White House Ready To Help Cuba

[smb]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060801/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_cuba

WASHINGTON - With Cuban President Fidel Castro ailing, the Bush administration said the United States is prepared to support a democratic transition on the island....

White House press secretary Tony Snow said there are no plans to reach out to Raul Castro.

"Raul Castro's attempt to impose himself on the Cuban people is much the same as what his brother did," Snow said. "The one thing that this president has talked about from the very beginning is his hope for the Cuban people, finally, to enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy."...

[AzDar]

1. Oh. Dear. God... He's gonna Bushmatize Cuba. n/t

[uppityperson]

5. excellent summary. eom

[saigon68]

42. John Negroponte getting ready to KILL a few kommunists

[0007]

48. I think you may be on to something big



[saigon68]

49. JOHN NEGROPONTE NUN RAPIST

He is vile Scum

[Say_What]

45. Opinion: Forcing change in Cuba could plunge U.S. into new crisis

<clips>

Forcing change in Cuba could plunge U.S. into new crisis

...Unlike the removal of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the United States has spared no expense in planning for a post-Castro Cuba.

...The American people need to know that forcing change in Cuba is fraught with risk. Although major military action might be brief, a protracted guerrilla war could follow. While dissidents take brave public stands and others gripe in private, nationalism continues to unite the Cuban people. Millions are proud of their nation's accomplishments in health care and services to the poor. Put simply, no one can guarantee that a transitional government led by Miami exiles would be welcomed with open arms. Many people in Cuba blame the extremists in Miami for the continuation of crippling U.S. sanctions that limit family visits and remittances of much-needed cash.

On a broader level, the United States could face global condemnation and a crippling oil embargo from Venezuela. It seems reasonable to ask if the American people are prepared to accept such sacrifices to intervene in a small Caribbean island whose ideology is not that much different that China, Vietnam or other nations that we have no trouble doing business with.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/15178722.htm

[SoCalDem]

61. Exactly..."exiles" are viewed by the "left behinders" as escapees

and are NOT welcomed back with open arms..

the "empty spaces" left by them were "filled" by others who remained..

To go back to see family and to invite them to the US (look for that "dry land" provision to change ASAP)....but to return as "conquering heroes, ready to take back control:"...not so much...

[last1standing]

2. Isn't that nice of them?

"You do exactly as we say and we'll help you to do it." The cultural understanding of this administration never ceases to impress me.

[Virginia Dare]

3. Yes, like they "helped" Iraq...

look out all you good citizens of Cuba.

[MuseRider]

4. Good grief.

No matter how bad it gets anywhere in the world it will be worse if they let Bush** and his pack of bozos anywhere near them.

[Ian David]

6. We're gonna spread democracy there next? Just what they need.

But just think of all the wonderful classic cars that will be dumped on the U.S. market!

[Vidar]

7. Big help: the Antichrist & Cheney too.

[Megahurtz]

10. Or Bush & The AntiChrist. n/t

[krispos42]

38. The Unholy Trinity?

Christians separate God into the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Could it be that the AntiChrist is also a trinity? Rumsfeld (Father), Bush (Son), and Cheney (Holy Ghost)?

Eww,I need some mental floss now. Midget porn, here I come!

lmao j/k

[Megahurtz]

8. Oh sure. Help EveryFuckingBodyElse but YOUR OWN country.

:banghead:

[Sherman A1]

21. Well, there is that.....

[leesa]

28. Believe me, they intend to RAPE Cuba, not help Cuba.

[Raine]

33. That's for sure and

they can't wait to get Coke and MacDonald's and all those corporations in their selling all their garbage and making the Cuban people as fat and unhealthy as Americans are. x(

[Judi Lynn]

34. Here's a photo you might enjoy, posted here a couple of years ago

by DU'er Say_What. The guy is in Havana.

[Raine]

35. Thanks

I love it! :thumbsup:

[Say_What]

43. LOL that's definitely a favorite!!! ;-)

thanks for posting :bounce:

[Judi Lynn]

59. Hi, Say_What! That's photo made me laugh with glee the moment

I saw it. It's beyond perfect.

Hiya, hiya, hiya! :hi: :hi: :hi:

[krispos42]

39. Hmmm... The Mouse that Roared?

Maybe if somehow declared Minnesota a secular nation unto itself Bush would invade and throw some federal money for our highway infrastructure. Like that damn I-35W/Hwy 62 project...

Oh, wait, we could have to become an Islamic republic, and I like my bacon and beer too much for that!

lol

[xxqqqzme]

9. Are they not happy w/ all the people

they are already murdering? We have to go off and murder yet another bunch of brown skinned peoples?

Those of you who do - pray for Castro's speedy recovery before BCF invades there as well.


Is there no one 2 rid us of these menacing neo-cons? It is with fear and trepidation that we approach the November elections.

