Castro's out

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Castro resigned last night. Do you think that our AIMO mission wil shift west? If Cuba opens up to American tourism, how will it affect the Coast Guard mission in Puerto Rico and Key West?

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief:

I spent two weeks in Habana and to the West and East of Habana in January, legally with permission of our government on a research trip. This by no means suggests that I am an "expert," but do not expect any change in AMIO as concerns Cuba. In fact, it may get a lot more intense. If anyone tells you they know what is going to happen, take it very doubtfully. I think the Cuban people are waiting to see what happens. How long will they wait? If I knew that, I would be on most talk shows and have a large book contract for an instant book.

Do not expect the Cuba of pre-Revolution days.

You should be aware there are many European, Canadian, and Asian tourist in Habana and there has been little change. Just because Americans come in does not mean change.

In case you are wondering, I never met an unfriendly Cuban in my two weeks. Every Cuban I met was helpful, especially when they saw me struggling with Spanish.

If I can get another grant, and my license to go there is still in effect, I plan on returning to further my work.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, with the talk show circut....... Last Sunday on the Maclaughin (sp?) Group the host predicted that when Castro resign ends he would turn the government control over to the military instead of to his brother as many others have speculated. Less than 48 hours later we hear that Castro calls it quits. I know that several European countries already have their foot in the door down there and are waiting for somnething to happen, I think if the US lifted sanctions, other countries would move faster. I'm wondering what that means for the rest of the Carribean, and for the Coast Guard's role down there. If Cuba opens up, I see parts of the Carribean shutting down. I see people wanting to do port calls there as opposed to the US Virgin Islands. If you look at real estate alone, Cuba has all kinds of options available. St Thomas and St Croix might look like St John ten years from now. With the Coast Guard..... if Cuba becomes a democratic government look at alot of economic growth really quick. Lots of jobs would get created and I think Cuba attacks alot of the refugees tha are currently looking at the US as the land of opportunity. Cuba offers a spanish speaking promise of a better tomorrow. If our AIMO mission in the Mona Pass is gone would we need to maintain the prescence we have in Puerto Rico? Wouldn't we need to increase our presence along our southern coast if Cuba became the leader in tourism?

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

Everyone still waits. What is the brother going to do? Is he going to loosen things up a bit? He was head of the army and it was not noted for being liberal.

Actually, one of the nations that is moving into Cuba is China. They even have sold a number of bicycles there and helped to reestablish an amusement area in Habana known, interestingly enough, as Coney Island. They are very interested, and may have the contract, for helping with the oil discovered on the island and off shore. I saw a number of new cars and buses from Asia.

I think the only thing that can be predicted right now is that until the U.S. elections are over, there will be no official change in policy towards Cuba.

As far as tour ships coming to Cuba, they already do that. At least one was there during my time in Cuba. Of course, if the embargo is lifted then there will be many more. Remember, when you say if Cuba opens up, it is the US embargo that keeps Cuba closed. As far as I know, Cuba welcomes people. Furthermore, if the embargo is lifted, then the Cuban government may just funnel the tourist trade to certain areas, as they do now, e.g., the area of Varadero. In the "new" area of this tourist destination, the government wants only tourist there. If you are Cuban, you are not welcome, unless, of course, you work in the service industry. Cubans are also not welcome in many of the hotels in the tourist areas of Habana. I am not too sure how many tourist know this, nor if they even care, as long as they get sun, beaches, rum, cigars, and women.

Whatever happens in Cuba it will have an impact on USCG ops. Historically, Cuba actually changed how the USCG viewed what is now called AMIO. Take a look at the Mariel boatlift, for example. The question is how will the ops change? There are some very knowledgeable people within and without the USCG that can make some good educated guess, but, remember, they are educated guesses. So far, very few people in the US have successfully guessed correctly about Cuba. No one, for example, believed that Castro would ever last. I rest my case.

