Should the Trade Embargo on Cuba Be Lifted? Three years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba and installed a Communist regime, the U.S. government initiated a trade embargo against the nation. The embargo was intended to put economic pressure on the Cuban government. Today the embargo is still in effect— one of the longest trade embargos in modern history. Opponents on each side of the issue debate its effectiveness. Who is right? As you read the selections, ask yourself: Should the trade embargo on Cuba be lifted or remain in place? PRO A HALF-CENTURY OF FAILURE For almost half a century, the U.S. government has tried to isolate Cuba economically in an effort to undermine the [Communist] regime [of Fidel Castro] and deprive it of resources. Since 1960, Americans have been barred from trading with, investing in, or traveling to Cuba. . . . As a foreign policy tool, the embargo actually enhances Castro’s standing by giving him a handy excuse for the failures of his homegrown Caribbean socialism. . . . If the embargo were lifted, the Cuban people would be a bit less deprived and Castro would have no one else to blame for the shortages and stagnation that will persist without real market reforms. . . . Many of the dollars Cubans could earn from U.S. tourists would come back to the United States to buy American products, especially farm goods. In 2000, Congress approved a modest opening of the embargo. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 allows cash-only sales to Cuba of U.S. farm products and medical supplies. The results of this opening have been quite amazing. Since 2000, total sales of farm products to Cuba have increased from virtually zero to $380 million. . . CON SUBSIDIZE COMMUNIST CUBA? At the end of July [2002], the U.S. House of Representatives voted on two amendments, each approved by 95 vote margins, to end restrictions on travel and lift restrictions on financing exports to Cuba. . . . While the White House has threatened to veto any legislation that would “bolster the Cuban dictatorship,” the anti-Embargo lobby argues that U.S. tourism will benefit Cubans without strengthening Castro, and that trade with Havana will mean substantial American profits. These arguments are misguided at best and disingenuous at worst. Fidel Castro is broke, and at issue is not trade, but extending American export credit and export insurance to his regime, both of which are funded by American taxpayers. Since [2006], American companies are allowed to ‘trade’ with Castro’s government on a cash and carry basis. But when Castro defaults on his purchases, under the proposed policy American taxpayers will have the burden of picking up his tab. . . . France, Spain, Italy and Venezuela have suspended official credits to Castro’s Cuba—not because of the Cuban communities in those nations—but because Cuba has failed to make payments on its debt, including debt incurred on agricultural purchases. . . . Havana owes billions of dollars to western banks and former socialist countries. Analyzing the Issue Question 1. Summarizing What argument does Griswold use to support his argument that the embargo should be lifted? 2. Analyzing Review Calzon’s argument. Do you agree with him that trade with Cuba would be a misguided policy? 3. Deciding With which opinion do you agree? Explain your reasoning

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Should the Trade Embargo on Cuba Be Lifted?

Three years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba and installed a Communist regime, the U.S. government initiated a trade embargo against the nation. The embargo was intended to put economic pressure on the Cuban government. Today the embargo is still in effect— one of the longest trade embargos in modern history. Opponents on each side of the issue debate its effectiveness. Who is right? As you read the selections, ask yourself: Should the trade embargo on Cuba be lifted or remain in place?

PRO A HALF-CENTURY OF FAILURE

For almost half a century, the U.S. government has tried to isolate Cuba economically in an effort to undermine the [Communist] regime [of Fidel Castro] and deprive it of resources. Since 1960, Americans have been barred from trading with, investing in, or traveling to Cuba. . . . As a foreign policy tool, the embargo actually enhances Castro’s standing by giving him a handy excuse for the failures of his homegrown Caribbean socialism. . . . If the embargo were lifted, the Cuban people would be a bit less deprived and Castro would have no one else to blame for the shortages and stagnation that will persist without real market reforms. . . . Many of the dollars Cubans could earn from U.S. tourists would come back to the United States to buy American products, especially farm goods. In 2000, Congress approved a modest opening of the embargo. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 allows cash-only sales to Cuba of U.S. farm products and medical supplies. The results of this opening have been quite amazing. Since 2000, total sales of farm products to Cuba have increased from virtually zero to $380 million. . .

CON SUBSIDIZE COMMUNIST CUBA?

At the end of July [2002], the U.S. House of Representatives voted on two amendments, each approved by 95 vote margins, to end restrictions on travel and lift restrictions on financing exports to Cuba. . . . While the White House has threatened to veto any legislation that would “bolster the Cuban dictatorship,” the anti-Embargo lobby argues that U.S. tourism will benefit Cubans without strengthening Castro, and that trade with Havana will mean substantial American profits. These arguments are misguided at best and disingenuous at worst. Fidel Castro is broke, and at issue is not trade, but extending American export credit and export insurance to his regime, both of which are funded by American taxpayers. Since [2006], American companies are allowed to ‘trade’ with Castro’s government on a cash and carry basis. But when Castro defaults on his purchases, under the proposed policy American taxpayers will have the burden of picking up his tab. . . . France, Spain, Italy and Venezuela have suspended official credits to Castro’s Cuba—not because of the Cuban communities in those nations—but because Cuba has failed to make payments on its debt, including debt incurred on agricultural purchases. . . . Havana owes billions of dollars to western banks and former socialist countries.

Analyzing the Issue Question

1. Summarizing What argument does Griswold use to support his argument that the embargo should be lifted?

2. Analyzing Review Calzon’s argument. Do you agree with him that trade with Cuba would be a misguided policy?

3. Deciding With which opinion do you agree? Explain your reasoning

 

 

 

 

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