I'd like to share a letter from U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. I wrote her regarding US policy on Cuba. Here is her response.
"Thank you for writing to express your views on U.S. Cuba policy. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to share my views with you on this issue.
I understand your concerns about U.S. policy towards Cuba. I am a cosponsor of the "Cuba Sanctions Reform Act of 2004," which would allow Congress to vote up or down on sanctions against Cuba every year. I have also cosponsored the "Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2003" (S. 950) to allow Americans to travel to Cuba. Not only do I believe that free travel is an integral part of a democtratic society, but I am confident that increased interaction between Cubans and Americans will be more effective than isolation in bringing about political change.
Again, thank you for writing. I will continue to monitor the situation in Cuba and will keep your letter in mind as other legislation regarding Cuba comes before me in the United States Senate. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841."
I've seen many posts in these forums regarding the embargo - and each time I've advised people to do the same thing, WRITE YOUR CONGRESSPERSON!
While voicing your concerns in these forums is an interesting release, it is pointless. Our national policy is not formed in these forums. It is only through voicing our concerns to our lawmakers that our voices are truly given any consideration and our views given any meaning.
It only takes a few minutes to contact the website of your Senator or Representative. I encourage you all to take as much time on that site as you do on this one.
Perhaps, if we act in unison, a chorus of voices can be heard helping to bring an end to this senseless US foreign policy.
Good Smoking.
"Life's too short to smoke cheap cigars!!"
Posts: 40 | Location: Cal City, CA | Registered: June 16, 2003
Even though the end result is nothing changes, it's nice to see a politician with a head on her shoulders, and trying to so something about what she know's is wrong.
If a President changes the sanctions, the cuban community in Florida (and elsewhere) will be very upset. This would limit any chance of winning Florida in an election. Therefore, nothing will change. Castro needs to die first. Then maybe.
B.A.S.E. Secretary and #0013 <(0)> R.O.C.A #14 Foreign Affairs Minister - BS
Feinstein's idea of getting tough on a dictator is to sing "Up With People" and "Kyumbya" on the White House lawn. She is a pretty worthless POS, IMO, along with Boxer and Pelosi and most other Kalifornia politicos (except the Governator, of course). Unless you're a Miami Cuban exile leader, your odds of having your letter getting the sanctions lifted are about as good as the Steelers winning today's Super Bowl (uh...like...impossible...).
The risk of kicking butt is you get some crap on your shoe
What do you think will happen if we choose to do nothing? If we never speak out, never contact our lawmakers, never try to bring about change, simply wait for Castro to pass on?
I'm amazed that so many proponents of freedom and democracy fail to see the value in the fundamental principles under which it functions.
As for Feinstein's positions, if you spent a little time and read up on them, you'd realize that she supports many of the Republican party's initiatives. She also supported Rice, when our other useless Senator Boxer wasted everyone's time and a lot of oxygen opposing a sensible nomination. In a state that is decidedly Democratic, Feinstein's about as moderate as we're going to get.
The point that seems to be missed is that our representatives know that for every letter they receive, there are at least 1,000 other voices that agree, but didn't write or speak up. Therefore, a small number of people raising their voice on an issue can have an impact since lawmakers will see that many others share the opinion being voiced.
So tell me - can any of you state the position of the senator(s) from your states regarding U.S. policy on Cuba?
What have you done for your democracy lately?
"Life's too short to smoke cheap cigars!!"
Posts: 40 | Location: Cal City, CA | Registered: June 16, 2003
quote:Originally posted by Flash 1: What do you think will happen if we choose to do nothing? If we never speak out, never contact our lawmakers, never try to bring about change, simply wait for Castro to pass on?
Nothing will change in Cuba when Castro passes.... Don't waste your time.. and your congressman's time.. just leave Cuba alone!!!
Posts: 26 | Location: Canada | Registered: February 23, 2003
quote:Originally posted by Laxplyr: Nothing will change in Cuba when Castro passes.... Don't waste your time.. and your congressman's time.. just leave Cuba alone!!!
exactly. i want the embargo left in place.
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool.