This is not meant to be an arguement. Just some observations from one who would like to know more about that beautiful country. I guess what I am also saying is what I said before: no one really knows what is going to happen and the ones who are really in the know I think also realize this. Talk shows, and the media, of course, can not really say this. They have to say anything to fill up the page and time.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I look at Cuba and see limitless possiblites. If you just look at her beaches and compare them to some of the other places that have developed over the past 49 years.....
I just think that Cuba is finally ready for change. I think we need to be ready for that change, and it's never too early to discuss possibilites.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

I think the Cuban people are ready for a change, but it has to be the change they want.

Nothing like discussing it, and especially being prepared, something I think I said before that has historically been woefully neglected. Or, perhaps, many people do not understand what Cubans want.

Cuba makes the third island I have visited in the Carib., and the one I spent the most time at. It is the most beautiful and has the most friendly people.

Again, the best I can say is that I will go back if my license is still good, or I can renew it, and I scrape up the money.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I still like to think all people want the freedom to make their own choices. Some people limit those freedoms to certain things. They don't care that others make the decisions for them.... up until a certain point. Just look at our own country and how many people willing give up their right to vote.

I've been to lots of different islands in the Carribean. Cuba is very different than any of the others. I've even seen the T-shirt.... Same T-Shirt, Different Island... that the tourism industry sells where our Cruise Ships go.
Just but comparing land mass to population..... a capitalist starts to drool. Look at her deep water ports compared to some of the other islands.

Based on the people I know who claim Cuban heritage, I agree with your friendly observations. I also have to add that the people that I know also have a very driven work ethic. I got into one of those arguements with my in-laws who were telling me that Cubans are bossy.... and I was argueing that they weren't bossy, they were the bosses.
I know that we have heard about the differences in the way that we treated Cuban refugees as opposed to our policies on other people from that area. I also saw the other side of that in our AIMO missions.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

You will note that I did not mention the differences in our policies toward Cuba vs other nations. It would take too much time.

I failed to mention, but you brought it up, their work ethic, and they have, for such a small population, great talent in the arts and letters.

I have heard at least one talk show person bring up the possibility of Cuba becoming the US 51st state. Where did that come from? I would venture to say that part of the 1959 revolution was because of just such thinking. But then again, much of this is just the normal media feeding at whatever is currently in their path. They will soon move onto other things. Just like a shark, they must constantly look for food.

In many respects, what does amaze me is how few people in this country know, or care to know, about this country so close to the US. This despite the hundreds--yes hundreds--of years of interchange between us.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, wouldn't the smart money go on Real Estate we already possess...... oh wait, you did say a talk show person said that....

As far as AIMO policies........ I have the time and would be interested in hearing what you have to say about it. I have some opinions myself, and the feeling we would probably be able to agree on several points.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

I do not know of any property, other than GITMO, that the US has in Cuba. It was Fidel's seizure of US property that brought about the embargo. Real estate might seem the best bet, but I will bet that many in Cuba might be very wary of selling to U.S. I know of a place I would like to buy, between Cabanas and Bahia Honda.

One of the after action comments following Mariel stated that what was needed to prevent something like the boatlift from happening again was a revamping of US immigration policy. I wish I knew the USCG officer who wrote that, as, in my opinion, it took some guts to say something like that in print.

The difference between Cuban policy is summed up by looking up this: (I believe you can find it on the internet): Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966. Then see how Haitian and Chinese who are smuggled into this country from the sea are treated and then look at the Cubans. It has changed somewhat after 1994, but still it is different. When I state the following it a generalization and that generally gets one into trouble: Cubans are allowed to enter the US, while the people from Haiti and the PRC, for example, are not. Put another way, a Cuban and a Haitian caught, after 1994, on dry land will receive different treatment. The Haitian will generally be sent back, while the Cuban stays. It is interesting to read the reasons for this given by various authors.

Furthermore, you will see that the Cuban migration caused a first in the history of immigration into this country. (This is not to say I consider this a good or bad thing, just stating a "fact.") If you wish to see how, you have to plough through a lot of legal articles. A few books cover this. Basically, it deals with how, prior to Cuba, examinations for people who wanted to enter this country was done in a country other than the US. Cuba changed that.

As a sidelight, look up, again on the internet, Operation Pedro Pan, or look it up under Operation Peter Pan.

All of this enters into the equation of what will happen after the Castros leave the scene--for what will happen after Raul dies?

