The US was ready to throw $50K to Cuba as relief following Charley...
Castro says, "Even if they offered all that was necessary — $100 million, $200 million, we would not accept. We can recuperate on our own."
Well, for one thing, this is an example of Cuban "orgullo" or excessive pride which, in many cases dealing with the issue of Cuba, on BOTH sides of the issue, always gets in the way of progress. In the overall scheme of things, Castro won't take any help because it shows weakness, and the so-called 'exile' community will never capitulate to ANYTHING, EVER when it comes to Castro for the exact same reason. Result? A stand-off.
In the specific instance of an offer of $50,000 (while the US blew millions on a study on how 'best' to deal with Cuba, including a $17M spending budget to jam Cuban media airwaves with Ford, Nike and Good Guys commercials...), it's a mere pittance, and OF COURSE, Castro won't accept it. But even apart from the notion of "orgullo" (pronounced, 'or-goo-yo'), once again, we play into Castro's hand, empowering him by letting him reject everything about the US and give him the opportunity to show the Cubans there that they don't NEED the US. Once again, US policy backfires and only empowers Castro. smooth move!
[1-star brought to you by...Rocco!]
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER! VIVE CPD!
Posts: 10308 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
Let's see.... Bush restricts travel to Cuba even further. Changes the regs to restrict remittances.... then offers "aid", a paltry $50k after Charlie....
It doesn't take too much pride to say "f**k you", imo. In fact the whole thing was a setup to get that kind of response, imho.
Let me squeeze you by the balls and when I let go a little bit I expect you to say thank you.
Does $50K mean $50,000? You can't buy a 50's model Buick for that money.
If it means $50,000,000. That's a different story. Cuba still wouldn't take it and the US knows that. Any standing president, during an election year, given the Ivan situation, would offer the same.
It's not a Democrat of Republican thing, It's a Politics thing. Nothing else.
Would the US take the money, if Osama offered that much to repair the towers? .......only if he gave it to the US personally.
############################## "Time is a thief, it will steal your tomorrows. So, smoke a cigar today." --BB King (and a little Paleto)
Posts: 519 | Location: A Guarda, España | Registered: May 03, 2002
We still send Castro a check each year, I think for $35, to pay the rent for Guantanamo. The Cuban government never cashes the check, of course. Would you? What is the US saying be sending them $35 a year for a military installation? What does sending them $50K mean?
On the other hand, Castro would probably rail on the US for not paying their rent if we DIDN'T send the check. Another case of our hegemonic, imperialistic anti-Castro philosophies, no doubt. ______________________________ #2 Most Friendly Guy
Are you joking "bohdank". Lets not let your love of Cuban cigars make you dumb. Its a Communist country. Ever heard of the Cuban Missile Crisis. He should of done the right thing for his people & took the money, Then keep his Red mouth shut.
Posts: 508 | Location: Dallas, TX, US | Registered: July 13, 2004
maybe you should of [sic] payed more attention in class...
If we're going to help, then HELP! Otherwise, Cubans don't need a paltry $50,000. Doesn't even cover the cost of repair to the guagua that runs to Alamar.
Son to Dan: "Can I have some money to take a girl on a date? Planning on dinner and a movie." Dan to son: "Here's a nickel. Be sure to bring back change because I gave you extra in case of emergency." Aw, gee, thanks, dad!
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER! VIVE CPD!
Posts: 10308 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
My 1st point was that bohdank is just using this instance to piss on President Bush. IMO I would not give Cuba one nickel of my tax dollars.2nd point if some country out of generosity offers 50K which you can use take it & use it.
Posts: 508 | Location: Dallas, TX, US | Registered: July 13, 2004
U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay -A 1934 treaty reaffirming the lease granted Cuba and her trading partners free access through the bay, modified the lease payment from $2,000 in gold coins per year, to the 1934 equivalent value of $4,085 U.S. Treasury Dollars, and added a requirement that termination of the lease requires the consent of both the U.S. and Cuba governments, or the abandonment of the base property by the U.S. From: www.nsgtmo.navy.mil
Pride sure can be blinding. But then we (the US) have not made very much sense dealing with Cuba neither. But then I don't follow Cuban American politics... both seem to act the part of the fool and I can not figure it out.IMHO. Maybe some day someone will then relationship would then improve. Although the price of my cigars may go up then!
But then lets not forgot being soo narrow mind or just uneducated can make you look like a Fool if you open you mouth and speak tooo LOUDLY! Wow only 15 posts Too!
Posts: 251 | Location: Sumner Wa | Registered: May 08, 2002
quote: I believe the language I'm reading is english, & I'm in America............. Any other questions
Yes! What America are you talking about...North America, South America or Cental America? Because the dominant language in most of these areas is Spanish. If my history is correct, Spanish was spoken on US soil before English.
Or did you mean to say, "I am in the USA?"
15 posts / 2 mths later and already making friends.
############################## "Time is a thief, it will steal your tomorrows. So, smoke a cigar today." --BB King (and a little Paleto)
Posts: 519 | Location: A Guarda, España | Registered: May 03, 2002
I could only have one post & still be right. Quit attacking me & attack the point. " Why would Castro not accept the money ". My point is he should of taken the money & helped his people. The end.
Posts: 508 | Location: Dallas, TX, US | Registered: July 13, 2004