Posts: 611 | Location: all over | Registered: July 14, 2003
quote: The embargo does not affect the typical citizen of the world.
Only a minority of people smoke cigars, travel to the Caribbean or are knowledgeable about international politics.
Are you guys kidding me? That sounds pretty selfish to me. The embargo hurts the CUBAN PEOPLE MOST, who gives a crap about cigar smokers, rum drinkers, party goers, etc., who just want a pristine, untouched vacation spot for their own selfish motives. Disgusting, really.
None of us who truly care about the Cuban people or Cuba itself want "ugly America" installed after Castro dies or the embargo is lifted, but don't seek the continuation of the embargo for lousy selfish reasons.
As for nothing changing when Castro dies ... Who could ever know this? Those people most informed about Cuban politics know what happens when Castro dies is anyone's guess!
quote:Originally posted by Flash 1: So tell me - can any of you state the position of the senator(s) from your states regarding U.S. policy on Cuba?
What have you done for your democracy lately?
My senators are Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg. They support getting rid of the embargo. They are both useless, IMO, that has nothing to do with the embargo...As for what I do for democracy...I do plenty...I'm very involved at the local level, organize candidate debates, citizen groups, petition drives, etc. I get involved in an area where I can have some impact...in my town...on issues where getting 600 people to sign a petition chills the powers that be, not just an empty gesture to an echo chamber that no one will listen to...our group speaks truth to power by organizing citizens (Dem and Rep alike)...I'm also on the board of a charity that provides grant money to third world NGOs for health and education programs to try to make a difference in the world...so my conscious is pretty clear, thank you very much...I give time, effort and money to democracy and aid. What do you do besides writing your letters?
The risk of kicking butt is you get some crap on your shoe
O'Man, it's nice to see that someone else shares a love of democracy.
For the record - O'Man I spent 21 years of my life serving my country in the US Air Force. I retired as a Chief Master Sergeant with the respect of a grateful nation and advanced degrees. I currently continue to serve as a Civil Servant, again protecting the peace, freedom, and prosperity of the US and the free world. I help ensure that our Air Force pilots have what it takes to see that our enemies die for their counties and not the other way around. Yes, my consicience is clear as well.
Thanks for your fine efforts in support of our democratic institutions. Patriots are few and far between these days.
Yours have been some of the few opinions I've seen in these forums that I respect. I don't find it surprising that you are involved in your local government.
Forgive my attempt to inspire the many to do the work of the few. I just got tired of people bitching and doing nothing at all.
The issue is not the taste of Cuban cigars - it can be had by anyone resourceful enough to put energy into the acquisition. The issue is promoting freedom to those people who have not known its taste. It's a much harder thing to obtain.
Good Smoking!
"Life's too short to smoke cheap cigars!!"
Posts: 40 | Location: Cal City, CA | Registered: June 16, 2003
Hmmm.... many here always upset about Cuba. Anyone will be interested in situations i.e. Haiti or central Africa? But there are no cigars and nothing about interest for america. Only millions of dieing people... But WHO CARES.
About Cuba: The best way to bring castro down is to LIFT the embargo. But that won't understand exile cubans, former austrian actors and washington residential baptist extremists in US. It's a pity.
Well dagobert, this is the Cuba & Cuban Cigars board, not the whatever poor country you want to say at the time that America is not doing enough to help.
Just what are you or germany doing to help those countries you mentioned?
Your opinions are tripping!
Posts: 1346 | Location: Back in Cigar City | Registered: April 30, 2004
Flash...no problem...sorry if I came off a bit strong...thanks for serving the nation...agree that advice is nice, but help is what is needed...strange thing about getting involved is that it can be contagious!
The risk of kicking butt is you get some crap on your shoe
I can only talk about me personally: I have a partnership of a child (and his family) in central africa. It cost 1 EUR a day, but helps a lot. It's the value of 2 good sticks, and I think that should be worth a kid's life.
My 2 cents. Now it's your turn.
May be it is a cigar board, but even cigars are made by men. Like shortsqueeze said: don't only think about the next cigar but about the people too. Even, if they are not cubans and/or don't make cigars...
But WHO CARES.