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, with my comments on property we already possess I was refering more to Puerto Rico, Guam, Washington D.C.,......... one of those becoming our 51st State. People commenting on Cuba becoming our 51st State, it isn't even our land.....

With the differnce in how we treat a refugee from Cuba as opposed to one from Hiati..... I have to think what happens to them when they're sent back has to play into the thought process.
I've worked AIMO cases with Dominicans, Haitians, and Cubas. I haven't talked to alot of Haitians but I've seen the poverty that they are trying to escape and the poverty that they're returned to. I have spoken to a fair number of Dominicans and have seen the poverty they are trying to escape and the poverty they are returned to.
In the few dozen Cuban refugees that I have been fortune enough to talk to I've been able to realize how good I have things. The ones that were being returned to Cuba knew that they would be going back to jail. Now I'm not saying that all Cuban refugees face jail if they're returned..... just the ones I talked to.
That wasn't happening with the refugees from some of the other countries. I was left with the impression that even the smugglers might not face jail time when they returned.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

I agree that Cuba is not ours, but there is talk. . . .

If you want to be blunt about why the Cubans receive different treatment it is really not about how they are treated when, and if they are returned, but it is a political decision by the US used to make Communism look bad. However, Cuba also uses the migrants against us, The migrants become pawns between two governments. It really boils down to that. This is not just my opinion, people with a lot more knowledge than myself have written on this. Look at, for example, Norman L. Zucker and Naomi Flink Zucker, Desperate Crossings: Seeking Refuge in America

Not all Cubans returned to Cuba go to jail, as you pointed out. There are a number of cases of multiple tries by the same Cuban.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Sorry Dennis.... I gotta ask.....
but it is a political decision by the US used to make Communism look bad.
what did you mean by that? Doesn't reality do enough to make Communism look bad? I don't think it needs our help. Has there ever been a Communist effort that met its goal? I might look a bit naive here,... but I always thought some did much better than others under Communism. I thought corruption and human nature prevented Communism from succeeding.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

Sure you can say Communism makes itself look bad, but that is not enough for some in the US government. They have to broadcast it to everyone by saying, "look what is happening here." Of course, Castro has to point out what is wrong in the US to everyone. One can almost laugh at the way both sides do this "game." It continues today. The US put up an electronic signboard near the Malecon. Cuba countered by placing a group of flags nearby so it is almost impossible to see the sign.

Further, you have to recall that all this began during the Cold War Era. A Communist country 90 miles from our shore. It became apparent that some Cubans were not happy with Fidel Castro and left. This is an outstanding chance to make him look bad. Do you remember Radio Free Europe? This is the same thing. While all this is being played out, the migrants become the pawns in the "game" governments play. And it still works this way and will continue to until something is resolved.

Another factor enters this and that is no one in Cuba, and probably the US, believed that Castro would last very long. Before Castro announced his plans, many in the US were for his revolution. In fact, there are still some in the US today who think that way. The US government would use this as a reason to keep up the "game."

Again, just so everyone understands, I am not saying I approve of Catro's government, nor am I condeming it: I am simply showing you either what the literature shows and discusses and, at times, what I observed. It is up to you make up your minds.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I used to listen to Radio Free Europe. I remember once back in the mid 80s when someone held up in Alcatrez (sp?) Prison and, they broadcast that the last Native American was murder trying to reclaim his stolen island. It made me think how ridiculous some of our broadcasts must sound to the people who knew the truth. I see these stories as always having some basis in truth,.... then they become distorted to meet people's needs. I saw on the news where Castro claimed he survived 623(?) failed CIA attempts on his life. That doesn't instill alot of confidence in our government's ability to get the job done. Of course his claim might be a slight exaggeration.

The migrant issue is a game within our own government. People on both sides use people's fears to further their own cause. Who are really the big winners and the big losers in how that plays out? It is funny to me when the same people making the immigration laws are asked for the employment records for their household staffs.....

