[graciegirl]

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

[jflynn1]

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by jflynn1

No Embargo was lifted.
An American Citizen was released from a foreign prison.
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.

[Chi-Town]

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

[Hankg42]

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Hankg42

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:

Obama: Isolating Cuba hasn't worked - CNN.com

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.

[Hankg42]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Does anyone remember when these things didn't happen without consulting the congress? This precedent is new and troubling...even if the end result is good.

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.

[Hankg42]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.

I did not state which political party I support.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Hankg42

I did not state which political party I support.

uh huh.

[rubicon]

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.

[Hankg42]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

uh huh.

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.

[Paper1]

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

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by Hankg42

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.

Welcome to my world!

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Hankg42

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.

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!

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.

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.