[54anickel]

11. Sheesh, he ain't dead yet. Things seem to be humming along just

fine for now.

Check out this looooong article http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y06/ago06/01e1.htm

snip>

Meanwhile, get-well messages poured in to Havana from all over the world, including the governments of Spain, Italy, Nicaragua, and, in Latin America, presidents and Castro friends Evo Morales in Bolivia and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.

Chile's ambassador to Cuba, Jaima Toha, said there was complete calm across the island despite the ''strong and surprising'' news of the power transfer to Raúl Castro, who is 75.

''Havana saw a night of absolute tranquility,'' he told Chile's Radio Cooperativa, according to Spanish news agency EFE. "No differences were noticed -- neither a police presence nor gatherings of people, and this morning I have received no information to the contrary.''

Miami was equally quiet.

Meanwhile.....Bushco comments bring these 2 to mind.

[LiberalEsto]

12. Why do they think Cubans WANT help?

They have free medical care and all sorts of benefits that people in the US don't have.

[killbotfactory]

13. Cubans are desperate to rid themselves of free top-quality healthcare

free higher education, low rents, and well planned disaster responses to natural disasters.

[smb]

17. More From The Article

A presidential commission issued a report in 2004 that mapped plans to provide 100,000 tons of food to Cuba in short order after Castro's demise.

U.S. charities would be encouraged to create and contribute to a foundation to aid a "Free Cuba." American government officials would carry out a "needs assessment" as soon as possible. There are detailed plans for upgrading health and education systems.

The report also discusses ways to modernize Cuba's aviation, railroad and maritime infrastructure. It envisions U.S. assistance in holding free elections, fighting corruption and establishing independent trade unions. According to the report, none of these actions would occur without Cuba's consent....

[geomon666]

24. Don't forget we've gotta get those hotels and casinos back up!

Yeah baby! Slave labor again!

[theanarch]

14. ah, yes, the GOP's favorite foreign policy talking point:

to spread the blessings of "Freedom-n-Democracy" (TM) PNAC-style: civil war; privitization of all resources; wholesale dismantling of social services; corrupt, hand-picked "governments"; massive unemployment and malnutrition; rampant epidemics of easily-treatable diseases...and if they're really, REALLY lucky, to be occupied by an army of racists-in-training who rape, torture and murder for fun and self-esteem. Makes one proud to be an American, doesn't it?

[chiffon]

15. Uh-ohh! Oooohhh Boy! Hot Damn!!!!

Say it ain't so!


:hide:

[aquart]

16. "Help?"

Cheney and his buddies carving up the turf as we speak?

[VegasWolf]

18. Jeez, save the poor Cubans from Bush's help. We've seen enough help.

[ShockediSay]

19. Look what we did to Hamas

cut of all funds and salaries

branded them, the popularly elected government

sicced the dogs (Israel) on them

and sanctioned open season on their cabinet members

as well as their civlians and children

[Solly Mack]

20. Oh damn..more people for Bush to spread democracy to

Dear Cuba,

I'll just cut to the chase. Here's what to expect as Bush's freedom marches over you

1 - Illegal invasion
2 - Indefinite illegal detentions
3 - Torture of those detained
4 - Neighborhoods blown to bits throughout your country
5 - Bodies piling up everywhere
6 - A "few bad apples" behaving in a manner consistent with Bush's policy on torture.
7 - Renditions
8 - Raiding of resources
9 - "Surprise" visits from various Bush Regime war criminals to say how wonderful it's going
10 - Permanent occupation by U.S. forces in spanking new military bases
11 - A Puppet government

[0007]

51. You forgot to list Condi Rice and her pretty piano music

[Solly Mack]

53. I did, indeed. Correction: 12 - Condi plays while Cuba burns

Every invasion must have it's own theme music...and Condi is there to make it happen.

[0007]

57. I love it Solly!

[karlrschneider]

22. Voice in my head....saying "nation building..."

:eyes:

[BrotherBuzz]

50. !

:thumbsup:

[JackDragna]

23. Translation for the audience at home:

Bush is ready to help Cuba into another Banana Republic, of the Lansky, by the Lansky, for the Lansky.

[struggle4progress]

25. Mix and match from the warmongers' smörgåsbord:

Haitian paramilitaries, Iraqi chaos, Salvadoran deathsquads ...

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

26. Just fucking wonderful.

I don't agree with everything Castro has done, but I think Cuba's a lot better off with him than if Bush tries to bring them democracy.

Brace yourselves, Cuba!

