CUBA

Just as Raoul Castro is about to retire Trump decides to reverse Obama's opening of relations with Cuba. From comments on Politico:

Of all the stupid, pointless things that Trump has done since taking over the presidency, this is by far the most stupid and the most pointless. This will do nothing to help the average citizen of Cuba (who have been greatly benefiting from the increased tourism) and does nothing but appease the ever shinking band of militants in Miami. It makes the US look petty and vindictive towards a country that is far less repressive than any of the Middle-Eastern nations that he's been lavishing praise on.

I didn't think that I could be more embarassed by this man who's supposed to representing me but he continues to surprise me (in unpleasent ways).

i think it has more to do with being petty and vindictive towards Obama than towards Castro.

but don't worry, he's going to "get us a better deal".

tom said:

i think it has more to do with being petty and vindictive towards Obama than towards Castro.

Agree. I would also add jealously to this. Consistently angry that Obama is smarter than him and extra angry that a man of color has had so many milestone accomplishments where he has had none. 

or he's sidelining American companies while foreign Trump-affiliated companies corner the hotel market in Havana 

conandrob240 said:

but don't worry, he's going to "get us a better deal".

Totally one-sided deal. Cuba didn't even lift their embargo against the US!

He had a big rally and was loudly applauded.

For a professional entertainer it's all about the applause.

https://www.uschamber.com/pres...

U.S. Chamber Statement on Administration’s Cuba Policy Announcement

Friday, June 16, 2017 - 2:00pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant issued the following statement today regarding the administration’s Cuba policy announcement:

“U.S. private sector engagement can be a positive force for the kind of change we all wish to see in Cuba. Unfortunately, today’s moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island and risk ceding growth opportunities to other countries that, frankly, may not share America’s interest in a free and democratic Cuba that respects human rights.

We remain committed to working with all relevant parties to remove the antiquated policies that hinder the empowerment of the American and Cuban people.” The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Cuba Business Council works with the U.S. Congress, the U.S. and Cuban public and private sectors, and other key stakeholders to remove barriers to trade and create jobs, growth and prosperity in both countries. Additionally, the Council urges the Cuban government to continue to make policy changes to lessen government control or ownership of Cuban businesses.

"Unfortunately, today’s moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island and risk ceding growth opportunities to other countries that, frankly, may not share America’s interest in a free and democratic Cuba that respects human rights."

Like Russia?

ml1 said:

"Unfortunately, today’s moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island and risk ceding growth opportunities to other countries that, frankly, may not share America’s interest in a free and democratic Cuba that respects human rights."

Like Russia?

Putin made him do it.

ETA: I guess I need to say that ^ is a joke.

here's the thing with a president who doesn't have his assets in a blind trust.  How do we know that his Cuba policy isn't to give a foreign business partner of his a leg up on development in Cuba?

We don't.  

Its all a farse.  Trump is putting up a big shield to protect Barak's back door deal with the Russians, cornering Cuba in a stranglehold.  

http://www.reuters.com/article...

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that "anti-Cuban" actions recently announced by Washington were regrettable and that Moscow confirmed its solidarity with Havana.

The ministry also said that the new approach toward Cuba by the U.S. administration resembles a "Cold war rhetoric".