Alejandro Mayorkas on Cuba: (Principles & Values Jan 22, 2021)
Left Cuba with parents as a child to escape communism

Alejandro Mayorkas on Cuba: (Principles & Values Jan 10, 2021)
Views himself as a proud member of the Jewish community

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Mar 15, 2020)
2016: Cuba made progress in education and healthcare

Joe Biden: [Obama] was trying to change Cuban policies so the Cuban people would get out from under the thumb of the Castro and his brother. That is, to change the policy so that we can impact on Cuba's policy by getting them opened up.

Bernie Sanders: Barack Obama was more generous in his praise of what Cuba did in healthcare and education than I was. I was talking about a program 60 years ago in the first year of the Castro revolution.

Biden:Bernie's notion about how he embraces folks like Cuba and the former Soviet Union and talks about the good things they did in China is absolutely contrary to every message we want to send the rest of the world.

Bernie Sanders on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 24, 2020)
Cuba: Teaching people to read and write is a good thing

But, you know, China is an authoritarian country, becoming more and more authoritarian. But can anyone deny that they have taken more people out of extreme poverty than any country in history? Do I get criticized because I say that? That's the truth. So that is the fact. End of discussion.

Donald Trump on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 4, 2020)
Restore democracy in Cuba & Venezuela

Mike Bloomberg on Cuba: (Families & Children Nov 24, 2019)
Get cities to hike taxes on sugary drinks

He's also funded campaigns to get cities to hike taxes on sugary drinks, cigarettes, and trans fats-- efforts that have earned him praise from public health advocates, but also scorn and mockery from others as a "stereotypically laughable example of a liberal nanny state," as Time magazine once put it.

Bill Weld on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Oct 3, 2019)
Multi-party talks to resolve Venezuelan situation

A: We have to go through Cuba, China and Russia to rationalize the situation in Venezuela. Most of the top decision makers there are Cuban, which has hollowed out Venezuela's government, & the spillover into our ally Colombia has been dramatic. I would propose multi-party talks, in which the dynamic new Pres. Duque of Colombia, who greatly impressed me recently in Cartagena, could perhaps play a role.

Bill de Blasio on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Aug 12, 2019)
1980s: supported Sandinista National Liberation Front

Seth Moulton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jul 30, 2019)
Venezuela: US should not try to be world's policeman

Steve Bullock on Cuba: (Foreign Policy May 15, 2019)
Block foreign influence on elections; end Cuba embargo

Beto O`Rourke on Cuba: (Technology Apr 18, 2019)
Invest in green research via national labs & universities

O'Rourke: We would invest in more research through our national labs, universities and incubators and in the scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, the women and men who will do the work day in and day out. Not only must we emit less greenhouse gases, we must plant things that absorb greenhouse gases, and give our farmers a better harvest, and invest in the technologies to allow us to claim some that are in the air now. We must invent and improve our grid's ability to save, store and then sell electricity from turbines and panels throughout the day--no matter where the sun is, at a given time, or whether the wind is blowing. We can build with steel and cement that's better for our air; ship and haul cargo to far-away places with less or different fuel; reconfigure the last mile of energy and transportation in how it functions."

Nikki Haley on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Dec 13, 2018)
Obama was wrong to abstain on Cuba's anti-US resolution

Pope Francis on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jun 20, 2018)
Saddened by US restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba

Donald Trump on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jan 30, 2018)
Sanctions on Communist dictators in North Korea & Cuba

North Korea's reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland. We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from happening.

Past experience has taught us that complacency and concessions only invite aggression and provocation. I will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations that got us into this dangerous position. We need only look at the depraved character of the North Korean regime to understand the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose to America and our allies.

Mike Pence on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Oct 14, 2016)
Reverse Obama's opening of Cuba; restore the embargo

President Obama's executive actions, in part, have lifted a series of restrictions on Cuba, opened a U.S. embassy in the country and established travel and business between the two nations. He issued additional directives to further loosen restrictions aimed at increasing trade with the island nation.

"Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton would lift the embargo completely and normalize relations with Cuba for nothing in return," Pence said. He continued: "The truth of the matter is if they could open it up all the way, they would."

