Discussion: Obama Begins Historic Visit to Cuba

Discussion for article #247625

Finally the media is paying attention to this historic moment. I don’t think the visit was even mentioned on the Dundsy news shows. Great day in the Western Hemisphere!

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Optics:

Democratic Party: President Obama leading a historic opening to Cuba and greeted with warm affection by the Cuban people.

Republican Party: Trump rallies

Does it get any better than this?

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After 50 years of a failed policy, I’m glad we’re finally trying a new approach.

Because of the ways of Washington, it took a great deal of courage for the President to force change, and I think he and the US will be ultimately rewarded for it.

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One more example of President Obama’s transformative, positive, leadership.

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To put a personal spin on this, I myself just got back from a visit to the island. The people were warm and hospitable (to a fault!) and we were treated to many lectures and presentations regarding Cuban history and culture. We also had the opportunity to visit with, meet and greet many ordinary Cubans. One of my favorite parts of the visit was the opportunity to stay in Cuban “casas particulates” or B&Bs. We had several opportunities to speak directly with our hosts and others, and it was great to meet on a “person to person” basis. Nothing was what I expected, and I learned a lot. Viva Cuba, viva Obama! It’s long past time we give up our McCarthy-era prejudices against the Cuban government and people. We will not be able to negotiate with the current regime unless we actually decide to sit down and talk with them. There are many areas of dispute, but until we sit down and “jaw jaw,” there will be no resolution. I was able to travel with a tour group, and if anyone would like the details of the organization which sponsored our visit, PM me, if such a thing exists here. I don’t want to be accused of advertising for a company, but they will get my highest recommendation.

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Perhaps that’s because mainstream media has been too busy extending free media coverage for Donald Drumph (Trump) in his presidential campaign.

Donald and his low educated voter supporters are stirring up dust, with their racist rants at his rallies now. It sure looks as if verbal and physical outbursts are going to become the new normal at Drumph’s political rallies. So these outbursts could potentially last beyond the 2016 general elections. I seriously hope not, but that does seem to be the case.

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Thank you President Obama, President Castro and Pope Francis. This needed to happen.

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Shehecheyanu.

Way cool. Glad it happened in my lifetime. Never thought it would. Its clearly about time it did too.

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Gracias, Presidente Obama…para su liderazgo

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Let’s tally. President Obama has:

United the energy-dependent nations of Europe in upholding the sovereignty of Ukraine after the incursion by Russia;

Rallied the world’s powers to forge an international agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program to peaceful uses, which promises to reduce Middle East tensions and the likelihood of a regional arms race;

Led efforts to rid the world of loose nuclear materials;

Forged closer economic and strategic ties and established enforceable labor and environmental standards among 11 Asian and Pacific nations through the Trans-Pacific Partnership;

Championed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which will allow sub-Saharan countries to sell their goods in the United States duty-free and forge stronger ties with American interests;

Assembled a coalition of Middle East nations to combat the terrorist group ISIS;

Concluded an historic climate change agreement among almost 200 countries – including China, the world’s largest carbon polluter; and

Eased travel restrictions and normalized relations with Cuba – marking the end of the Cold War in the western hemisphere – which promise to relieve isolation for Cuban citizens, boost the voices of moderates and reformers, and undercut attempts by Russia and Venezuela to forge wider hemispheric links.

It’s the age-old battle between chaos and community.

And so it goes: the community organizer’s continuing struggle for A More Perfect Union.

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Its amazing how Conservatives are threatened by this move. They live in fear of change, even positive change, screw them. Life goes on without them, their loss.

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How about a man who saw potential wherever he looked instead of seeing hate and fear.

I love the more perfect union part though. Let’s keep it going, please.

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Randy, here is why I believe that Mr. Obama is a content man:

(1) Historians will judge him well

(2) The rabble who hate him have existed in all administrations

(3) He has done an extraordinary amount of good

(4) His self esteem is not remotely tied to any perceptions held by the rabble in (2)

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Absolutely, chelsea.

I was going to include a couple contrasting lines about how the Republicans are total opposites, but I didn’t want to spoil this wonderful day by dwelling on the negative.

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I did, as long as enlightened leaders were and are elected.

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Excellent observation, emiliano, and a great definition of happiness in a life well lived.

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It just highlights that the republican party does nothing positive for the vast majority of Americans and the world.

There are a few posters here that seem, for whatever reason, incapable of admitting that.

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This Hopey Changey stuff is working out great :smile:

Gonna miss this guy.

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Someday I’ll visit Cuba, a thing I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and when I get off the plane—or boat, that’s doable too—I will certainly look around myself, be happy I’m there, and mentally thank this President for helping to make it happen.

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