Regarding U.S. Policy on Cuba

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by Mark Nenadov (Written July 10, 2007. Last revised January 29, 2008)

I don't agree with the U.S. sanctions / embargoes / travel ban against Cuba. Here's why.

1. Three liberties fundamental to a free society are being violated by the policies: economic freedom, freedom of association, and the freedom for law abiding citizens to travel. If one wants to "export" freedom, the way to start is by allowing some fundamental liberties to ones own citizens first.

2. Capitalism and freedom can only work through open lines of communication and association. By closing that door, Castro's government and ideologies are made more (not less) viable.

3. Cuba is no longer the tactical and strategical threat that it was during the Cold War.

4. The policies have (and will continue to) provide a strong platform for future radical non-capitalist leaders in Cuba.

5. The policies have (and will continue to) provide local leaders with a good excuse to point their finger at external sources to their problems.

6. The policies are horribly inconsistent, and Cuba is singled out because perhaps it is not as lucrative a market as other countries. I don't believe I've seen a shred of evidence that Cuba's human rights record is anything but better than that of China or Saudi Arabia. Commercial interests and other interests seem to have made way for special treatment towards those other countries.

7. If the policies were intended to starve Castro's government out of existence or cause revolt: NEWS FLASH, its been over 40 years and it hasn't worked. I understand that the policies are not monolithic and some aspects of them haven't been around 40 years, but it is clear that they still haven't worked.

I agree with the U.S. over and against Canada on a number of things. In fact, I identify myself with the U.S. political philosophy (at least in regard to its original intentions) more-so than I do with the Canadian one. But on the issue of the Cuban embargo, I side with Canada. The U.S. needs to overhaul their policy in regard to Cuba. I've been to Cuba three times and am glad I have had that opportunity (and would visit again if I have a chance). It is a beautiful country with many extremely friendly people that have been through a lot of hard times (and it isn't just Atheists that live there, I've come across Presbyterians and Church of God members there). And I say that as a non-communist non-liberal freedom-loving Christian.