# U.S. and Cuba -- has the reset button been pressed? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 17, 2014, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498 "2014-12-17T15:39:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/21 "2014-12-17T18:26:19Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > We’re friendly with Vietnam a generation removed from the war. This – where are the 57 thousand American dead fighting Cuba? Yet we buy sneakers made in Vietnam. Which is still a one-party nondemocratic state. However, um… > [@](#): > > If we need a base in the region, build one in Puerto Rico and help their economy in the process. There _ **was** _ one. Really big one. Became politically and fiscally more hassle than it was worth and got pulled out in '03. OTOH, the huge move of Puerto Ricans to Central Florida in the last 20 years has meant that when combined with the other Latinos and minorities, all together they neutralize the Cubans at the ballot box enough so Florida is no longer a secure (R) in Presidential elections. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/22 "2014-12-17T18:30:58Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > However, um… > There _ **was** _ one. Really big one. Became politically and fiscally more hassle than it was worth and got pulled out in '03. Thanks for this. I assumed that the Puerto Ricans would be receptive to a naval base and the money that it would pump into the economy but assumptions aren’t always safe. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/23 "2014-12-17T18:32:04Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > It was probably both inevitable and overdue. There are so many American companies dying to do business with Cuba that I’m astonished this was doesn’t done ages ago. > > Yes, yes, I know the embargo hasn’t been lifted, but that’s got to be coming. Some businesses will like that, but the sugar interests won’t. Tobacco neither, but, cigars are not big biz here anyway. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/24 "2014-12-17T18:35:06Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I say let’s press on for full relations, free travel between the nations, and let’s get the hell out of Gitmo. If we need a base in the region, build one in Puerto Rico and help their economy in the process. If we need to project naval power in the Caribbean, any port in Florida will do as a base. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/25 "2014-12-17T18:45:07Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Some businesses will like that, but the sugar interests won’t. > > Tobacco neither, but, cigars are not big biz here anyway. It’s not how big the biz is, but who it affects. OTOH, if you’re rich enough to be in the “politically influential” class, then you probably already have your method of getting Cuban cigars all set. And you might like that it’s not so easy for everyone else to get them! ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/26 "2014-12-17T18:49:13Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > If we need to project naval power in the Caribbean, any port in Florida will do as a base. I guess. And why would we need to anyway? Our western hemisphere neighbors are pretty capable of defending themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/27 "2014-12-17T18:52:41Z")
> [@Hector\_St\_Clare](#): > > Can we dig a channel across the Florida Panhandle and let them be their own country? Please? [Bugs Bunny to the rescue!](http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cut_off_florida.gif) ---
**Author:** ![Alley\_Dweller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alley_dweller/32/430_2.png) [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/28 "2014-12-17T19:22:01Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I guess. And why would we need to anyway? Our western hemisphere neighbors are pretty capable of defending themselves. What if one of our western hemisphere neighbors turns on us? What if they invite the Russians to set up bases in their country? I would rather have them bomb a naval base in Cuba than start air raids on Florida. I know that is very selfish. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/29 "2014-12-17T19:28:09Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > We have to realize that everybody in the world aren’t boy scouts. We trade with Russia, who invaded a neighboring nation. We trade with China and turn a blind eye to their human rights abuses. We’re friendly with Vietnam a generation removed from the war. And all those nations trade with a country whose Central Intelligence Agency performs torture, with support from some of its recent leaders. In other words, we don’t necessarily have the moral high ground, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/30 "2014-12-17T19:37:20Z")
> [@Alley\_Dweller](#): > > What if one of our western hemisphere neighbors turns on us? What if they invite the Russians to set up bases in their country? > > I would rather have them bomb a naval base in Cuba than start air raids on Florida. I know that is very selfish. The days of the red menace spreading across the globe are over. The Russians have enough trouble keeping their own economy afloat without trying to meddle in the Americas. I should think between bases in Texas and Florida we can move enough military assets where needed in the unlikely event that we need to. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/31 "2014-12-17T19:51:18Z")
> [@Alley\_Dweller](#): > > I would rather have them bomb a naval base in Cuba than start air raids on Florida. Why couldn’t they do both? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/32 "2014-12-17T19:54:15Z")
