Clinton to ask Congress to lift trade embargo against Cuba

[IDemo]

Source: Washington Post

MIAMI — Hillary Rodham Clinton will ask Congress on Friday to seize what she calls a "decisive moment" and lift the five-decade-old trade embargo against Cuba.

The Democratic front runner was speaking Friday in South Florida, home to many Cuban-Americans. For years, it has been the base of powerful anti-Castro sentiment that has made the embargo untouchable, especially for Republicans, like those running Congress and running to oppose her for president in 2016.

"We have arrived at a decisive moment. The Cuban people have waited long enough for progress to come," Clinton will say, according to excerpts from her upcoming speech released by her presidential campaign.

"Even many Republicans on Capitol Hill are starting to recognize the urgency of moving forward. It’s time for their leaders to either get on board or get out of the way."

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/07/31/clinton-to-ask-congress-to-lift-trade-embargo-against-cuba/

[madokie]

1. I'd love to go to Cuba

[davidpdx]

2. It would be nice to go before everything opens up and they build a gazillion resorts

which is likely what will happen. I've heard some of it has already started by companies from other countries.

[madokie]

3. Exactly

I'm sure the building out has already began by those who would seek to take advantage of this.

[davidpdx]

4. I'm sure on a small scale

Once the US drops the sanctions all bets are off.

[George II]

5. About 35 years ago I was driving out on Long Island one night.....

....in my first car (a junker, but a convertible) with a friend whose family escaped from Cuba when he was a child.

It was at night and we were driving down a wooded road with the top down, and he started crying. I asked him what was wrong, he said, "this reminds me of where I lived in Cuba, it smells like home. I never though I'd smell that again."

We've obviously lost touch with each other - I hope, thanks to President Obama, that he gets a chance to go back home!

[madokie]

6. My best friend in 'Nam

was from Long Island NY

[fbc]

7. What's the decisive moment now? her campaign?

Is it a "safe" issue now? Is that the decisive moment? Did Clinton's pollsters tell her it has become the politically safe position?

Bernie has been calling for this for years... Where was Clinton then? Bernie went to Cuba a year or two ago.

[George II]

8. Did Bernie introduce any legislation to end the embargo? He's been in a position to do so...

...for ~ 25 years.

[Adrahil]

9. How DARE Clinton actually support a good cause, amiright?

I swear, some of you Bernistas would condemn her as a cynic for wishing someone a happy birthday.

[fbc]

12. I'd argue that it's not news

She can wish all the "Happy Birthdays" she wants, or hop belatedly on issues once the polls swing that way, but is either news?

[hughee99]

10. You now have republicans in both the house and senate pushing bills for this.

Clinton certainly knows how see which way the crowd is moving and then run out in front of them to give the appearance of leadership. Personally, I figured since this was an issue that may be resolved before she takes office, we'd have to wait until she's elected to find out what her position on it was.

[Rolf21]

11. Obama urged Congress to lift Cuba Trade Embargo a month ago.

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-07-01/obama-urges-congress-to-lift-cuba-embargo-after-embassy-opened

I guess Hillary plans to implement that policy if Obama can't get it done.