pushing for the destruction of what is Cuban, to be replaced with what is inherently Western (read: American), plus the destruction of certain Cubans themselves, is obviously Anti-Cuban and can be referred to as racist, since America quite clearly doesn't give a crap about any Cuban who isn't anti-Castro, hence the embargo, etc. (Were they to care, they'd have gone about ousting Castro without making the entire island suffer in the process.) All they want is the money that comes after Cuba is Capitalist.

[Guest]

Last time I checked there was no alienation of Latino Culture from Western Culture. Y te digo que esta es mi impresion como Latino Americano. Latino's are as Western as Americans or Europeans.

If anyone is racists it is you by implying that Latinos culturally seperated when cultural faculties suggest otherwise. One must presume that you then consider them a culture not for solid cultural reasons but perhaps for psuedo racial imaginary constructs you've set up.

[pastradamus]

propaganda>full stop<

[Capitalist]

taking over some of our wavelengths illegally???

Come - On give me a fucking break you closed minded idiots!

THE FACTS ARE CLEAR!

1 - The radios were given over freely to the Cuban people by the USA.

2 - The radios given out for free - were radios capable of picking up any radio station and any and all radio lenths.

3 - The radios can pick up Miami & Cuban Radio Stations?

4 - The radios can pick up both Cuban Democratic Stations and Communist Stations.

5 - And Miami is full of Cubans. You can not deny people a voice simply because they are exiles. There are Cubans in Cuba and Free Cubans in Miami - They are the same blood. So don't use you anti racism tactics and claim that we Cuban Americans don't have rights to express our minds simply because we are exiles and deemed unfairly violent by your left-sided propaganda wall.

So What is the problem?

The problem is Freedom of Media

The problem is Freedom of Speech

Castro and the Communist party can not permit freedom and stay in power at the same time.

Remember Glasnost? Remember how freedom of speech, media, and assembly killed the Imperialistic Soviet Union.

Communism can not survive in Freedom - like putting a liquid-scummy virus in fresh open air. It won't survive for a minute

[I Will Deny You]

Uh, why didn't they give out five hundred sandwiches in Afghan refugee camps instead of five hundred radios in Cuba?

[poncho]

"Americans pushing for the destruction of what is Cuban, to be replaced with what is inherently Western (read: American), plus the destruction of certain Cubans themselves, is obviously Anti-Cuban and can be referred to as racist, since America quite clearly doesn't give a crap about any Cuban who isn't anti-Castro, hence the embargo, etc. (Were they to care, they'd have gone about ousting Castro without making the entire island suffer in the process.) All they want is the money that comes after Cuba is Capitalist."--Angie

Excellant post...

[Communist Dominion]

yes yes the "bay of pigs invasion" just wasnt suttle enough , so a few hundred blaring radio's saying "Castro is Bad" outa come in a little more suttle.

[IzmSchism]

New Guinea 1924, serotype 02
The U.S. government's biological warfare labs were the only ones with access to the virus and its mosquito vector.....from wrokers.org.
They handed that one out too...

[I Will Deny You]

IzmSchism makes a good point. In case you haven't been reading the newspaper lately, Capitalist, the United States has recently stepped up its activities in lying to the populations of foreign countries whose governments we do not like. We all know that the United States hates Cuba because it is a communist country, not for any other reason. Even you must admit that the United States government has not been completely honest in fighting the Reds! If the Cuban government is doing something bad to its people, I imagine that the Cubans wouldn't need a Washingtonian to tell them about it.

[Guest]

You're all dodging the issue. This is fairly typical. Capitalist pointed out that Cuba is suppressing freedom of speech, and evidences this by the fact that they "condemn" the distribution of personal radios (capable, as Capitalist points out, of recieving any frequency). Nobody so far has decided to deal with this issue, instead you all just resort to calling America "racist" and bad. What do sandwiches in Afghanistan have to do with Castro's denial of basic rights? I'll take the fact that you all have not even tried to justify Castro's actions as tacit agreement of their illegitimacy.

[poncho]

The radios are a tool considering the way they where distributed.

Like the mormons coming to your door giving you there version of the bible; here read this. Several days later they come to discuss what you have read. Same thing its not about the radio!

