So.  Lets send some troops over then.

An embargo really doesn't do anything because it's not helping create any freedom fighters or anything, Cuba doesn't have anything resembling the framework to overthrow Castro.

The Embargo isn't doing anything.

Oh its doing something. Hurting the people is what its doing. It also gives fidel and company a lovely scapegoat for issues within the country aswell.

Yeah, I see your point... I'm an open guy, so what is your suggestion as the alternative to an embargo?

The opposite...

I mean... look at East Berlin... they needed the Berlin wall because of how West Berlin was just better.  By allowing the strong anti-castro Cuban Americans to go over and visit... and give their relatives money... they will be more accepting of americans and eventually a movement is more likely to occur... and they'll have money to do it.

Unless castro moves against them and takes the money given to them by their relatives and the flordia cuban people... in which case this sows more discord among the people and Castro.

By building up the country through what is recognizable american money through Cuban americans the Casto's are caught in a catch 22. 

Let it happen, and the common people have America to thank.

Don't let it happen, and have the cuban discord grow.

Right now the embargo can just be blamed on the US.... but with us willing to let the cuban americans send money back home.

Money transfers and stuff that should be bypassing castro and going straight to the people... taking that away would cause problems.

We need to begin the process of normalizing relations with them. It should be abundantly clear that the embargo has failed to catalyze political change in Cuba. It also provides a scapegoat for Castro and the Communist apparatus. For decades they have blamed Cuba's misfortunes on the US' policies. For eighteen or seventeen straight years, the UN General Assembly has near-unanimously urged the US to lift is unilateral embargo. We need to admit the policy has been a failure and enact the necessary change. First, we should lift the travel sanctions. Second, we need to begin the process of allowing US companies to invest in Cuba. Many countries have already begun this process. That is why this article is welcome news. It appears as if Obama will begin the necessary steps to correct our misguided and ineffective policies.

Creating an embargo limits the exchange of cultural ideals. Why do you think it is that historically port cities have been the most "liberal" and "intellectually informed" throughout history? Embargoing a country simply limits this cultural exchange, and it might even make the regime that is in power stronger than weaken it. Hell, they could just lie to people about why the embargo is happening (like Jackson mentioned) or that there are even other countries out there by controlling the media and everything else that is produced in the country.

Its ludicrous that people who are so "pro-democracy" can be so "anti-market" when open markets can often be one of the most effective ways to reach democracy.