[leesa]

27. Well, there goes Cuba. It will be destroyed in no time flat.

[w4rma]

29. The best way to really "help" is to not get involved. (nt)

[HuffleClaw]

30. bullshit

'help' my ass. nice propaganda. 'attempt to impose... ...fruits of freedom' ! haahahahha

[lumpy]

31. White House ready to help Cuba to themselves.

x

[Hekate]

32. Oh. My. God. Better be nice to * or he'll bring "democracy" there! nt

[Demeter]

36. With "Friends" Like US, Who Needs Enemies?

I think it would be a whole lot more useful, productive, etc., to fix the US problems: election fraud, corporate fraud, influence peddling, tax inequities,

Than meddle in a country that has education, health care, and strong labor for all.

[IndianaGreen]

37. American "freedom and democracy" is political leprosy

Cuba's history is replete of examples in which popular expression was oppressed by American interests, including force, such as the time that "liberated" Cuban workers were killed by US Marines at the turn of the 20th century.

But when the smoke was over, the dead buried, and the cost of the war came back to the people in an increase in the price of commodities and rent--that is, when we sobered up from our patriotic spree--it suddenly dawned on us that the cause of the Spanish-American war was the consideration of the price of sugar; or, to be more explicit, that the lives, blood, and money of the American people were used to protect the interests of American capitalists, which were threatened by the Spanish government. That this is not an exaggeration, but is based on absolute facts and figures, is best proven by the attitude of the American government to Cuban labor. When Cuba was firmly in the clutches of the United States, the very soldiers sent to liberate Cuba were ordered to shoot Cuban workingmen during the great cigarmakers' strike, which took place shortly after the war.

Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty (1917)
by Emma Goldman

http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Goldman/Writings/Anarchism/patriotism.html

[0007]

52. Didn't they export Emma Goldman for speaking out against

the U.S.?

[IndianaGreen]

54. Emma Goldman was kicked out of US for opposing World War I

at about the same time that Eugene Debs was imprisoned for doing the same.

We had some giants back then!

Imagine that, oppose killings and you are a criminal. Support killings and you are a patriotic American (or a friend of Israel). Nothing has changed.

[0007]

58. She was one hell of a good woman.

[union_maid]

40. Someone needs to help us

A democratic transition here would be welcome. So would some of the things that Cuba has, like healthcare, for one.

[Mika]

41. It seems that many DUers feel that Cubans are incapable of defending..

.. their own country.

This is the negative effect of the Castro fixation that I have been lamenting for so long here on DU.

Mr Castro IS NOT the be-all end-all of Cuba. Cuba has a well entrenched representative political system. Cubans are well educated and quite knowledgeable in history - especially the history of the US/Cuba relationship.

The VAST majority of Cubans DO NOT want to become a satellite US country. Cubans certainly do not want anything to do with the US's "transition plan" for Cuba. They know more about said plan than do 99% of Americans. They know it would be their destruction.

Don't worry, fellow DUers, Cuba will not be wall-to-wall McDs and Walmarts without the approval of Cubans in Cuba. Be assured, they don't want that. Cubans simply want what the vast majority of Americans want - an end to the strangling extra territorial sanctions that the US government has placed on Cuba. That is all.

Cubans are quite capable of managing their own affairs as history has proven. So, please, give them credit for doing so. Give them credit for being able to do so without the Castro fixation. Cubans can and will manage quite well without Mr Fidel Castro Ruz.

Please, stop the diminution of Cubans in Cuba. It smacks of anti Cuban bigotry.

[ckramer]

46. Well said

Let's not trust those "Cubans" in Miami.

[Say_What]

44. MiamiGUSANOS wet dream for decades has been Fidel's death

Keeerist, I'd like to have a dollar for every time they said he was at death's door. Truth is he's outlived most of his diehard enemies like the RayGun funded CANF Terrorist Jorge Mas Canosa.

[Judi Lynn]

62. Oh, my God. What a prize photo!

Cuban "exile" Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, standing next to the obnoxious, power-mad jerk who thought he was going to be the President of Cuba as soon as the United States grabbed Cuba back for him, Miami "god-father" Jorge Mas Canosa.

Possibly the other guy standing is Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart's dad, Rafael, the ex-brother-in-law of Fidel Castro's.
You don't see as many photos of him outside Miami, for sure, although he's big there.

And _{George H. W.} himself. That just complete's the picture, doesn't it? What a grouping!

[Amonester]

47. When the Dumbya owned White House is ready to Help anyone...

we sure do know (by experience) who they R ready to "help" and that sure ain't the PEOPLE in Cuba...

[Azathoth]

55. Freedom is on the march!

:hide:

[anotherdrew]

56. I think Chavez is going to have a few things to say about US help

these fascist pigs in the US just want to hand Cuba back to the batista's and organized crime.

[Akoto]

60. My idea: Help them by not helping them.

If there's one thing we should realize by now, it's that everything we touch turns to dirt.

The best thing we can do for the Cubans - and any other power out there - is to let them decide their own futures without our meddling.