Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

CC. Boston, MA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:47:26 GMT

While I am sure there will be many comments to follow mine, about the need to flee Cuba, due to the Castro regime, I offer the following. This same scenario is played out daily between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico: people in desperate economic situations fleeing illegally to a better life. The difference is that those fleeing Cuba are given special treatment, and allowed to stay. That should NOT be the case.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jay Mal — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:11:05 GMT

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE. This warning by the USA Coast Guard and coastal border patrol should have happened as far back as the Reagan era. The Republican Party in particular under the current Pres. George Bush Jr., has deliberately not prosecuted the families hiring smugglers that feed organized crime because of a goal of saving an ethnic Cuban American swing vote in all elections, meanwhile, all other nationalities, if they hire smugglers, are prosecuted under ICE federal laws. The GOP needs to end "special rights" for ethnic Cubans only. WET FOOT/DRY FOOT is pure federal discrimination in sanctuary policy. All Cubans that trespass should be sent back to the island. The GOP is not granting immediate asylum for refugees of other communist countries.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jim, Forest Lake, MN — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:13:02 GMT

It is time to open up dialogue with Cuba and allow for at lest somewhat normal relations. As to the policy we have - no Cubans coming by boat should automatically granted asylum here - that is what is causing more to make the risky venture. Why do we give Cubans special treatment over all the other groups trying to come here? Let's stop the catering!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Joe, Austin Texas — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:50:28 GMT

Maybe the Coast Guard should ask the U.S. Government to restore ties to Cuba so families wouldn't have to even have this option. We made friends with both China and Russia, but can't talk to Castro? Please! It's all about money anyway. I've even read reports that once we open up to Cuba it'll be a huge tourist spot, thus pumping money into their local economy, thus helping out their citizens. Shame on our Government for continuing to boycott this tiny island and forcing families to take such huge risks

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

E. Lev, Miami, FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:51:14 GMT

OH, PULEEZ!!!! Why shouldn't they support smuggling? Our Government does by its very discriminative wet-foot/dry-foot laws. Viva Batista! What crap!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Disgusted in Virginia — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:52:06 GMT

For so many years Cubans publicly said they would return home after Castro was gone, partly justifying their leg up advantage over other would be immigrant groups (voting solid Repug also helped). Well, I cant wait to see what actually happens when Castro is gone and the flights back home remain empty.... Lets face it, these folks dont have any valid claim to get to the front of line over any other immigrant groups.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Skallywag — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:55:03 GMT

This can all be stopped if we just fix the law. Treat all the illegals the same, feet wet or dry. You come here illegally, you go home when you get caught, regardless of where you came from. BTW, did you know that the official language for the state of Florida (its in the state constitution) is english, but tax dollars fund public signage primarily in spanish in the south Florida area?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Danilo Silva — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:57:37 GMT

Again...cuban americans for the most part don't care about how america works...that is why they always wave cuban flags instead of American flags...because they actually think they own miami...lolol....50 years of rethoric from them...and they haave done nothing for the people in cuba...just alot of talk..and eating really well in america....ever noticed how fat they've become living in gtood old usa?...I do not trust them....these are the same people that escaped cuba with all their money...and abandoned everyone else...sad...but true...poor people remained in the island, and only white rich (or middle class whites) escaped...blacks? very little...makes u wonder why they support the embargo....they really don't want cuba unless they take it back as it was before...corrupt!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Blah Blah Blah — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:24:10 GMT

I find it amazing that with all the talk of illegal immigrants, it focusues only on hispanics from Mexico while Cubans are welcomed with open arms.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Clovis B., Huntington, WV — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:30:35 GMT

This is typical of the double standards of the Bush administration. They demonize immigrants that are fleeing economic and political hardship UNLESS they are Cuban and enemies of Castro. Why are we still bashing Castro's communist government while we give all of our steel, copper, aluminum, and concrete to RED CHINA in exchange for junk and astronomical debt? It defies all logic.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

wally hynes tavernier fl. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:36:35 GMT

Living in the keys it is somthing we see all the time.I thought that the wet foot dry foot (farce) did not allow for smuggeld passengers to be legal?? When you have 20+ people on a small island off our coast and no sign of a raft or boat in the area I guess they must have swam there. Also look at some of the boat dealers here with there yards full of high speed boats with three or four 300hp.motors on them. Must be for fishing? Is anyone looking at who is buying these boats?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

anonymous — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:41:52 GMT

perhaps this goes to show just how desperate people are under the cruelest and most tyranical of regimes. And how desperately the Cuban people long for their freedom. Perhaps our next president and Congress will do everything in their power to spread democracy to those that need it most. Long live a free Cuba - where there will be no need to smuggle anyone anywhere.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Rey Miami,Fl — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:03:18 GMT

being a Cuban-American myself the worst part is some of these guys show no remorse when something like this happens

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Herb Cravener — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:08:06 GMT

When you engage in illegal activity you pay the piper.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Katie Liven, Biscayne Gardens, FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:10:22 GMT

Here's a related story that you won't find in the media. By far the most popular target for illegal Cuban migrants is tiny Dry Tortugas park. We visited the islands, which are roughly equidistant from Key West and Cuba, a few months ago and our pilot told us that they average one landing a week, with up to thirty migrants in each boat. The park service has just one or two rangers to deal with this problem and are strictly responding to landings without the ability to intercept and prevent any of the illegal activity. Once the migrants are ashore, they magically become US citizens. One would think that the Coast Guard would recognize the hot spot and station a team in the area permanently, but they seem more interested in preventing the far less frequent landings in Key West and Miami. Could that be because the media isn't following the story to the Tortugas and landings only make the news when they occur in the backyards of Miami's wealthy? Could be...

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Santiago Jose, Louisville, KY — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:20:48 GMT

This is a shame cuban american really need to rethink what they are doing to this country and to their own families. these smugglers are not here for the benefit of giving others an american dream. they are in it for sheer profit and if it mean dumping the "smugle" into the sea and taking off before they risk getting caught or losing any profit whatsoever. plus funding the same smugglers that bring drugs into out communities.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

La Mejicana, Housotn Texas — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:21:37 GMT

Has anyone been prosecuted for financing this illegal immigrant trade? If not, they should be. The injustice is that Cubans are treated differently under U.S. immigration policy than those crossing the Rio Grande. This is totally unfair and discriminatory.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

PR, Atlanta — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:23:31 GMT

The answer is to just shoot the boats and sink them. So you lose a few cubans....no big deal. They don't do anything for this country anyway. All the bring is disease, drugs and crime. No loss!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Dave Rotundo, Chandler, AZ — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:25:21 GMT

This is a fine article but it misses the point that many of the families paying the smugglers are criminals or descended from criminals themselves. The Mariel invasion was a hodgepodge of mostly undesireables - at least in Fidel's eyes. They were convicts, syphlitics and the mentally disturbed. With one fell swoop Fidel cleaned up his island and saddled Americans and future generations with an ongoing criminal contingeent that has made Dade County and surrounding areas the most criminal in America.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Peter, Detroit MI — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:26:42 GMT

Do the same rules apply "wet feet, dry feet" when I swim the Detroit River to try to become a Canadian citizen? If not, why are these people allowed to become American citizens if they reach Florida? Can't we build a fence across the sea?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Sue McDormand — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:27:19 GMT

Obviously Mr. David W. Kunkel is unaware of the dire and horrid living conditions people face in Cuba. He is probably one of these ignorant Americans who think Cuba is nothing but nice sandy beaches.

Let me tell you a bit about Cuba, as an American who has been there, amongst the starving people. In Cuba the average houshold holds 7 - 8 people all from the same family. The "government" if you choose to call it that, gives each household one pound of ground beef PER MONTH, they also get one pound of Sugar and one pound of Flour when the items are available.

The Average 4 person American family eats one pound of ground beef in one sitting, There is no currency flow in Cuba because there are no "paying" jobs.

