Has the Anti-Cuban Mafia Taken Over the US Congress?
Elio Delgado Legón
HAVANA TIMES — After diplomatic relations were reestablished between Cuba and the US and the long and complicated process of normalizing relations between the two countries began, I published a commentary in Havana Times entitled: New Cuba-US Relations: Business over Politics, where I stated the following:
“The US is also interested in importing many products from Cuba that they can’t find in other markets – some because they are made exclusively in Cuba and others because they are made to a much better quality here.”
“Another issue that, as I see it, is even more important than trade, is the possibility of investing in Cuba, particularly in the Mariel Special Development Zone, which has already received numerous applications from businesspeople from other countries.”
“In my opinion, the interests of US businesspeople will prevail over those of the Cuban-American legislators and their war-mongering supporters.”
It hasn’t been long since all of this began and the facts prove that I was right in at least a part of the problem, as dozens of US citizens have come to Cuba interested in strengthening their economic ties. The visits have included government officials, Congress members and business people.
Pressure on Congress has been increasing, as I foresaw, and I think we can safely say that if legislation designed to end the trade embargo, totally or partially, were to come up for a vote, the majority would be in favor.
However, I was very mistaken about another aspect of the problem. I assumed we were dealing with a democratic Congress as it belongs to the country that preaches to be the number one defender of democracy in the world. But that’s not really the case. The US Congress has just proven that it isn’t democratic in the slightest, as everything suggests that the decisions they make are dictated by certain interests.
Interests in the health sector stopped President Obama’s plan for giving medical attention to millions of people who don’t have access to medical care today from being approved. Arms manufacturers and dealers’ interests prevented a restrictive measure with regard to selling arms from being adopted, even though thousands of people die, victims of gun shootings, every year. To achieve this end, they invoked an ammendment in the Constitution dating back to the 18th century, when it was a totally different time and situation to the one we have today.
More recently, two congressmen announced that they would present ammendments to the State Budget Law, one to remove restrictions on traveling to Cuba and the other one was to normalize agricultural exports to the island. Both of them had a good chance of being approved; however, the unexpected happened: three congress people of Cuban descent, representatives of Miami’s anti-Cuban mafia, got together with the other two congressmen who were going to put forward these ammendments and soon after, these two declared that they wouldn’t propose the amendments, not today and or in the future.
What was the pressure they used on both these legislators so that they would make this decision? I’m absolutely certain that it was blackmail, and quite possibly the threat that horrible things could happen to them or their families.
I must confess that I was wrong when I predicted that the US Congress would end the trade embargo sooner or later. I wasn’t aware back then that this legislative body was dominated by Miami’s anti-Cuban mafia.
Well said, Elio. It’s about time Havana Times began posting articles that weren’t just anti-Cuba. Thanks for your insight! Ignore the haters, they’re all sitting in their Miami-mafia homes selfishly not caring about the Cuban people back home.
Toy cars made from discarded beer cans.
Have to admit I find this article hilarious. I have visited Cuba eighteen times (granted, as a tourist), and I have not yet found one single thing that was made exclusively in Cuba or was of better quality than I can find here in Canada. Sorry Elio, but you really should lay off the Castro Koolaid……….
Elio, the only Cuban mafia family is the one in Havana headed by the Castro brothers. They are the criminals who have been robbing and murdering the Cuban people for 57 years.
No? ….I didn’t think so.
Elio, you sound like a nice guy, but you’re utterly out-to-lunch.
So much foolishness in your article, but the stand-out chuckle is that Cuba manufactures anything that anyone needs. Beyond cigars, rum and maybe a few medical things Cuba produces absolutely nothing of note.
Which part is he “absolutely correct”?
It is rather sad that Elio actually believes what he writes. Having once swallowed the poison pill of communism under the Castro regime he is unable to regurgitate it.
For example Elio quotes himself writing:
“The US is also interested in importing many products from Cuba that they cannot find in other markets – some because they are made exclusively in Cuba and others because they are made to a much better quality here.”
If it wasn’t such a sad distortion of the truth, Elio’s statement would be laughable. The US market has been unable to access Cuban products since 1960. What have US citizens missed? Cigars!
Elio cannot give an example of any other Cuba products which are exceptional except perhaps toy cars made from used beer cans!
Cuba Richard does not have what the free world regards as ‘politicians” being a dictatorship.
Politician: a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an ELECTED office.
In Cuba the so called ‘politicians’ are appointed by the dictator, currently Raul Castro Ruz.
CErmle: I have defended Elio while speaking harshly of Moses for berating him in the past. But this time, I am standing up for Moses as Elio has no idea what he is talking about.
Elio, I agree with some of what you have said, but not some of the other things like taking a shot at our Constitution – I am proud of it. I don’t have an opinion about the Cuban Government whether pro or con it is your country’s government,
not mine and it is the business of the Cuban people that LIVE THERE!!. However, the majority of U.S. Citizens are throughly fed with these career politicians who pander to certain groups; that is why our next Presidential election is more like a non violent revolution than just an election – We are fed up. Every poll shows that the American people wants the Embargo lifted. Most of us understand that lifting the Embargo will be economically beneficial to both countries. But that is not the only reason, I have been to Cuba on a few occasions and love the people and the country. Have faith — this embargo will end sooner than later.
Ok, I’ll take Elio at his word. Now, Can you name one product that Cuba can export that is of a better quality than what is found in the US? (no tobacco products please) ummm? …Otherwise your just blowing smoke, and we know where that kinda smoke is coming from.
No doubt many Americans are proud of their constitution. But I think it is clear that the majority would be willing to see restrictions on access to assault weapons. And yet, Congress does not represent their will. Instead it acts on behalf of a powerful lobby.
Nice try Moses, but this time Elio is absolutely correct. You needed to put him down, of course, in order to bolster your anti-revolution propaganda. Elio hit the name right on the head. You out right wing the right wing.
Te pasaste, Elio. You are beyond belief, Elio. First of all, that you would pretend to opine on the inner workings of the US Congress is hilarious. Your reference to the Second Amendment shows your ignorance of US politics. Americans take pride in our adherence to “the Constitution dating back to the 18th century”. Ours is the oldest continuous constitutional democracy in the world. How do you suspect political pressure was put on the Congresspeople who considered legislation favorable to Cuba? You write, ” I’m absolutely certain that it was blackmail, and quite possibly the threat that horrible things could happen to them or their families.” Elio, I realize that happens in Cuba everyday but in the US there are other, more civilized and equally effective means to sway votes. President Obama’s landmark Health Care legislation is the law of the land and has been for some time. By the way, name one product MADE IN CUBA exclusively and of such high quality that it can’t be made or purchased elsewhere. Thanks for the chuckle.
“The US is also interested in importing many products from Cuba ……because they are made to a much better quality here.” Huh? I think that will come as a surprise to many Cubans. What exactly are those product anyway?