What could we learn from Cuba

Perhaps we should end the embargo for no other reason than to learn from them. Let's review the highlights that I read:

• Less dependence on Oil
• Increased Conservation of natural resources
• Urban Agriculture reduces food transportation costs
• 21x Reduction in the use of pesticides
• Reduction in the need of Imports
• Widespread use of Solar Power
• Priority on Education matching US's literacy rate
• Average life expectancy the same as US
• Infant Mortality Rate lower than the US

http://globalpublicmedia.com/articles/657

 

We could learn how to roll cigars :mrgreen:

 

I can just picture all the flames on Socialism this is going to get.

I agree we could learn a lot from these folks and I cannot understand this childish stance we have taken with them. But there clearly are some problems there and I am not about to go live there.

 

Understand and I would not choose Cuba to live, but they have done well since there economy collapsed. Our narrow focus is missing a valuable trading partner and a teacher on how to transition away from oil and the benefits associated.

 

Agreed

 

We trade with China so we may as well trade with Cuba. What I don't understand is if these countries believe international trade is so wonderful (which they obviously do), why don't they apply the same economic principles within their own borders. Food in Cuba is rationed because of the inefficiencies of a centralized government.

If you think health care in Cuba is efficient, I've got some great beach property in Tennessee I'll sell you real cheap.

 

Did you read the article? They have farmer's markets that are private and provide food throughout the year. They are not rationing food they just choose to produce it locally through ecologically friendly means instead of importing it.

I strongly disagree with socialized medicine, but their life expectancy and infant mortality rate is admirable.

 

How do you measure efficiency in health care?

Bear in mind, everything they have managed to accomplish has been done in the face of steadfast opposition from the most powerful nation in the world.

There are plenty of things about the U.S. that are better than Cuba, starting with our Constitution and the rights it protects. That doesn't mean we can't learn from others, even Cuba.

 

There is no economic system better than free trade. It is not government's job to allocate resources. Its job is to let us be free.

Here is an alternative view.

With a 1990 cutoff of aid from the Soviet Union, there has been a huge decline in living standards...

...a third of Cuban doctors had been shipped to Venezuela, leaving many with no access to any health care at all...

Countries differ, for example, in how they count births. ...Cubans are often pressured into abortions if there is a chance a baby might require extra medical care.

At seven in 10 pregnancies, Cuba's abortion rate is Latin America's highest, said Fontova. Cuba also has one of the world's highest suicide rates, which also doesn't show up in expectancy data.

Rationing in Cuba

Cow killers can get four to 10 years in prison... Those who transport or sell the meat from an illegally slaughtered cow can get three to eight years.

Yes, we can learn a lot from Cuba.

 

In a purely economic argument, why do we trade with China and not with Cuba? We are the closest trading partner to Cuba. And, if the conservatives were so sure of the almighty dollar's power, why won't they let that power loose on Cuba. Hey, if McDonald's in Russia were the foretelling of the demise of Communism, I figure it will work out as well in Cuba.

 

Why is the conservatives that don't want to trade with Cuba? I like their Cigars just like you lefty leftist lefticles.

 

The embargo on Cuba goes way deeper than simply conservative or liberal view or politics. Pick up a copy of this months Cigar Aficionado for an in depth view on Cuba.

If they open Cuba up I'll be rushing for the door in. Some of the most beautiful Caribbean property out there. 80 mile commute to the US and about as cheap as you can get in the islands for property. Not to mention the best cigars made and awesome coffee.

 

The US does not have free trade and governments prevent free trade. Any embargo or tariff is contrary to free trade.

I read the article and it mainly talks about the health care. Illegal cow killing does not equal rationing. Out of my 9 points I referenced, only 2 may be in play in this article so yeah I still think there is a lot we could learn from Cuba about transitioning away from oil and better food supplies.

 

I think once the Castros die off everything will return to normal.

 

POLITICAL PRISONERS. TORTURE. KILLING THOSE THAT WANT TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. MORE TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT NOT TO DO FROM CUBA. IF IT IS SUCH A GREAT PLACE WHY DONT THEY OPEN THE BORDERS TO THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND SEE HOW MANY ARE LEFT THERE AFTER THE END OF THE DAY.

 

Blingo, why do you post here? Typically, like now, you have nothing of value to add.

 

Because Florida is full.

 

What is normal?

 

His brother isn't much different. But he does have a soft spot for the people and the poverty level. I belive he will be easily swayed to drop the socialist fence if Fidel were to die. But don't forget the struggle Russia had with democracy. Expect to see the same in Cuba when they eventually change.

 

The article I read was about the change to a more agrarian society and the reduction in oil based technology, but if you want to jump into political I can go there.
Why not do the same thing to Cuba that we have done to China. End the embargo and you will end communism in Cuba. They can act like they are communists like China, but they will end up like China. No way the Communist government in China can end capitalism now.