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Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:01 pm
by GreenGoo
I like tjg. He does seem unusually grumpy lately though.

*hugz*

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:05 pm
by GreenGoo
RunningMn9 wrote:
Chrisoc13 wrote:I love the "myth" of loud American tourists.
I would agree that the problem isn't ALL American tourists. But every time I've seen an absurdly loud and annoying tourist, it has ALWAYS been an American. I can accept that my anecdotal evidence is not natural law, but in my experience, it's not a myth.

There are a disproportionate number of American tourists that are entitled douches when they travel. Watching some asshole in the Dublin airport harassing the shit out of some Irish TSA-equivalent that wanted him to do something with his bottles of liquids - and he was yelling at the top of his lungs about how they couldn't do this to him BECAUSE HE WAS AN AMERICAN. It's embarrassing when it happens, and I was just minding my own business.
Don't forget there is an absolute crapload of media that enjoys using that stereotype for everything from humour to outrage, so there is a lot of reinforcement out there. A lot of it is American made media too.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:12 pm
by GreenGoo
RunningMn9 wrote:
Defiant wrote:For predictable things, absolutely. For 80-90, sure. But for that other 10-20% that causes many of the problems. And in some cases, there are no good plans, only least bad options.
This is one of those predictable things. Our current policy towards Cuba was enacted over almost two years. It wasn't a response to a 3 AM phone call (i.e. Cuban Missile Crisis). The 3 AM phone call was almost certainly directly the result of the policy we put in place.

Also, I'm confused as to why you be arguing that I live in a dream world for saying that when we enact foreign policy initiatives, we have an end game in mind....and then you post a clear cut example of the US enacting foreign policy...with a very specific end game laid out in the bill. Why did you do that?
It seems like you guys are talking past each other.

OBVIOUSLY, no foreign policy is put in place without a purpose. No one is making random policy, even if it seems like it at times.

Equally OBVIOUSLY, we can't know that the policy will have the effect we want, and sometimes we completely misjudge the cause/effect relationship of policy.

With that out of the way, this specific policy with regard to Cuba doesn't seem to be serving any valid modern day purpose. It's a relic of a bygone time that may have made sense 45+ years ago, but making friends with neighbours seems like a good idea, unless there is a substantial, specific reason not to.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:17 pm
by Carpet_pissr
Chrisoc13 wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:The stereotype about loud traveling Americans, relative to other "people" is no myth, IMO.

Anecdotal, yes, but 20+ years of living and traveling abroad worth of anecdotal evidence.
Ah reread what I said. It is a myth in that it is only Americans. Like I said, all tourists are annoying. That is the myth, that it is an American problem. I've been thoroughly annoyed by just about every race and nationality while traveling or when they are tourists here in the US.
I got what you said, I just don't agree with the assertion. Not a biggie.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:23 pm
by Holman
Who knew the 2nd U.S.-Canadian war would be fought over Cuba?

REMEMBER THE [state of] MAINE!!!

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:24 pm
by Isgrimnur
Cheese and syrup futures are going to skyrocket.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:52 pm
by Jeff V
GreenGoo wrote:I like tjg. He does seem unusually grumpy lately though.

*hugz*
Maybe since he moved to Nowhereland?

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:01 pm
by Defiant
RunningMn9 wrote:
Defiant wrote:For predictable things, absolutely. For 80-90, sure. But for that other 10-20% that causes many of the problems. And in some cases, there are no good plans, only least bad options.
This is one of those predictable things. Our current policy towards Cuba was enacted over almost two years. It wasn't a response to a 3 AM phone call (i.e. Cuban Missile Crisis). The 3 AM phone call was almost certainly directly the result of the policy we put in place.

Also, I'm confused as to why you be arguing that I live in a dream world for saying that when we enact foreign policy initiatives, we have an end game in mind....and then you post a clear cut example of the US enacting foreign policy...with a very specific end game laid out in the bill. Why did you do that?
I'm saying that there are usually end games in mind (eg, non-3AM phone call issues) but there are many examples when those endgames are incorrect/unrealistic/naive. I didn't say that there was no end game to this particular issue.