A 15 year old prostitute makes more than a certified Doctor. Hospitals are unsanitary disease ridden breeding grounds for illness. There are no bedsheets, pillows or common drugs available, if you need medical attention your only hope is to have a family member or friend ship the drugs to you from the US, your also lucky if you actually see the drugs once they enter the country, because a sick government official may be needing them and therefore will get them instead of you!

AIDS is rampant in Cuba, because Condoms are not made available nor are Sexual health programs. Teenage girls have children at a very large rate and usually turn to prostitution in order to support their families.

If you lived in these conditions, i'm sure dying at sea seems a reasonable risk.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Del LaBelle, Boise Idaho — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:35:34 GMT

SO ? ? ?
the same thing happens across all our southern boarder. Our goverment refuses to do anything to stop the illegal activlty. America takes the blame for idiots to even take their small children and babies on such a trip. We get blamed when they die. and have to pay for any medical attention the rest might need. Now congress has blocked the money to build the fence, they were pretty sneaky too, did it while all the hoopla was going on in Iowa. Media didn't print that one. jerks. Wish there was something us little people could do .

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

J. Ellwood — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:40:30 GMT

I still cannot find a reason for allowing Cuban Illegal Immigrants political asylum from the moment they step on US soil. An illegal immigrant is illegal, no matter their origin. Cuban illegals should not be given special privileges. We need to keep our borders safe from all who disobey our Laws.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

CG Sailor, Honolulu, HI — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:42:39 GMT

The good admiral tells the truth, but it will not be received well in south Florida. The people running these boats are the scum of the earth - we call them "human traffickers" but in earlier times they were call "slave traders". They treat people as cargo, and the fact that the refugees won't actually be slaves doesn't make any difference at all to them.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jose, La Crescenta, CA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:43:36 GMT

What is more important? Respecting the laws of the United States, or breaking a few of them to get relatives out of that foresaken land?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Immigrant Myself — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:53:51 GMT

I think the Coast Guard is fighting a losing battle. The temptation to get on a boat or any vessel that has a chance of making the crossing from Cuba to the US is one that many will find hard to ignore especially knowing that if they make it they are automatically given asylum. Millions of people struggle to find away to make it to US and remain here legally or not. On its face taking a 100 mile boat ride from Cuba is nothing. No one ever thinks they are going to die. Any one could die driving to work in the morning but only Cubans have the real life possibility of being a resident of the US on a sure path to citizenship after boat ride that could be as short as 6 or 7 hrs

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

James Pinkerton, Buckatunna, MS — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:54:23 GMT

Hard conditions in Cuba are in part caused by obsolete US trade and travel policies concerning Cuba. We allow our citizens to travel to other Communist countries such as China and Viet Nam but they can't go to Cuba. We import tons of Chinese made stuff, some of it being unsafe. It's a crazy policy.

If Cubans could sell more goods to regular American citizens (like Cuban cigars, rum, sugar, etc.) then living conditions would probably be better for the average Cuban.

If Uncle Sam can forgive Viet Nam and China he should be able to forgive and normalize trade relations with little Cuba.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jose Alemar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:57:05 GMT

I have had traveled to Florida for many years and made many friends within the Latino community. During my trips and communications with friends and relatives I found that that many Cuban-American leaders and Colombians are part of a political organization backed or at least turning their back and giving the blind eye to what is going on. this organization which is vehemently against opening any dialog with the Cuban Government are part of a pro-republican movement to keep the status quo between the two nations.
Smuggling is just the tip of the ice; the same movement charge large amount of money to send packages via Mexico and the Dominican Republic. great part of the money sent to Cuban families are shared by officials in the Cuban government and the private sector. If you think that the "Coyotes" Smugglers from Mexico made money with the pain and need of other you have not seen nothing yet.
The sad part is that these organizations are big contribuitors to the Republican Party

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Pete C, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:57:44 GMT

Get rid of Castro, change your government to a Democracy and follow the rules set up by our immagration system and their won't be any further problems.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

big c — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:01:17 GMT

i believe the u.s guide lines for sending money and other things is too strict u can't blame people for wanting 2 help their families or the smugglers for doing what they have 2 do 2 eat it is what it is

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Osipov — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:05:15 GMT

I can't believe we condone this while all the time screaming about the hispanics crossing the border. The majority of the Cubans are criminals.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Honest George — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:10:40 GMT

Question: How much do we spend on Homeland Security? What good are those duds?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Tom, Palm harbor, FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:16:01 GMT

What if a Cuban crossed in to the US via the Mexican border? Or a Mexican came into the US as, for lack of a better term, a boat person? Would either person be treated the same?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

CAROL KOSTKA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:17:13 GMT

We need to end the embargo. I believe that if there was free exchange with Cuba, our country could have a more positive effect on it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

b suarez, Miami, FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:20:39 GMT

As a 5 year resident of the Miami-Dade area I have to agree totally with the criticisms of the National Coast Guards. The Cuban community seems to feel that because of the political strife that they are allowed to do anything they want in order to get their family out of there and then complain when their law-violating tactics are not accepted. As most people know Cubans are one of the few peoples that receive amnesty upon arriving in the US (Dry-foot policy) and year after year there are Cubans who reach the US shores and immediately gain citizenship. Yet the Cuban community in Miami continues to complain that their needs are not catered to enough and are vocal in their complaints. However little do they realize that immigrants from countries like Haiti and the DOminican Republic far outnumber the number of CUban immigrants who attempt to reach the US, and when these immigrants arrive or are obtained at sea they are immediately deported with no chance of citizenship. However few criticisms come out of the Haitian and Dominican population. It's about time that the Guard come out and let the Cuban community know that there are laws in this country and there side-stepping of these laws are leading to the treacherous of hundreds of there so-called "country-men"

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

daniel, garanhuns, pernambuco, brazil — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:24:02 GMT

Out of curiosity, were the members of the Underground Railroad criminals? Put the blame where it lies, an oppressive dictatorship.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

brj, tampa, fl — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:28:01 GMT

more disasterous results from the United States' failing Cuba policy. Just one more for the list.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Kelcy, Colorado Springs, CO — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:29:16 GMT

This will sound brutal but the whole story is brutal. How can you say they unintentionally paid for serious injuries or deaths? There is a strong chance of both due to smuggling so to me it is intentional risky behavior. I think the Justice Department should start prosecuting a few cases when they can track the money back to someone in the US. If you drive drunk you can be charged with negligent homicide. If you fire a gun into the air and kill someone it is accidental homicide. Both of these case have occurred in the last week. If you pay to have someone smuggled and they die are you not just as guilty of causing their death? It's tragic but until we hold people accountable on this end then it will not stop. Maybe by taking a few to court it will make them think twice. Take away the citizenship or green card of those that are not natural born citizens. You need to make the alternative painful or else the behavior will continue.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

DeJay — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:32:44 GMT

Another example of a perceived 'oppressed' group dictating immigration policy of this country.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

American Tax Payer — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:42:48 GMT

Better to help Cuba then invite them over here to add additional strain to our welfare system. The Mexicans have first dibs on that. They drive around in brand new off the lot SUV's, but use food stamps when they grocery shop. go figure.....and I'm paying for that!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Juan NY,NY — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:43:18 GMT

Umm....Our fault for the land of the free. Don't worry, this won't be an issue by the end of the next two presidents terms.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John Keys, FL Keys, FLA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:45:05 GMT

The Florida Keys has seen a massive influx of Cubans down from Miami in the last five years. It is highly suspicious how many of the boat people landing in they Keys are first "spotted" on dry land by these Cubans. Most down here are certain that these new neighbors are in fact complicit in human smuggling.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

phil mcginn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:45:56 GMT

i find it interesting that the miami herald would edit comments to it's newspaper. seams like communisam to me. thank you miami herald for violatian of the first ammendment

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

SickOfTheGOPLies, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:46:07 GMT

We need to stop the whole "wet foot, dry foot" approach to Cuban migrants. In fact, we should put a stop to the illegal migration from Cuba for good. Anyone pulled out of the water or caught off the coast should be immediately repatriated to Cuba. Any American citizen (Cuban-American or otherwise) who funds the passage of these migrants should be prosecuted under the law.

