Why is Cuba such a threat to the USA?

Question

Why is there still so much fear and hatred of the little Caribbean country of Cuba by the USA. The Cold war with Russia is over and they are no longer Communist and we are pretty good buddys now. Vietnam is all Communist and we now trade with them and their tourism industry is rapidly growing with American tourists. China, the biggest most powerful Communist country in the world has been beloved by America since Nixon was president. Remember "Most Favored Nation"? Everytime we buy Chinese imports we are building the strength of the Red Army that could one day be a threat. If it's Communists we fear, what is the criteria for who should be feared and who shouldn't. Is it just the close proximity of Cuba, or is it just that Castro wouldn't back down.

Answer 1

Americans don't regard cuba as a threat. The neo-conservatives hold it as an article of faith that Cuba is a threat. And in a sene, for them it is. First, a key block of their support in Florida (whose importance to them politically is obvious) comes from the old-line refugees from the Cuban elite under Batista and their offspring. Lose that and they will lose Florida.

Also--the veneer of credibility of the neo-cons is wearing thin. To see open trade with Cuba--and the ensuing realization by the American public that the so-called threat was never more than a propaganda-induced illusion--will only add to the forces discrediting the far right.

Answer 2

Cuba is more of a nuisance than a serious threat but Florida with 27 electoral votes pretty much assures that Cuba will be the political hot potato.
No party or candidate wants to disenfranchise the strong South Florida voting block.
How much closer to democracy would Cuba now be if the US over the years had fostered better ties with this wayward nation. Good question not easily answered.
BTW, it is not unreasonable that Americans of Cuban ancestry despise Castro. Though time paints him now as a more grandfatherly figure, he's a documented dictator and murderer who is responsible for creating and maintaining a climate of fear and poverty for nearly 50 years.

Answer 3

Cuba is no longer a threat, of course. I would like to say that the main reason we still have an embargo against them is the way Castro treats his people, but we have other 'allies' with similar records(Saudi Arabia). I guess the main reason is that unlike the other countries listed, Cuba still has the same ruler that posed such a threat before (Hostile Russian Nukes 90 miles off our coast is mean), and they really have nothing to offer us strategically or in trade(cigars and....umm...).
I'd like to add that this was policy(a good one) begun by a Democrat and maintained by EVERY president since, from BOTH parties(seems to be a lot of the ignorant neo-con stuff flying about again).

Answer 4

I view this embargo of cuba as an outdated notion. If we open up trade with Cuba commerce will occur. By the very nature of people doing business old wounds will heal. The quest for a better life is a universal human trait which will allow Cuban and U.S. citizens march down a path in harmony. Pride needs to be swallowed for the good of both nations. Take a chance politicians. Allow Ricky Ricardo to go home. (I Love Lucy fame)

Answer 5

When Fidel kicked the Mob out of Cuba he upset the people who have been running the US ever since prohibition. JFK son of a bootlegger. Cuba is a threat because they have shown the world that America is beatable without weapons or dollars. Massive respect to Fidel and the people of Cuba from the UK.

Answer 6

they are communist, if we had a successful (also why we embargo trade and tourism with cuba) communist nation a short distance off our southern coast, the lower/middle class might start getting ideas, the prospect of a soviet style revolution and change to communism used to scare the crap (McCarthyism for ex) out of the upper class

I'm sure some people will give this a TD, but it's all true

Answer 7

While the threat may have diminished over the years, Castro remains alive. Look for some loosening of trade policy after his passing. With any luck, this will transpire soon.

In the meantime, it is important that we treat Cuba spitefully, so as to send a message to any future nations contemplating a conversion to communism

Answer 8

Cuba was briefly a threat when the Soviet Union started basing intermediate range missles there.

Since that little tiff was resolved, Cuba has been more of minor anoyance, or, occassionally, a source of amusement - at leas for most Americans. Those, obviously, who are Cuban refugees, or thier children, or otherwise associated with such, will have stronger opinions.

Answer 9

They are not. The biggest reason we don't have a relationship with Cuba is Castro's hatred of the U.S. I think things will change after his death and his people will live a much better life.

Answer 10

We fear them because Cubanos are tough. They have all but survived Castro's regime and are still ticking. Heck, you have to respect a nationality that wipes their butts with pineapples and can still dance the Conga............