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Obama to make announcement on Cuba policy at 12est

I prefer the leeward islands beaches, Bali is much better. Granted there probably are nicer beaches in Cuba that what is found at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Facility.
 
His ratings might be scrapped up off the floor if he did something intelligent like establishing the same relations with Cuba as we have with China.

Such a move is decades overdue, and is needed in order to establish United States economic influence and control over Cuba. Such things would prevent hostile nations from using Cuba against us. Keep your friends close...and your enemies closer.

However, I'm not expecting intelligence from an American elected official. This is likely limited to trading prisoners and little of consequence...

Your move, Mr. President.
 
In an effort to boost the nascent Cuban private sector, the President will also allow expanded commercial sales and exports of goods and services to Cuba, particularly building materials for entrepreneurs and private residences, and allow greater business training, as well as permit greater communications hardware and services to go to the island.

Other announced changes permit U.S. and Cuban banks to build relationships and travelers to use credit and debit cards. U.S. travelers will be allowed to import up to $400 worth of goods from Cuba, including $100 in alcohol and tobacco -- even Cuban cigars. Remittances by Americans to their families back in Cuba will also be increased to approximately $2,000 per quarter.
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http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/17/politics/cuba-alan-gross-deal/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

More cigars for everyone!
 
And just when the embargo was finally starting to work....



My sister sells coconuts now coconut futures have crashed and she's in crisis
Thanks Obama
 
AP sources: US, Cuba seek to normalize relations

Obama might have actually done it. Or rather... began a process to do it.

Then comes this:
"This is going to do absolutely nothing to further human rights and democracy in Cuba," Rubio said in an interview. "But it potentially goes a long way in providing the economic lift that the Castro regime needs to become permanent fixtures in Cuba for generations to come."
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Earth to Rubio, we normalized relations with China. CHINA!
If you were intelligent, you'd know why that was a good thing. You'd know why this is the same move. It needs to happen, and is much better than the violent alternative.
 
Jaskalas said:
AP sources: US, Cuba seek to normalize relations

Obama might have actually done it. Or rather... began a process to do it.

Then comes this:
Earth to Rubio, we normalized relations with China. CHINA!
If you were intelligent, you'd know why that was a good thing. You'd know why this is the same move. It needs to happen, and is much better than the violent alternative.
Click to expand...

And because yeah the embargo was so great at getting the Castro regime out of power over the last half century.

If it weren't for Florida's importance in presidential politics this insane embargo would have been over with years ago.
 
eskimospy said:
And because yeah the embargo was so great at getting the Castro regime out of power over the last half century.

If it weren't for Florida's importance in presidential politics this insane embargo would have been over with years ago.
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What king of a political party continues with an unethical doctrine just for political expedience? It's disgusting.
 
and calling on Congress to lift embargo
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I forgot the most important detail. Congress has to be the ones to make any deal official. We're so screwed. Obama likely knows this, and is laughing all the way to the bank.

Imagine the division in the GOP over this one.
 
eskimospy said:
And because yeah the embargo was so great at getting the Castro regime out of power over the last half century.

If it weren't for Florida's importance in presidential politics this insane embargo would have been over with years ago.
Click to expand...

Thankfully the people that held this back are starting to die off.
 
About damn time we normalize relations with Cuba. I predict a implosion in certain neighborhoods in Florida over this.
 
Been following a bit of the announcement. Actually happened a lot sooner than I had expected. Cuba's in a tight spot right now due to Venezuela's economic collapse. Something that's only going to get worse now that oil prices are plummeting. Ultimately, they're going to want those US tourist dollars.

Obama is probably just looking for something positive to close out his tumultuous presidency with. Normalizing relations with Cuba seems like it would be pretty non-controversial.

I've been to Cuba. It's like most Latin American countries. Though it's managed to escape the rampant drug problems and crime of it's neighbours. Beautiful island with lots of history. People there are really nice too. Not like Mexico or other Caribbean islands.
 
Cuba's huge and got a lot to offer. Gotta take it slow though - maybe 5-10 years, otherwise i think they'd really screw with the other carribean economies.

deal basics: http://www.vox.com/2014/12/17/7408067/cuba-deal-obama-embargo-alan-gross

What the US will give Cuba
Diplomatic opening
Embassy in Havana
Release alleged Cuban spies
Easing business and travel restrictions
Easing banking restrictions
Higher remittance limits
Review of basis for sanctions

What Cuba will give the US
Release Alan Gross
Release political prisoners
Increased internet access
Access by the UN
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So you can now travel to Cuba and bring back up to $100 worth of cigars for private use? (not resale)

Nice!

It's a good start...
 
This is worth it just to watch the butthurt flow from Rubio. Gaining access to cheap Cuban cigars is just a side benefit.
 
I call on Congress to pull their heads out of their !@# and follow the President's lead in doing something good for the American people.
 
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