Back to the past with committee proposal for Cuba
Here we go again. As things seem to be proceeding well in the U.S.-Cuba negotiations, there are some in the U.S. House of Representatives – specifically some members of the powerful Appropriations Committee – who want to make sure things remain the same. And by the same, of course, we’re talking about the continued state of tension between the sides that has characterized our relationship with Cuba for more than half a century, and the waste of taxpayer dollars that has resulted.
And who benefits? It’s a question that should be asked of those members in the House trying to toss the monkey wrench into the smoothly running machine of rapprochement.
Tracey Eaton, in his blog Along the Malecon, reported earlier this week that the House Appropriations Committee has proposed a boost in funds for Cuba democracy-building programs in this year’s budget. Some in the committee are suggesting a $10 million increase, which would bring the amount wasted to $30 million spent during the fiscal year.
And what would the $30 million be used for? More of the same: In other words, since things are going so well between the parts, let’s make it difficult for them and continue to piss-off the Cuban government – for no good reason. Here’s some (in italics) of what the proposed Bill stipulates for Cuba:
DEMOCRACY PROMOTION — Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’, $30,000,000 shall be made available to promote democracy and strengthen civil society in Cuba:
Provided, That no funds shall be obligated for business promotion, economic reform, entrepreneurship, or any other assistance that is not democracy-building as expressly authorized in the Cuban Liberty and Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 and the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992.
My interpretation: strengthen Helms-Burton (the Libertad Act) and Torricelli (CDA). It outlaws what might be considered positives such as business promotion, economic reform and entrepreneurship. Let’s stick to democracy-building, they say. Heck, look how well they’ve done with the concept in Iraq and the Middle East…
DIPLOMATIC FACILITIES —
(A) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or prior acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be obligated or expended—
(i) for the establishment or operations of a United States diplomatic presence, including an Embassy, Consulate, or liaison office, in Cuba beyond that which was in existence prior to December 17, 2014; or
(ii) to facilitate the establishment or operation of a diplomatic mission of Cuba, including an Embassy, Consulate, or liaison office, in the United States beyond that which was in existence prior to December 17, 2014.
(B) The prohibition of subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the President determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the government in Cuba has met the requirements and factors specified in section 205 of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C. 6065).
On this one, it’s back to the past. Or, let’s turn the clock back to the 1990s and demand that Cuba adhere to our demands – on everything. And, by the way, screw diplomacy.
Not surprisingly, House Appropriation members include anti-Cuba soul mates from south Florida Mario Diaz-Balart and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. If you’ve followed this never-ending story, you know that Wasserman-Schultz, in spite of being a Democrat, has rarely deviated from the Diaz-Balart stand in all things Cuba. I am not sure where she stands in this case, but the Washington, D.C. anti-Cuba lobby would not look kindly on Debby straying at this moment. And Wasserman-Schultz has benefitted greatly over the years with contributions from the hateful group led by Mauricio Claver-Carone.
As for Mario, what can you expect from a Diaz-Balart?
The fact is that in this case, Mario probably does not give a damn about Cuba. But Diaz-Balart and Wasserman-Schultz care greatly about those $30 million – and where they end up. History has proven that the money is usually distributed and re-distributed in Miami ‘among friends.’ As for Cuba, the less they get the better. The Diaz-Balart-types here have seen their end approaching so they’d like to overheat the cauldron that is the island population boiling it over until it explodes.
