O-10, I agree with much of what you wrote about Cuba; although, in at least one case, for possibly different reasons.
After many years of being a supporter of the embargo I came to support to support the lifting of the embargo several years ago; here's why: The idea that the average Cuban would benefit greatly from the lifting of the embargo is partly a myth. There is no question that there would be some benefit to the average Cuban; but; it is, in fact and as is usually the case in Communist countries, the elite that see the real benefit. Look at the present situation where Cuba has trade relationships with much of the world (except the US) and Cubans still have an incredibly low standard of living. They experience a great deal of hardship, not to mention political oppression. Even medical care is, in spite of the hype, very limited; but, very limited for everyone, unless you have the money (elite). The reason that I came to support the lifting of the embargo is that the move would take away one of the last (possibly the last) excuse that the regime has for why that system does not work; IOW, it would no longer be the US's fault.
There is no question that change will come to Cuba. However, we have been waiting for a change for more years than anyone imagined. Sadly there are many people in power there with a vested interest in the status quo, and a system in place that will make change very difficult and probably not a reality for many years to come.
After many years of being a supporter of the embargo I came to support to support the lifting of the embargo several years ago; here's why: The idea that the average Cuban would benefit greatly from the lifting of the embargo is partly a myth. There is no question that there would be some benefit to the average Cuban; but; it is, in fact and as is usually the case in Communist countries, the elite that see the real benefit. Look at the present situation where Cuba has trade relationships with much of the world (except the US) and Cubans still have an incredibly low standard of living. They experience a great deal of hardship, not to mention political oppression. Even medical care is, in spite of the hype, very limited; but, very limited for everyone, unless you have the money (elite). The reason that I came to support the lifting of the embargo is that the move would take away one of the last (possibly the last) excuse that the regime has for why that system does not work; IOW, it would no longer be the US's fault.
There is no question that change will come to Cuba. However, we have been waiting for a change for more years than anyone imagined. Sadly there are many people in power there with a vested interest in the status quo, and a system in place that will make change very difficult and probably not a reality for many years to come.