Many Americans are HYSTERICAL about Mexican immigrants and want to build a damn wall to keep them out..... that makes no sense when contrasted with our policy towards Cuba and Cubans.

It is long past time for the United States to normalize relations with Cuba. The continued "embargo" is only honored by the United States and is a relic of political decisions made almost 50 years ago. Cuba is not a threat to the United States, and we should stop acting like we can force Fidel Castro out of power with our "embargo". He's still there and will be there until he dies, so long as the Cuban people permit it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Looey Munn, Roundup, MT — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:51:43 GMT

I feel very sorry for all those who are robbed blind, and especially those who are robbed and then their loved ones never show.

But it is the failure of the INS and Congress that is fundamentlly to blame. The ones WE elected, and their paid lackies.

The INS currenly has a quota system, discriminating aginst various nations and for others. And the INS currently requires a $2500 FEE IN ADVANCE to look at an applicant, and six (6) YEARS to determine if they will be let in. This is totally ridiculous!! The $2500 fee is long gone, probably to graft.

You know, if we made EVERY illegal immigrant pay a $2500 fee everytime they crossed the border, we could let the good honest skilled workers who would love America in free!

The fee is such as to prevent the poorer folks from getting out from under bad governments, and so discriminates for those who are rich, or influential. The long delay means folks who are in political or minority troubles will be dead before our INS even looks at them, and so the INS gets to keep their money and not do anything.

Why don't we put some of the fat cat Congressmen to work 3 months a year working on the lines speeding up the processing; after all, they made the laws that delay good, interested, potential Americans from making it in.

At the same time, the differentials between groups are terrible. Cubans with one foot on shore. Mexicans who can pay to slip across the borders and evade capture. And the rest have to toe the line, foot the bills, and wait indefinitely.

Congress needs to have ONE set of immigratioin requirements, and hire enough staff to process applications in reasonable time. Before those waiting in line legitimately die of starvation or old age!!

And Congress needs to enforce one uniform set of Rules. Pay the freight. Get good immigrants who will work for the good of America, pay taxes, not strain our welfare organizations, and not act against the best interests of America by refusing the national anthem or pledge of allegiance, or by working to subvert our laws.

And guard our borders as needed. We CAN do it, if Congressmen stop taking bribes to leave the borders pervious!

We have millions of our own intelligent citizens out of work; have the INS hire them and get down to a very reasonable wait after application for those really wanting to become useful, taxpaying, American citizens.

We could put our own people to work, and get quality immigrants in to boost our economy, and by enforcing the borders we could eliminrnte almost completely the planting of deep-cover agents and the problems of out citizens having to pay and pay and pay for services to those in here illegally.

Sorry if I offend, but it is NOT in our best interests to let in hordes of illegals to live off the rest of us and our taxes, commit crimes, forge documents, etc. Inbetween allegedly helping our growers to huge profits by working for very low wages,
driveing legal electricians out of work so illegals of questionable skills can be hired to wire places for less, driving trucks when they cannot understand road signs, and similar items.

What about safety for the US citizens who live and work in these cut-rate-wired places, by folks whose understanding of English is often limited? What about the safety for produce harvested by cut-rate people who have no particular knowledge of e coli or worries about it being in the food!

My point..Congress CAN fund the INS so it can process people through quickly and keep good records, by putting some of our own out-of-work people to work on it. And I think we will save in the long run by getting good workers in who believe in America, not cheepies whose loyalty is elsewhere. Gotta be cheaper than mopping up after on all the illegals and their misdeeds and welfare and substance abuses. And maybe the occasional deep-cover terrorists who filter in too!

Let's stop keeping good people out, and making other countries angry with us over immigration foibles and the illegalities we encourge. And which foibles sooner or later WILL bite us hard, from the inside!

And I'd bet if the government even just enforced the illegals rules now with very stiff fines and immediate deportation, and withdrawal of government contracts, if any, we could make enough to pay the INS to speed things up to a reasonable rate.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jason Abdon, Savannah, Georgia — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:52:14 GMT

A way to get their attention is to cancel American Citizenship status and deport all involved. Now this would curb most activity.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Return to China what is theirs — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:04:06 GMT

Many Cuban familes are coming over by first flying to Mexico and then having family pick them up there. Everyone who is here from another country should have something on their driver license that generates a printout as to when their visits end and at that time our law enforcement officers should go find them and return them back to their countries. Our jobs are going overseas and we are getting their people. That sucks. Try and find items made in the USA. I want this country to be strong once again and the only way for that to take place is for us AMERICANS to take th is country back.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

D. HillsMan — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:10:30 GMT

I am a Coastie's mom. My son was stationed in Key West, Miami & Port Canaveral. He has told me of the incidents involving illegals from Haiti, the Dominican Republic & Cuba. The Cubans think that they have a right to stay here & that they should not be sent back. They & other illegals have attacked the Coast Guardsmen who have rescued them from the ocean . My son has been attacked with machetes, sticks & has been spit on. Unfortunately, I think the Coast Guard is fighting a losing battle.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Sheilah, Littleton CO — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:12:14 GMT

I am very disturbed by the Cuban bashing going on. Can you blame anyone wanting to leave horrendous living conditions and going to the land of opportunity, Cuban or otherwise? Policy needs to be changed. The useless embargo needs to end. Being hateful is not going to solve anything. Stop with your bashing; it just proves your ignorance.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

david, Long Beach, CA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:12:20 GMT

I don't know the history or why Cuban citizens are different from all other countries in regards to immigration but that it has something to do with being a political refugee. All I know is that it happens and it is unfair. I do know that cuban americans are the most successful hispanics in this country. They are in local governement and own businesses. They really have turned Miami around and for better or worse its a booming economy. I can't say so much for the mexican community. The mexican community is a really sad situation.

I believe the government has to open relations with Cuba and help develop that country like they have done with all these other countries. Cubans would love to stay there if conditions where better. So many people would love to go back and invest in thier country and revitalize it. This is of course impossible because they are not allowed to go back. Unfortunately for reasons i do not understand because I am not from that country the Miami-cubans will not allow it and will fight against that.

I do not blame cuban americans because they are just doing what they have to. I blame the government for not taking a stand on immigration and ignoring this problem for decades now.

For the record there is a huge cultural difference between cubans, mexicans, puerto ricans and south americans so please do not lump them all into one category. Its like saying all white people from canada, new york and alabama are the same.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Ronaldo — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:17:31 GMT

"Umm....Our fault for the land of the free. Don't worry, this won't be an issue by the end of the next two presidents terms.". Juan. What exactly do you mean? Please elaborate.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

OneNationUnderGod, New Orleans, La — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:20:07 GMT

There is no need for any group to benefit over another in our overall immigration policy. The laws in place already provide for the fair screening of new immigrants into this country. Everyone in the world wants to escape "evil" governments and economic disparity. We cannot take in the whole world! There needs to be real enforcement of the law, and no special provisions made for any group. The land of the free and home of the brave needs to be selective and allow only immigrants who are interested in advancing the "American" way of life!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

mcoronado — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:22:19 GMT

Houston, we have a problem! As taxpayers we are paying for secure national borders. Yet, our north border is wide open, our southern border is half open and our sides are completly open. Our 9-11 terrorists came in through Canada. Our tax dollars are paying what is left of our national guard to secure our borders with their eyes wide shut. My father was a legal immigrant and my family is a law abiding american family. We know what dictatorships and bad government can do to a country and we have compassion with our american,unpaid loans. Lets shut down, if only to reaccess these problems. Take back all our troops, monies, education and take a nice hard look at where we are. An audit on all we can be for OUR country, our people and then look to help the neighbors. Charity begins at home. Our dollars are absolutely worthless because we don't even see the draining and fleeceing of america.....Houston, we have a problem..abort mission.....

