There is real DU ignorance over the potential for US/Cuba normalization (Obama can't do it.)

[Billy Burnett]

Not that I'm surprised over it.

I posted this on the LBN thread on secret US/Cuba negotiations, in which several people posted that they hope Obama will normalize relations with Cuba.

He can't.

Only congress can.

You might want to bookmark this (or the below link to the OFAC PDF doc) for future reference.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4083028&mesg_id=4083701

The US congress passed the Libertad Act, section 205 of the law prevents any formal normalization of relations between the US and Cuba as long as there is anyone with a last name of Castro anywhere in Cuba's government. Period.

Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996 {PDF document}
http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/legal/statutes/libertad.pdf

[flamingdem]

1. I think people are focused on lifting travel restrictions

and unless Obama blocks that essentially that will open the door to major changes. A million US Citizens are expected to take advantage of the end of travel restrictions. When Cuba has more dinero, and more security with the US government, I believe they will make some internal changes. Slowly.

[Billy Burnett]

2. As long as the Libertad Act is in place, Cubans will vote for Castros.

Anything else represents being cowed by egregious US policy.

The Castros are Cuba's revolutionary heroes. For all their faults they are like the US's George Washington (with all of his faults) - synonymous with the founding of their modern nation. To be commanded by the US to not vote for any Castro is an insult, and represents the days of the old US hegemony over their nation. This issue will have Cubans standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity for many decades to come, imo.

It (the revolution and booting US control out) is their shining achievement. They've done pretty well since - especially compared to much of the rest of the Latin Americas and Caribbean. They will not relent, nor repent for doing so. Ever.


:hi:

[flamingdem]

3. Most Cubans are desperate for changes.

I agree they are not focused on dumping the Castros as a way to get there but I disagree that they are all that loyal to them. The Castros are not providing basic needs, yet they frustrate the ability of Cubans to be small business owners. They loosened up in the 1990s and then cracked down on small business efforts, even minor things like selling and reselling small items. Now, only due to extreme pressure, they are loosening up in some areas like agriculture.

I the Cubans are disappointed with Raul. He's moving too slowly.

If you were to talk to people now I bet they are angry about losing their state provided lunchtime meal. For many that was a big part of their daily diet, and a reason to go to work.

The government is cutting that because they are so broke, the recession of course impacting their economic planning. At a certain point Cubans will lose their patience. They are also thinking of cutting the libretta and that provided about one third of a monthly diet. How does one survive on a state salary of $10 a month? One is pushed into the black market or reliance on others.

There is reality, and idealism, but ideals don't fill the stomach well.

[Billy Burnett]

4. You seem to have bought into the RW meme of the lunch subsidy.

Judi Lynn sorts it out here ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4080084&mesg_id=4080090

And I distill it down to a few sentences ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4080084&mesg_id=4080164


As for the pace, rather than make moves entirely on the behalf of Corporate Masters to the detriment of the vast majority of Cubans, Raul's administration is currently seeking input from all Cubans as to what changes they want, and is undertaking dialog as to what can be managed in the economic environment they face. Cubans do not want to kill off their social infrastructure - and that is expensive.

[flamingdem]

5. Yes it does look like a RW meme

so thank you for that point. Regardless it is kind of splitting hairs.
From my experience a decent sized sandwich for Cubans is $1.00 on the streets of Havana. That 25 cent sandwich is a bocadito, something small and you'll need 2-3 to feel full. Add a drink to that and you come out about the same as what they are giving you to cover lunch.

So that sounds like a good idea for the government to save money but not much difference to the average working Cuban.

I stick with my direct experience that the Cubans are desperate for change. Logic will tell you that their salaries, if they have jobs, don't cover their needs unless you consider bare subsistence living acceptable.

Professionals I know there make $30 a month and factory workers around $12. I've seen the pay stubs that they will show you to get a laugh.

With that amount they have to feed families and buy things from the dollar store that cost US equivalent amounts, things like shampoo, batteries, personal care items, decent coffee is a luxury.

The biggest hole in the budget for people I know is transportation. If you have to take private transportation you'll be charged several dollars especially at night when the gouging really goes on. It's normal to charge $5 for a ten minute trip at night, to a Cuban. Gas prices are high too.

People are forced into the black market, into theft from work, and it overall creates a lot of stress. Everyday is about inventar and resolver of basic things.

All you have to do is walk into a grocery store and see the people stationed everywhere watching. It's to prevent theft from customers and from the workers.

[Billy Burnett]

6. I've always been on the side of lifting US travel restrictions so the Cuban economy ...

I've always been on the side of lifting US travel restrictions so the Cuban economy could do better. Plus, I've always been in support of lifting all sanctions on Cuba in hopes of increasing access to a more affordable marketplace (not that that is a guarantee). It would at least create a slightly more level playing field.

We agree. Cubans need more income to stimulate the overall economy - just like here in the USA.

:hi:

[Mika]

7. Cubans aren't paid in dollars.

They're paid in Cuban pesos.

$30us ≈ 780cp

[flamingdem]

8. Dollars are just for the sake of comparison to the uninitiated

I know they are paid in pesos, but as far as I know that's interchangeable with CUC.

Dollars haven't been used since Cuba implemented the CUC, Cuban Convertible Currency, used in what I referred to as dollar stores also known as "shoppin'", an English language holdover ... that are really goods that go beyond the libretta, the basics. Euros are accepted at some resorts but not dollars. It's a bad deal to exchange dollars in Cuba because there is an automatic 10% penalty.

The routine for US tourists is exchange into Euros or Canadian dollars.
It's still a losing proposition compared to the dollars of yesteryear.

I wonder if that will change if tourism opens up. Now that would be a real gift to the Cuban Americans. Kind of don't see Raul doing it.