“Cuba is one of the few remaining communist nations in the world”, writes Polymic, a global news and politics source. The United States has had a larger impact on Cuba than they ever thought possible, ranging from economic sanctions to human rights issues. Since the USA placed sanctions on economic trade, this forced Cuba into strict authoritarian rule and they continued to crack down on their people as rights became more and more limited.
“Within the past year, Castro has passed two new laws that allow Cubans to make transactions of their own free will without government interference. To create jobs and wealth, the government permitted people to open small businesses in March. But Cubans had no money to start businesses and buy supplies. So the government granted citizens and permanent residents even greater rights. They could buy and sell private property, bequeath property to relatives without restriction, and avoid forfeiting their homes if they abandon the country. Despite implementing two major reforms to liberalize the economy, these policies will not lead to civil and political freedoms.” Not only are people in need of a new lease on life, they are not being entitled any human rights whatsoever. They receive the most basic essentials via rations, and very basic and poor healthcare. There is no room for dreams, creativity, or individuality to flourish, and there is a good chance that Cuba and America will continue to have tension over such issues for quite some time. However, since America placed these sanctions on Cuba, it shouldn’t really come as a shock to anyone that they are hesitant to lift restrictions and work cooperatively with such a “gun-shy” country, if you will.
“Within the past year, Castro has passed two new laws that allow Cubans to make transactions of their own free will without government interference. To create jobs and wealth, the government permitted people to open small businesses in March. But Cubans had no money to start businesses and buy supplies. So the government granted citizens and permanent residents even greater rights. They could buy and sell private property, bequeath property to relatives without restriction, and avoid forfeiting their homes if they abandon the country. Despite implementing two major reforms to liberalize the economy, these policies will not lead to civil and political freedoms.” Not only are people in need of a new lease on life, they are not being entitled any human rights whatsoever. They receive the most basic essentials via rations, and very basic and poor healthcare. There is no room for dreams, creativity, or individuality to flourish, and there is a good chance that Cuba and America will continue to have tension over such issues for quite some time. However, since America placed these sanctions on Cuba, it shouldn’t really come as a shock to anyone that they are hesitant to lift restrictions and work cooperatively with such a “gun-shy” country, if you will.
4 comments:
This seems like a double edge sword. Since this US placed these sanctions on Cuba, the people of Cuba have been forced to live without rights, but had the US not placed these sanctions, I could only imagine the world we would live in today. Since I can not predict the ramifications of these actions, I won't say that the US was completely wrong, even though there is some evidence pointing in that direction. Great Post!
I would like to see restriction removed from Cuba, since the embargo hasn't really done anything for the United States other than make us look like bullies.
I agree with Shauntel. I feel that it is wrong but the conditions could be so much worse off
I don't necessarily see why we should be the blame for their strict authoritian government. I am sure the US had some reason for this. Cuba would most likely have human rights issues even if we did start some minimal trade with them. Very interesting article.
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