[reagan lives]

What are you saying? That Mormons shouldn't be allowed to hand out Bibles?

[poncho]

Mormons are a brainwashing cult and the techniques they employ are the same as the U.S. is doing with the radio's.

[Guest]

let me go back to the situation of the canadian guy giving them water purification systems to help them so they can have some decent water but he goes to prison for life for tryin to help people. and then we have people in the U.$. trying to give them radios so they can spread propaganda over the airwaves i think this might be another attempt of the bay of pigs. Plus all the radio music sucks who would want to listen to a bunch of teens singing about love and breakups. but just like i was trying to say before i got into a crappy music mode how are radios going to help the cuban people the u.s. is not interested in helping them they are just in it for their profit as always. damn it pisses me off so bad i'm done

[reagan lives]

So your position, poncho, is that the Mormons should not be allowed to distribute Bibles?

[poncho]

Would America allow the Taliban to go door to door to spread propaganda in order gain support for there cause against the U.S. government?

I only used Mormons as an example because they are a Cult and the methods they spread there false religion is the same as what the U.S. government is trying to do with radio's Cuba.

Second it further angers Americans because they overly value supposed individual rights. You can buy Radios in Cuba that can pick up Florida stations. But the anti-Cuban crowd makes it look as though "all" radios are banned, making the Cuban government look oppressive so when America try's to reclaim its prize the American people are lulled into false justification for helping the criminal traitors in re-taking Cuba.

[reagan lives]

So your position, poncho, is that Mormons should not be allowed to distribute Bibles?

[poncho]

Just a comparision of tactics.

[reagan lives]

I agree. We here in the US see no difference between passing out radios, passing out Bibles, and passing out coupons for 30 cents off canned beets. All are protected. If you are making a "comparison of tactics," and you think that Americans should not be allowed to distribute radios, then you must also think that Mormons should not be allowed to distribute Bibles.

If this is the morality of the Left, it becomes quite clear how every attempt to institute socialism in the past has devolved into authoritarianism.

[poncho]

To restrict the rights of one individual or small group is at times necessary, especially when its protecting the rights of the majority.

[Capitalist]

The mormons do not hijack airplanes and crash them into buildings. I admit I don't like these fundemental religous groups either - but that does not give me the right to ban their freedom of speech.

The Taliban is a totally different religous group than the mormons.

They support murder.

The United States does not ban the Taliban for praticing religion.

The United States bans the Taliban because they crash airplanes into American skyscrapers and kill innocent Americans. Not to mention that the Taliban treated the Afgahnistan People like dogs. The Afgahns are totally delighted that the USA has come to their rescue. Now their women can walk the streets without covering their faces, men can shave their beards, freedom and democracy is the only result of USA's invasion into Afgahnistan.

[reagan lives]

How does the banning of the distribution of Bibles (which, I will take from your silence, you support) protect the rights of the majority? How does condemning the distribution of radios protect the rights of the majority? Are we participating in the same conversation here?

[poncho]

If the bible is beeing used to harm people and corrupt society than the group using it for harm should be banned. I should have used a generic religious group they just happened apon my door that day(Mormons).

The "radios" in this case are not the problem its the group and how they will use those radios.

[Anarcho]

One of the big differences on this is that, after the Morman gives you his book, he'll be back in a few days, knocking on your door and trying to convert you (answer the door naked, stay naked, act as if you're wearing clothes. Gets rid of them ever time so far.) whereas the radio's being given out are just radios. If they can also pick up Cuban radio stations, then it's up to the Cuban people to tune them.

The US isn't going to have a government teacher knocking on the door, asking to convert them. It's just radio. If the people of Cuba are happy and have no interest in the US way, what's the harm?

[reagan lives]

"The 'radios' in this case are not the problem its the group and how they will use those radios."

This is an even MORE fascist sentiment. So now we're making value judgements between different groups. See, poncho, rights are only rights when they're applied equally to everyone, not just the people that you like. If you think, as you say in my signature, that rights should be restricted for the "good" of the community, that's one thing, although I don't agree with you (there's a name for you're ethos: "right-wing"). However, what you CANNOT say is that the rights of individuals can be restricted because it "protects the rights of the majority." The rights of the majority are in jeopardy whenever the rights of the individuals are infringed upon.

