Our Foreign Policy: "faux pas" after "faux pas" (3)
What Canadians think about our great diplomacy!
Nota Bene from The Facilitator:
1) On Sunday, November 12, US officials made public their conviction that Cuba's dictator is dying of cancer. According to White House representatives, Fidel Castro's health is deteriorating, and that the Cuban dictator is unlikely to live through 2007. What kind of message are we sending abroad? Are we doing on purpose to make the World disregard us and/or laugh at us?
2) Last August, the World has noticed the dances in the streets of Miami. Will we see now the White House Staff dancing on Pennsylvania Ave., celebrating a victory, at long last, after 47 years? An unquestionably strenuous mission accomplished!
Nota Bene from The Facilitator:
1) On Sunday, November 12, US officials made public their conviction that Cuba's dictator is dying of cancer. According to White House representatives, Fidel Castro's health is deteriorating, and that the Cuban dictator is unlikely to live through 2007. What kind of message are we sending abroad? Are we doing on purpose to make the World disregard us and/or laugh at us?
2) Last August, the World has noticed the dances in the streets of Miami. Will we see now the White House Staff dancing on Pennsylvania Ave., celebrating a victory, at long last, after 47 years? An unquestionably strenuous mission accomplished!
3) The following comments are from readers of The Globe and Mail, the largest Canadian newspaper. We do not necessarily share all the comments, but we believe the said selection, represents the opinion held by a majority of Canadians.
4) We encourage our New Congress to take note of the thinking of our "cold" friends from the North, and read our two articles on the accumulation of "faux pas", as well as the two parts of "How to Promote Democracy".
Readers from The Globe and Mail:
Evelyn Robinson from Canada writes: What business is it of the USA officials to speculate on Casto's health. It is none of their business. It is only Castro's business and any successors/assistants he wishes to confide in. Worry about American business and keep your big noses out of other people and countries business. The world will be a more peaceful place.
Glenn Hawley from Calgary, Canada writes: evelyn robinson from Canada writes: 'What business is it of the USA officials to speculate on Castro's health. It is none of their business.' Actually it does involve american business. Once Castro is gone his successor is likely to turn away from the path of complete refusal to deal with the americans, and the result would be increased trade and prosperity for the unfortunate cubans.
Anthony B from Sydney, NS, Canada writes: The vultures are circling, getting ready to feast on the carcass. Oh, they will call it economic aid, investment, whatever. But, make no mistake, what they want is a country they can exploit with a government they can control. US government officials 'spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the politically sensitive topic.' Translation: the White House wants to get the word out in a way that can be denied if it backfires. Glenn Hawley (#9) writes: 'his successor is likely to turn away from the path of complete refusal to deal with the americans' In case you hadn't noticed, there has been a trade embargo against Cuba for almost 50 years and it is illegal for any US citizen to do business with them. Meanwhile they trade with China and offer no criticism of that regime. I guess it's easier to bully the little guy.
The Maestro from Canada writes: Glenn Hawley, you have it wrong. The US has nothing to do with Cuba, not the other way around. Americans are welcomed in Cuba. If the US did not have an embargo on Cuba, the Island would not be so isolated, and life would be better for everyone there.It's not Fidel's fault that prescrition meds are hard to find, so that canadian tourists have to bring them along in suitcases. While millions in the US languish with no health care, Cuba has some of the best-trained doctors in this hemisphere, and everyone gets treated, not just the wealthy.
R F from Canada writes: Everyone will eventually die including Castro, but unfortunate for the US, they will always be bitter that they could never defeat Castro and Castro dies from natural causes.
Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes: The American government has been dancing over his grave for months. Fidel Castro will be turning 81 on August 13, 2007. Is the CIA going to try another one of their exploding birthday cake stunts? Despite the American CIA's numerous, incompetent, and laughable attempts to assassinate him, he will still be in power long after George Bush is just an embarrassing memory. Does anyone remember those famous exploding cigars that were constructed by the CIA's technical services department in the early 60s. (At least Clinton knew how to handle his Cubans.) A former lover was recruited by the CIA and given poison pills. According to this woman, Castro had already guessed that she was aiming to kill him and he duly offered her his own pistol. 'I can't do it, Fidel,' she told him. The CIA must have longed for the days of corruption, crime, gambling and prostitution in Cuba. There's a joke in the New Yorker that tells of him being given a present of a Galapagos turtle. Castro declines it after he learns that it is likely to live only 100 years. 'That's the problem with pets,' he says. 'You get attached to them and then they die on you.' Enjoy the Impeachment hearings Fidel.
William Doyle from Prince George, Canada writes: I find it amazing to continue to watch the USA trying to take Castro out. Is this the same USA government that has favourite nation trading status with China where thousands of people are shot for body parts each year. The biggest crimes being committed in Cuba today are in Guantanamo Bay by Bush and his butchers.
S W from Canada writes: Why aren't we getting some equally intrusive updates about Cheney? Up until very recently these marvelous US officials were tootling that they were doing well in Iraq. Let's laugh if Castro is simply recuperating from a hernia operation. Why is not every iota of intelligence. being used on Osama round-up? Why is that? This is the constant nosey and self-righteous analysis and spin that the US is noted and hated for. So is Cuba next on the radar for invasion? Does Cuba have any oil????
Pierce Nettling from United States writes: How silly. Doesn't Washington have better things to do? Like hmmm, fixing the war in Iraq? The American people are tired of this constant bullying of our neighbours. Maybe Washington should look into the Mirror and see why Latin and South America hate us.
Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: We all have to die sometime, but this is wishful thinking by the US.They can hardly wait to stick millions into Cuba and create havoc there. Being a neighbor of the USA is truly not an advantage.
Brad Simkulet from Canada writes: For all those who feel it is necessary to talk about Castro's criminality -- the people he 'murdered,' his supposed 'thug[gishness]' and taking over 'power the old fashioned way,' and other sweet nothings which will undoubtedly follow -- let's not forget that he ousted a fascist tyrant named Batista. Batista was a dictator who did the same things to the Communists in Cuba that Castro and Guevera were later charged with doing to the families of the oh-so-innocent ancestors of Cuba's Miami dissident community. Not saying two wrongs make something right, but let's not pretend that the 'victims' of whatever wrongs Castro committed were pure and righteous. It is also important to note that Batista was an ally of Spain's Generalisimo Franco and New York Mafioso Myer Lansky. And Batista did nothing for the people of Cuba unless they were his rich neighbours. Just thought a little context and perspective could add to the discussion.
I. Ignatius from Mt. Pleasant, Canada writes: ok, so Castro goes ... THEN WHAT? what is the official 'post Castro' plan here? do all the 'original' wealthy landowners from the pre-Castro days just rush back and yank all the land that now is used by the Cuban peasants? Is this a god given right of theirs to repatriate their 'losses'? will the US government allow or force the repatriation of all nationalized land, institutions, businesses, hotels, resorts, etc., for the original owners of that wealth? do Europeans and Canadians lose their cheap holiday getaways, or worse, will the tourists be stuck in the middle of some civil war if/when Castro goes? I'd like to hear from either the left/right side WHAT is the best post-Castro solution for this island nation, and what will TRULY raise the living standard of ALL Cubans, bar none. Will the opportunity for a Cuban to shop at WalMart be the pinnacle of a post-Castro Cuba? Remember, we have a 'free' (non-commie) nation next door to Cuba called Haiti, where the 'free' people live in utter destitution. I trust that the world has a better plan for post-Castro Cuba that this! So left, or right, Americans or Canadians, what's the plan? Let's make this discussion actually produce some intelligent commentary, as the question of what to do next is truly intriguing!!
Mark Orr from Canada writes: Sure Batista was a boy scout, killing and torturing his rivals and dissidents. Castro wanted a relationship with the US, but he was rejected by Kennedy and forced into the hands of the Russians. Then he became part of the cold war. To pay for Russian protection, Cubans had to fight in their proxy wars. Just like that other Banana Republic (Canada) is fighting in Afghanistan to appease it's US masters. I admire many things about Castro, but he has sadly failed to transition to an elected from of government.
Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Actually Glenn Hawley from Calgary (#9), it is the other way around: the US has had an embargo on Cuba since 1964. The idea was that by starving out the Cubans they would eventually capitulate and surrender their country to the US. So far, Castro has been winning that war. So, evelyn robinson from Canada is correct in questioning 'What business is it of the USA officials to speculate on Castro's health. It is none of their business.'
Evelyn Robinson from Canada writes: Mr Hawley; It is the American who have put sanctions against Cuba. Cuba would like to trade with the USA if it would keeps it hands off their decision making; getting out of Cuba with its notorious prison camp would be a good first step for the USA>
Readers from The Globe and Mail:
Evelyn Robinson from Canada writes: What business is it of the USA officials to speculate on Casto's health. It is none of their business. It is only Castro's business and any successors/assistants he wishes to confide in. Worry about American business and keep your big noses out of other people and countries business. The world will be a more peaceful place.
Glenn Hawley from Calgary, Canada writes: evelyn robinson from Canada writes: 'What business is it of the USA officials to speculate on Castro's health. It is none of their business.' Actually it does involve american business. Once Castro is gone his successor is likely to turn away from the path of complete refusal to deal with the americans, and the result would be increased trade and prosperity for the unfortunate cubans.
Anthony B from Sydney, NS, Canada writes: The vultures are circling, getting ready to feast on the carcass. Oh, they will call it economic aid, investment, whatever. But, make no mistake, what they want is a country they can exploit with a government they can control. US government officials 'spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the politically sensitive topic.' Translation: the White House wants to get the word out in a way that can be denied if it backfires. Glenn Hawley (#9) writes: 'his successor is likely to turn away from the path of complete refusal to deal with the americans' In case you hadn't noticed, there has been a trade embargo against Cuba for almost 50 years and it is illegal for any US citizen to do business with them. Meanwhile they trade with China and offer no criticism of that regime. I guess it's easier to bully the little guy.
The Maestro from Canada writes: Glenn Hawley, you have it wrong. The US has nothing to do with Cuba, not the other way around. Americans are welcomed in Cuba. If the US did not have an embargo on Cuba, the Island would not be so isolated, and life would be better for everyone there.It's not Fidel's fault that prescrition meds are hard to find, so that canadian tourists have to bring them along in suitcases. While millions in the US languish with no health care, Cuba has some of the best-trained doctors in this hemisphere, and everyone gets treated, not just the wealthy.
R F from Canada writes: Everyone will eventually die including Castro, but unfortunate for the US, they will always be bitter that they could never defeat Castro and Castro dies from natural causes.
Paul who is from Vancouver, Canada writes: The American government has been dancing over his grave for months. Fidel Castro will be turning 81 on August 13, 2007. Is the CIA going to try another one of their exploding birthday cake stunts? Despite the American CIA's numerous, incompetent, and laughable attempts to assassinate him, he will still be in power long after George Bush is just an embarrassing memory. Does anyone remember those famous exploding cigars that were constructed by the CIA's technical services department in the early 60s. (At least Clinton knew how to handle his Cubans.) A former lover was recruited by the CIA and given poison pills. According to this woman, Castro had already guessed that she was aiming to kill him and he duly offered her his own pistol. 'I can't do it, Fidel,' she told him. The CIA must have longed for the days of corruption, crime, gambling and prostitution in Cuba. There's a joke in the New Yorker that tells of him being given a present of a Galapagos turtle. Castro declines it after he learns that it is likely to live only 100 years. 'That's the problem with pets,' he says. 'You get attached to them and then they die on you.' Enjoy the Impeachment hearings Fidel.
William Doyle from Prince George, Canada writes: I find it amazing to continue to watch the USA trying to take Castro out. Is this the same USA government that has favourite nation trading status with China where thousands of people are shot for body parts each year. The biggest crimes being committed in Cuba today are in Guantanamo Bay by Bush and his butchers.
