Since the President chose to mention Cuba in his SOTU address, perhaps he has his own plans, what's our best guess as to what will happen?

Boy that is a hard one to guess.

Raul has been seen to be softening his previous very hard commie stance recently. (He was even harsher than Fidel for most of the commie dictatorship)

But, lately, there have been some small hints that he might edge toward a more capitalist system, and a bit more democracy.

However, that being said, one must assume that he will be worse than Fidel based on the last 40 years of evidence based on his actions.

So, all I can say is that it could go either way if he is able to hold onto power.

Regardless, though, I'd still hope someone shoots him square in the forehead with a large caliber weapon.... but only after some suitable pain giving measures being applied to his most sensitive areas.

The US help the mob bribe themselves in again, maybe :p

The US help the mob bribe themselves in again, maybe :p


Don't you just mean the U.S. then?

I think he will loosen up things, but not so much that it will become a democracy. maybe all kinds of trouble will follow.

Now maybe all of you poor disadvantaged southerners havent had the opportunity to enjoy the beaches of Varadero or the tranquility of Trinidad but like it or not Cuba is and has been for many years developing a world class tourist industry. Most of it is owned by either Canadians or Europeans so there just wont be much left for either the mob or Americans to take over when the US finally does wise up and end it Anti Cuba policy.

It will be the slow match that mixes Cuban socialism with capitalism and brings Cuba into the 21st century a strong independant country. With an excellent education system and healthcare system. (once the have access to the resources) Most of the guys here would salivate over the 55-57 chevy's on the streets.

I loved Cuba and her people and hope that what ever happens they dont lose their independance and joy of life.

it's sad that the vast majority only know 3 things about Cuba:

1) good cigars
2) Fidel Castro
3) Commumisn

in that order

Also, these options are not mutually exclusive.

"US pressures Cuba to introduce Democracy" is already happening, so I pick that one.

You forgot the kill Raul option.

it's sad that the vast majority only know 3 things about Cuba:

1) good cigars
2) Fidel Castro
3) Commumisn

in that order

You should have said the vast majority of "Americans" because many, many Canadians (and Europeans) have actually been there. For some it is the prefered location for winter holidays. Ask most Canadians about Cuba and you will get a detailed response often from personal experience. About 400,000 canadians visit Cuba each year. Their response would probably be;

1. Friendly people
2. Great Beaches
3 Wonderful food and great light Rum

Don't you know that Castro is going to die at the age of 187?

Nothing. Why would it? Cuba will continue to deterioriate and fall into increasing poverty. The less than optimal medical care will continue to decline as will all government institutions but failure is far off.

Mark

I hope he dies soon, honestly I'm part Cuban and lived in La Havana all my childhood I left in 1994 and I haven't touched Cuban floor since, It sucks!! If he dies maybe I will be able to go back.

Back to Castro, again, I hope he dies soon
It's sounds mean but that's how it is.

I predict:

It will be much like when the (Iron Curtin) wall came down…’the people’ will just take over…the ‘cops’ will either run or just stand there, watching it happen.

The mob won’t be back, but Steve Winn will be.

Don't you know that Castro is going to die at the age of 187?

lol.. I was thinking something along those lines. I was gonna say, what do you mean, "When Castro dies"? Think "Weekend at Bernie's", for as long as they can get away with it.

I loved Cuba and her people and hope that what ever happens they dont lose their independance and joy of life.

Tell THAT to the many thousands that fled their country to get AWAY from Cuba.... tell THAT to the many thousands that Castro imprisoned, tortured and killed.

You are a fool to believe that Cuba is a paradise of "independence".

Tell THAT to the many thousands that fled their country to get AWAY from Cuba.... tell THAT to the many thousands that Castro imprisoned, tortured and killed.

You are a fool to believe that Cuba is a paradise of "independence".

She didn't say she thought Cuba was a paradise of anything. Why call her a fool for something you put in her mouth?

I think she was simply bearing witness to the independent spirit of the Cuban nation. They are unique in their record of resisting the imperialist dictates of the world's largest military power.

M.

I loved Cuba and her people and hope that what ever happens they dont lose their independance and joy of life.

Wow. I missed that when I first read the thread. "Their independence?" I hope you didn't mean that in the way it sounds. Because if so, that has got to be the most ridiculous thing I've read on this site in a looooong time.

And I'm sure the all people who want to leave the island but can't and all the political prisoners or people beaten or shot for their views feel "the joy of life." :rolleyes:

Tell THAT to the many thousands that fled their country to get AWAY from Cuba.... tell THAT to the many thousands that Castro imprisoned, tortured and killed.

You are a fool to believe that Cuba is a paradise of "independence".

You are the fool for speaking about something that you know nothing about nor have any first hand experience at all. Cuba is not Castro. The cuban people and Cuban independence from the Notre americanos is important to keep their identity. As with most of americas recent Foriegn policy their Cuban policy has been just plain stupid. Ultimately when the time comes the US will find the commercial ties are to Europe and Canada not to the US. Communism will break down but it will probably evolve to Socialism as opposed to American style democracy,

...Cuban independence from the Notre americanos ...

It is moronic to say Cubans are somehow in thrall to the "Norte Americanos". It is ignorant to posit that these "Norte Americanos" you so despise are as bad as Castro in stifling Cuba's "independence".

To imagine that your hated "Norte Americanos" are worse than Castro proves that you hate America more than you know ANYTHING about Cuba. It shows your lack of perspective and your total empty logic.

Congratulations for turning a blind eye to Castro's 40 year reign of terror.

Few Cubans would agree with your foolishness, however.

MV's matra:

Post positively about Cuba = anti American

86 Mantra

Post positively about Cuba = commie lover/apologist.

Raul will make Cuba a capitalist dictatorship like China now is.

Raul will make Cuba a capitalist dictatorship like China now is.

You ... at long last ... might have said something correct.

That was your once in a life time. You may now return to your normal communist hatemongering.
:)