And how can a Bible, or a radio, be used to "harm people and corrupt society??" I just don't understand how free press and speech is harmful and corrupting.

(Edited by reagan lives at 3:41 pm on April 16, 2002)

[poncho]

The Americans give the people radios point them to places like Radio Marti, anti-Castro criminals than go and speak with those that received the radio and try to "help" organize a new "revolution" based on returning Americas prize.

[James]

Capitalist...

Islamic faith believes all death is down to Allah. It is their belief...however they also belive that no one has the right to take a life, becasue that is Allahs job.

The Taliban did not fly those planes, they were even offering to hand over Bin Laden if evidence was produced proving Bin Laden's enolvement (i wonder if they would have though...). Islamic faith is believe it or not a very peaceful religion. However they do have their holy war that they can anounce (jihad or whatever its called). Which they did to "protect" themselves, they havn't been the ones invading countries that have been of no concern to them, and installing Taliban friendly governments.

Ever wondered why America didn't get on its white horse and save all those poor Afghans before sep.11th?

America prefers right wing groups to be in charge anyway so saying America went in there to overthrow this "corrupt" government is pure BULL. Is it a coincidence that plans for taking Afghanistan were made way before Sept. 11, and that there just so happens to be loads of oil n shit under the ground there?

DO you really think that America has "freedom of speech"?

Wake up

[Moskitto]

(jihad or whatever its called)

The British invented Jihad as the concept of a holy war to protect their own interests in the Middle East. In reality, Jihad is a struggle to defend your beliefs similar to my Jihad against Derminator. I didn't actually fly planes into Derminators house, I debated why I believe in God. That is what Jihad is really.

[IzmSchism]

umm, i am somewhat lost, but, what else is new, back to that guest's comment about how WE, whoever WE are dodge the issues, (concerning handing out free radios to cubans). What was the point in giving free radios, what is the US's interest in making sure they have radios over water purification, how come Coca Cola and AT&T can sell their goods (inadvertenetly) to Cuba, WTF!? how about we throw away the corporate hipocrrits that back companies like Enron so they can get into office, what kind of radios were they? this is all major bullshit, get your damn radios out of cuba and shuve them up yer ass. I am furious, this post doesn't even make sense.

[PaulDavidHewson]

"In certain instances I'm in favor of restricting individuals rights when it strengthans the rights of the community as a whole!" -poncho
"To restrict the rights of one individual or small group is at times necessary, especially when its protecting the rights of the majority. " -poncho

Who is to decide this?
If you think this is alright to do than you are a (Facist)racist pig, no better than Adolf Hitler himself.
There I said it, Poncho and others please Flame me, because I just compared Poncho With Hitler.
No regrets, no remorse.

[poncho]

To blame Fidel Castro for departing from the norms of democracy in organizing the defense of Cuba's democratic right to national sovereignty is not only unjust, it is a way of evading the real issues and covering up and excusing the worst enemies of Cuban democracy. Those that wish to return the nation to imperialist rule." --Quote myself

To use another example: The film Crimson Tide had a scene where Denzel Washington orders a man to seal a hatch because the compartment is flooding and if its not sealed the Submarine will sink. The sailor hesitates because some of his friends will be trapped and drown. "seal the goddam hatch or we will all die". Some times to save hundreds or millions its necessary to seal fuckin hatch!

The Cuban government is only preventing American government officials from spreading radios not radios themselves.

Its also against international law to do what the Americans are doing.

[PaulDavidHewson]

What are you saying????

That those people who do not agree with the goverment are a lost cause and should die???
Very odd statement, but I'm sure you'll elaborate some more.

In every country on earth there are people who disagree with the goverment, if the goverment cannot withstand a revolution than I guess the majority didn't like the goverment after all, did they?
How would you feel if Batista decided to use the same methods Castro and Stalin used to "ensure" public and nation "safety?