S W from Canada writes: Why aren't we getting some equally intrusive updates about Cheney? Up until very recently these marvelous US officials were tootling that they were doing well in Iraq. Let's laugh if Castro is simply recuperating from a hernia operation. Why is not every iota of intelligence. being used on Osama round-up? Why is that? This is the constant nosey and self-righteous analysis and spin that the US is noted and hated for. So is Cuba next on the radar for invasion? Does Cuba have any oil????
Pierce Nettling from United States writes: How silly. Doesn't Washington have better things to do? Like hmmm, fixing the war in Iraq? The American people are tired of this constant bullying of our neighbours. Maybe Washington should look into the Mirror and see why Latin and South America hate us.
Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: We all have to die sometime, but this is wishful thinking by the US.They can hardly wait to stick millions into Cuba and create havoc there. Being a neighbor of the USA is truly not an advantage.
Brad Simkulet from Canada writes: For all those who feel it is necessary to talk about Castro's criminality -- the people he 'murdered,' his supposed 'thug[gishness]' and taking over 'power the old fashioned way,' and other sweet nothings which will undoubtedly follow -- let's not forget that he ousted a fascist tyrant named Batista. Batista was a dictator who did the same things to the Communists in Cuba that Castro and Guevera were later charged with doing to the families of the oh-so-innocent ancestors of Cuba's Miami dissident community. Not saying two wrongs make something right, but let's not pretend that the 'victims' of whatever wrongs Castro committed were pure and righteous. It is also important to note that Batista was an ally of Spain's Generalisimo Franco and New York Mafioso Myer Lansky. And Batista did nothing for the people of Cuba unless they were his rich neighbours. Just thought a little context and perspective could add to the discussion.
I. Ignatius from Mt. Pleasant, Canada writes: ok, so Castro goes ... THEN WHAT? what is the official 'post Castro' plan here? do all the 'original' wealthy landowners from the pre-Castro days just rush back and yank all the land that now is used by the Cuban peasants? Is this a god given right of theirs to repatriate their 'losses'? will the US government allow or force the repatriation of all nationalized land, institutions, businesses, hotels, resorts, etc., for the original owners of that wealth? do Europeans and Canadians lose their cheap holiday getaways, or worse, will the tourists be stuck in the middle of some civil war if/when Castro goes? I'd like to hear from either the left/right side WHAT is the best post-Castro solution for this island nation, and what will TRULY raise the living standard of ALL Cubans, bar none. Will the opportunity for a Cuban to shop at WalMart be the pinnacle of a post-Castro Cuba? Remember, we have a 'free' (non-commie) nation next door to Cuba called Haiti, where the 'free' people live in utter destitution. I trust that the world has a better plan for post-Castro Cuba that this! So left, or right, Americans or Canadians, what's the plan? Let's make this discussion actually produce some intelligent commentary, as the question of what to do next is truly intriguing!!
Mark Orr from Canada writes: Sure Batista was a boy scout, killing and torturing his rivals and dissidents. Castro wanted a relationship with the US, but he was rejected by Kennedy and forced into the hands of the Russians. Then he became part of the cold war. To pay for Russian protection, Cubans had to fight in their proxy wars. Just like that other Banana Republic (Canada) is fighting in Afghanistan to appease it's US masters. I admire many things about Castro, but he has sadly failed to transition to an elected from of government.
Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Actually Glenn Hawley from Calgary (#9), it is the other way around: the US has had an embargo on Cuba since 1964. The idea was that by starving out the Cubans they would eventually capitulate and surrender their country to the US. So far, Castro has been winning that war. So, evelyn robinson from Canada is correct in questioning 'What business is it of the USA officials to speculate on Castro's health. It is none of their business.'
Evelyn Robinson from Canada writes: Mr Hawley; It is the American who have put sanctions against Cuba. Cuba would like to trade with the USA if it would keeps it hands off their decision making; getting out of Cuba with its notorious prison camp would be a good first step for the USA>
posted by The Facilitator @ 12:42 PM
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