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Mar 10, 2016)
Break diplomatic relations with Cuba

Donald TRUMP: Every single aspect of this deal is in Cuba's favor. I would probably have the embassy closed until such time as a really good deal was struck.

Q [to CRUZ]: Would you reverse course and once again break diplomatic relations with Cuba?

CRUZ: Yes, I would. And this highlights a real choice for Republican primary voters. Do you want to continue on the same basic trajectory as the last 7 years of the Obama foreign policy? When it comes to Cuba, [a deal] negotiated b Hillary Clinton and John Kerry? There's a real difference between us. Donald supported Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. And what he said right now is that he agrees in principle with what they're doing. The only thing he thinks is that they should negotiate a little bit better deals, they should be more effective. I have a fundamental disagreement and I think most Republicans and most Americans do, that we shouldn't be allowing billions of dollars to go to nations that hate us, like Cuba.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Mar 9, 2016)
Talk with dissidents but Castros are dictators

SANDERS: I think we have got to end the embargo. I believe that we should move towards full and normalized political relations with Cuba. I think it will be a good thing for the Cuban people. It will enable them, I think when they see people coming into their country from the United States, move in a more democratic direction, which is what I want to see.

CLINTON: I told the president that I hoped he would be able to move toward diplomatic relations with Cuba. And there are no better ambassadors for freedom, democracy and economic opportunity than Cuban Americans. I'm looking forward to following the president's trip. I think meeting with dissidents is important. The Cuban people deserve be able to move towards democracy where they pick their own leads. Both Castros have to be considered authoritarian and dictatorial because they are not freely chosen by the people. I hope someday there will be leaders who are chosen by the Cuban people.

Bernie Sanders on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Mar 9, 2016)
Opposed Monroe Doctrine interventionism in Latin America

SANDERS: The US was wrong to try to invade Cuba; the US was wrong trying to support people to overthrow the Nicaraguan government; the US was wrong trying to overthrow, in 1954, the democratically elected government of Guatemala. Throughout the history of our relationship with Latin America we've operated under the so-called Monroe Doctrine, and that said the US had the right do anything that they wanted to do in Latin America. So I actually went to Nicaragua and I very shortly opposed the Reagan administration's efforts to overthrow that government. And I strongly opposed Henry Kissinger and the overthrow of the government of Salvador Allende in Chile. I think the US should be working with governments around the world, not get involved in regime change. And all of these actions in Latin America brought forth a lot of very strong anti-American sentiments.

Bernie Sanders on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Mar 9, 2016)
Ending embargo with Cuba is right step

CLINTON: I told the president that I hoped he would be able to move toward diplomatic relations with Cuba. And there are no better ambassadors for freedom, democracy and economic opportunity than Cuban Americans. I'm looking forward to following the president's trip. I think meeting with dissidents is important. The Cuban people deserve be able to move towards democracy where they pick their own leads. Both Castros have to be considered authoritarian and dictatorial because they are not freely chosen by the people. I hope someday there will be leaders who are chosen by the Cuban people.

SANDERS: I think we have got to end the embargo. I believe that we should move towards full and normalized political relations with Cuba. I think it will be a good thing for the Cuban people. It will enable them, I think when they see people coming into their country from the United States, move in a more democratic direction, which is what I want to see.

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Principles & Values Feb 25, 2016)
I hear, "I didn't vote for you but you did what you said"

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Homeland Security Feb 23, 2016)
Close Guantanamo detention center

Clinton was put on the spot when the president announced a new plan to shut down the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and transfer dozens of high-risk terrorist detainees to maximum security prisons in the United States, which could include the military facility in South Carolina. The plan immediately hit opposition from Republicans in Congress, who cited longstanding bipartisan opposition to bringing captured terrorists to the US.

"The president is trying to figure out what to do with people who are too dangerous to be released," Clinton said. "All I can hope is that the Congress will work with him."

Donald Trump on Cuba: (Homeland Security Feb 23, 2016)
Keep Gitmo open, and load it up with bad dudes

Trump then mused about one of the Obama administration's reasons for trying to shut the prison down: "Here's the thing I didn't understand," he said. "We spend $40 million a month on maintaining this place? Now, think of it--$40 million a month! What do we have left in there, like, a hundred people, or something? And we're spending $40 million? I would guarantee you I could do it for a tiny, tiny fraction. I don't mean $39 million. I mean maybe $5 million, maybe $3 million. Maybe, like, peanuts."