(I would also suggest that there are events that have spanned months or years where we've been fumbling for a policy, hoping everything resolves itself, like addressing the nuclear issue with the fall of the soviet union, or the arab spring. I don't consider hoping that everything somehow resolves itself a real "end game")

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:13 pm
by Defiant
GreenGoo wrote: With that out of the way, this specific policy with regard to Cuba doesn't seem to be serving any valid modern day purpose. It's a relic of a bygone time that may have made sense 45+ years ago, but making friends with neighbours seems like a good idea, unless there is a substantial, specific reason not to.
Now that Castro is no longer in power, and Cuba does not, AFAIK, pose a substantial threat to us or our allies, it does seem reasonable to lift most of the sanctions (I'd leave any military, etc, sanctions in place, and possibly some amount of sanctions in place as leverage (eg, to address it's human rights/etc))

There's still a specific reason not to, though - namely the votes as well as the political capital it would cost to enact. Cuba is low on my list of important things right now, and I would imagine (to me at least) there are more important things that political capital could be spent on.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:17 pm
by tjg_marantz
Not grumpy. If you are referring to the dog thread, I stand by everything I said.
Apparently, no one noticed that I also took Quebecers to task as tourists. And I never said excessive airport security... just that the U.S.had caught up to Cuba in armed presence at airports. Not a bad thing, not a good thing, just a thing. And yes, the armed security personnel at American airports are more intimidating than Cuban armed personnel. Probably because they have a reason to be. Doesn't mean I can't notice it.

And it's MiddleOfNowhereLand, thank you very much :-)

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:20 pm
by geezer
I went to Vancouver last fall. It was very nice. And that's really all I have to say on this topic. except I'd love to go to Cuba sometime as well.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:48 pm
by Defiant
Chrisoc13 wrote: all tourists are annoying
This (well, most typical tourists, at any rate). Especially when they're in a herd.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:52 pm
by gbasden
RunningMn9 wrote: I would agree that the problem isn't ALL American tourists. But every time I've seen an absurdly loud and annoying tourist, it has ALWAYS been an American. I can accept that my anecdotal evidence is not natural law, but in my experience, it's not a myth.

There are a disproportionate number of American tourists that are entitled douches when they travel. Watching some asshole in the Dublin airport harassing the shit out of some Irish TSA-equivalent that wanted him to do something with his bottles of liquids - and he was yelling at the top of his lungs about how they couldn't do this to him BECAUSE HE WAS AN AMERICAN. It's embarrassing when it happens, and I was just minding my own business.
Yeah. Sadly I've seen this far too often. I certainly agree that we have no monopoly on being assholes, but if I am traveling and somebody is being a self entitled douchebag it's even odds that said asshole is an American. I think it's getting better - that sense of self importance seems to be more prevalent in older folks. I can hope, at least.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:54 pm
by Rip
tjg_marantz wrote:Not grumpy. If you are referring to the dog thread, I stand by everything I said.
Apparently, no one noticed that I also took Quebecers to task as tourists. And I never said excessive airport security... just that the U.S.had caught up to Cuba in armed presence at airports. Not a bad thing, not a good thing, just a thing. And yes, the armed security personnel at American airports are more intimidating than Cuban armed personnel. Probably because they have a reason to be. Doesn't mean I can't notice it.

And it's MiddleOfNowhereLand, thank you very much :-)

You should also note that this is at the airports you have visited.