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Robert Von Lichtenstein — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:30:07 GMT

Two centuries ago, white americans stood up to their oppressors and made a stand for independance. Why can't latinos do the same with Castro instead of poluting the racial purity of the U.S. more than it already is.
Seeing some of the comments and the extraordinarily poor english used in them makes me sick. Has any of you who are reading this and saying, "oh what a racist pig" been to Miami lately? Have you seen the amount of teenage girls with strollers. Have you been to LA or to border towns and seen the MS-13 selling drugs in the open?
A time has come to close our borders and let these leeches stand up for themselves, when they start behaving like rationalized men and women then we can start treating them as such but for now, let them rot in their own bile and polute their own land with substandard homosapiens instead of leaching off of government programs that hard-working educated white americans like myself have to pay for.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

karen kerr — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:30:34 GMT

the wet foot dry foot farce is racist at it's base. Hatians and other darker skinned illegals are turned back or deported at once. But my issue is..what is to stop these smugglers from smuggling in al queda?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Bob Parks, Seal Beach — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:35:45 GMT

Sue McDormand's comments are false. She has to be a Republican hack that takes comments made by Cuban dissendents and promotes them as truths instead of the lies that they are. She needs to open her eyes to the reality of Cuba which is not the stories told by American Cubans in Florida.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Frustrated but LEGAL, Columbus, Ohio — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:36:24 GMT

My wife is an Italian. We have been married since 2005 and rarely see each other except when I travel to Europe and it is then when we can spend time together. We have applied for her green card and have had to wait and jump through all the legal hoops. And we aren't even applying for citizenship. We simply want a resident alien status. We were just notified the day before Christmas that we needed to provide the INS with the final paperwork and pastport size photos and maybe by April she will be allowed to reside with her husband of nearly three years in the USA. My wife wasn't even allowed to VISIT the USA because her paperwork was being processed. If for some reason she would have tried to visit and let's say the Customs officer was having a bad day and did not allow her to enter the US at the airport not only would she have obviously been put on the next flight back to Italy but she would've also faced incarceration, not allowed to EVER live in America and would have voided all the progress we had made in steps toward her legal immigration. We are asking nothing of the American government. We both have secure jobs and even though her work is based out of Paris, France she can still maintain her employment and the great BENEFITS provided an employee under the European Union. The only thing we ask of my beloved America is to allow my wife to reside with me. I am in the military reserves. I've been to Iraq and Afghanistan. In both places I met Italian soldiers that were a part of the coalition and everybody knows Italy is a strong ally. All of this means nothing to the INS. We still have to wait and I'll be damned if ANYBODY will convince me that somebody else should get away with sneaking across our borders and violating our laws should lead to automatic residency! You should have only one of two options to become a resident of America. You are either blessed enough to be born to American CITIZENS or you take your turn like any other law abiding citizen, complete the appropriate paperwork and jump through the hoops just like we have. Other than that...PACK YOUR BAGS AND GET OUT! I don't care if you were born here, if you weren't born here under legal pretenses then you and your illegal parent/parents should pack up all your token American born "passports" siblings and cousins should get the hell out and come back when you are LEGAL!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Meg Schoeberl, Vista, Ca.92081 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:38:22 GMT

Why are we not helping Cuba in lifting the out of date embargo and financially ? Every other Country
including Mexico receives tons of Dollars.

Have we no compassion with starving and oppressed
people?
Meg

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Liz — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:39:00 GMT

Hello ignorant americans..Wet Foot/Dry Foot is actually a US Government Policy, which means Cubans would not be entering illegally. Get your facts straight. A very high percentage of Cubans enter this country, become citizens, become educated (Cuba, has a zero percent illiteracy rate unlike most other hispanic countries)they learn to speak english, work and assimilate to the American culture with no problem at all. I notice that a lot of comments were made by people with hispanic last names.. do I sense a bit of jealousy? Mexicans do not have political asylum, it is not a communist country therefore you are all comparing apples to oranges!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

G.Wade Pompano, fla. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:40:12 GMT

HugeChina,a country about as communistic as it gets are our prefered trade partners. we make them so rich they will own us soon. Little Cuba is our forever enemy. Get off it, start using some good sense, negotiate with Cuba and keep them in their country.
What the heck is this wet foot-dry foot situation, it encourages people to risk their lifes and the criminal smugglers to profit from the misery we create by encouraging this nonsense. We ae as guilty as the smugglers by not stopping these stupid ideas. Illegal is illegal, and it means unlawful, get it?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Lorraine Taube Yale, Michigan — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:43:02 GMT

I agree with those who say we let tuns of stuff from Red China and Communist Vietnam but we embargo thigas from Cuba. I do realize that Cuba is a lot cloaser to our coast but lwet me tell you I have stopped shopping at Wal-Mart because of their trade with China.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Juan Carlos, Kansas City, Mo. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:43:17 GMT

It basically boils down to Latin-American countries being so miserable and dirty, with very little opportunity. They dso not take care of their own sick and poor, so the only option people have is to come to America [everybody wants to come here].

The Mexican and Cuban governments rape their own people, and that is probably the biggest tragedy of all.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Scott Niles, Tucson, Arizona — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:40:44 GMT

I find it intersting that we continue to buy, trade and import with countries like communist china for example and give aid to others mainly in the middle east that hate us. What makes Cuba so different that we do not open new trade with them or help them. Kennedy died over 40 years ago so get over it people in washington!None of our preceding presidents had the guts to face the media and political ridicule of overturning this age old embargo.Meanwhile we send aid half way around teh world to chine and the middle east who laugh at us and commit incredible atrocities towards their own people! Lets send boatloads of help to restore what was once one of the most presigious places to play in the sun! It would be good for all!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Ted, Texas — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:40:47 GMT

We need to stop ALL immigration to the USA period. If we are required to take every oppressed citizen in the world that can step foot on US soil there are about a billion Africans, Chinese and Indians that fit the bill and we can look forward to supporting every damned one of them. I think the Bush administration has the right idea, drive the US economy into the ground with debt and NOBODY will want to come here!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

ranting ga — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:44:09 GMT

Maybe the us government should build a fence a hundred ft off shore & have border patrol watch that fence with machine guns to keep them from setting foot on american soil, they do it to mexico why not cuba

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

C. Montee Springfeild, MO — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:44:21 GMT

I was on vacation in the Fl. Keys, when passing thru West Miami a part broke on my car. I was able to make it to a parts store where I tried to buy a part, they did not want to help me. They acted like they couldn't speak english,or pretended not to. I know they were Cuban.That's when felt I was in a Foreign Country here in the USA. They don't be American, they want there own Country in AMERICA!!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

m, Downey, CA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:45:27 GMT

The situation with Cuban-Americans is sad like those of many other nations. Being American (as in born here) of Cuban descent, I know what they do go through in their homeland and the reasons they risk everything to come to the US for a better life. Unlike others, Cubans assimilate to American life, abide by our laws and don't cry racism when something doesn't go right for them. I'm sure you know who you are. Now, that they are given political asylum as soon as they enter the US, really is not fair. I guess the embargo is giving both nations
unnecessary troubles. Can't trust that government (for lack of a better word). Communism is good for only the top 5% of the criminals who believe in that. The rest live in poverty such as a third world nation. For those of you that think all Cubans are criminals, just look around and see all their legit businesses and compare those to others.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Alberto C. Bermudez, Miami, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:46:18 GMT

As a Cuban American, I feel all smugglers caught bringing people from Cuba should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law. I also think no difference should exist between illegals, regardless of where they come from. They should all be treated equally. We must come to the realization that our policy should be geared towards political dialogue with the government of Cuba and emphasizing their failed policies and descriminatory policies towards its own people are the principal reason for such desperate attempts to leave the island.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John, New Haven, CT — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:46:30 GMT

