Reply #46: There is limited US trade w/Cuba. Mostly big agribiz. Cuba must pay cash

[Mika]

All trade w/Cuba must be approved by the Treasury Dept O.F.A.C..

It is the smaller businesses and Joe/Jane average American who are banned by the US gov jackboots from freely visiting Cuba and/or trading with Cuban businesses.

Most Americans are under the mistaken impression (thanks to the US MSM) that the only cars in Cuba are the old American gas guzzlers - not so. Cuba's roads are growing ever more crowded with small & efficient French, Italian and Asian cars.

Tourists from all over the world (except US gov travel banned Americans) can rent these small cars and travel all over the island without reservations. There are thousands of private small hotels and Bed & Breakfasts all over the island. Tourists in Cuba who do travel without an itinerary can see the real Cuba, not just the tourist resort disneyland ritual.

Travellers can see that Cuba's economy does work (it is a socialist model, with resources directed to health care and education first and foremost). Granted, Cuba is poor. With US tourism dollars, Cuba's economy would be doing better, but nonetheless, it is working.