2008 Woodie Awards
WHY WE SHOULD LIFT THE EMBARGO ON CUBA
Observer Opinions Editor
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Observations
The United States economy isn't doing too well this year. Unemployment is on the rise, the government is bailing out financial institutions, and food and gas prices on the rise. It's time we reconsidered our trade embargo on Cuba.
To begin with, the despot ruler with whom we have had so many disagreements is out of office. Fidel Castro is on his death bed, and his brother is close behind. The Cold War is over, and capitalism has started seeping into Cuba, with the advent of cell phones and other consumer goods.
And speaking of consumer goods, the embargo on Cuba is the sole reason why many of our snacks and other foodstuffs are filled with high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar.
HFCS is similar to sugar, but many studies have pointed out that it is potentially very unhealthy for the average user. Along with the typical sedentary American lifestyle, there has been a correlation of increased hypertension and diabetes with the advent of HFCS. The same effect is being realized in Turkey where diets have switched over to processed and fast foods over fresh foods.
More importantly, however, is that sugar tastes a million times better than HFCS. This is not merely a subjective rant; if you have never had the pleasure of a Coca-Cola with sugar instead of corn syrup, I implore you to wait for the Jewish holiday of Passover and visit any one of your local supermarkets.
With luck, you will find the Coca-Cola glass bottles that come with sugar instead of corn syrup. You will taste them, and you will cry because of how long you have missed out on the simple, tasty goodness of sugar.
But perhaps more important than that is the economy itself. Trading with Cuba could create thousands of jobs, both in the shipping and production industry. If we started importing more sugar, it would take employees to maintain and distribute the sugar.
We may also be able to ship products to Cuba (with a population of over ten million), or even to go to their island. Many citizens of other nations already engage in medical tourism, in which they are able to receive medical care in Cuba for much less than the cost in their respective countries, especially the United States.
Cuba is not a threat to us. It's time to end this foolish embargo and embrace whatever limited trade we can engage in with them. It will bolster our economy, and may turn an indifferent enemy into a friend.
To begin with, the despot ruler with whom we have had so many disagreements is out of office. Fidel Castro is on his death bed, and his brother is close behind. The Cold War is over, and capitalism has started seeping into Cuba, with the advent of cell phones and other consumer goods.
And speaking of consumer goods, the embargo on Cuba is the sole reason why many of our snacks and other foodstuffs are filled with high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar.
HFCS is similar to sugar, but many studies have pointed out that it is potentially very unhealthy for the average user. Along with the typical sedentary American lifestyle, there has been a correlation of increased hypertension and diabetes with the advent of HFCS. The same effect is being realized in Turkey where diets have switched over to processed and fast foods over fresh foods.
More importantly, however, is that sugar tastes a million times better than HFCS. This is not merely a subjective rant; if you have never had the pleasure of a Coca-Cola with sugar instead of corn syrup, I implore you to wait for the Jewish holiday of Passover and visit any one of your local supermarkets.
With luck, you will find the Coca-Cola glass bottles that come with sugar instead of corn syrup. You will taste them, and you will cry because of how long you have missed out on the simple, tasty goodness of sugar.
But perhaps more important than that is the economy itself. Trading with Cuba could create thousands of jobs, both in the shipping and production industry. If we started importing more sugar, it would take employees to maintain and distribute the sugar.
We may also be able to ship products to Cuba (with a population of over ten million), or even to go to their island. Many citizens of other nations already engage in medical tourism, in which they are able to receive medical care in Cuba for much less than the cost in their respective countries, especially the United States.
Cuba is not a threat to us. It's time to end this foolish embargo and embrace whatever limited trade we can engage in with them. It will bolster our economy, and may turn an indifferent enemy into a friend.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ray Cobb
posted 10/16/08 @ 10:29 PM EST
I agree with this article. The embargo has long ago
served it's purpose. The Cuban people are very friendly
people. I plan to visit when the embargo is lifted. (Continued…)
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