WTF is it with us and Cuba?

In the past, our approach to helping Communist countries become free capitalist societies was through open trade. We figured exposure to western culture and ideals would be contageous, and to a very great extent the plan worked!

It worked on the USSR and is clearly working on China and Vietnam.

So, why have we lost faith with this concept when it comes to Cuba?

Okay, we remember that at one time Cuba was ready to let the USSR house ballistic missiles on the island and that President Castro has had few kind words for the USA over the years.

I also know that there is a very large community of Cuban expatriots in Florida who hate Castro, but I think they are a mix of political refugees who couldn't abide living under Communist oppression and economic refugees who used to be rich and privileged.

Either way, it's time to tell these folk that "Enough is enough already! The best way to bring democracy back to Cuba is through trade and cultural exchange, not through continuing a pointless embargo."