I go to the local airport frequently, walk right through out onto the tarmac, throw my stuff in the back and jump right into the seat. No armed presence, no metal detector/scanner, no interaction with anyone other than the pilot. There is a helper guy running around to help with bags if you need and a girl at the front desk. Airports that have international flights, well of course they have tons of security. Such is the world we live in.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:58 pm
by RunningMn9
Defiant wrote:I'm saying that there are usually end games in mind (eg, non-3AM phone call issues) but there are many examples when those endgames are incorrect/unrealistic/naive. I didn't say that there was no end game to this particular issue.
Ah, well, then we are mostly agreed, except for the part where you called what I was saying as being full of poppycock.

To clarify - our foreign policy towards Cuba did have an end game. The problem is that all the people that knew what it was are dead. So the people that were left just kept following the policy, and eventually (1992) decided to create a new end game and a new set of reasons for continuing to follow the policy.

And so here we were, 50 years gone, most of that spent punishing the people of Cuba while the focus of our ire was getting along just fine.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 2:57 pm
by Enough
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:Now that Rand Paul has come out saying trade with Cuba is probably a good idea, what is the firebrand conservative to do? :D
Ummmm, yea, what he said was much more complicated and nuanced than that reports. But what do you expect from huffingtonpost.com for all the grief you guys give places like Breitbart at least they give you the entire story and don't try to make it look like what he said was directly in-line and supportive of Obama's approach.
What's the timeline on the new interview? Did it occur after the press on first interview came out and he had to re-buff his firebrand street cred? Oh yes it did, this interview came out after the article I linked (and the countless others from many news outlets) and per your own linked source it appears to be a direct reaction and contradiction to his clear earlier interview. But his new argument to keep the embargo until free and open elections makes no sense when he claims the old approach has been a failure (which was wait for it... free and open elections). So basically Rand is being a slimy, squishy politician talking out of both sides of his mouth. He's just another opportunistic politico, not the uncompromising paragon you all had hoped he was.

Oh and I fully agree HuffPost is overall an awful source, not that it really mattered in this case. Will you admit the same about Breitbart?
Depends on the story. This one like other is just a piece about two radio interviews. Both can show some bias when it comes to investigative reporting, but this ain't that.
OMG, you are hilarious. You first totally get the Rand Paul thing wrong (even Rubio saw his remarks the same way as the article I posted) and now you are too proud to admit that Breitbart is a terrible source. Let us know how China is this time of year when you get there. :D

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:03 pm
by GreenGoo
Defiant wrote:
Chrisoc13 wrote: all tourists are annoying
This (well, most typical tourists, at any rate). Especially when they're in a herd.
I wrote something to this effect but nuked it because it was overly wordy and semi-prejudiced against cultures that are into handwaving and overly verbalizing their emotions as forms of communication.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:05 pm
by GreenGoo
Rip wrote:
tjg_marantz wrote:Not grumpy. If you are referring to the dog thread, I stand by everything I said.
Apparently, no one noticed that I also took Quebecers to task as tourists. And I never said excessive airport security... just that the U.S.had caught up to Cuba in armed presence at airports. Not a bad thing, not a good thing, just a thing. And yes, the armed security personnel at American airports are more intimidating than Cuban armed personnel. Probably because they have a reason to be. Doesn't mean I can't notice it.

And it's MiddleOfNowhereLand, thank you very much :-)

You should also note that this is at the airports you have visited.

I go to the local airport frequently, walk right through out onto the tarmac, throw my stuff in the back and jump right into the seat. No armed presence, no metal detector/scanner, no interaction with anyone other than the pilot. There is a helper guy running around to help with bags if you need and a girl at the front desk. Airports that have international flights, well of course they have tons of security. Such is the world we live in.
He's clearly talking about international airports, so your puddle hoppers need not apply. I don't care whether he's right or not, just that we're comparing apples to apples.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:08 pm
by Isgrimnur
Rip's on record as never flying commercial. Between that and never going to a doctor, his world isn't the same as the hoi polloi.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:56 pm
by Rip
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:Now that Rand Paul has come out saying trade with Cuba is probably a good idea, what is the firebrand conservative to do? :D
Ummmm, yea, what he said was much more complicated and nuanced than that reports. But what do you expect from huffingtonpost.com for all the grief you guys give places like Breitbart at least they give you the entire story and don't try to make it look like what he said was directly in-line and supportive of Obama's approach.
What's the timeline on the new interview? Did it occur after the press on first interview came out and he had to re-buff his firebrand street cred? Oh yes it did, this interview came out after the article I linked (and the countless others from many news outlets) and per your own linked source it appears to be a direct reaction and contradiction to his clear earlier interview. But his new argument to keep the embargo until free and open elections makes no sense when he claims the old approach has been a failure (which was wait for it... free and open elections). So basically Rand is being a slimy, squishy politician talking out of both sides of his mouth. He's just another opportunistic politico, not the uncompromising paragon you all had hoped he was.

