tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post5040441244694566977..comments2024-03-28T14:57:44.187-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Dent Opposes Normalization With CubaBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-23973863145114032552014-12-20T08:58:39.867-05:002014-12-20T08:58:39.867-05:00Wow;I gatta a fan club!!I figured out Mazza-after ...Wow;I gatta a fan club!!I figured out Mazza-after having said 'She find Jesus: her post w/my name went out about 49 mins later.Could that mean she was home when she posted,and when the water runs the meter runs too,I don't expect anyone to get it.BAIT, and Wait.Peter J.Cochrannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-65666370857594822982014-12-19T15:14:39.624-05:002014-12-19T15:14:39.624-05:00Then don't work there Fred. You people are nut...Then don't work there Fred. You people are nuts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-65595626530594689472014-12-19T14:01:54.093-05:002014-12-19T14:01:54.093-05:00Just appearing in the news . . .
Cuba's Castr...Just appearing in the news . . .<br /><br />Cuba's Castro has announced employees of foreign owned companies will have 92% of their wages taken for the government.<br /><br />(this is not a joke, look it up)<br /><br />Just a helpful bit of news you will NOT read in the Morning Call or Express Times.<br /><br />Fred WindishAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-45310414336280678852014-12-19T11:07:57.817-05:002014-12-19T11:07:57.817-05:00Peter, one of three people is impersonating you. A...Peter, one of three people is impersonating you. All three will claim it's me bc that is what they are like. The person responsible is Tricia Mezzacappa, Henry Schaadt or the Blog Mentor. None has respect for others.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-87471156671049595172014-12-19T09:10:53.723-05:002014-12-19T09:10:53.723-05:00I find the irony that Reagan was considered a move...I find the irony that Reagan was considered a mover for making friends with Russia and Bush was given a pass for renewed diplomacy with Libya. At least this administration is not trading arms for hostages. <br /><br />Folks, does anyone find it surprising they McCain is following the GOP talking points despite supporting renewed diplomacy with Cuba when he was running for presidential nomination? <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56966340224498306072014-12-19T08:39:49.717-05:002014-12-19T08:39:49.717-05:00I DID NOT POST 7;45 above my last post.I do not ma...I DID NOT POST 7;45 above my last post.I do not make statements like this. Peter J.Cochrannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-45854957894961072482014-12-19T06:44:38.727-05:002014-12-19T06:44:38.727-05:00Hannity thinks the same thing as The Washington Po...Hannity thinks the same thing as The Washington Post you dope. Darn those pesky teabaggers.<br /><br />Baaaaa, you mindless lefty sheep.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-78227165545143415102014-12-19T02:54:36.613-05:002014-12-19T02:54:36.613-05:00Who did this? Obama! Well then it must be a comm...Who did this? Obama! Well then it must be a communist plot by Kenyan Muslims, right?<br /><br />All I want to know is what does Hannity think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-49108224822948668382014-12-18T19:36:25.043-05:002014-12-18T19:36:25.043-05:00Those well-known Teabaggers at The Washington Post...Those well-known Teabaggers at The Washington Post called Obama naive ... effing teabaggers ....<br /><br />http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-obama-administration-extends-the-castro-regime-in-cuba-a-bailout-it-doesnt-deserve/2014/12/17/a25a15d4-860c-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-38073793509474099292014-12-18T19:14:02.096-05:002014-12-18T19:14:02.096-05:00The world we live in:
The US government is guilty...The world we live in:<br /><br />The US government is guilty of torture for pouring water up the noses of animals who slaughter school children and journalists, then, demand ransom from families for the return of the bodies.<br /><br />Cuba, where political dissidents are imprisoned, institutionalized, tortured with electricity and meat hooks deserves normalized relations.<br /><br />The only explanation I can comprehend is to draw in Cuba, away from Russia as its economy collapses and Putin becomes more desperate and dangerous. But, our golfer-in-chief president doesn't consider Russia a threat, per Barack's mocking of Romney (i.e. "You said Russia?! The eighties called and want their foreign policy back!").Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-76964581485235121272014-12-18T16:44:53.066-05:002014-12-18T16:44:53.066-05:00But it is ok for me to wear garments made In Vietn...But it is ok for me to wear garments made In Vietnam. Being a veteran from that era that does not make me happy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56365314293498890962014-12-18T15:07:11.559-05:002014-12-18T15:07:11.559-05:00Charlie is wrong on this issue. Time to move forw...Charlie is wrong on this issue. Time to move forward and try a new approach.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-58375944273314087522014-12-18T15:05:58.033-05:002014-12-18T15:05:58.033-05:00Interesting how when a Republican breaks some ice ...Interesting how when a Republican breaks some ice (Nixon w/China, Reagan w/USSR) it is looked upon favorably. When a Dem does it its appeasement. It was telling to watch different network versions of the same story, told radically different from each other.