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Welfare & Poverty Feb 13, 2016)
Regulations like ObamaCare lead to layoffs of the poorest

CRUZ: The people who have been hurt the most in the Obama economy have been the most vulnerable. Big government, massive regulation, don't work. Small businesses are the heart of the economy. My dad fled Cuba in 1957. He was 18. He washed dishes making 50 cents an hour. Today, my dad is a pastor. If we had ObamaCare in place then, the odds are high my father would have been laid off. We need to lift the burdens on small businesses.

Rand Paul on Cuba: (Homeland Security Jan 28, 2016)
Let's get warrants the old-fashioned way: via 4th Amendment

RUBIO: When I'm president we are going to rebuild our intelligence capabilities. And they're going to tell us where the terrorists are. And if we capture any of these ISIS killers alive, they are going to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and we're going to find out everything they know.

PAUL: The bulk collection of your phone data, the invasion of your privacy did not stop one terrorist attack. I don't think you have to give up your liberty for a false sense of security. When we look at this bulk collection, the court has looked at this. Even the court declared it to be illegal. If we want to collect the records of terrorists, let's do it the old fashioned way. Let's use the Fourth Amendment. Let's put a name on a warrant, let's ask a judge for it. Let's respect the history of our country.

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Homeland Security Jan 21, 2016)
Torture is wrong, unambiguously; America does not need it

Last year Congress enshrined a torture ban into federal law: In June, the Senate voted 78-21 to approve the McCain-Feinstein amendment. Cruz backed the amendment.

The McCain-Feinstein amendment requires that all interrogation comply with the Army Field Manual, a publicly available document that forbids waterboarding as well as the use of electric shocks, dogs, nudity, hypothermia and mock executions. All were elements of the CIA's interrogation program in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jan 12, 2016)
The Cold War is over; lift 50-year embargo on Cuba

American leadership in the 21st century is not a choice between ignoring the rest of the world, except when we kill terrorists; or occupying and rebuilding whatever society is unraveling. Leadership means a wise application of military power, and rallying the world behind causes that are right. It means seeing our foreign assistance as part of our national security, not something separate, not charity.

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Immigration Nov 10, 2015)
Illegals are an economic calamity for low-wage Americans

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Principles & Values Nov 10, 2015)
We the people can turn this nation around

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 28, 2015)
Cuba policy failed; better to engage through diplomacy

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 28, 2015)
Cuba policy failed; better to engage through diplomacy

Pope Francis on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 19, 2015)
Open Cuba; end American embargo

Pope Francis on Cuba: (Homeland Security Sep 19, 2015)
Vatican recognizes Palestinian statehood

Here are some of the major issues on which Pope Francis differs from most Republican politicians:
• He recognizes Palestinian statehood. The Vatican signed a May treaty that was widely criticized by Jewish leaders in both Israel and the U.S.
• He supports the Iran nuclear deal.
• He wants to open Cuba.

Pope Francis on Cuba: (War & Peace Sep 19, 2015)
Supports the Iran nuclear deal

Here are some of the major issues on which Pope Francis differs from most Republican politicians:
• He supports the Iran nuclear deal. Last week, at the International Atomic Energy Agency conference in Vienna, the Vatican's foreign minister praised President Obama's agreement, saying that "the way to resolve disputes and difficulties should always be that of dialogue and negotiation."
• He recognizes Palestinian statehood.
• He wants to open Cuba.

Donald Trump on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 8, 2015)
Cuban embargo: 50 years is enough

Trump joins libertarian-leaning Sen. Rand Paul as the only Republican running for president to express his support for normalizing relations with Cuba. The rest of the GOP field has slammed Obama's decision to reopen the U.S. embassy in Havana and engage diplomatically with the government of Cuba.

Bernie Sanders on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 5, 2015)
Normalize relations with Cuba; & respect their independence

Bernie supports normalizing relations between the two nations and removing the economic embargo, which he argues is costing American businesses billions of dollars. In February 2014, Bernie shared his hope that "Cuba moves toward a more democratic society while, at the same time, the United States will respect the independence of the Cuban people." He was part of a U.S. delegation that traveled to Cuba in 2014 to discuss trade, healthcare, and human rights issues in Havana.

