Addressing the peanut gallery.

A commenter left the following comment on Monica's post earlier about whether the U.S. is to blame for Cuba's crummy economy and now Venezuela's.

Lets see, according to you
1. Either do nothing which is a position you have championed for 50 years. 2. Or resolve bitter differences and move Cuba at least towards an economic model similar to what China has embraced and yes I know the human rights abuse but the people are prospering with a growing middle class which means food on the plate.

Let me address this point of view. The United States doesn't have to do anything. The United States needs nothing from Cuba. It's Cuba that wants U.S. trade, investment and tourism. To get it, Cuba is going to have to do something. Namely, release the political prisoners and allow space for the political opposition to organize without fear of reprisal. Until those conditions are met, the U.S. doesn't have to be in a hurry to do anything for the regime.

Secondly, the bitterness is not between the government or people of the U.S. and the people of Cuba. The bitterness is between the people of Cuba (on the island and in exile) and the illegal, corrupt and murderous government of Cuba.

Lastly with regards to Cuba's economy, the United States can't move Cuba to do anything. If Cuba hasn't embraced a Chinese model of free market capitalism it's because Cuba's leaders haven't wanted to move it there despite the speculation among some in the U.S. that they will.

In fact, I could argue that most of the reasons to keep the embargo would be gone if Cuba would move toward the Chinese model. Then trade with Cuba would actually help the people not the generals that run the state-owned corporations. There's been a lot of talk about the Chinese model but it's been only talk. The Chinese model means private property rights. It means private entrepreneurship. It means employees work directly for employers not the state. None of these reforms have yet been adopted by Cuba. Without them there is no Chinese model.

Simply put, it's not out turn to move a chess piece. It's been Cuba's turn for 48+ years. When Cuba gets its act in order then the US can make a move. Not before.

Posted by Henry Louis Gomez at February 25, 2008 03:29 PM

Comments

Posted by: jluix at February 25, 2008 03:54 PM