Reply #55: Hate? No, not really. [View All]

[Meldread]

I don't like Castro personally, for the same reason I don't like dictators of any country. However, on the list of threats to America he is pretty low if non-existent. I'm not anti-socialist (though I think it is important to point out the clear difference between socialism and communism), and in fact support many socialistic policies that are designed to improve the quality of life of citizens of a country. Socialist Democracies, such as Canada are a good example.

Cuba, by any stretch of the imagination, is not a democracy. I personally don't believe the United States, indeed the entire civilized world, should be in the business of propping up dictatorships around the globe. Yes, I realize that the United States has in the past (and will doubtlessly in the future) prop up corrupt and evil people, but that is beside the point. I don't make public policy and if I did here is what I would do.

My first job would be to begin cutting ties with China as I see them as one of the largest passive threats to America and freedom around the world presently. America is about to take a hard dive in the next few years, not long after Bush leaves office, and China is positioning itself to fill the void if we lose our status as sole superpower. China filling that void is rather scary.

While cutting ties with China and trying to untangle the mess we've gotten ourselves into there, I'd begin trying to reform the United Nations. I'd pursue a policies that cut Democratic and Republic countries off from dictatorships. That would include policies that would eliminate our dependence on the Middle East.

Finally, I'd used the reformed United Nations to pursue heavy trade embargo's against dictatorships, effectively strangling their economy and impoverishing their nations. At the same time I would moderately finance groups and factions within the countries who want democracy and encourage internal rebellion against the dictators. If war breaks out and it looks as if democracy is a certain possibility, I would do everything in my efforts to make sure that the dictatorship is overthrown. Then if requested I would send aid to the country to help stabilize it and once stabilized ensure that all trade sanctions and embargo's are lifted and welcome them as members to the United Nations.

Effectively one by one dictatorships would fall around the globe or be economically and therefore politically castrated so that they are not a threat. That would be my overall goal.