Later in 2014, Bernie applauded President Obama's announcements on discussions with Cuba, and in January 2015, he sponsored the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which aimed to address the administration's proposal to loosen restrictions on travel to Cuba and remove restrictions on travel-related banking transactions.

Bernie Sanders on Cuba: (Homeland Security Sep 5, 2015)
2009: Voted against closing Gitmo; 2015: supports closing it

In 2009 Bernie voted against the proposals the Obama administration suggested for closing the prison. The bill was defeated with strong bipartisan support (90-6). Given Bernie's human rights concerns regarding the facility, he likely voted against it because the plans did not address the human rights violations--including being held indefinitely without trial--that he and so many other Americans are most concerned about with regards to Guantanamo.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jan 20, 2015)
Cuba: When something doesn't work for 50 years, change it

Rand Paul on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jan 1, 2015)
Where do Ron and Rand Paul disagree on foreign issues?

Rand Paul on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Dec 18, 2014)
50-year embargo with Cuba hasn't worked; lift it

Q: What are your thoughts on the president's deal here with Cuba?

PAUL: I grew up in a family that was about as anti-Communist as you could come by. And when we first opened up trade with China we were thinking it was a bad idea. But over time, I've come to believe that trading with China is the best way to actually, ultimately, defeat Communism. You know, the 50-year embargo with Cuba just hasn't worked. I mean, if the goal was regime change, it sure doesn't seem to be working. And probably it punishes the people more than the regime, because the regime can blame the embargo for hardship. And if there's open trade, I think the people will see all the things that we produce under capitalism. So in the end, I think probably opening up Cuba is a good idea.

Rand Paul on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Dec 18, 2014)
Normalizing relations with Cuba can lead to positive change

Paul then posted this message on Facebook: "Senator Marco Rubio believes the embargo against Cuba has been ineffective, yet he wants to continue perpetuating failed policies. After 50 years of conflict, why not try a new approach? I believe engaging Cuba can lead to positive change. Seems to me, Senator Rubio is acting like an isolationist who wants to retreat to our borders and perhaps build a moat. I reject this isolationism. Finally, let's be clear that Senator Rubio does not speak for the majority of Cuban-Americans. A recent poll demonstrates that a large majority of Cuban-Americans actually support normalizing relations between our countries.

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Dec 18, 2014)
Help the Cuban opposition, not the Castros

• Rather than arbitrary prisoner releases, the US should demand significant legal reform so that the Cuban government can no longer detain its citizens--or ours--indefinitely with no process. Otherwise the 53 prisoners they are to release under this deal can simply be picked up again at the whim of the Castro regime.
• Rather than vague promises of exploring political liberalization, the US should demand that the political opposition to the Castros be included in any and all negotiations with Cuba, so their concerns will be fully heard and their priorities addressed.
• Rather than unilaterally lifting the economic embargo on Cuba, the US should calibrate any relaxation of sanctions directly to the cessation of their repression and human rights violations.

Rand Paul on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Dec 18, 2014)
Good idea to end Cuba embargo; it hasn't worked

Paul said in a radio interview that many younger Cuban Americans support opening up trade with Cuba. He also said many U.S. farmers would back Obama's moves because the country is a new market for their crops.

"The 50-year embargo just hasn't worked," Paul said. "If the goal is regime change, it sure doesn't seem to be working and probably it punishes the people more than the regime because the regime can blame the embargo for hardship. In the end, I think opening up Cuba is probably a good idea," he said. Paul's comments parallel those of Hillary Clinton.

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Oct 19, 2014)
Cuba is oppressive but never misses chance to propagandize

CRUZ: Well, look, Fidel Castro and Raul Castro, they never miss a chance to push propaganda. You know, what I can tell is, the Castro brothers have put in place a brutal regime that oppresses their citizens, that murders their citizens, that tortures and imprisons their citizens. And the Castros are never shy to jump up and engage in some propaganda to criticize the United States.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jun 6, 2014)
End the Cuban embargo; that will shift onus to Castros

Clinton said she told Obama the embargo "wasn't achieving its goals" and "was holding back our broader agenda across Latin America."