I think the Coast Guard takes the heat for some of these decisions. We don't make the call on who is allowed to enter or who is returned. We are pawns in this game. Someone else is moving us around the board, I was just wondering if anyone cared where we end up at the end of that game.
With your knowledge is free, available,..... it is funny that I've worked AIMO cases where people senior to me told us not to talk to the people we picked up. I guess there's no point in hearing their side of what was going on.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

One of the reasons, perhaps, for not talking to anyone is there has always been an understanding that some of the "migrants" are agents. You would be amazed at what an innocent, simple remark can be turned into. Of course, when you start to look at everyone as an agent, then you loose sight of the people. Anyone in law enforcement who deals with large numbers of people runs into this problem. What does one do?

Interestingly enough, I believe I can obtain plenty of accounts of Cubans, I even obtained one while in Cuba, but few accounts of USCG people--which is usually the case when trying to do anything on the USCG. I am still tracking down USCG people, so I may be proved wrong, but do not think so. But this is another subject.

Again, Cuba, and other AMIO work, is complicated and should be studied in depth, which few people have undertaken, as most focus on the Mexican border.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I don't understand why people wouldn't want to talk about things they've experienced, unless they did something they aren't proud of. You don't have to agree with the policy you carried out, but you can still be proud of the manner in which you did it. I would have thought people would want the truth to be told. Maybe you need to find people who are no longer afraid of reprecussions if they speak. Talk to people who realize they are allowed to speak about things they have knowledge of. It is kind of comical that we claim to work for a system that provides free speech to its citizens, and we are reluctant to exercise that right ourselves.

As far as the stories behind refugees, I find the people crossing the ocean far more interesting than those crossing a creek. I wish someone would publish some numbers on how many people die trying to get into our country every year. Maybe that would open some people's eyes into how good we have it, and the risks other people are willing to take to experience the things we are taking for granted.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

You do realize that I have to get permission from the USCG to talk to people?
And that is another story. What I am amazed about is the lack of interviews and articles done by the USCG itself on their own people concerning AMIO. The USCG has been involved in AMIO for many years and yet I have found only a few articles featuring USCG people and what they are doing in AMIO.

Most USCG people today are very guarded about what they say for a number of reasons: on-going legal actions is one that is largely used and being afraid they will get into trouble. However, if you have read some of my material, I do not identify people, unless they want to be identified. I also do not identify units, unless the CO wants them identified. It is not the people are not proud, it is because of some of what I have said in this paragraph.

In general, USCG people are vary wary about writers, sometimes with good reason. I sometimes do have an advantage when they find I am USCG retiree, but sometimes that works against me.

I have had a number of people volunteer to be interviewed by me, but am always looking for new people.

There is no way of knowing how many people have been lost trying to be smuggled in from the sea. I have read accounts of Haitians and Chinese being thrown over the side by smugglers and similar things happening to Cubans. One border patrolman said that the best fed sharks in the world are in the Florida Straits. I think that says it all.

Dennis

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I don't understand, I've taken several Public Relations course in my career. I've never been told not to talk to the media. I've always been told to limit my comments to the things I have direct knowledge of,...that old adage, if you don't know about the topic, don't discuss it. It would seem strange that you need permission to talk to someone about something that they are free to discuss with whoever occupies the barstool next to them.
I've talked to members of the media about a variety of missions I've been involved in. I have never been directed to check their credentials or verify that they recieved permission to talk to me before hand.

I would like to think people would be forthcoming with personal information and experiences. It's a chance to further what ever cause they're pushing. I also don't see how people are worried about getting in trouble for following Coast Guard policy. Maybe one of our PAs could help me out here..... what action would the Coast Guard take if I aswered questions about things I've personally experienced while involved in AIMO? As long as I adhered to the Coast Guard policies while engaged in those activites...... I'm sorry, again I don't see the issue. I also don't see the issue in publicly stating that you see the need for change or that you sympathize with the people that you pick up. I think people should be willing to share with you Dennis. If you're seeking the truth, and they have it, or part of it,.... they should help you piece it together. They should be willing to tell you what they know, and point you in the direction of the things they don't.

I'd answer what questions I could,... and I'll let you know if someone comes back and tells me I'm no longer at liberty to tell you what I've seen. Again, up to this point, I've always been encouraged to share my experiences. My opinions I admit haven't always been welcomed..... but my experiences .......

