ThankYouForNotSmoking, I think we agree more than we disagree. My main point is simply that I think the embargo has less effect on the state of Cuba today (and Cuba tomorrow, if it is lifted) than Castro's policies do. Cuba is wide open to investment from countries and companies that have plenty of money; they haven't bothered because of Castro's policies.
Much of what you say I believe to be true! While I do not believe in, or support, Castro's foreign policies, I do think that Cuba as a whole DO NOT hate Americans (no more so than Americans hate Cubans, which I don't believe they do), there is a real and intense hate between Governments. I really believe US Citizens would be welcomed by the Cuban people. Unfortunately, Governmental policies and stubborness have prevented anything from happening.
I think from the US perspective, it's more indifference or a thorn in your side than anything else. Castro needs a foil; now that missiles are not pointed at the US from Cuban soil, I think it's largely historical.
I had mentioned much earlier in this thread the censorship that happens, both ways, and that I'm not against all of the Cuba Governmental (read Castro here, I guess) policies.
Allow me to give a couple of examples. How many people know that:
- New Mothers - Are required to spend 2 weeks before the anticipated birth to rest and learn how to properly care for the child. They are then required to spend minimum a week in hospital with the child (dependant on the health of mom & baby), recovering and continuing the "education". Here in North America, a hospital won't look at a woman until she dialated X centimeters and screaming her bloody head off in pain, and then mom & baby are booted out next day, 2nd day at the most.
- University Education - Is mandantory in Cuba, and free. People who reject the education are looked upon as "malcontents and deserters" Now, there's an issue with that too. I personally met a doctor, a teacher and a nurse who worked in one one capacity or another on resorts because the pay from tourism was so much better than tto work in the field they were educated in.
I'm aware of this, but be careful... Cuba's educational system is nothing to get excited about, and the healthcare system is abysmal. My mother has spent time in Cuba on medical missions (she has her doctorate in nursing), and she says that the level of healthcare there -- universal as it may be -- it's circa early 1900's by US standards.
You see, yes, people are kept down, quite similar to what I understand happened in the USSR so many years ago. So often they are told what to believe, what to say, what to think, etc. Do I agree with that?? Hell no, but it's a fact of life. Every once in a while though, someone talks and spills their guts, all the while looking nervously around to see who's watching.
This is very true... I had a conversation with a gentleman who was originally from Cuba. He grew up during a time that the USSR was still intact and funding Castro. I asked him why they didn't get rid of Fidel, and he just shook his head, and said that you didn't even think about that. From day one, he was your father. All information came from him, he believed that Americans lived under bridges and killed each other for food.
In regards to point # 2 above, the Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) that tourists MUST have in Cuba are valued at ~ 24 of the People's Peso. So, a decent paying job at a resort in Cuba is ~ 100 or the People's Peso a month. So, the first time we were in Cuba, we gave the room maid 20 CUC, 10 for her, and 10 for her daughter who was in hospital awaiting the birth of her first child. She went to tears and couldn't thank us enough. You do the math.
Sure, the economy is one of the reasons why doctors take on second jobs as prostitutes in Cuba on occasion; they can make more money at it.
They appreciate everything they have, and anything they get because they have so little, but at the same time, seem so happy. Now, one of the BAD things about an influx of foreign currencies to Cuba is we all know it will breed greed like none have ever seen before.
I didn't say major Canadian investment wouldn't make a difference, I said Canada doesn't have the financial resources (personal or otherwise) to sopport that major investment. Don't forget, we're your poor neighbours to the North.
Canada is hardly poor.
There are plenty of rich Canadian companies that could consider investing in Cuba if it was to there advantage to do so; it currently isn't. Same thing with numerous countries in Europe. Look at what they have done for some other islands in the Caribbean such as St. Maarten, Aruba, etc. They could be doing that now with Cuba, but they are not.
You mentioned the US balance of imports / exports during the Depression. No offence, but I hardly believe that's applicable.
It's applicable only in that you mentioned every country wants exports to exceed imports. I mentioned it just because it's not quite that simple, you can have a fantastic export-driven economy, and still not be doing as well economically as you might like (Germany is a point in case).
There is no doubt in my mind that American Agricultral Technology helped make Cuban tobacco what it is today, but basicallywhen it comes to growing tobacco, Cuba is Cuba and while I love many cigars from other parts of the world, the Cuban crop has never, nor possibly will it ever, be equalled.
That's what they said about French wines not too many years ago. Never say never.
As for sympathizing with Castro on ALL policies, yes, I will agree that you have little cliques all over the world who will side with any cause, no matter how insane, just to be different. I hardly consider these people part of the "Civilized" world.
I think it's unfortunately more people than you might expect. Or maybe I just know too many of those idjits.
Not having been to the Dominican, I can't comment, except to say people have described to me a poverty level worse than what I've seen in Cuba.
On the whole the DR is better off than Cuba -- but the downfall in the DR is corruption. Certainly there is poverty in rural areas of the DR, but it's worse in rural areas in Cuba.
As for building a hotel in todays society in Cuba, where rumours of Castro and whether he's dead or alive, and the threat of a revolution is always out there, and may well be iminent, yes, that would be ludicrous. But my friend, those days are slowly coming to an end, aren't they??
I hope so. Certainly I believe a number of companies have contingency plans regarding Cuba, but I'd be willing to wager it includes more than just that the embargo is lifted, but also that there are policy changes put in place before they will risk their money. Why not invest it in the DR instead? A much safer bet, similar location, nice beaches, etc, etc.
