From the speech I listened to yesterday

"Today, Alan returned home –- reunited with his family at long last. Alan was released by the Cuban government on humanitarian grounds. Separately, in exchange for the three Cuban agents, Cuba today released one of the most important intelligence agents that the United States has ever had in Cuba, and who has been imprisoned for nearly two decades. This man, whose sacrifice has been known to only a few, provided America with the information that allowed us to arrest the network of Cuban agents that included the men transferred to Cuba today, as well as other spies in the United States. This man is now safely on our shores. "


Source http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-...policy-changes

IWhile your quote is correct I guess I should have elaborated more on what precedent this sets. It is my understanding that there is zero grounds in our law that allows a convicted criminal to be released for humanitarian reasons. If they r standing trial or in jail but not convicted by trial by jury they can be deported or released. When there is a pardon issued can they be released. They refuse to answer the question or have refused so far as I am writing this.

So. It brings me back to my point of precedents. This is wrong and was sold to the American people as a humanitarian kum-by-ya bs. If they were pardoned shame on the White House. If they weren't, they broke the law and set a dangerous precedent. Some are going to ask, what difference does it make? It makes a huge difference when trying to deal diplomatically with other countries. Once you break or bend one law, what difference does it make in the future and why even have the to begin with.

Again, I'm all for talking with Cuba but do it the right way. They have a terrible history especially when it comes to Russia. Even more so now do we need to do it the right way so they know we r serious. Now we just look like clowns. I say we strike while the Russian economy is now in the toilet and do it the correct way. Not some back door bs, sell a basket of humanitarian goods that don't and won't exist.

1937 Harley. Car parked behind it is a KIA. Saw a few of those as well as patched up Lada's and of course the vintage US cars of 50's etc.

BTB

Really not trying to stir the pot. If we would have come out yesterday and just said we are going to start talking to Cuba about trade, humanitarian, diplomatic, travel etc I would and still would today be all about it. It was done incorrectly and the poeple were used as pawns and the American people were misled all for the legacy of one person. Bad idea. I hope this can and will be salvaged correctly but I have little faith in both sides of the isle getting anything done. The Cuban people deserve better but something tells me just like the Chinese only a select few will benefit.

I am now stepping down off my soapbox, where did I sit that mohito?

I am curious as to the timing with regard to Russia's more belligerent stance and overtures to Cuba recently. Seems like an easy way to head off Russia's ambitions in the Gulf of Mexico and benefit the Prez's legacy. Time will tell.

it would actually be quite the contrary. It is hard to take credit for something that you do not believe in nor do you endorse. He can take zero credit for the Russian economy hitting the skids.

putin in on a multi billion dollar shopping spree right now as we speak. looking for weapons, weapons and more weapons. cant trust either government (cuba/russia), never going to be able too. the worst of them all is our current commander (if you want to call him that) he will do the opposite of what's good for the country. lets not forget, he wanted to use drones on his own americans. sounds like a dictator to me. i could go on for hours about all of the unspeakable things this jerk has done to break this country down and try to divide it

For a long time I have heard some rumors that Mr. Obama was going to move torward the normalization of relations with Cuba , and just this week the rumors that I have been hearing about for years are quickly coming to pass. I at this time have a giant mix of feeling over this situation . This is not what I want touch upon on this forum. I would like to propose that when the oppertunities makes itself available to travel there . Lets do that . As Of yet travel to Cuba by Americans is limited . When the travel restrictions are lifted let go there . I propose that we have a Powerboat run to Cuba . To celebrate Rum drinks Cigars and Salsa music dancing till we can not stand up anymore . This is not a political statement , it is a celebration . What ever it takes to make this powerboat run happen please count me onboard .
So get ready Havana here we come . This is my 2015 project to jet this Idea off the ground . I have a few Ideas as how to make this happen . I may be wrong in my Idea , but research starts tomorrow. I invite you to forward me some positive input





My offer still stand if you are ever in Orlando give me a call and I will buy you lunch , except now it is Cuban food .

And politicaly ,,, It is the people the common folks that do without due to the embargo . Communist party leaders have nice homes cars and Rolexes. My Dad sent care packages of basics such as aspirin and underwear to his mom and brothers and sisters. there whole life. maybe we can show Cuba something other than the Communism and corruption that they have known for the last 50+ years

I'm not a big Obama fan either, but I think he got this one right!