There are many Americans, political leaders and ordinary citizens alike, whose primary concern for Cuba is to see a democracy established there -- so the people there may pursue life, liberty and happiness just as we do.
Despite his rhetoric, I do not believe those goals are what Senator Dodd hopes to achieve ultimately -- it's just not the way a socialist Democrat thinks, ideologically there's not much that separates Dodd and Castro.
OK -- so instead of "exploiting" a Cuban worker by paying them $20/month, we'll pay 'em $500/month. Still, a whole lot less than the mythical John Deere union-worker makes in Moline. Then our consciences are eased and the Cubans themselves feel "saved," and flush with cash. And, instead of Castro, U.S. companies will become the "middlemen" who broker cheap Cuban labor and manufacturing capabilities.
This is the same scenario we see in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Mexico and others. Why would Cuba be any different ??
And, politically, it'll be much more palatable for Wal-Mart to do business with a "democratic" Cuba than sending all those U.S. dollars to Chinese communists.
I'll tell you what, we can solve Dodd's argument with a compromise. Let's end the trade embargo. Americans can buy anything Cuba has to offer and sell Cubans anything they have the dollars to exchange. But, U.S. law will continue to prohibit direct American investment in the Cuban economy.
Do you think Dodd and his side of the aisle would agree with that approach ?? If humanitarian trade is his real objective -- then he ought to support trade -- but, direct investment is a different issue.
Maybe, we should go ahead and "trade" with Cuba today -- when they install a democratically elected government, then we'll consider allowing direct investment in the Cuban infrastructure??
What do you think about that ??
If we really "care" about Cuba's economic future and prosperity, give 'em the opportunity to home-grow their own capitalists !!