Oh and I fully agree HuffPost is overall an awful source, not that it really mattered in this case. Will you admit the same about Breitbart?
Depends on the story. This one like other is just a piece about two radio interviews. Both can show some bias when it comes to investigative reporting, but this ain't that.
OMG, you are hilarious. You first totally get the Rand Paul thing wrong (even Rubio saw his remarks the same way as the article I posted) and now you are too proud to admit that Breitbart is a terrible source. Let us know how China is this time of year when you get there. :D
I didn't think anything about his remarks. I only posted what was said by him in another interview. How can Breitbart be a terrible source for typing out what Paul said. Period. Did they misquote him? Like I said when it comes to opinion they are biased, but news facts are news facts no matter where you read them. The article I linked did nothing more than repeat pretty much exactly what Paul said in the second interview. How is that biased?

If you are questioning it, I will be happy later to go look up another half dozen sources for the second interview but the Breitbart piece was accurate. Not supporting or contradicting what Paul said just pointing out he was far from supporting the president entirely in his approach.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:59 pm
by Rip
Isgrimnur wrote:Rip's on record as never flying commercial. Between that and never going to a doctor, his world isn't the same as the hoi polloi.
I didn't say I never fly commercial, I just avoid it if at all possible. Been to the doctor a handful of times, just I actually pay them for it rather than rely on the insurance gods to pick up a portion in return for my showering them with gold for years.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 4:06 pm
by Enough
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:Now that Rand Paul has come out saying trade with Cuba is probably a good idea, what is the firebrand conservative to do? :D
Ummmm, yea, what he said was much more complicated and nuanced than that reports. But what do you expect from huffingtonpost.com for all the grief you guys give places like Breitbart at least they give you the entire story and don't try to make it look like what he said was directly in-line and supportive of Obama's approach.
What's the timeline on the new interview? Did it occur after the press on first interview came out and he had to re-buff his firebrand street cred? Oh yes it did, this interview came out after the article I linked (and the countless others from many news outlets) and per your own linked source it appears to be a direct reaction and contradiction to his clear earlier interview. But his new argument to keep the embargo until free and open elections makes no sense when he claims the old approach has been a failure (which was wait for it... free and open elections). So basically Rand is being a slimy, squishy politician talking out of both sides of his mouth. He's just another opportunistic politico, not the uncompromising paragon you all had hoped he was.

Oh and I fully agree HuffPost is overall an awful source, not that it really mattered in this case. Will you admit the same about Breitbart?
Depends on the story. This one like other is just a piece about two radio interviews. Both can show some bias when it comes to investigative reporting, but this ain't that.
OMG, you are hilarious. You first totally get the Rand Paul thing wrong (even Rubio saw his remarks the same way as the article I posted) and now you are too proud to admit that Breitbart is a terrible source. Let us know how China is this time of year when you get there. :D
I didn't think anything about his remarks. I only posted what was said by him in another interview. How can Breitbart be a terrible source for typing out what Paul said. Period. Did they misquote him? Like I said when it comes to opinion they are biased, but news facts are news facts no matter where you read them. The article I linked did nothing more than repeat pretty much exactly what Paul said in the second interview. How is that biased?
Right, just as in the case of the factually correct HuffPost article you incorrectly panned as biased crap. But now that we know the other interview happened later and that gobs of conservative-leaning sources reported the exact same thing as HuffPost if not more strongly (see Wall Street and Washington Times articles on Paul's remarks for e.g.). I was happy to admit that HuffPost is a terrible source and was hoping you would be willing to meet in the middle on this. :wink:

PS, I knew there was no way you were going to admit that Paul has shown here that he is a flip-flopper. Meh, it should still make the primaries fun to watch. :pop:

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 4:16 pm
by Rip
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:
Rip wrote:
Enough wrote:Now that Rand Paul has come out saying trade with Cuba is probably a good idea, what is the firebrand conservative to do? :D
Ummmm, yea, what he said was much more complicated and nuanced than that reports. But what do you expect from huffingtonpost.com for all the grief you guys give places like Breitbart at least they give you the entire story and don't try to make it look like what he said was directly in-line and supportive of Obama's approach.
What's the timeline on the new interview? Did it occur after the press on first interview came out and he had to re-buff his firebrand street cred? Oh yes it did, this interview came out after the article I linked (and the countless others from many news outlets) and per your own linked source it appears to be a direct reaction and contradiction to his clear earlier interview. But his new argument to keep the embargo until free and open elections makes no sense when he claims the old approach has been a failure (which was wait for it... free and open elections). So basically Rand is being a slimy, squishy politician talking out of both sides of his mouth. He's just another opportunistic politico, not the uncompromising paragon you all had hoped he was.

Oh and I fully agree HuffPost is overall an awful source, not that it really mattered in this case. Will you admit the same about Breitbart?
Depends on the story. This one like other is just a piece about two radio interviews. Both can show some bias when it comes to investigative reporting, but this ain't that.
OMG, you are hilarious. You first totally get the Rand Paul thing wrong (even Rubio saw his remarks the same way as the article I posted) and now you are too proud to admit that Breitbart is a terrible source. Let us know how China is this time of year when you get there. :D
I didn't think anything about his remarks. I only posted what was said by him in another interview. How can Breitbart be a terrible source for typing out what Paul said. Period. Did they misquote him? Like I said when it comes to opinion they are biased, but news facts are news facts no matter where you read them. The article I linked did nothing more than repeat pretty much exactly what Paul said in the second interview. How is that biased?
Right, just as in the case of the factually correct HuffPost article you incorrectly panned as biased crap. But now that we know the other interview happened later and that gobs of conservative-leaning sources reported the exact same thing as HuffPost if not more strongly (see Wall Street and Washington Times articles on Paul's remarks for e.g.). I was happy to admit that HuffPost is a terrible source and was hoping you would be willing to meet in the middle on this. :wink:

PS, I knew there was no way you were going to admit that Paul has shown here that he is a flip-flopper. Meh, it should still make the primaries fun to watch. :pop:
I wasn't aware at the time the HuffPost was either before the second interview or they hadn't reviewed it. So their article was accurate as to the first interview.

Of course Paul is a flip-flopper and probably a liar. He is a politician, making such a given.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 4:39 pm
by Teggy
Rubio and Paul are having quite the little cat fight.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 4:39 pm
by Chrisoc13
RunningMn9 wrote:
Chrisoc13 wrote:I love the "myth" of loud American tourists.
I would agree that the problem isn't ALL American tourists. But every time I've seen an absurdly loud and annoying tourist, it has ALWAYS been an American. I can accept that my anecdotal evidence is not natural law, but in my experience, it's not a myth.

There are a disproportionate number of American tourists that are entitled douches when they travel. Watching some asshole in the Dublin airport harassing the shit out of some Irish TSA-equivalent that wanted him to do something with his bottles of liquids - and he was yelling at the top of his lungs about how they couldn't do this to him BECAUSE HE WAS AN AMERICAN. It's embarrassing when it happens, and I was just minding my own business.
Yeah I've seen quite a number of terrible tourists be American. But I think it is laughable to assume every culture doesn't have their share of jerks.