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Ah, but you have not been at the other end and being an outsider--which I am--trying to get into talk to the USCG. I am now awaiting permission to interview people on board at least three cutters. I presume all will be told to do what you say, speak only of what you know, etc. But, I still have to go through HQ PAO and then the particular district PAO and then usually check in with a sector or group PAO.

Over the 30+ years I have written about the USCG, sometimes I do it the way you are supposed to, other times, because I know someone, I can by pass this, but with the understanding the person should go through group, district and sometimes PAO first.

I do not believe I have ever conducted an interview without letting the person know they should follow the rules.

The amazing thing is that USCG people usually are very helpful, once you finally are able to talk to them.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I went to PCO/POinC school before reporting on board here. We had PA training. They never told us that someone had to get permission before we talked to them. They told us who we should contact if we had questions and how we should conduct ourselves.
It seems they're telling you one thing and me another. We just had a whole bunch of people from the board go through the course. Did I miss something when I went through? I know Natchez isn't the hotbed of media attention, but I wasn't told to direct anyone asking questions anyplace else..... we've got nothing to hide, literally.... and figuratively.......

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

It surprises you that maybe the USCG says something different to their own and to someone on the outside? Even if that someone might write something favorable???

As I say, I am currently working through HQ, and I believe an Area and a District to get permission to interview.

To try to be fair, I also said if possible I would like to ride a cutter--with my budget at the present time I probably will not be able to ride, just interview. Perhaps it is just if you want to stay aboard a unit, or ride a cutter. (I had to do the district routine when I wanted to live aboard a station to write about the stations.) However, I will not place anyone in trouble if I conduct an interview without the "chain" knowing about it.

You do realize that this type of thing makes someone who does not know about the USCG think they do have something to hide, or, even better, they do not want anyone to know about them? Ever wonder why few people know about the USCG?

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I'd like to help you out with where I'm at, but I only work with migrating buoys that are seeking the warm waters of the Gulf. When you decide to write that book on the western rivers I'm sure my Sector would give you the go ahead.

I could get you some numbers from down in Puerto Rico, the PA Officer, try and track down someone from FURA........ I'd bet that some of those park rangers out on Mona Island would give you an earful.... let me know.
There was a spanish language made for TV movie made about a year ago about Dominicans crossing the Mona, I could make some inquires about that as well.
Again, I view all of our AIMO efforts as coming for a humanitary view point. We're out there to help people....... by enforcing our laws.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

Master Chief,

Let me see whether I get my grants, I will find out about the first one the first part of April. If so, I will be traveling to PR and could use those contacts.
If not, I will see about working something out.

There is a little-known documentary on Cubans who rafted here in just before the current policy came into effect. It shows the Cubans in Cuba and why they wanted to take the chance of crossing the Florida Straits. It then tracks these people on what happened to them in this country. It shows them as humans instead of stats. It is in Spanish, with English subtitles. Outstanding piece of work. I am probably spelling this wrong, but it is "Balistaroes," the word Cubans used for the rafters. I obtained my copy through Amazon.

I am attempting to do the same thing as the film makers, except I want the focus on the USCG. I do want to know tactics and policy, and about the migrants, but I want to show the law enforcers as human.

I have been labeled as a complainer for pointing out--probably constantly-- that it is extremely difficult to write about USCG people because of the service's long unwritten policy of not wanting anyone to know about them. Some in the leadership do not like my reasons for my explanations for this policy, so be it. However, I always fall back on why do so few writers do anything on the USCG? We have discussed at least one reason. Look in my [I]Lifeboat Sailors[I] to see how few District public affairs offices did not even return requests sent to them. Oh, well, nothing new.

Thanks for the offer. Will see how things shake loose in April. Watch to see if the sun rises from the west, if so, good indication of my obtaining the first grant.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I know alot of law enforcers down there that are human. I gotta tell, I've never heard anyone told not to talk about our efforts. I know people who would be happy to talk to you. I could even get some of them to confirm before you take that flight. I also think that some of them might come forward via e-mail if you asked. If you had some questions available to send out........ some people are always ready to share opinions.....