<br /><br />Especially with Dent's foreign policy interest/background, I am really disappointed in this GOP talking point laced release--to the point of already stating he will use his position on Appropriations (and related subcomms) to prevent any diplomatic facilities. GOP: anything Obama does, do the opposite. I remember when Charlie used to campaign about his ability to "work with those on the other side of the isle." He's really fallen in line more and more lately.<br /><br />Look at the long view. There are differing variables, but change will slowly come as change came in China and Russia. I have long felt opening up would ultimately bring about change from within more rapidly than the past 50 years have. Lighthousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346747286241817118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-25233924222759537842014-12-18T15:01:54.974-05:002014-12-18T15:01:54.974-05:00Cuba is a terrorist police state. Its citizens ar...Cuba is a terrorist police state. Its citizens are sometimes subjected to 'real' torture. The 3 spies traded for the American are convicted killers of Americans. It's government officials are corrupt, its people dirt poor.<br /><br />This type of deal only serves to VALIDATE all of this. <br /><br />I fully expect Obama to visit there during the coming year and be paraded around as a visiting benevolent king. Truthfully, I think Obama will be used as Cuba's next 'Sugar Daddy,'to replace a struggling Russia.<br /><br /><br />Fred WindishAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-64948735653263964452014-12-18T13:51:43.740-05:002014-12-18T13:51:43.740-05:00I disagree with trying to normalize anything with ...I disagree with trying to normalize anything with Cuba. All US Dollars will do is allow the Castros the economic clout to further suppress its own people.<br /><br />I also disagreed with the Bush family's fascination with Vladimir Putin over the years. You see what giving legitimacy to a tyrant does for you? Just ask Ukraine how they feel about Comrade Putin. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62264805823734846692014-12-18T13:05:02.943-05:002014-12-18T13:05:02.943-05:00" Obama is leading."
Though i disagree ...<em>" Obama is leading."</em><br /><br />Though i disagree with Charlie on this one, Obama is no leader. He is a disgrace to the office and I will be glad when he's gone. Clear enough? Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46021427413108057362014-12-18T12:07:37.134-05:002014-12-18T12:07:37.134-05:00When can they (Cubans) start collecting USA welfar...When can they (Cubans) start collecting USA welfare and unemployment checks?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-29676628863296009372014-12-18T11:07:34.489-05:002014-12-18T11:07:34.489-05:0010:30 -
Are you talking about Obama's failed...10:30 - <br /><br />Are you talking about Obama's failed policy of appeasing dictators?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-44439308185063595592014-12-18T10:33:18.568-05:002014-12-18T10:33:18.568-05:00Long over due. We trade with China which is commun...Long over due. We trade with China which is communist and has a worse human rights record. Obama is leading. Dent as he often does is falling in line and repeating the GOP talking points. Not a surprise at this point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-40084881332930243562014-12-18T10:30:59.961-05:002014-12-18T10:30:59.961-05:009:45.....so you are in favor of continuing a faile...9:45.....so you are in favor of continuing a failed policy ??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-7559744292529412972014-12-18T09:46:08.442-05:002014-12-18T09:46:08.442-05:00Generally I like Charlie Dent and believe he does ...Generally I like Charlie Dent and believe he does the best job he can for the Lehigh Valley and have seen no reason to change horses over the years. I do HATE it when he's paying lip service to the party line...<br /><br />50 years of ignoring/isolating/sanctioning a brutal dictatorship and its still a brutal dictatorship. Nothing has changed or improved. Nobody has come up with a better plan or tactic in all that time - why?<br /><br />Why would anyone want to stay on that path and what does it gain for the US?<br /><br />Globally, Cuba is not viewed as some sort of sinister rogue state bent on world domination. Its one of dozens of countries that have an authoritarian government that runs counter to modern thinking so I don't think the rest of the civilized world is going to look at the US as weak or unprincipaled for changing its policy on Cuba. Canada and Mexico have had "normal" relations with Cuba during this time with no ill effects.<br /><br />Part of being a leader is recognizing when a plan/tactic/direction isn't working and having the courage to admit it and make changes to improve the situation.<br /><br />ScottAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-8419684967411744692014-12-18T09:45:58.635-05:002014-12-18T09:45:58.635-05:00The Democrats just released a scathing report on t...The Democrats just released a scathing report on the “torture” of terror detainees under the premise that by having used enhanced interrogation techniques the United States has lost our “moral standing” in the world.