"I thought we should shift the onus onto the Castros to explain why they remained undemocratic and abusive," Clinton writes. But President Obama ultimately decided to maintain the economic restrictions, she said.

In 2011, the White House said it would allow students seeking academic credit and churches making religious trips to visit the island. Additionally, the administration expanded the number of US airports permitted to offer charter service to the island.

Ted Cruz on Cuba: (Principles & Values Mar 7, 2014)
Two heroes in life: my father and Ronald Reagan

During Ted Cruz's 2012 Senate campaign, his father was sent to rallies across Texas to whip up those Cruz votes. Along with his son's political rise, Rafael has become a conservative star in his own right. He is invited to speak at events held by many right-wing organizations.

For Ted Cruz, the celebrity speaker recognition that his father acquired is an enjoyable by-product of his own political success. "I've really had two heroes in my life," he said. "My father and Ronald Reagan."

Cory Booker on Cuba: (Principles & Values Oct 31, 2013)
First African-American senator from New Jersey

"That's kind of incredible," Booker said. "New Jersey is a special kind of place." Booker said that to New Jersey's credit, race was never an issue in his campaign.

Booker will serve out the remainder of the late Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg's term, which ends in January 2015. Booker will serve on three Senate committees: Commerce, Science and Transportation; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and Environment and Public Works. Two of his assignments--commerce and environment--also were committee assignments for Lautenberg.

Ron DeSantis on Cuba: (Homeland Security Nov 6, 2012)
Gave legal support to Gitmo terrorist detention center

He is currently an officer in the reserve component of the United States Navy. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He has lectured on the law of war at Florida Coastal School of Law.

Bill Nelson on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Oct 16, 2012)
Keep the Cuban embargo, but let family members travel

Nelson said the embargo shouldn't be lifted, but that family members should be allowed to travel and take remittances with them.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (War & Peace Aug 11, 2012)
Green Party OpEd: We are not out of Iraq

Obama vs. Stein vs. Romney vs. Johnson on International Issues:
• Cuba Policy
• Iranian Sanctions
• Iraq War
• Israel/Palestine
• International Diplomacy
• Patriot Act
• Guantanamo Prison
• Defense Spending
• Afghanistan War
• Climate Change
• Oil Drilling
• Nuclear Power
• Free Trade vs. Protectionism
• Mexican Border
• Illegal Alien Deportation
• Immigrant Benefits

John Hickenlooper on Cuba: (Technology Jan 12, 2012)
COIN: Colorado Innovation Network incubates entrepreneurship

COIN gives us a unique opportunity to incubate entrepreneurship and facilitate the transfer of new ideas to the marketplace. While COIN is privately funded, we are asking for a modest public investment to continue the success we had with Arrow and GE. We are requesting $6 million to support the work of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, and $3 million for a revolving loan fund to provide low-risk gap financing so Colorado can compete with other states for film, video gaming and electronic media productions. These investments will repay the state many, many times over.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Energy & Oil Jan 27, 2011)
OpEd: Sunlight & water into fuel? Share info with the world

The planet has been saved! Or, at least, it won't perish due to an excess of CO2 or for lack of energy. It reminds me of something that happened over 40 years ago when a group of enterprising young Cuban scientists spoke to me with great enthusiasm about this same idea, based on theoretical principles. My blind faith in science led me to find everything they asked for, including an isolated facility where they would work for years.

I'm not denying a great Californian institute, but please, Mr. President, share this information with the world so that other scientists can work on this same project. This is not a matter of profit, as humanity would be prepared to pay anything your scientists want.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Health Care Mar 24, 2010)
OpEd: ObamaCare was achieved by Cuba 50 years ago

I cannot stop thinking about a world in which more than 1/3 of the population lacks the medical attention and medicines essential to ensuring its health.

Jesse Ventura on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Mar 8, 2010)
Visited Cuba & Fidel Castro, despite presidential opposition

I'd grown up in fear of Fidel Castro. I was young when his revolution took place in 1959, but I remember the propaganda. I vaguely recall hearing about the Bay of Pigs invasion.

I met Castro at the trade fair. The first words out of his mouth were, "You are a man of great courage." I was puzzled; he looked at me and said, "You defied your president to come here." I guess he has pretty good "intel."

