“These 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked. It’s time for a new approach,” Obama said in his speech today, announcing that fine Havana cigars will soon be available over the counter at fine tobacconists all across the United States.
It’s pretty amazing. Soon, hordes of American tourists will descend on Cuban beaches, reminding them all of why they wanted to get rid of us in the first place. We will exchange diplomats and a few entrepreneurial types will carve out a niche for themselves.
The last 50 years will start to fade into memory.
There are three ways in which I think this is a wonderful thing.
First, I think it will be good for Cuba. The tourist dollars won’t hurt, but the relaxation of trade inhibitions will do wonders. They would probably have a thriving, vibrant economy today if we hadn’t been blockading them damned near since I was born.
Second, I think it will be good for the United States, although less so. The U.S. is huge. Only a tiny minority of people, most of whom live in Florida, will be directly affected. But, it’s one more conflict we won’t need to worry about. One problem solved. The next time some smart ass right winger makes a comment about Obama’s Nobel Prize, you can mention this.
The third great thing about this is in the quote above. If something hasn’t worked for 50 years, it’s time to scratch it and start a new approach. Going by that same, beautiful logic we should also end the war on drugs.
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