> [@Alley\_Dweller](#): > > What if one of our western hemisphere neighbors turns on us? What if they invite the Russians to set up bases in their country? 1962 called, it wants its everything back. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/33 "2014-12-17T20:16:23Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > And all those nations trade with a country whose Central Intelligence Agency performs torture, with support from some of its recent leaders. In other words, we don’t necessarily have the moral high ground, anyway. So, naturally, you opposed sanctions against South Africa. And you mock suporters of boycotting Israel, right? Cause after all, who are WE to claim the moral high ground? ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/34 "2014-12-17T20:24:49Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > When can I place my order for a box of Cohibas? 🙂 That depends…does a box cost less than $100, which appears to be the limit on tobacco? Speaking of which, if you import Cuban cigars, are they subject to state/local tobacco taxes? > [@astorian](#): > > There are so many American companies dying to do business with Cuba that I’m astonished this was doesn’t done ages ago. That depends on how you define “do business with Cuba.” Somehow, I don’t see Havana allowing direct sales by foreign-owned businesses to Cuban citizens - at least, not without very heavy taxes that, in most cases, would price the goods out of their reach anyway. Do you honestly expect any major car manufacturer to make any progress in Cuba any time soon? I have a feeling Havana is under the impression that they expect Americans to start giving stuff to Cubans without expecting anything in return. (I have heard a number of stories about how college sports teams (usually baseball and softball) tour Cuba, take one look at the dilapidated equipment, and fight the urge to give a lot of their own stuff away - except to the last team on the tour, and I wouldn’t be surprised if either (a) schools jockey for that position or (b) that is a reward from the government for one reason or another.) One other thing I didn’t see mention; anything being dependent upon Cuban citizens being given the freedom to travel out of the country. I have a feeling that the next step will be some tax agreement where Cubans who move to the USA are still subject to Cuban taxation - including, say, 80% of any amount over $1 million per year (i.e. if you want to profit from the baseball skills you learned here, then we get our cut, thank you very much). ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/35 "2014-12-17T20:36:19Z")
Stories are now abounding that the Pope was very instrumental behind the scenes in getting Goss released and in getting diplomatic relations established. Also, a lot of help from Canada. ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/36 "2014-12-17T21:08:32Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Some businesses will like that, but the sugar interests won’t. In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the money, then you get the power. Then you get the women. ---
**Author:** ![Hector\_St\_Clare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@Hector\_St\_Clare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hector_St_Clare)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/37 "2014-12-17T21:22:28Z")
> [@That\_Don\_Guy](#): > > One other thing I didn’t see mention; anything being dependent upon Cuban citizens being given the freedom to travel out of the country. I have a feeling that the next step will be some tax agreement where Cubans who move to the USA are still subject to Cuban taxation - including, say, 80% of any amount over $1 million per year (i.e. if you want to profit from the baseball skills you learned here, then we get our cut, thank you very much). If that tax agreement got passed, I think Cuba would drop emigration restrictions (which I do oppose, in spite of my sympathies for the Cuban regime) in a heartbeat. It’s a win-win: they get to rid themselves of troublesome people who dislike the regime, while at the same time getting to tax their incomes. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/38 "2014-12-17T21:25:59Z")
JFK assassination conspiracy - expat retribution for his failed support of expats during the Bay of Pigs disaster. Expats feeling betrayed again, as long in the tooth as they are. Just sayin’ … 😃 FWIW, it’s about time someone started a thaw in this. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/39 "2014-12-17T21:33:30Z")
I don’t think the reset button has been pressed, but I do think we found that there is one, and most people are now wondering exactly what will happen when we press it. When, not if. IMO this is long overdue and a big deal. Plus, I can’t wait to vacation on Cuba’s beaches! Woot! ---
**Author:** ![Nema98](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d2c977/32.png) [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498/40 "2014-12-17T21:36:09Z")
About time, truth is Cuba was never important or a threat, just an island off the coast of Florida. We do business with China and Russia, which are far more capable of doing harm, or did. China was our enemy in the Korean War. Or Vietnam, in which nearly 60,000 of our men died. Cuba was never at war with us, nor was it ever capable. We drove Fidel Castro into the Soviets arms. He wanted to have friendly relations with all nations. That is not to say he is not a dictator, but really so many out there where we had relations with and still do. Heck Iran is much more of a nuisance and trouble maker than Cuba ever was. All this because of a small nation, that only wanted to be independent? When Castro visited Washington in April 1959, President Eisenhower snubbed him and went to play golf. Instead he met with Vice President Nixon. So yes the sanctions that have been in place for more than half a century should be removed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-and-cuba-has-the-reset-button-been-pressed/707498.md?page=3)