Should the United States drop its sanctions on Cuba?

Question

Should the United States drop its sanctions on Cuba?

Answer 1

I partly agree with most of the answers above (by the way no need to hang the elder Castro. He's on his last breaths anyway.)

I do not believe anything positive has come out of the US sanctions. the embargo not fazed the communist government in any way. It has served as en excuse for them, using it as a scape-goat for the living conditions in the country.

Answer 2

Yes, of course the embargo should be lifted.  In was brought about in response to military and political conditions which ceased to exist decades ago.  The United States never particularly regarded Cuba as a threat but rather their alliance with the Soviet Union.  The Soviet Union effectively pulled out of Cuba in 1987 due to their own economic woes and ultimately ceased to exists as a nation a few years later.  So why then does the embargo stand today, because Cuba is a communist state?  Absolute baloney, China is a hard line communist state and The United States certainly enjoys trade with them.  The embargo stands because there are millions of Cuban Americans, particularly in the state of Floida who WANT it to stand.  These people vote in congressional and presidential elections and those running need their votes.  Thus, Cuban Americans are pandered to by their politicians, it's just the system of democracy at work.  Hopefully I don't have to explain the importance of winning the state of Florida in a presidental election or how the electoral college works....

Answer 3

NO !

That would make fidel and the heir very happy. It would be a victory against The Evil Empire  

Answer 4

Yes and No,  the sanctions have made Cuba a bastion against globalization but it's deprived the people.  It is refreshing to visit this island but I wouldn't want to live there.  The people are literate, healthy, friendly and seemingly happy but without the luxuries the west expects.  Housing, travel, communications etc. are problematic by western standards.  

The sanctions have actually strengthened  the government not weakened it.  Anything that goes wrong the government can blame on the sanctions.

I hope Cuba can progress beyond the sanctions without the global corporations grabbing a piece of the action.  A country without  golden arches. wal-marts and home-depots is inspirational.

Answer 5

In my opinion yes, they are hurting the ordinary Cuban not the  big shots.  Fortunately the rest of the world realizes this and trades with Cuba.  As a Canadian who has made nine trips to Cuba I can honestly say the Cubans I  have talked  to believe the American people are very good it's George Bush they have no use for.  Such a common  opinion throughout the world.   How hypocritical it is that the U.S. thinks nothing of dealing with Communist China most likely the most oppressive regime since Adolf Hitler. When I go to Cuba it is not that I support Castro by any means but tourists such as myself are providing jobs for thousands of Cubans which is good.