I went there, I experienced both economies (the peso economy is difficult to get into without decent Spanish and persistence). I made use of their medical services (thank god for Argentinian antibiotics), I stayed with a woman who was a medical technologist. I discussed economic conditions with various people and I lost 10 pounds because I couldn't find any decent food with any regularity.

I think its very odd that we impose economic sanctions on them and still rent a military base from them. Of course, I think its equally odd that they continue to rent us the base. Its a bit like boycotting the local grocer because he refuses to offer organic produce, but still shoplifting TastyCakes out the back door.

I have it on good authority that the US gov wants to crack down on US citizens visiting Cuba. Why? Am I not free to travel anywhere on the planet I wish? America is about freedom, right?

Anyhow, Cuba is just one data point I have first hand experience with. I'm sure there's more.

I don't want to see just retribution. I want to see a mix of reform *and* retribution.

and I have to agree with Castro. The lease was likely extracted under pressure from an occupied country.

$4k per year (originally $2k in gold coin in the 1903 agreement) in perpetuity? The landlord can't unilaterally end the lease ever and there's no time limit?

Sorry man, thats not a lease, its captured territory with a token payment. No wonder they won't cash the check.

The US Gov is/has been an asshole to Cuba.

As far as making a law telling me where I can and can't go outside the country: Fuck You Uncle Sam. I go where I please. (Actually , this case has been won - you *can* go to Cuba - you may not trade with them -- spend US money - at least this is what my lawyer uncle tells me).

BTW, I honestly don't think anybody attacks democracy any more. I think they attack our rampant predatory capitalism. They hate us for the same reason we hate Microsoft - we don't play fair in the markets.