PR, from Atlanta, as a Cuban American who has been in this country for 40 years and paid back my debt to this wonderful country time and time again by contributing millions of dollars to the tax rolls and employing many workers, I am deeply offended by your comments. While I agree that there is a serious problem with illegal immigration in this country, its the flow of immigrants that has created a society in this country that rewards hard work, determination and ambition. Most immigrants come here to improve there lot in life and are fleeing starvation, political or economic strive. They have strong family values, respect the rule of law and contribute to society by taking the jobs that native Americans consider beneath them. I know its hard for you to understand the desperation that these conditions create because its also a fact that one of the downfalls of a prosperous nation like ours is that it produces lazy, ungrateful and complacent individuals like yourselve that fail to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities this country has to offer but begrudge others who are willing to sacrifice everything to do so. I am sure your forefathers, immigrants as they were, understood this well.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Coastie Wife, Portland, OR — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:46:49 GMT

Thank you to the Coasties who risk their lives saving others, regardless of the legality of the actions of those they save!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

DAN PAULITSKA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:46:51 GMT

APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP, HAVE A SPONSOR, GET A JOB, ''LEARN ENGLISH AND SPEAK IT'' AND I HAVE NO PROBLEM. IF YOU ARE TOO DAMN LAZY AND STUPID TO DO ANY OF THE ABOVE STAY THE HELL OUT OF MY COUNTRY

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Minnie, Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:48:56 GMT

These remarks basically sum up one thing.........there is still a huge anti-Hispanic attitude in this country.It doesn't matter how well they do when they get here and how they contribute to society.White Americans still fail to see that they violate just as many laws,commit as many crimes and are as ignorant as those"illegals".This country will continue to fail unless this attitude changes.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

DAN PAULITSKA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:49:18 GMT

VIETNAM AND CHINA ARE BOTH COMMUNIST BUT THAT IDIOT IN THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS WE WILL NOT DO BUSINESS BECAUSE THEY ARE A ''COMMUNIST'' COUNTRY. JUST GOES TO SHOW FROM THE TOP DOWN OUR GOVERNMENT IS RUN BY A BUNCH OF IDIOTS

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

j plante — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:49:40 GMT

it is too bad we did not make it a state back in 1898.
I am sure we would love to take our vacations and spring breaks there.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

M.E., New Jersey — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:51:07 GMT

Firstly, I do not condone the smuggling. Secondly, I understand and have listened to first hand stories from survivors of these trips. I am in awe of the ignorance out there. I noticed some of the most discriminatory comments made were early in the day, is that due to too much time on your hands - while so many immigrants legal/illegal from all nations are working for pennies? Not everyone is getting handouts - these are people from all walks of life looking for opportunities for their children. I am 37 and a first generation Cuban-American. My family was very poor in Cuba and came to this country with the clothes on their backs and my 5 year old brother while leaving their entire families behind. They worked and took jobs no one else would. No welfare or aid. Hard work, long hours. Strong Honest Work Ethic and just as strong family values! These are the same values that most immigrants share - Mexicans, Haitians, Dominicans, Russians, Cubans and African immigrants. Why lump people together without trying to take the time to understand the underlying question - Why? It is easy to pass judgement on all of these groups when we come home with steady paychecks instead of none, can run out for milk when it runs out instead of giving your ration to the neediest member in your family, no food in the fridge? No problem, let's go shopping - even if it's just mac and chees. Not for most of these immigrants in their countries. Definetly not for the Cubans. For all of you with your narrow viewpoints - perhaps you should spend more time broadening your knowledge base on the internet instead of bashing. EVERY LIFE COUNTS - Cuban or not.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Karl h. Pohl — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:51:14 GMT

We don't have this dry foot versus wet foot problem up here in the Great White Frozen North because they would freeze their keisters off in winter! It would be a cold foot versus frozen foot policy up here. Some do come up here in the summer but when it's forty below they are gone.
You are getting them across both borders, cousin.
A cold Canadian

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

David, Cary, NC — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:51:18 GMT

Actually, the Cuban American population is one among the most successful minority groups in the US. I love this country, but some of you need to pick up a history book and look at a world map.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Americans#Economics

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

DAN PAULITSKA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:52:10 GMT

IF THESE PEOPLE FROM CUBA AND MEXICO ARE TOO DAMN LAZY AND STUPID TO TRY TO FIX THEIR COUNTRY WHY DO WE WELCOME THEM. YOU GO TO MEXICO ILLEGALLY AND SEE WHAT YOU GET IF YOU GET CAUGHT - ITS CALLED 2 - 4 YEARS IN PRISON. THE SAME SHOULD APPLY HERE FOR THEM TOO

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

LUIS PEREZ, North Arlington, NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:52:39 GMT

Change the Policy, They cannot stay if foot set on US soil, Dumb Goverment policy, only the US and Israel support this policy. All countries have relations except these two, shame,shame

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Andy, Barrie, Ontario, Canada — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:53:18 GMT

Here's a simple concept to limit illegal immigration. Born Americans, and by that I mean predominantly White America, should stop thinking that they are too good to do road work, or kitchen jobs, or tailoring or any one of the thousands of jobs that illegals are more than happy to do. I remember complaining to my dad about Chinese kids (fresh off the boat)driving around my home city of Vancouver, Canada 20 years ago in brand new cars. My dad reminded me that they, and their whole families, were working 12-18 hours a day to pay for a life they could never have at home. Remove the temptation by doing some of your own scutt-work and maybe the world's poor won't come knocking on your door. While you're at it, chisell those words off the Statue of Liberty...they've been a lie for well over a century.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Ernest Aviles fort Myers Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:54:53 GMT

Same for Haitians,Mexicans and every other illegal who comes here except amnisty for cubans. There should not be any passage for anyone who makes it here...that is why they die to come here....because if they make it they can stay..You have to say NO to amnesty and say no to illegals to get jobs and rent and anyother way to survive of they come...Period

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Miami, Fl — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:55:23 GMT

first of all puerto rico, dominican republic and mexico do not have a dictator. second there are more dominicans, haitians and mexicans than cubans. another thing, the reason for all the catering to the cubans as many may say, if you do not like something change it. get involved in politics like most high educated and respected cubans do.

and about puerto rico, lets not even start talking about that, they do not want to be a state but yet they receive just as much goverment help as any other state.
and for all the tree hugging hippies.....
what happend to human rights.....
lets start relations with a country that if you decide to say that you are mad at a certian politician or you happend not to agree with something that the goverment is doing in any part of the country and can get killed.
you have got to be kidding me...
you can't even have a choice of religion or to say that you do not agree with a song not having a sax player because it was invented by an american..
come on..
and if you really want to talk about drain on the economy the highest rate of welfare recipients are americans and african-americans and the mexicans and so on and so forth.
and as for the conditions there let see what you do if you hardly have no food to give your children and not at liberty (unlike other countries) to obtain a job. so how else would you feed YOUR KIDS?
all the rest of countries mentioned in these dialogs have the right and the liberty to obtain a job for example my grandparents went on a cruise that ported in the dominican and the tour guide himself said that the majority of the dominicans DO NOT WANT TO WORK. They have haitians doing the construction and cutting the banana trees as well as the sugar canes. so they HAVE the LIBERTY to better them selves and the CHOOSE NOT TO.....