And I looked right back at him and said, "Well, Mr. President, you'll find that I defy most everything." I told him that I felt the U.S. boycott was wrong. It did nothing positive for either of our countries, and it was time for Americans to get over it.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Apr 21, 2009)
Cuba should reduce surcharge on remittances from US

The assertion that Cuba imposes a very high surcharge and obtains significant profits [from remittances] is an attempt by the president's advisors to cause trouble and sow division among Cubans. Every country charges a certain amount for all hard currency transfers. If these are in dollars, all the more reason we have to do it, because that is the currency of the country that blockades us. Not all Cubans have relatives abroad who can send them remittances. Redistributing a relatively small part of this to benefit those more in need of food, medicines and other goods is absolutely fair.

Marcia Fudge on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Apr 6, 2009)
Part of delegation to Cuba that met with Fidel Castro

The group she is leading is made up of 7 members of Congress. The other members of the delegation are: Mel Watt (NC); Mike Honda (CA); Laura Richardson (CA); Bobby Rush (IL); Marcia Fudge (OH); and Emanuel Cleaver (MO).

I highly appreciate the gesture of this group of lawmakers. Among the visitors there are opinions which are shared by all; other are personal points of view. In general, they believe that 68% of US public opinion favors a change in policy toward Cuba. One of them expressed the view that it was necessary to take advantage of this historic moment, when the presence of a black president in the White House coincides with current opinion that favors the normalization of relations.

Rahm Emanuel on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 5, 2009)
The less said on Cuba, the better

[Emanuel] announced Cuban Americans will be permitted to travel to Cuba and to send remittances. But he did not even mention US citizens' right to travel [to Cuba]. The Cuban Adjustment Act and the blockade deserved no comments from him.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jan 29, 2009)
OpEd: Maintaining Guantanamo base violates international law

Soon afterwards he added, with regard to the return to Cuba of the occupied territory, that he would first consider what concessions to demand from Cuba to return. This would amount to demanding a change of its political system, a price Cuba has been resisting for half a century.

To keep a military base in Cuba against the will of our people is a violation of the most elemental principles of international law. The US president has the ability to abide by that law without exacting any concession whatsoever. Non-compliance would be an act of arrogance and an abuse of his immense power against a small country.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Dec 4, 2008)
Committed to maintaining economic embargo against Cuba

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy May 25, 2008)
Maintain Cuban embargo, but allow Americans to send money

"Throughout my entire life, there has been injustice in Cuba. Never, in my lifetime, have the people of Cuba known freedom. Never, in the lives of 2 generations of Cubans, have the people of Cuba known democracy. This is the terrible and tragic status quo that we have known for half a century--of elections that are anything but free or fair... I won't stand for this injustice, you won't stand for this injustice, and together we will stand up for freedom in Cuba," he told the annexationists, adding: "It's time to let Cuban American money make their families less dependent on the Castro regime... I will maintain the embargo."

Mike Gravel on Cuba: (War & Peace May 2, 2008)
Iraq war was propagandized like 1898 “Remember the Maine!”

In the end 4,324 Americans were lost, as well as between 600,000 and 1 million Filipinos--eerily familiar numbers today. Also disturbingly alike were Congressional hearings that revealed US troops used water torture against Filipinos. The Philippine occupation and resulting insurgency was essentially repeated in Vietnam and Iraq. The aims were the same: to expand US power and economic interests against competing nations under the phony banner of Christianity or democracy. All three invasions were driven by money and power as ends in themselves--or as a means to more money and power.

Jesse Ventura on Cuba: (China Book Apr 1, 2008)
We embraced China but not Cuba because Castro nationalized

Jesse Ventura on Cuba: (Corporations Apr 1, 2008)
We embraced China but not Cuba because Castro nationalized

Jesse Ventura on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Apr 1, 2008)
Questions why we still need Cuban embargo

I questioned Pres. Clinton about why we continued to have an economic boycott against the Cubans. At the time, I was smoking cigars, and I said that I was sick and tired of having to feel like a criminal every time I wanted a Cuban cigar. Clinton talked about how Cuba had shot down an American plane that strayed over its air space, and allegations of human rights violations, as justifications for why the boycott had to continue. Which still didn't fly much with me.