[poncho]

"The government of the United States should apologize to Cuba for the thousands of acts of aggression, sabotage and terrorism perpetrated against our country throughout 43 years. The government of the United States should apologize to Cuba for more than three decades of economic warfare and a total blockade on food and medicine, acts of genocide even in times of war, and subject to punishment under the international conventions of 1948 and 1949 of which both countries are signatories. The government of the United States should compensate our people for such crimes that have caused enormous suffering and the loss of tens of thousands of lives. The government of the United States should break all ties with the Miami terrorist mob, through which countless brutal terrorist acts have been organized and financed; these include the blowing up in mid-flight of a Cubana Airliner with 73 passengers on board, all of whom were killed, as well as innumerable bombings of Cuban hotels and other facilities, hundreds of assassination plots against the leaders of the Cuban Revolution, and biological warfare against humans, animals and plants. The government of the United States should arrest and indict Orlando Bosch, the notorious terrorist who freely walks the streets of Miami, along with many others of his kind. The government of the United States should stop protecting Posada Carriles and demand that justice be served in his case and that of the other criminals who smuggled dozens of kilograms of high-powered explosives into Panama and planned to murder hundreds of young university students with the intent to assassinate the Cuban delegation to the Ibero-American Summit held in Panama City. The government of the United States should repeal the Torricelli and Helms-Burton Acts and the numerous amendments adopted to intensify the blockade against our country. The government of the United States should repeal the murderous Cuban Adjustment Act, which has cost the lives of so many women, children, old people and other citizens of Cuba, and continues to do so. The government of the United States should sit down with Cuba to discuss the illegal and unjust occupation of a piece of our territory, in order to reach an agreement as to when it will be returned to our country. The government of the United States should respect the Cuban people’s right to self-determination and to give themselves the economic and political system of their choosing."-- Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba

[PaulDavidHewson]

Where is the proof of this Propoganda???

and where are the answers to my questions earlier?

Blindly copy-pasting quotes from Castro doesn't enforce your point, it only shows that you cannot think for yourself and need precious castro and others to express your personal feelings.
Think for yourself please.

Free your mind, and the rest will follow.

[poncho]

Americans wish to return Cuba under its tyranny, Radios are not banned just Americans from distributing them to dissidents.

This is a act that will lead to the loss of dignity, happiness, and well-being in Cuba! That to me is worht any price.

[Falange]

"To restrict the rights of one individual or small group is at times necessary, especially when its protecting the rights of the majority."

Fine, let's restrict the movement and expression of all leftists in the interest of the majority, in other words, let us act like Cuba. What a squeal we would hear from the reds! "See! See! We told you America was a bad place!"

Castro is afraid of some radios? What a pussy!

When did the Americans ban the Taliban?

And to who does Castro owe and apology?

1. To the Cuban people for years of torture, murder imprisonment and tyranny.
2. To the people of Latin America for attempting to spread this infection to them.
3. To the people of Africa for spreading his tyranny to them (as if they needed it. The home grown variety is so choice!).

[poncho]

The U.S. has:


Supported an armed invasion of Cuba (The Bay of Pigs, 1961)
Attempted to assasinate the President of Cuba (as documented by the U.S. Congress) on at least 15 occasions
Conducted biological warfare against Cuba, with new allegations arising in 1997!
Pressured Latin American governments not to form trading relationships with Cuba, as a policy of isolationism
Enacted the Helms-Burton Law which punishes Canadian and other businesses who operate in Cuba on properties nationalized after the Revolution.
Continues to occupy, against Cuban demands to leave, the Guantánamo Naval Base in southeastern Cuba
Provided money, arms and equipment to groups who want to bring down the Cuban government (in contravention of various international laws and treaties).
....and a few zillion other things...

Cuba is in a de facto *state of war with the U.S., and as such must take unfortunate steps in the face of powerful efforts to destabilize the government. It's not an excuse, but the situation is certainly understandable.

[PaulDavidHewson]

America had too because they believe in the same thing you believe in:

"To restrict the rights of one individual or small group is at times necessary, especially when its protecting the rights of the majority. " -poncho

[poncho]

The rights of society as a whole being placed above individual rights. This is a common societal structure amongst many cultures of the world, including most aboriginal societies. The "violation" of individual rights is usually alleged by persons from the Western tradition, such as the U.S., where the individual is more important than the rest of society, an inherently destructive arrangement, based on greed. In Cuba, the individual has a responsibility to one's neighbours and country.