Speaking of Canadians in tourism I remember one of the worst tourists I ever saw was Canadian in Panama. We were in a long line at the bank since the only ATM in town was down and everyone was trying to get money. They use the US dollar in Panama as their main currency but I needed to withdraw money. The lady in front of me spent a good twenty minutes berating the bank teller in this tiny Panamanian town (with like 700 people total in it) for not being willing to exchange Canadian dollars. He kept saying "we only exchange Euros." She kept yelling loudly at him "Well why not the Canadian dollar? Canada is a big country no?!" at the top of her lungs. Look lady I'm sure you mean well, but they only take the euro, move on and accept that your currency isn't as widely accepted as the euro. Then as she walked out the door of the bank she yelled back "I'm never coming to this stupid country again." Yeah, it was awesome. She was rude to the country and managed to hold up the line for 15 minutes because of her need to cash in Canadian money.

Point is every culture has their jerks, and tourists in general manage to bring that out, especially those who think they are above the current country they are in. One anecdotal story can likely be stated about every culture or state.

But now I have derailed this topic far enough. I don't have much about the original topic because I think it is time for us to establish relations. I think most people recognize that it is well past time. I'm pretty conservative but at this point there wasn't much purpose in not having relations anymore. I'm actually ok with lifting the embargo as well. But I'm not as well versed as many on the topic.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 4:50 pm
by tjg_marantz
Chrisoc13 wrote:
RunningMn9 wrote:
Chrisoc13 wrote:I love the "myth" of loud American tourists.
I would agree that the problem isn't ALL American tourists. But every time I've seen an absurdly loud and annoying tourist, it has ALWAYS been an American. I can accept that my anecdotal evidence is not natural law, but in my experience, it's not a myth.

There are a disproportionate number of American tourists that are entitled douches when they travel. Watching some asshole in the Dublin airport harassing the shit out of some Irish TSA-equivalent that wanted him to do something with his bottles of liquids - and he was yelling at the top of his lungs about how they couldn't do this to him BECAUSE HE WAS AN AMERICAN. It's embarrassing when it happens, and I was just minding my own business.
Yeah I've seen quite a number of terrible tourists be American. But I think it is laughable to assume every culture doesn't have their share of jerks.

Point is every culture has their jerks, and tourists in general manage to bring that out, especially those who think they are above the current country they are in. One anecdotal story can likely be stated about every culture or state.
Yeah it would be laughable to assume that. Which is why no one was doing that. Get over it.

As for one anecdotal story, I'm sorry, I have only one to give, I'm one person. I was asked what I thought. So I posted my thoughts. I'll make sure to run it be you first next time I answer a question asked to me.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 5:50 pm
by Chrisoc13
tjg_marantz wrote:
Chrisoc13 wrote:
RunningMn9 wrote:
Chrisoc13 wrote:I love the "myth" of loud American tourists.
I would agree that the problem isn't ALL American tourists. But every time I've seen an absurdly loud and annoying tourist, it has ALWAYS been an American. I can accept that my anecdotal evidence is not natural law, but in my experience, it's not a myth.

There are a disproportionate number of American tourists that are entitled douches when they travel. Watching some asshole in the Dublin airport harassing the shit out of some Irish TSA-equivalent that wanted him to do something with his bottles of liquids - and he was yelling at the top of his lungs about how they couldn't do this to him BECAUSE HE WAS AN AMERICAN. It's embarrassing when it happens, and I was just minding my own business.
Yeah I've seen quite a number of terrible tourists be American. But I think it is laughable to assume every culture doesn't have their share of jerks.

Point is every culture has their jerks, and tourists in general manage to bring that out, especially those who think they are above the current country they are in. One anecdotal story can likely be stated about every culture or state.
Yeah it would be laughable to assume that. Which is why no one was doing that. Get over it.