In 2002, a MN trade mission to Cuba came about after a few of the sanctions dealing with food and agricultural products had been lifted. This provided us an opening to seek deals with the Cuban government, for humanitarian purposes. Pres. Bush did not want me to personally go. Being there reaffirmed my position that the American sanctions are wrong. You realize that these are only hurting the Cuban people.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 21, 2008)
Meet with Cuban leaders only with agenda of US interests

CLINTON: I would not meet with him until there was evidence that change was happening.

Q: [to Obama]: Presumably you would be willing to meet?

A: That’s correct. Now, keep in mind that the starting point for our policy in Cuba should be the liberty of the Cuban people. And I think we recognize that that liberty has not existed throughout the Castro regime. And we now have an opportunity to potentially change the relationship between the US & Cuba after over half a century. I would meet without preconditions, although Sen. Clinton is right that there has to be preparation. It is very important for us to make sure that there was an agenda [including] human rights, releasing of political prisoners, opening up the press. And that preparation might take some time. But I do think that it’s important for the US not just to talk to its friends, but also to talk to its enemies. In fact, that’s where diplomacy makes the biggest difference.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 21, 2008)
Cuba: Loosen restrictions now; normalization later

A: As a show of good faith that we’re interested in pursuing a new relationship, I’ve called for a loosening of the restrictions on remittances from family members to Cuba, as well as travel restrictions for family members who want to visit their family members in Cuba. And I think that initiating that change in policy as a start could be useful, but I would not normalize relations until we started seeing some progress.

Q: But that’s different from your position back in 2003, when you called US policy toward Cuba a miserable failure.

A: I support the eventual normalization. And it’s absolutely true that I think our policy has been a failure. During my entire lifetime, Cuba has been isolated, but has not made progress when it comes to the issues of political rights and personal freedoms. So I think that we have to shift policy. I think our goal has to be ultimately normalization. But that’s going to happen in steps.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 21, 2008)
Meet with Cuban leaders only after evidence of change

A: The people of Cuba deserve to have a democracy. And this gives the Cuban government, under Raul Castro, a chance to change direction from the one that was set for 50 years by his brother. I’m going to be looking for some of those changes: releasing political prisoner, ending some of the oppressive practices on the press, opening up the economy. Of course the US stands ready. And, as president, I would be ready to reach out and work with a new Cuban government, once it demonstrated that it truly was going to change that direction.

Q: Very simply, would you meet with Raul Castro or not?

A: I would not meet with him until there was evidence that change was happening. A presidential visit should not be offered without some evidence that it will demonstrate the kind of progress that is in our interest, and in this case, in the interests of the Cuban people.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Feb 21, 2008)
Diplomacy with Iran & Cuba, but no presidential meetings

OBAMA: I would not normalize relations until we started seeing some progress [on the US agenda in Cuba]. But I do think that it’s important for the US not just to talk to its friends, but also to talk to its enemies.

CLINTON: I agree that we should be willing to have diplomatic negotiations and processes with anyone. I’ve been a strong advocate of opening up such a diplomatic process with Iran, for a number of years. Because I think we should look for ways that we can possibly move countries that are adversarial to us, toward the world community. It’s in our interests and in the interests of the people in countries that are oppressed, like Cuba, like Iran. But there has been this difference between us over when and whether the president should offer a meeting, without preconditions, with those with whom we do not have diplomatic relations. And it should be part of a process, but I don’t think it should be offered in the beginning

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 9, 2007)
Cuba deserves peaceful transition to freedom & democracy

A: The Cuban people deserve freedom and democracy, and we’re all hopeful that that can be brought about peacefully. It appears as though the reign of Castro is reaching an end. We don’t know what will follow Fidel Castro, but we need to do everything we can to work with our friends in Latin America who are democratic nations, with the Europeans and others, to try to bring about a peaceful transition to democracy and freedom for the Cuban people. Now, that requires that we work with the entire hemisphere. You know, in 1994 I remember being here in Miami when my husband hosted the Summit of the Americas. At that time, there was only one anti-democratic, anti-American leader in the hemisphere, namely Castro. Look at what we face today because of the misguided, bullying policies of this president. So let’s reverse it and get ready for freedom in Cuba!