While unfortunate, the context of being a "country under seige" makes these understandable. This is not to apologise for what has happened, it is simply to say that given the context, there is little doubt that extraordinary measures have had to be taken for the security of the Cuban people. Recent bombings (summer 1997) are examples of why security may have to be stepped up.

[PaulDavidHewson]

SO you are saying America will self destruct if it continues on it's current route?

It seems to me that Castro is depriving the Cuban people from any means to get a new leader for Cuba.
A friend of mine visited Cuba(pretty wealth parents) and did talk to locals, They all hated Castro's guts but are afraid to speak out-loud because they will get arrested.


I will stop taking you serious if you keep referring to things like Aboriginals to make your point:)
Next you know you'll be referring to mayian cultures or perhaps Atlantis?

[poncho]

Quote: from PaulDavidHewson on 10:35 pm on April 17, 2002
I will stop taking you serious if you keep referring to things like Aboriginals to make your point:)
Next you know you'll be referring to mayian cultures or perhaps Atlantis?

People are not "things". Whats wrong with studying other cultures if you open your eyes to them maybe this planet would not feel that children are better off working than getting a education. Oh, but that would get in the way of your profits, would'nt it?

[PaulDavidHewson]

If you bothered to read my reply in: "communist do you think freedom is ba thread" you might have read this as a reply to your question:

"in developing countries it might be better if children contributed in some way to the survival of their families.
Survivial being the key-word here.

Of course it would be extremely nice if those children could enjoy thier youths in a care free way and enjoy proper education, but untill that day comes the conditions in which they work and the pay they receive should be increased.

There is nothing facist about this I assure you."


And I never claimed it's wrong to study other cultures, I just said it's not logical to refer to a culture like aboriginals, since they don't influence world history in such a drastic way.

If you started with replying to questions for a change instead of ridiculing your way out of things than we would have a much more productive conversation.

(Edited by PaulDavidHewson at 3:12 am on April 18, 2002)

[poncho]

Quote: from PaulDavidHewson on 2:11 am on April 18, 2002
And I never claimed it's wrong to study other cultures, I just said it's not logical to refer to a culture like aboriginals, since they don't influence world history in such a drastic way.

If you started with replying to questions for a change instead of ridiculing your way out of things than we would have a much more productive conversation.

(Edited by PaulDavidHewson at 3:12 am on April 18, 2002)


How could aboriginals be revellant in todays modern world. Silly me they where savage beast with no history until the Europeans found them!

[Anarcho]

I think what he's trying to say is, in the modern post-industrial world, the societies and lifestyles of the Amazon Jungle tribes, or the Hopi villagers of the last century have little to no relevance.

Historically, it's fascinating to learn about.

And there is value in all things, if studied right.

But, on a grand scheme of things, I think I see what he's trying to say.

Whether or not I agree with it, well, I'm working on that.

[PaulDavidHewson]

exactly, I know poncho already understood this, but Poncho found himself lacking lately in tackling any questions, so he takes cover by commenting on words or try to make his point by referring to some cultures.

[poncho]

It's funny that you do not like me twisting your words, kinda like what the anti-Castro crowd in Miami does in regards to the Cuban government. Every little action or word is taken and blown out into something the majority of Americans hate. So when actions such a bombing at tourist hotel or disco happen the traitors in Miami are treated as hero's for Democracy.

I was in Cuba juring Hurricane Michelle even though I was not staying in a hotel local restraunts not only made sure I was fed but they provided the food free to anyone myself included. I was fortunate because Fidel Castro visited the area of Cienfuegos where I was staying. I caught a glimpse of him and considering it was just after a hurricane with damage no electricity etc etc President Castro had his one car with only three body guards; How many world leaders that are supposed to be hated by his people get away with that?

You dismiss the Embargo than you claim it does hurt the people but its the governments fault for placing nuclear weapons on the island.

Can you blame Castro for trying to get the ultimate protection for his people against the largest power on the Earth?

Yes people dislike Castro but even those people respect that he is the right man for the job on the island.

[PaulDavidHewson]

"It's funny that you do not like me twisting your words, kinda like what the anti-Castro crowd in Miami does in regards to the Cuban government"

Why would this be funny, where in any post did I say that I was pro-propoganda. If anything, I have on numerous occasions tried to be objective on the matter at hand providing material that either enforces or decreases a statement made earlier by someone.