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

DAN PAULITSKA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:55:47 GMT

FRUSTRATED BUT LEGAL, COLUMBUS, OH - WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES - YOU DID IT THE CORRECT WAY - THANK YOU

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

jorge-luis rivera y rivera — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:56:52 GMT

Cubans, especially those from Miami,have a Superiority complex, which began when the US in the name of countering Communism in our hemisphere gave them carte blanche,in many areas,aside from an open arm immigration policy which continues today. Puerto Ricans(US Citizens)fight and die for thier rights.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

A.T. California — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:56:52 GMT

Send all these people back where they came from.
They just add another strain to the welfare system.
Since American is going the Roman Empire way...well what's another few million more people.
The cat is out of the bag and the country is doomed.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

joe villanueva, albuquerque, NM — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:56:53 GMT

NEVER, NEVER VOTE FOR ANYONE FOR A SECOND TERM.....PROBLEMS SOLVED!!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Alex Perez — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:58:12 GMT

I find insulting the title of this article, "Cuban Americans"Most people wanting to get their family members out are not even US citizens , so they cannot be called Cuba Americans.I grew up in this Country and fought for it in another US created conflict , such as Vietnam
Besides as Usual the US government creates the Conflicts and others have to pay the consequences.
The Cuban Problem was Created by the CIA when they Told Batista to leave, meddling in other country's affairs.So you created a problem now live with it and shut up !
As Cuban Americans we ask the US Government if they are not going to Help liberate Cuba, then stay the hell out of our affairs.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

j plante — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:00:15 GMT

it is too bad we did not make it a state back in 1898.
I am sure we would love to take our vacations and spring breaks there.Americans lost their lives back then when we won that war and tedy was a colonel.If oil was in cuba it would be a democracy by now or at least a puppet government run by the cia or a multi national oil corporation.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Dave, Jax, NC — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:00:19 GMT

I don't care where you are from, America is a country built by immigration. However, if you come here do so LEGALLY, obey our laws (which by default become yours)learn English and pay taxes. It's odd but the folks who sneak in forget all these things. If you love your homelands more than the USA don't come here and wave your flag, go home and change it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

An American, Miami ,FL. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:01:00 GMT

A terrible situation but it must be controlled by some means or another. The Statue of Liberty represents America's freedom and Ellis Island was used to research, inspect and indoctrinate all who wanted to enter our beautiful land legally. Miami is the southern portal to the USA.

Suggest to open up dialog talks and implement trading commodities with Cuba. This should reduce the immigration pressure of dry foot and Then and build a receiving area, maybe Homestead Air Force Base, for all incoming refugee, rafters and incoming wanabe’s… The important thing is to do it legally and with a tax #. Maybe then, we can get a real handle in crossing boarders

One thing though, all incoming people must be able to speak English!
The 2 language system, approved and voted for in Miami by mostly Cubans and people from So America, is a mess. Many times, if you do not speak Spanish, the people are rude and do it on purpose, to alienates you to any conversation and forget it if you want to order something to eat or buy materials in Miami! Currently, people are hired first if you speak Spanish and English is a second place language… Which is why my wife hates living in Miami.

For an American who lives in Miami,… this is just not right!... and forget it if you get into an accident, as most do not have auto insurance or a drivers license and they just move to another hiding place to drive again.

We need law and order to control border crossing immigration defects … starting now!

An American who understands humanity but wants controls, not open doors!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

greg fort meyers florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:01:27 GMT

the coast guard is right. its sad that the cubans in florida have ruined that state thats one reason i moved away from there. they come over here and think they have the right to dictate policy.seems if they want to be called cubans they need to build em another shanty boat and sail right back to crappa.your an american or your not get over it people

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Andy, Barrie, Ontario, Canada — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:04:10 GMT

Mcoronado...They came from Canada? They waltzed right past the Border Patrol of the biggest, baddest bully on the planet and you want to blame us????? Your armed forces didn't stop them, your intelligence agencies (who probably employ more people than Canada has soldiers) didn't stop them, the American people with their right to keep and arm bears...OOPS keep and bear arms didn't to a @#$% thing to stop them...except teach them how to fly into the towers! 9/11 came about because American foreign policy is not what you guys see on the nightly news. Try watching the movie Syriana...it will give you an idea about what's really happening outside of the continental 48. Most people around the world don't beleive in the US because they have been betrayed and brutalized by people using US policy as their shield. The US is not seen as the arsenal and bulwark of democracy as your presidents would have you believe...the US is seen as bad an imperial tyrant as the USSR was. US ideals, that are very strongly defended at home (in the media) are routinely ignored by the gov't personnel and business people that truly represent America to the world. Wake up folks...the talking heads on TV are not telling you the truth about what your citizens do when they are not at home.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John, Miami, FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:04:56 GMT

It seems that America is getting tired of this unfair double standard for Cubans verses everyone else. Deport anyone caught contributing to this illegal smuggling and it shall cease immediately! No problem! Just no politician has the balls to offer it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

V, Miami Lakes, FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:05:34 GMT

Let's not blame Cubans for the special privilidges given to them by the American government. Every other group of legal or illegal immigrants have their own people in government that can serve as advocates for them. I give all the credit to the Cuban descent people serving in the US government. They came to this country to make positive contributions and have been very successful. At the same time they have helped people from all parts of the world now living in the US. Every other group of immigrants have had the same opportunities as the Cuban Americans but have chosen not to take it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Guanajay — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:06:22 GMT

I'm Cuban/American. I Notice a lot of hate again us on some of the posts on this treat, please read about the history/contribution of the Cubans on the US. We work, create business and prosper on this great land,You cand do the same, get up work and not collect welfare and you will be like us, remember the only Americans are the Native Americans, the rest are Immigrants

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

pedro R. West Palm Beach, FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:08:03 GMT

It is not good business for rich cubans in Florida to stop the embargo. They are the ones who benefit the most from it. For example, look at who owns the sugar mills. Pepe Fanjul, a cuban, owner of many sugar mills in Florida. If Cuba could export its sugar to the USA, it wouln't be good for Fanjul. That is one of many situations. That's why Cubans in South Florida want the embargo to continue. They own the agencies that send money and packages to Cuba at exagerated fees. They are cashing in from all this mess.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Raquel, Miami Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:09:09 GMT

WOW, I AM SO PROUD TO BE A CUBAN-AMERICAN. That's right CUBAN-AMERICAN, like many of you claim to be IRISH-AMERICAN, GERMAN-AMERICAN, ITALIAN-AMERICAN, etc.
I think many of you should brush up on your history and stop the typical stereotypical IGNORANT AMERICAN routine.....come on people.....you can do a lot better!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John, Boston — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:11:37 GMT

we started the fire..what's the issue?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

mark, Cayman — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:12:31 GMT

The author also failed to mention the growing trade in Miami of smugglers charging $300+ to carry illegal aliens from Miami to the keys and drop them off so they can appear to be cuban and take advantage to the wet foot /dry foot.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

ROBERT CABEBE SAN JOSE CALIF — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:14:12 GMT

I BELIEVE THAT ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SHOULD BE SENT BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM AFTER THEY SERVE FIVE YEARS LOCKED UP WITH HARD LABOR THE FRIST TIME, TEN YEARS THE SECOND TIME SO ON AND DON'T GIVE CUBANS ANY FAVORS.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

BRIAN — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:15:06 GMT

About 10 years ago, the Cuban born Mayor of Miami declared the U.S. Coast Guard was the "enemy of the people" for repatriating Cubans back to Cuba. Imagine that!!! A branch of the Federal Government called the enemy of the people. Shows were the loyalty's truely lie. Oh yes. South Florida is a piece of the U.S in name only. That is uncontrolled immigration at work!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John, Miami, FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:16:27 GMT

This was very good dialog until the very thing that makes us ashamed here in the US spoke up Robert, you. Everyone else has a just opinion except this garbage from Robert Lictenstein. What the heck kind of name is that anyway?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Patrick McShane, St. Petersburg Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:17:48 GMT

This is the Bush family and the criminal friends of the Bush family in Miami, It's been going on for years, just look up these names, then you will see for yourself, Orlando Bosch, Felix Rodriqueiz, Luis Posada Carriles, Jeb Bush is behind this kinda thing big time, the Bush family protect terrorist like the three I mentioned in this posting. Hey really take a good look at the Bush family and these people mentioned here. The Bush family are some of the biggest terrorist in the world.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

francisco duboue — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:19:55 GMT

the hypocracy of cuban-americans in miami is overbearing.I came as ayoung man from cuba and have first hand knowledge of the ingrained prejudice towards other cubans who are black and of mixed race.Ending the embargo would not make cuba the same as what they enjoyed in the 40's and 50's,and is the only reason that they continue to support it.Castro is no worse then some of our other so called friends.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Joseph, NY, NY — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:20:03 GMT

