Question. What did Dean say about the Cuban issue today on CNN?

[Sean Reynolds]

I missed it and want to know. From what I read he said something good, how 'bout you all tell me!

[Sean Reynolds]

1. No one knows?

?

[poskonig]

2. here'ya go.

Six months ago Dean claimed that sanctions should be relieved on Cuba in exchange for human rights concessions. Over that time period Cuba has severly cracked down on human rights activists, and Dean believes ending sanctions, given this behavior, would send the wrong message.

[Sean Reynolds]

4. Alright.

So he's still saying NOW is not the right time? Then what the hell is the big deal? Many people here are saying Dean is AGAINST lifting the embargo, when the reality is simple, he's not for lifting it NOW.

So what is the issue then?

[tokenlib]

3. It made sense...

Dean said he'd like to continue down the road toward removing sanctions, however Castro is not helping matters with clamping down on political opposition. In other words, if Castro lightens up--we can move forward.

[Sean Reynolds]

5. Thanks!

[searchingforlight]

6. Can't say in exact words but to paraphrase it ---

he said that he originally stood for opening up dialogue with Cuba and easing restrictions based in conjunction with requirements for human rights improvements.

Castro's recent actions against human rights have convinced him that the time for action on his previous statement has not yet come. However, should things improve he would still be for the positions he originally supported.