"You dismiss the Embargo than you claim it does hurt the people but its the governments fault for placing nuclear weapons on the island. "


Some facts about the embargo statment:
-I never dismissed the embargo, that is another fine example of Poncho propoganda.
-I did say however that Castro called upon this himself.
-I didn't say I agree with the embargo.

How is a nuclear weapon the best defence?
Isn't a nuclear weapon a offensive device?
Ah I get it now, your one of those people who like to return to the cold war where people lived in fear wondering when a nuclear war is gonna break out.

We've seen what the cold war lead to and no way do we need another nuclear power in this world so your precious dictatorship on that so called socialist paradise can be sustained.

the only reason Castro doesn't allow other political movements besides communisme is becasue he is afraid foreign countries will immediately invest in those parties making it impossible for him to win.

The international world would be glad if free-election were finally introduced in Cuba, If Castro got elected in a fair way, then it's the free will of Cuba and not the will of the Army.

"How many world leaders that are supposed to be hated by his people get away with that? "

Since when is Castro anything remotly resembling a world leader???
Castro will probably have a lot of people undercover working for him btw.
I can name a couple of countries where the "rulers" need no bodyguards at all and can travel on the streets freely.

(Edited by PaulDavidHewson at 8:21 pm on April 18, 2002)

[poncho]

Its easy to try and dismiss everything I say as propaganda.

One the Embargo was in place before the Cuban Missle Crisis, Kennedy only tightened it.

Cuba tried to negotiate with the Eisenhower government and work his reforms to level the playing field, but the U.S. government nor the American corporations where willing to give the Cuban people a fair shake. Eisenhower gave V.P. Richard Nixon the green light to assassinate Castro. The Cuban government broke off talks. Since it was not fully clear yet if the American allies would be willing to trade with Cuba the government had no choice but to trade with the Soviet Union.

After the Bay of Pigs and other documented assassanation attempts it became clear Cuba needed strong defense.

In short if Cuba as a Communist government thrieves 90 miles off the coast of the United States, American anti-communist propaganda will not work Latin America would demand a Castro communist government along with the American working class.

[Dan Majerle]

The embargo is hardly to blame for Cuba's plight. It only accounts for 10-15% of their trade and that is with one country. THey are free and do trade with other nations around the world such as Canada and Mexico. The fact that Cuba has not progressed in 42 years economically shows that communism there failed.

[poncho]

Read Title 31 part 515 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations:Cuban asset control act.

Search it on the net so you do not think I'm spreading propaganda. Its on the State Departments website

Than come and state that the embargo does not limit Cuba's ability to trade.

I'll quote myself if you wish not to read the actual act:

U.S. provisions dissallow third country shippers from delivering supplies to Cuba by barring ships from loading and unloading cargo in U.S. ports for 180 days after delivering cargo to Cuba. This includes U.S controled ports in other countries managed by a U.S. company. Many shipping company's cannot afford to wait this long so they will not send ships to Cuba unless its at a extreme price. Biggest reason for shortages in Cuba.

U.S. law prohibits third country manufacturers from re-exporting to Cuba any goods made up of 20% U.S. manufactured components.

Third country exports of goods containing as little as 10% U.S. manufactured components must receive a license from the U.S. Treasury. So much legal red tape that it is not profitable to bother for most company's.

Most of the worlds medicines and other supplies fall into the last two catagories.



(Edited by poncho at 4:07 pm on April 19, 2002)

[Capitalist]

Again & Again

Spin Spin Spin

The communist never answered my simple question

Why does Cuba insist on banning free radios from the Cuban People?

Why is the USA so evil for distributing radios to the CUban People? Radios that can be used to pick up Communist Cuba or Capitalistic Miami - the listener decides what to listen to, not Castro.

[Nateddi]

Capitalist, I know you are back and eager to mouth off again, but don't resurrect weeks-old threads.

[PaulDavidHewson]

I can't post in the leftist-music section of course so will someone post the following if it isn't already there:

Barry Maguire:
eve of destruction

This song was banned by the US goverment for being to controversional.

[Ernest Everhard]

it wasn't banned by the US government, it was banned by radio stations.