Your thoughts on the Presidents actions today on Cuban embargo?
 

This policy change happened without the congress weighing in. What think you?

What President Obama did today
 

No Embargo was lifted.
An American Citizen was released from a foreign prison. :smiley:
Congress did not need to be consulted.
If they did, he would be there another 5 years.

NO. Much more than that. Embassies are opened in both countries. Travel restrictions were lifted and restrictions on Cuban and American banks working together were lifted.

Looking forward to some good Cuban rum. In stores I see clothes made in Viet Nam, and of course China everywhere.

From the CNN News story: "While only Congress can formally overturn the five decades-long embargo, the White House has some authorities to liberalize trade and travel to the island. And Obama said he plans to "engage Congress in an honest and serious conversation" on lifting it." ("It" being the embargo.)

So the embargo was not lifted. What could be done to ease tensions, and bring home some Americans, was done. It is only a start. It is interesting too that the Pope was instrumental in the dialog, as well as Canadian diplomats.

Here is a link to the CNN article for those interested:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/17/politi...html?hpt=hp_t1

Does anyone remember when these things didn't happen without consulting the congress? IN MY OPINION This precedent is new and troubling. I think if the reverse were true and a Republican president acted without a mother may I, you would feel the same way.

Well, long before my time, FDR did a number of things "outside the law" to provide England with support to fight Nazism. I think presidents have leeway, and many have used it, to take action when otherwise it might not have been. A majority might not always agree.

I did not state which political party I support.

uh huh.

Some folks always justify what Obama does by saying well President------ did
what they fail to mention or perhaps recognize is not the tool (executive decision/action) but its application and affect on this nation. Obama has made many decisions on his own with his pen and phone that will have long lasting negative affects on this nation.

I wonder what other assumptions can be made by my posting some facts from a reputable news source. I mentioned the Pope. I must be Catholic. I mentioned the Canadians. Not quite sure where to go with that one.

I seldom join in political discussion. Now I remember why. I'm labeled simply because I posted some information. Sorry I interfered.

Jeb's and Rubio's very hasty and severely critical attacks aimed at Obama was troubling. Very un-presidential.

Welcome to my world! :22yikes:

I for one am glad you interfered and offered some facts rather than assumptions. It opens the way up for people to express their opinions about what actually happened, not what they perceived has happened.

On the other hand, this is a political discussion and should be taken down!

No embassies have been opened yet. Congress has to approve funding for a US embassy in Cuba, and they have adjourned for the year.

Americans want to travel to Cuba, and Cuba would welcome tourists to help their economy, so it sounds like a win, win situation. There will still be many restrictions on traveling to Cuba.

This deal sounds like an early Christmas present for the Cuban people, and there is much celebrating going on in Havana and in Little Havana in Miami.

I do not agree that discussing and or asking an opinion of what was done today = political discussion and should be taken down.

Some do choose to wander off and make it a political issue as they do not know how to discuss without either advertizing their political stance or picking at the othe parties.

And of course we have a smattering of those who believe if you say a certain name or location it is political...when it is not.

Yes what happens in around to or with Cuba is of concern to many of us. I think we should be aloowed to discuss it like adults as most are attempting to do.

I frankly am pleased the admin and owners are allowing some of these worldly subjects to be posted and pusued. Done right, we will all learn something.
The option for those who do not want to participate in a particular thread or do not like the subject matter of do not care for the tone.....can very easily just not enter. Politics is a fact of life that will affect how you may live in the future.

No need to apologize: it was an informative post. Don't let the score keeper change your game.

Agree with Gracie

What is wrong with that ?

I don't see that the "embargo" was accomplishing much at this point, other than imposing hardships on the Cuban people. If it hasn't accomplished its intended purpose after 50 to 60 years, why keep it?
As to whether or not this is an approprite executive action, that's another question. Was it congress that handled the Cuban Missile Crisis, or was it mainly Mr. Kennedy?

I agree with everything you both say!

I welcome the change...it is long overdue. And it'll be good for American businesses.

On a side note , now if they were to close Guantanamo it would be a great location for The Villages 2.0
It is 81* there today.

Lots of amenities.

If you build it they will come.

[QUOTE=graciegirl;982337]The Dow is up.

17,300 vs 6,500 in March, 2009. I would venture to say that the economy has definitely improved!

Also, there is no reason for an embargo on Cuba. We have trading with Communist China as our largest trading partners and they have human rights violations up the wazoo.

As for Congressional discussion, that is WORTHLESS as nothing can be discussed logically in Congress. President Obama is right in his unilateral actions.