<br /><br />Compare that with Obama’s decision to enhance our country’s relations with Cuba, and where’s the high ground there? Is it that we’re now willing to befriend brutal dictatorships?<br /><br />I wonder how waterboarding (which we use when training our own troops) and the “Ice Bucket Challenge”-like techniques we used to interrogate terrorists compares with the brutal techniques and prisons used by the Castros to enslave the people of Cuba? My guess is that the treatment we gave to terror detainees would seem like a visit to a country club in comparison.<br /><br />I wonder if Obama and his fellow Democrats even considered the human rights history of Cuba when making the decision to improve relations with that country? Maybe it only matters when they can somehow blame it on Bush and score political points with their base.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-32865769253077481582014-12-18T09:40:33.743-05:002014-12-18T09:40:33.743-05:00I highly doubt this means the US will be leaving G...I highly doubt this means the US will be leaving Gitmo for a very long time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-7631411244154285052014-12-18T09:23:41.035-05:002014-12-18T09:23:41.035-05:00have been to Cuba ... A mid level diplomat told us... have been to Cuba ... A mid level diplomat told us in May 2012 that relations were still bad between the U,S, and Cuban government ... But he assured us that the Cuban people are friends of the American people. He said that things could improve if the Americans ended the Embargo, freed the Cuban 5 held in a Florida jail and left Gitmo ... Economically the U.S. Embargo had hurt the Cuban economy but so has the withdrawal of Soviet-Russian economic support which collapsed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union ... Today China and Venezuela give the Cubans economic support ... But they note that the U.S. Embargo is not 100% as there is some trade with Europe. Latin America and Canada aided and abetted by tourism ... And Tourism is welcomed in Cuba for the Cash but also presents a problem for Cuban Education as Teachers prefer the higher money as Tour guides then the salaries of the Schools they had taught in ... Despite the former Russian influence on the schools , Cuban Education is based on an earlier America model which was instituted by the American Army .<br /><br />Housing stock in Cuba has the old look and some areas look run down but I might add I saw worst run down areas in some areas of the U.S.<br /><br />So what are Americans looking at in attempting to normalize diplomatic and economic conditions in Cuba ... Perhaps as China's good intentions become more unreliable and more questioned... American manufacturers might transfer production from China to Cuba ... And also, in light of Russian signs of hostility ... Perhaps the Americans do want to stop Cuba from ageing to house Russian military personal again ... But that would mean that the Americans would keep Gitmo nut pay more for the rent they pay now ($1,000) which the Cuba government in the past refused to accept saying two things 1) The rent is not enough in today's economic situation and 2) The Cubans really want the Americans to leave<br /><br />Dennis PearsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62305388649567401542014-12-18T09:22:20.086-05:002014-12-18T09:22:20.086-05:00I have been to Cuba ... A mid level diplomat told ...I have been to Cuba ... A mid level diplomat told us in May 2012 that relations were still bad between the U,S, and Cuban government ... But he assured us that the Cuban people are friends of the American people. He said that things could improve if the Americans ended the Embargo, freed the Cuban 5 held in a Florida jail and left Gitmo ... Economically the U.S. Embargo had hurt the Cuban economy but so has the withdrawal of Soviet-Russian economic support which collapsed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union ... Today China and Venezuela give the Cubans economic support ... But they note that the U.S. Embargo is not 100% as there is some trade with Europe. Latin America and Canada aided and abetted by tourism ... And Tourism is welcomed in Cuba for the Cash but also presents a problem for Cuban Education as Teachers prefer the higher money as Tour guides then the salaries of the Schools they had taught in ... Despite the former Russian influence on the schools , Cuban Education is based on an earlier America model which was instituted by the American Army .<br /><br />Housing stock in Cuba has the old look and some areas look run down but I might add I saw worst run down areas in some areas of the U.S.<br /><br />So what are Americans looking at in attempting to normalize diplomatic and economic conditions in Cuba ... Perhaps as China's good intentions become more unreliable and more questioned... American manufacturers might transfer production from China to Cuba ... And also, in light of Russian signs of hostility ... Perhaps the Americans do want to stop Cuba from ageing to house Russian military personal again ... But that would mean that the Americans would keep Gitmo nut pay more for the rent they pay now ($1,000) which the Cuba government in the past refused to accept saying two things 1) The rent is not enough in today's economic situation and 2) The Cubans really want the Americans to leaveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com