Mike Gravel on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Sep 9, 2007)
Recognize Cuba; open up to Chavez in Venezuela

A: No, not at all. In fact, I would reach out to him. Do we forget that our CIA tried to depose him? Do we forget that? So, is he an enemy? No, he’s not an enemy. We’ve created him as an enemy. We’re doing the same thing with Iran. What’s the difference if Chavez deals with Iran? We hope that a lot of countries begin to interchange their leadership and begin to think about the globe as one entity. There’s nothing wrong. The same thing with Fidel Castro. Why can’t we recognize Cuba? What’s the big deal, after 25 years, that these people 125 miles from this country are discriminated against? It makes no sense at all. We need to open up our arms to all nations and treat them as friends, not start looking for enemies.

Barack Obama on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jul 23, 2007)
Meet with enemy leaders; it’s a disgrace that we have not

OBAMA: I would. And the reason is this: the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them--which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration--is ridiculous. Ronald Reagan constantly spoke to Soviet Union at a time when he called them an evil empire. He understood that we may not trust them and they may pose an extraordinary danger to this country, but we had the obligation to find areas where we can potentially move forward. And I think that it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them.

CLINTON: I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year. I don’t want to be used for propaganda purposes. I don’t want to make a situation even worse. But I certainly agree that we need to get back to diplomacy.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Jul 23, 2007)
Diplomacy yes; propaganda no; when meeting enemy leaders

OBAMA: I would. The notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them is ridiculous. I think that it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them.

CLINTON: I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year. I will promise a very vigorous diplomatic effort but not a high level meeting before you know what the intentions are. I don’t want to be used for propaganda purposes. But I certainly agree that we need to get back to diplomacy, which has been turned into a bad word by this administration. I will use a lot of high-level presidential envoys to test the waters, to feel the way. But certainly, we’re not going to just have our president meet with Fidel Castro & Hugo Chavez & the president of North Korea, Iran & Syria until we know better what the way forward would be.

Howie Hawkins on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Nov 1, 2006)
Support the UN; oppose the Cuban embargo

A: Yes.

Q: Should the United States commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions?

A: Yes.

Q: Should the United States lift the travel ban to Cuba?

A: Yes.

Hawkins adds, "Stop exporting and encouraging nuclear power, which leads to nuclear weapons. Push for complete global nuclear disarmament through US unilateral initiatives to set the example. Stop 'Star Wars' militarization of space."

Mike Gravel on Cuba: (Health Care Nov 1, 2006)
Almost all developed nations provide healthcare for all

Mike Gravel on Cuba: (Welfare & Poverty Nov 1, 2006)
US ranks low worldwide in poverty statistics

The World Health Organization ranked the US 37th [worldwide] for overall health performance and 54th for healthcare fairness. Yet the United States spends more per capita for healthcare than any other nation in the world.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Abortion Oct 11, 2005)
Voted liberal line on partial birth & harm to fetus

Hillary’s votes all echo the liberal line in the Senate
• She opposed the ban on partial birth abortions
• She came down against criminalizing harm to a fetus during an attack on the mother
• She opposed a travel ban to Cuba
• She opposed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage
• She backed extending the ban on assault rifles for 10 years
• She was against Bush’s tax cuts
• She opposed repealing the estate tax
• She opposed limits on class action lawsuits.

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Oct 20, 2000)
Keep Cuban embargo; pay UN bills

Hillary Clinton on Cuba: (Families & Children Apr 2, 2000)
Decide Elian’s fate via ongoing INS legal process

John Kasich on Cuba: (Foreign Policy Nov 1, 1996)
No diplomatic relations with Cuba nor Vietnam

A: No.

Q: Should the US have diplomatic relations with the government of Vietnam?

A: No.

Q: Should the US continue funding for Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty?

A: No.

A: Yes.

Q: Should the US continue funding for Radio Free Asia?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the deployment of US troops to the former Yugoslavia?

A: No.

John Kasich on Cuba: (Free Trade Nov 1, 1996)
Supports NAFTA and GATT

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support broadening NAFTA to include other countries?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba?

A: No.

Q: Do you support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products?

A: Yes.