Bush and Cuba

[kvnf]

Is there any doubt in anyone's mind here that Bush's policy against Cuba has nothing to do with bringing democracy to that country?

Why wouldn't we pursue similar tactics with regards to Vietnam, Laos, or China...or the dictatorships of Africa and Asia? I am honestly sickened by Bush's hardliner approach.

Although there may be a consensus in the world that democracy is the way to go (and I agree) that is by no means a prohibition on other forms of government. Yes, people are entitled to rights (including those outlined in the UDHR and similar documents) but I think that those rights aren't dependent upon representative democracy to exist.

Another important question is "What do we mean when we say 'democracy'?" Democracy simply means the rule of the people. It has nothing to do, per se, with elections or a multi-party system.
Back during the WTO talks here in Seattle in 1999, I met Cuban officials who argued that Cuba is more "democratic" than the US. So what is democracy? I guess it's what you want it to be, right?

Anyway, I hope that when Kerry is elected we get back on the path set out by Clinton of gradually lowering the trade embargo and increasing travel, etc. It's good for both sides.

[physioex]

1. I couldn't agree more.....

But one major impediment is the Cuban Immigrants in Florida, a very crucial swing state. They tend to vote Repug, and are very anti-Castro. They have their own subversive agenda and may not support what you are talking about.

[shraby]

2. Why should the Cuban

immigrants dictate what our policies as a country should be???? I live here too.

[physioex]

3. Why should...

A few jewish lobbyist (AIPAC) dictate what our foregin policy is towards Israel? These are issues that this contry needs to grapple with if it really wants to spread democracy around the world.

[kvnf]

4. This line of discourse

gets right back to my point: What is democracy?

You all seem to be frustrated that OUR democracy appears to be inadequate in that these tiny but powerful groups get to dictate foreign policy...and I agree that's BS...

And my answer is that democracy is what you want to make it. In America, democracy is about keeping rich people rich. (OOOOOH, I know, sounds like commie talk...)