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I an effort to bring about change, in my opinion, it is best to find a point of agreement between the two or more opposing parties.

A recent World Gallup poll in Cuba found that 44% of urban Cubans (living in Santiago and Havana) believe that the US is the "ideal partner" for trade, if they could choose one country. China followed with 17% and then Venezuela with 14%.

Upon these findings, and the fact that the majority of Cubans want an end to the US embargo towards Cuba, it seems reasonable to attempt an opening soon in order to show a good faith gesture to the Cuban population.

Without a doubt, this can also entail specific parameters for release of political prisoners. With such a high number in favor of re-establishing links between the two nations, a refusal of such an agreement, an exchange of prisoner releases for re-established trade, is a show of contempt to the greater population.

The US, with such a card on the table, can make great political gains among the Cuban population, by proposing such an exchange.

Gallup World Poll Cuba results(video):
http://www.galluppoll.com/videoArchive/?ci=25957&pg=

US/Cuba Negotiations,

That's all fine and dandy. Now, how is Cuba going to PAY for all of these US Goods?

To date, they owe $20 plus Billion to the Russians and another $14 Billion or so to various other "trading partners." You want the US to extend credit to the Cuban goevernment when with their "credit report" they wouldnt even be able to get a loan for a Hyundai? I certainly, as a taxpayer, do not want my tax dollars subsidizingthe Cuban government.

Let's also mention the fact that the US is now Cuba's number one trading partner in agricultural goods, with 38 US states having trade agreements with castro's government.

Let's add to this the fact that the average Cuban makes $10 a month US, hardly enough money to survive on now, much less allowing Cubans to purchase any US goods.

The US government will not be negotiating directly with teh Cuban people, thus your point is moot. They will be negotiating with the Cuban government and to date said governmenthas failed to live up to any agreement, dimplomatic, economic or otherwise.

So why should it be the US that brings something to the table? the gottdamn table is already full of US somethings, all Cuba needs to do is take one first step: release all political prisoners.

Not much to ask, is it? Not to mention it being the right thing to do.

Agreed Val, but on a side note nobody else pays us neither. Just a thought and a mute point since we are not comparing apples to apples.

US/Cuba,

Your proposal fails to recognize that what ails Cuba is first and foremost the oppression visited upon the Cuban people by an unelected regime which rules by fear and force. Hence, any solution to the problems on the Island must begin with needed changes between the unelected ruling elite y el Pueblo.

Compared to this, the differences between the dicatorship and Washington are of minor secondary importance. Shifting the focus, as you propose, relegates the Cuban people to the role of bystanders. Washington, for once, has gotten it right. This administration has made it very clear that it is very ready to "negotiate" as soon as the dictatorship does right by the people.

I have a question for you, because I really don't understand. Why do proponents of immediate negotiations between Washington and the dictatorship constantly urge that the EMBARGO be lifted, negotiated away, etc. when there are so many other issues to address, of more importance to the freedom of Cuba? Why your focus on this one issue of secondary importance to freedom on the Island?

Hi Val!

I've been MIA and only just managed to register a TypeKey account.

Praying you and your family have a very blessed and cozy Christmas.

Valentin,

We will be doing "el lechon" in Melbourne under porch roof with the "caja Cubana", screw the rain. Pepe and Aida are bringing the porker from Miami. Jorge is here [lives beachside] and Emilio Jose is flying in from North Carolina, I think Mirta and Guillermo are also coming. Sure wish You were here but I understand you have to keep the GROUP happy and together. Nothing like having the family together for X-Mas and "Noche Buena". Drink and dont drive, I will be hitting the Johnnie Walker Black heavily and hope I dont fall into the caja refresing the charcoal!! Jorge has a Hewes flats boat we have been killing the pompano and redfish in the Indian River just inside Sebastian inlet. I suppose we will do a couple of fishing expeditions with both my sons on the holidays.

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