What about all the illegals in the US from Eastern Europe, Russia, India, the Middle East and the rest of the world? True the majority of illegals may be from Mexico but they or Latinos in general are not the only ones that burden the welfare system and other public services in the US if they do it all. A lot of illegals are hard working individuals that perform the so called "dirty jobs" that middle class Americans of all backgrounds do not want to do! On the other hand there are a lot of native born Americans that are of all backgrounds i.e white, black, latino that are lazy, don't work and are on welfare and food stamps. It seems like illegal means Hispanic/Latino and it is being used by racist/ignorant individuals to single out this group even those that are born here!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Cuban American, Union City, NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:20:46 GMT

I believe the U.S. Coast Guard is absolutely right. It's time to put an end to the South Florida Mafia that has become very wealthy thanks to the Castro government. They have not done anything to help Cuba or the Cuban people. Enogh is enough! For years Cuba has been willing to negotiate with the U.S. If we could normalize relations with Vietnam and Lybia;why not Cuba? At least this year will put an end to the worst administration our great country has ever had, and new begginings and opportunities will be given to the American people. Lastly we might start making friends around the world and not create more enemies. Let's finally break out of Cold War policies.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

TF, Paramus, NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:22:10 GMT

Funny how in my part of the States (NJ) most of the laborers are illegal immigrants and NOT from Cuba. Why is Cuba the issue here? We need consisency here with the law, but if you make it, it is a free Country. My father made it in the 60's from Cuba, and I am glad to say the entire family has been succesful in the GREAT USA.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Maggie — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:24:09 GMT

During the "Mariel boatlift" in 1980 approximately 125,000 Cubans flooded into south Florida in a 6 months period. When the flow of Cubans began to escalate in the mid 1990's and there was fear of another such influx as in 1980, Clinton negotiated with Cuba an "adjustment" to the Cuban immigration policy in which he agreed that Cubans who were intercepted at sea would be sent back to Cuba. So the "wet-foot/dry-foot" policy was intended to cut down on the number of Cubans arriving by sea.
While Haitians and others try to hide from immigration authorities, when Cuban arrive, they call the processing center and ask them to come pick them up. Yes, I have actually witnessed this. I've lived in Key West for 8 years. They are processed and and our government gives them $10,000 each "to start a new life". They are usually picked up by relatives.

When I first heard that they were given money when they were released, I did not believe it. At that time it was $7500, but is now $10,000. My friend who is a deputy sheriff on the Marine Patrol confirmed this. The going rate for smuggling has risen from $8000 to $10,000. See any correlation? Seems to me that our government is basically funding the smuggling operations! The relative pays the smuggler in advance, when the newly arrived Cuban gets his $10,000, he pays it back.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Steve Ortega — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:24:39 GMT

Sheilah from colorado how many times have you seen other races other than Cubans burn and spit on the American flag on national tv?When they protested that kid been send back to cuba with his father they burned our flag and that is when our government should have gathered up every cuban and shipped them back to that billie goat of a leader they have.The reason a lot of these cubans have it made in Miami is because of the drug traffic that our government turns a blinds eye to.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

schmekeldog, Oakdale CT — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:30:10 GMT

Why is it that when the good ADMIRAL is trying to make a point and save some lives at the same time, everybody thinks he/we are bashing the Cubans.

Every time a CG asset or for that matter any other services asset goes out to retrive these people they put thier lives at stake also. If you want to blame anybody just look in the mirror. One person who responded told about how some piolet told her this happens weekly if not daily. Did she or the piolet say anything to the USCG or other LAW ENFORCEMENT?
Or did just pipe up here because they have a fourm to piss and moan?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Steve — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:30:13 GMT

While we are on the subject why are Cubans,Iraqie refugees,Nigerians,and it won"{t be long when the USA will bring in boatloads of Kenyns legal and when Mexicans come into this country for the same reasons they are hunted down and deported?This country was their"s untill it was taken away from them.The peo that our government brings in here only come to mooch off our taxpayers or to blow up our buildings but that seems to be alright with our stupid society and our stupid congressmen in Washington.I wonder how many of these senators and congressmen anscestors came from other countries?How many of their anscestors came from Nazi Germany after the war,after helping Hitler kill our service men and then our government gave them the rights to homestead land,free of charge?How many Japs were brought over after the war that they started to live here as if nothing happened?When is this country going to wakeup and get its priorities straight?How many foriengers are coming here and recieving Social Security and have never worked a day of their lives?The excuse they use is that they are disabled ,so if thats the case let their kids money support them not mine.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

MARTIN SCHAER ,SEATTLE,WA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:31:48 GMT

all of you who are soooooo..anti immigration,being legel or otherwise,i just would like to give you a little insight in to what it means to go to bed at night without food,rags instead of clothes on your body,no job,no income,and no future!!
i did travel the world for almost 10 years,mostly third world countrys,and if you could see what i have seen,you anti-immigrants would have a little more compassion about your fellow man!!!
JUST GO HUNGRY FOR 2 DAYS,I KNOW YOUR VIEW WOULD CHANGE...UNLESS YOU ARE A BIGGOT,OFCOURSE!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Biker Jack, Iowa, USA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:35:47 GMT

If you have a problem at home, fix it. Revolutions go on around the world every day. So why don't the Cubans do something at home instead of swimming for the U.S.? Same for the Mexicans crossing the border, fix your problems instead of just whining about them. Oh, wait, what the hell am I thinking? Sorry. It is much easier to bitch while sitting in your lawnchair while waiting for your welfare check sucking the life out of working taxpayers of the U.S. than to actually work for change at home in Mexico or Cuba. My bad.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Danna, Atlanta, Ga. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:36:38 GMT

I think we should consider the USA as a lifeboat. we can only take in so many before we sink. We need to become proactive against illigal immigration . Our country will continue to see the decline of the middle class as well as the destruction of our health care system if we stay silent.Non-paying Illegals use our hospital emergency rooms as clinics because they know it is against the law to refuse treatment. the American people are paying the price for non emergency care for people that should never have been in the this country in the first place. Write to your Government representatives that we have had enough. Those who yell the loudest gets the most attention.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Yvette DeFoe, Seattle, Washington — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:40:01 GMT

I am not against other nationals wanting to move between countries, in fact I would endorse it.

I am against inequities in the systems. Does anyone know of any other country in the world that will allow poor americans to enter their country for work, without a work visa, do you know of any other country in the world that will allow foriegn national the ease of entry someone gains here in the USA?

And of course, if you are Irish or Germanic or Italiano, and happen to reach the shores of the US, do they get wet foot dry foot treatment?

Let's get rid of the politicians that allow our country to become their country. Yea, ship out the manufacturing plants and give away our tax money as "Foriegn Aid" to other governments. This has really become a F***k** up system.
The trouble with politicians and representative in this country, is they are professional vote getters and don't have any experience at business and a true "Free market system" any longer.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Alex, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:43:15 GMT

The coast gaurd should be careful. These fine folks (cubans) will turn on you in a heartbeat. Remember how they turned on JFK for trying to help them way back when and things didn't turn out right.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

FED UP IN SPARTA, NEW JERSEY — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:43:51 GMT

It is so simple, first, go after the people in CONGRESS, they make the rules and unless enough complaints are received they will not change or make the laws that WE THE PEOPLE, who vote for them, want and need to protect our borders and our families. Citizen's protection should come first. CORPORATIONS are second. They are all seeking to pay out as little as they can so they can keep more money. Having China make most of the items we need is so morally wrong, if not illegal. We have been put in the fire and are being burned to death from within by not having the ability to make and manufacture most of the products that we now import from China, Mexico and other such countries. The latest is HERSHEY who have scramble over the border to Mexico and left Pennsylvania as they have become too greedy like most corporations and companies. The worst is the Roberts family who have been guaranteed the father's salary, by the corporation,(the name escapes me at the moment, for about 10 or 20 years after he retires or dies. He is about 80 or 85 years old and his son continues on the board with over the limit salary and benefits. His wife also has some big benefits that will knock your socks off. And, YOU all should complain to YOUR CONGRESSMAN/WOMAN about the open borders to Mexican truckers who are traveling our roads and more than likely bringing in illegals (if the price is right) from their country besides other countries, along with illegal drugs, etc. Do not complain here, take the time and CALL CALL CALL, if not you will be leaving your children, grandchildren and other family generations with no protection for being citizens; born, bred and raised in the United States. PLEASE MAKE THOSE PHONE CALLS TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN//WOMAN AND WHILE YOU ARE AT IT CALL YOUR STATE SENATORS AS THE STATE YOU LIVE IN ALSO NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU. THIS WILL BE YOUR GIFT TO MANKIND. IF YOU CAN, HAVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS ALSO REGISTER THEIR DISPROVAL OF WHAT IS GOING ON AS THEY ARE CITIZENS ALSO, EVEN IF THEY ARE MINORS AND CANNOT YET VOTE. SOME DAY THEY WILL IF THIS IS TURNED AROUND. OUR COUNTRY IS IN YOUR HANDS, LETS SEE HOW GOOD YOU ARE AT COMPLAINING TO THE RIGHT FORUM.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Rey, Elizabeth, NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:47:36 GMT

Some very good arguments here. There are also some flat out racist ones, ignorant ones and just plain dumb ones.

