Cuba Politics News and Information
This is a multifaceted question.
The Embargo is a trade embargo and a travel embargo for the sake of brevity. Either embargo could be eased, lifted, rewritten or defunded.
So, there is no simple yes or no answer. (Of course there isn’t, after we’re talking about US Cuba relations)
Please post your thoughts and offer some explanation. Also mention the who, how, what and when.
Who will be the first to fire the first shot at the Embargo with the biggest press conference?
How will the trade and travel embargo be eased or lifted? Will it be defunded or will the Helms Burton law be changed?
What will be altered first, the trade or travel embargo?
When will all this happen?
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Okay, I’ll start.
I think the both the trade and travel embargo will be eased in the Spring of 2007. Now that the Democrats have the House and Senate, motions will make it to the floor to alter both aspects of the embargo.
Food sales to Cuba are legal (after LOTS of paperwork) but Cuba has to prepay for all sales in cash. I think this restriction will be lifted thus allowing easier sales to the country. There may even be a motion to allow sales of goods FROM Cuba.
So, that’s my take on the trade side of the Embargo.
Regarding the travel side, I think academic and cultural institutions will again be allowed to travel to Cuba for cultural exchange and education.
As to who will do all this I would watch for Charles Rangel or William Delahunt or Jeff Flake.
The Cuba Embargo could be one way for the Democrats to “stick it” to Bush AND have the support of their constituents. Should be a real win/win for them and lose/lose for Bush.
Bush and the old Cuban exile groups will fight any changes but they are both lame ducks now.
Sping 2007 is my prediction.
Write your business plans and pack your bags for winter 2007 in Cuba!
And (please excuse the blatant self promotion:-) but if you are looking to start a Cuba related business, see our http://HavanaDomainsForSale.com for possible names for your business.
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In my opinion the travel restrictions with respect to Cuban-Americans will be the first to go, secondly, as far as the economic embargo is concern, the prepayment requirement will be eliminated but I don’t see much more than that to come without a real fight from the White House.
The three congressmen mentioned above sound as good as anyone else to me, I would add Nancy Pelosi to that list.
Spring 2007 sounds too good to be true to me, I’m more inclined to look towards the end of 2007.
As far as business plans are concerned, I would not even begin to guess as to the viability of that topic.
Whatever and whenever happens is long, long overdue and is the ONLY win/win solution for both Cuba and the U.S.
J. Perez,
I have been trying to think about business plans for small business and entrepreneurs but haven’t nailed it down yet.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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Nothing will change because the democrats needs the votes from Florida too. They still don’t know that the majority of the Cubans in Miami aren’t that anti-Fidel anymore, simply because they are born in the US and they are and feel Americans. Problems is tho that the old Cuban Americans have to much political influence. It is hard to believe that such a small group of people decides the US politics against Cuba. In Europe who laugh about that. It is pure blackmail.
Hans,
I agree but Republicans are in the minority now and after the rhetoric from the Democrats about working together with the Republicans, it’s just a matter of time before they will try and “stick it” to Bush so they can gear up for the 2008 Election.
Attacking the Embargo will be a good way to “stick it” to Bush AND be popular with the American people.
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If the Dumbocrats want the non Cuban exiles to vote for them in 2008 they best pass a bill allowing the general public to travel freely to any country of their chosing. Screw those politicans, reporters, academics and business entities with there so-called preferred status to travel. Exiles have been nothing but a pain in the neck to the USA.