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I don't know if you watched the McLaughlin group this morning, but they had two new predictions...the Cuban Vice President is the one who takes over,.... and President Bush lifts the embargo before leaving Office...... Time will tell.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

I would sure like to know why they think President Bush would lift the embargo. There is nothing to suggest he would ever do something like that. Of course, what do I know, I am not not a talk show. Nothing in two terms of office indicates he would pursue that course of action. It would also cause a lot of problems for any Republican in the State of Florida.

Sometimes the people on these so-called talk shows get paid to make a statement like that to get people stirred up.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, it seems like they got you fired up. I don't think their prediction would be far off..... if the government down there changed..... but that's still a big if.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

The Bush administration says they will not lift the embargo until the Castros are gone, there are free elections (democracy), and the Cuban government releases political prisoners. Those are the main points. So, according to this wise person on television, President Bush would lift all this as he leaves office. Why? Do you recall why this person said it, or was it just one of their parting one liners?

One of the reasons I do not watch these things is that, usually, they are shouting matches with people coming back with "accepted" one liners, because they only have a certain amount of time on the air. I do, however, like to listen to a discussion that is indepth. Unfortunately, I see very little of that on television.

The new administration may in fact lift the embargo, depending on who is elected, but not this one. But, again, I am not an expert. I probably have carried on too long about this. It is time for me to get back to research and writing.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

It was a one liner, a parting shot before the show ends where people don't have time to discuss it, ... but that doesn't mean that it wasn't thought out or researched. The person is predicting what will happen in the news. You also have to factor in that after seven years in office, people are looking for their legacy. What's going to be remembered, the person who stuck by the sanctions established by others, who the person who is able to lift them? And I'll ask you this...., do you think the President is more likely to lift the embargo if he is being replaced by a Democrat or a Republican?

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

I love those one liners. If they hit it, they are "experts." If they don't, no one remembers. But I am biased, as I said before.

Legacy. So, the man whose policy has been demoracy, is now going to "reward" Communism for his legacy? Do not think so.

Would he lift the embargo for a Democrat? Why? Most people would not even remember it was Bush who lifted it. Believe it or not, I was interviewed by a reporter that did not know anything about the embargo. So, why do you suppose people would remember Bush instead of Democratic president?

If a Republican came in, lifting the embargo would turn the strong Cuban lobby against the party. It might also be very much frowned upon by the more conservative people in the party. Further, as I stated in the above paragraph, most people would forget who did it and give the credit to the new president.

I guess what I am saying is that Bush is not apt to do it no matter which person (party) assumes the office. Again, I may have taken diplomatic history, but that does not make me a diplomat or an expert on international diplomacy.

As I stated in an earlier post, the Bush Admistration is fairly clear on what they want to lift the embargo. He has, in fact, made it much more difficult to travel to Cuba, even for researchers. Again, why should Bush suddenly lift the emargo?

As I also stated in a previous post, that is what I do not like about many of the talk shows. How did this person reach that prediction?

I can make a prediction: the embargo will go.

[Notice I did not say when.]

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Dennis, I think that Communism has to go before our government lifts the embargo. We've kept the policy for this last...... All I'm saying is that there will be a different sense of urgency to lift the embargo, depending on which party takes the office next.
Didn't someone get credit for being the President at the end of the Cold War? I don't remember them mentioning every President along the way.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret.)]

One of the main reasons for the starting of the embargo was the taking of US business in Cuba by Castro. Also, during the Cold War having a Communist country 90 miles off shore did not sit well with some people. The end of Communism has been given as the reason to keep the embargo, but presidents have enforced this policy differently. President Carter, for example, started to loosen things up, which Mariel helped to change back to stricter enforcement. The present administration has been the strictest and made it a mainstay to become a democracy, or at least open to free elections. Obviously, the new administration will have its own policy, or policies. On the other side of the equation, the Cuban government can loosen things up by, for example, saying they will release political prisoners.

President Reagan received credit for ending the Cold War while he was in office. Much different than while leaving office.

I believe this thread is the longest I have ever posted on the internet. Think the closest was when Bill Wells and I were debating Captain Healy. I want to thank you this, as it is getting me back into the subject. I have been lazy since returning from Cuba and need to get back to work.