As for one anecdotal story, I'm sorry, I have only one to give, I'm one person. I was asked what I thought. So I posted my thoughts. I'll make sure to run it be you first next time I answer a question asked to me.
Or just, you know, run it by your own sensor in your head that helps you look at what you are posting and see if it is hypocritical or ridiculous. Just a thought. Nobody needs to "get over" anything. You posted, I responded. Unless I am mistaken that is the purpose of a forum. Your post was beyond ridiculous and I called it out for such. Maybe I will make it more of a habit, it's not usually my thing on these boards but that particular post couldn't have received more of a :roll: from me. Get over that.

Edit- BTW you cut out the best part of that post, the part about the loud Canadian! Shame. I have more, ironically specifically about Canadians more than any other group but that's not really the point. Meh.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 2:38 pm
by Isgrimnur
Reuters
The Treasury and Commerce Departments issued a package of new rules that will allow U.S. exports of telecommunications, agricultural and construction equipment, permit expanded travel to Cuba and authorize some kinds of banking relations.
...
The new regulations, which take effect on Friday, will allow Americans to travel to Cuba for any of a dozen specific reasons, including family visits, education and religion, without first obtaining a special license from the U.S. government as was previously the case.

Though general tourism will still be banned, those U.S. travelers who do visit will be allow bring home small amounts of the Cuban cigars that are highly rated by aficionados.

The revamped rules will also make it easier for U.S. companies to export mobile phone devices and software as well as to provide Internet services in Cuba. U.S. airlines will be permitted to expand flights to the Caribbean island.

In an expansion of remittances allowed, Americans will now be able to send up to $8,000 to Cuba a year, up from the $2,000 previously permitted, and bring $10,000 with them when they travel to the country. They will also be able to use credit and debit cards in Cuba.

In addition, there will be a change in the definition of “cash in advance” payment required by Cuban buyers, which could help a variety of business interests, most notably U.S. agriculture, in gaining greater access to Cuban markets.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 6:44 pm
by Pyperkub
Taking full advantage of Cuba's superior medical programs?
Closer American ties with one of the world's major cigar exporters could actually be good news in the fight against lung cancer. Cuba has developed Cimavax, an effective lung cancer vaccine, and American researchers can now finally get their hands on it,

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 4:44 pm
by Isgrimnur
Elian Gonzales wants to come back and give his 'love to American people':
ABC News reports that Gonzalez looks to come back to the United States, but as a tourist. The 21-year-old would like to see a baseball game, visit Washington museums and talk to Americans.

"To the American people, first I say thank you for the love they give me," Gonzalez tells ABC News. "I want the time to give my love to American people."
...
Today, Gonzalez is studying engineering, ABC News says. He also is engaged to marry his high school sweetheart Ilianet Escaño, 22. She is studying for a bachelor's in Chemical Biology.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 12:32 pm
by Isgrimnur
U.S. takes Cuba off list of state sponsors of terrorism
U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry signed the order Friday, 45 days after the Obama administration informed Congress that it would remove Cuba from the list. The State Department determined Cuba had not supported international terrorism in the previous six months, a requirement for getting off the list that now holds only three names — Iran, Syria and Sudan. Cuba had been on it since 1982.
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Removing the terror designation lifts some trade barriers against Cuba, but an overall embargo remains in effect and requires a congressional vote to reverse it. President Obama has said he hopes to work with Congress to get the embargo lifted.

Until then, the action taken Friday will not provide a huge economic boost. It could, however, encourage some international companies and banks to do business in Cuba, as they will no longer fear running afoul of U.S. laws.
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This month a small bank in Florida agreed, at the request of the State Department, to allow the Cuban interests section in Washington to open an account. That means it no longer has to pay its bills in cash.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 12:49 pm
by LawBeefaroni
Chrisoc13 wrote:
Yeah I've seen quite a number of terrible tourists be American. But I think it is laughable to assume every culture doesn't have their share of jerks.

