| | Very nice essay. I am surprised that this is your position, though it is perfectly consistent with free market principles, because it does run contrary to the Cold War ethos. Your point was well-made and trusting in the election of a more conservative cabal in 2012, we may see the change you recommend, just as it was Pres. Nixon who opened the door to China by meeting Mao Zedong, something no Democrat could have gotten away with.
I agree with the other sentiments that Cuba's poverty cannot be laid on Washington's doorstep. And Cuba's problem is not merely socialism but the undemocratic nature of theirs. India suffers, but India exports computer programmers. Cuba "could have" enjoyed a lot of things these last 50 years.
Also, as noted, though, trade and commerce do flow despite barriers.
The fact remains that trade is a two-way street. Exports to are nice, but imports from are the touchstone. Try buying a Cuban cigar. Or coin. Cuba released a Pirates of the Caribbean series that no US numismatic publication would touch. The coins are contraband and can be seized without a warrant. ... even if they are imported through Canada.
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