After a half-century of Cold War acrimony, the United States and Cuba moved on Wednesday to restore diplomatic relations – a historic shift that could revitalize the flow of money and people across the narrow waters that separate the two nations.
President Barack Obama’s dramatic announcement in Washington – seconded by Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana – was accompanied by a quiet exchange of imprisoned spies and the celebratory release of American Alan Gross, a government contract worker who had been held in Cuba for five years.
The shift in U.S.-Cuba policy was the culmination of 18 months of secret talks between the longtime foes that included a series of meetings in Canada and the personal involvement of Pope Francis at the Vatican. It also marked an extraordinary undertaking by Obama without Congress’ authorization as he charts the waning years of his presidency.
“These 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked,” Obama declared at the White House. “It’s time for a new approach.”
Predictably, Republicans have started caterwauling about President Obama’s decision to normalize relations with Cuba, as if 50 years of isolation has been an effective strategy at bringing about democracy in Cuba.
Great take from Charles Pierce: http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/The_President_Messes_Up_The_Rebranding
Priceless response from our Guv. I’m still chuckling, not least because of the way his schtick is swallowed whole by the local reporters. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/gov-scott-walker-says-normalizing-relations-with-cuba-is-a/article_c153bdd9-d05c-5b37-9636-90ca16eef131.html
What if Cuba suddenly invades Key West? What will happen to Jimmy Buffet? This is an outrage!
I think this is fantastic news. Actually, if this progresses, how long until we start getting shlock that is made in Cuba undercutting the price of stuff made in the other communist dictatorships known as China or Vietnam? The difference in shipping alone is huge.
Kapenga is probably already mulling RTW Nuclear whereby Wisconsin workers pay their employers for eight hours of work so’s our struggling 1 percent isn’t forced to make ends meet by sending all jobs to Cuba.
“”The relaxation in all these diplomatic areas and sanctions and all the things that are contemplated, we got nothing in return for that,” Johnson said. “No, the Cuban people got nothing in return for that. That’s really the crux of this.”
Can someone translate this word salady statement for me?
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Duffy said Obama “has once again extended his hand to a leader who raises a fist in return. He has offered a commitment to a significant shift in U.S. policy without any guarantees that Cuba will follow suit.”
Sean, “raise a fist in return”? Well, THAT’s embarrassing. This is 2014, not the 1960’s.
Source: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/politics/2014/12/17/wisconsin-politicians-seek-influence-cuba-policy/20563323/
Duffy claims to be a Catholic and pro-life, but is a phony by opposing Pope Francis’ involvement. Also, Duffy is in the pay of the NRA by opposing background checks at gun shows. He’s just one more GOP hater of our black president. Is Duffy a racist? If it talks like one, votes like one, go figure.
“”The relaxation in all these diplomatic areas and sanctions and all the things that are contemplated, we got nothing in return for that,” Johnson said. “No, the Cuban people got nothing in return for that. That’s really the crux of this.”
Can someone translate this word salady statement for me?
————————
Duffy said Obama “has once again extended his hand to a leader who raises a fist in return. He has offered a commitment to a significant shift in U.S. policy without any guarantees that Cuba will follow suit.”
Sean, “raise a fist in return”? Well, THAT’s embarrassing. This is 2014, not the 1960’s.
Source: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/politics/2014/12/17/wisconsin-politicians-seek-influence-cuba-policy/20563323/
President Obama’s actions are humanitarian. They will further expose the Cuban people to the freedoms we enjoy and encourages them to seek a change in their current government.
The legislative embargo continuing by Congress only hurts the Cuban people; the embargo is NOT pro-life!!!
Also, note the encouraging part Pope Francis played and his approval of Obama’s efforts in seeking resolution.
Sorry, I don’t know why my comment posted twice.
The critics of this are really not very bright. Flood the island with iPODS, Coca-Cola, Hyatt Hotels, and rejuvenated Latin nightclubs. Next comes the classic car collectors and baseball scouts with their open wallets. The whole phony outfit will be gone in a year or so.
The POTUS says trade embargo/sanctions haven’t worked in over 50 years with Cuba.
Their Government has not changed and it’s citizens suffer.
Then why does the U.S. impose sanctions on Russia? or anybody else?
Sticking with the topic, NO ONE ELSE has joined our sanctions against Cuba. (MSNBC)
Other countries HAVE joined our sanctions against Russia and THEY ARE WORKING in combination with the decline in oil prices. (The Christian Science Monitor)
IG, do some independent reading and research before you post false statements or false premises. You are a distraction and a waste of time.
D12,
I guess it depends upon what the goal(s) of sanctions is/are.
In the end all they appear to do is further oppress an already oppressed people.
The post made no false statements and you dreamed up a premise, whatever is was. You should be more patient.