Speaking of Canadians in tourism I remember one of the worst tourists I ever saw was Canadian in Panama. We were in a long line at the bank since the only ATM in town was down and everyone was trying to get money. They use the US dollar in Panama as their main currency but I needed to withdraw money. The lady in front of me spent a good twenty minutes berating the bank teller in this tiny Panamanian town (with like 700 people total in it) for not being willing to exchange Canadian dollars. He kept saying "we only exchange Euros." She kept yelling loudly at him "Well why not the Canadian dollar? Canada is a big country no?!" at the top of her lungs. Look lady I'm sure you mean well, but they only take the euro, move on and accept that your currency isn't as widely accepted as the euro. Then as she walked out the door of the bank she yelled back "I'm never coming to this stupid country again." Yeah, it was awesome. She was rude to the country and managed to hold up the line for 15 minutes because of her need to cash in Canadian money.
It was probably an American stuck with Canadian dollars. The only thing worse than an American tourist is an illiquid American tourist. :wink:

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 3:33 pm
by Isgrimnur
Isgrimnur wrote:U.S. takes Cuba off list of state sponsors of terrorism
Cue the criticism
Former Gov. Jeb Bush continued to take a hard line against normalizing relations with Cuba on Friday, accusing the Obama administration of capitulating to an oppressive regime by removing it from a state-sponsored terrorism list.

“Neither continued repression at home nor Cuba’s destabilizing activities abroad appear sufficient to stop President Obama from making further concessions to the Communist regime in Havana,” Mr. Bush, who is considering a run for president, said in a statement.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 4:35 pm
by noxiousdog
Isgrimnur wrote:
Isgrimnur wrote:U.S. takes Cuba off list of state sponsors of terrorism
Cue the criticism
Former Gov. Jeb Bush continued to take a hard line against normalizing relations with Cuba on Friday, accusing the Obama administration of capitulating to an oppressive regime by removing it from a state-sponsored terrorism list.

“Neither continued repression at home nor Cuba’s destabilizing activities abroad appear sufficient to stop President Obama from making further concessions to the Communist regime in Havana,” Mr. Bush, who is considering a run for president, said in a statement.
It's valid criticism coming from the Governor of Florida. The Cuban vote is very important there and they lost property, family, and civil rights with the Castro takeover which has never really been addressed or compensated.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2015 11:38 pm
by Max Peck
US-Cuba ties: Washington and Havana to announce embassies
The US and Cuba will on Wednesday announce the opening of embassies in each other's capitals, a major step in re-establishing diplomatic ties severed in 1961, a senior US official has said. Relations had been frozen since the early 1960s when the US broke links and imposed a trade embargo with the Communist island. But the US and Cuba agreed to normalise relations at the end of 2014. The country's two leaders held historic talks in April. Since 1977, the US and Cuba have operated diplomatic missions called "interests sections" in each other's capitals under the legal protection of Switzerland. However, they do not enjoy the same status as full embassies.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 9:43 am
by Jeff V
And Hepcat is one step closer to finally living out his Ricky Riccardo role-playing fantasy.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:00 am
by hepcat
Listen pal, just because you were uncomfortable with the script I gave you for your role as Lucy, that doesn't mean the whole evening was a failure.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 4:09 pm
by El Guapo
hepcat wrote:Listen pal, just because you were uncomfortable with the script I gave you for your role as Lucy, that doesn't mean the whole evening was a failure.
All the same, I would probably avoid mentioning the script at all in your job application to be the new ambassador.

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 4:12 pm
by hepcat
Can I stick with the really bad Cuban accent?

Re: Normalizing relations with Cuba

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 4:13 pm
by El Guapo
hepcat wrote:Can I stick with the really bad Cuban accent?
Just be sure to watch Scarface the night before your interview, and you should be ready.