The policies in place are there to curry favor with the Cuban-American community represented in the House by people like the Diaz-Balart brothers and Iliana Ros-Lethinen who are all Republicans. The GOP counts on the Cuban-American vote, never mind that the Cubans who go along with them consistently vote against their own interests.

The old school (those that came here in the '60's) Cuban-American community is a respectable and hard working group that has long since assimiliated here. The trouble with the newer generations is the same sense of entitlement that many here have spoken of.

The criticism of the Cuban-Americans as far as their work ethic and questionable character is preposterous. There are sections of Miami that were ghost towns with boarded up store fronts that are now thriving communities due to their hard work. Ever been to fancy Coral Gables? You know where the street names came from? Straight from the streets in Cuba.

All that being said, I think the Government should look into geting rid of this embargo which is supposedly in place to weaken Castro's grip on the island when it seems to have actually had the opposite effect. Castro can portray the people of Cuba as victims of the imperialistic, capitalistic and ironically enough, oppressive United States.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Shane — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:49:58 GMT

"CUBA" a bad place to live....
So is DOMINICAN REP.
So is Haiti....
SO is Trinidad...
So is Mexico...
So is Pannama..
So is Africa..
Name a third world country... Doesn't mean you get a free ticket to the U.S.

Why are Cubans treated differently...?
An Illegal immigrant....is Illegal. Wet foot or dry they should be sent home back to what ever third world they came from. Sorry the United States can't take the whole world under their wing.....if you want to live in a place as great as the U.S./ Over throw your Gov. and Declare independece we did.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Vicente, Chicago — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:50:56 GMT

Thank you, David from Long Beach. Many of us cuban american residents of the other forty nine states have long sad memories of our native land and great memories of our fruitful years in the U. S. A. It is tragedy of our generation that Cuba has not changed and that the need of people to leave Cuba is still there. A pity that it has degraded into a blood business for some in Cuba and the U. S.

The cubans who decided to go forward and succeed in this country have had to work very hard, go to school, and become professionals in many fields. You will find many in the U. S. militayr as well. We pay the poverbial dues. You hardly notice us any more. We did not get a hand out or were born to the priviledge of being an american citizen. We notice how many natives downgrade their country. What a shame. Deep down though, we feel the pain of our Cuba. We are american now, we enjoy the blessings of being in this great nation, and we contribute to its greatness with great hope and much work.

This nation of ours is not a perfect nation but it is by far the best in the world. The work started more than two hundred years ago and it is still a work in progress.

Thank you David!. To the rest: DON'T BITCH, BUILD !

Vicente

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

ME Boston, MA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:52:55 GMT

Cubans are very productive citizens, and therefore are welcomed with open arms.
CC (1st Comment)you must be Dominican, because Puerto Ricans are automatic citizens when they move to the States. If you did not know that, then maybe you might have trouble answering the citizenship questions.
The US allows the Dominicans to stay here too. If they wanted them to leave, they would stop imported Green Plantains. Then you would have to go back or starve to death.
Who will run the little grocery stores in Boston if there was no Dominicans? Where will you get your milk, eggs, and Drugs?
There seems to be a lot of comments about the poor Mexicans that can not cross the border. Please, there are more Mexicans here then any other group from the Americas. Give other people a chance, there is not enough room for everyone.
Don't get me wrong, I welcome the Mexicans. Who else will work our farms?
If someone has something special don't envy them, be happy for them. Jealous people are not good for society.
The US gives aid to just about every country in the world. They do not give anything to Cuba. So while the US is feeding your people back in you country, the Cuban people are struggling to eat. Who is getting special treatment????
My comments are only directed to the ignorant bloggers, and not the good people of Mexico and DR.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Proud Coastie Mom, Tulsa, OK — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:53:05 GMT

I too am a Coastie Mom. My son spend two years aboard the USCGC Gallatin and was involved with the rescue of many Haitian and Cuban refugees. These people were in need of help or face certain death, however, I do not believe that their rescue affords them special privileges and treatment.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

CitizenOfTheWorld, Detroit, MI — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:55:24 GMT

OMG!While I agree that the conditions in general in Cuba are terrible, there is one truth that everyone seems to be ignoring/forgetting... While the US embargo does hurt/limit Cuba's economy, the US is NOT the only country in the world. The US IS one of the only countries in the world that refuses to do business in/with Cuba. Everyone else vists there freely. Cuba's Tourism trade especially is alive & well. There is a regular influx of foreign currency/trade in Cuba, & there IS commerce. Cuba is a regular & favourite tourist destination for MANY European/Asian travellers. Some of our European friends go annually - for weeks/months at a time & love it there. But they also don't go far outside the "Safe Zones". The real tragedy is that only the elite few (the government, mostly) reap the benefits of this industry/trade & the "regular" people are left in squallor & misery. What needs to change is the corruption that goes on & prevents everyone on the Island from benefitting. Lifting the US Embargo would certainly help the local people - no question. But just whom would it REALLY be helping? Until a change is brought about, the elite will just keep on getting the benefits, while the "regular" people still won't see any change.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jose Gomez — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:02:52 GMT

Prosecute the Smugglers, AND the ones that hired them. PLUS change the law that if you got here by smugglers you have to go back - just like any other migrants. That aught to do it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

David Powell, Ocean City NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:03:49 GMT

If people are taking these risks to be free maybe we should do more to change their system a la fighting the Communism in Eastern Europe (which collapsed.) Cubans are mainly good people.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

laura ridgefield park, nj — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:06:21 GMT

there is a bit difference when you live in india, mexico, dominican republic, etc, people are poor and they do not have purchasing power, but the products are there in the streets to buy , people have access to food and everyday essentials, but in cuba there are no open markets, everything is rationed and on top of that there are no jobs and no money, there are a lot of poor people on the world, but the oppurtinity to acquire the products are there, not in cuba, some of these self rightious individuals should visit cuba, and not the tourist sections whre foreigners are treated different from everyday cubans and see what it really is like,and now on the political side why the u.s intervenes in everybodys elses business around the world and has not done in cuba in almost 50 years?, even after the soviets left, what does castro really know about the asssination of kennedy?, enough with the cover ups,he is been protected by all the us administrations, because is to the u.s. advantage, we intervened in the dominican rep. many years ago when the threat of comunism was there, is a cuban or even an dominican or haitian risks their life to die at sea, is because they have nothing to lose,we should be worrying about the so called legal immigrants that fly in to the us as tourist and students, and then decide to dissapear once they are here and stay, hispanics are not the only one that come to the u.s.and cubans dont ask for aid when they come here, my parents were given a coat and $100.00 to fly to new jersey 45 years ago; we are working people, and have done better than others that have been here longer, we dont cross land, or borders for freedom we cross shark infested seas for the pursuit of not just the american dream but every free standing person on the world's dream of freedom, of speech, religion and happiness.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Holyman — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:07:14 GMT

I have moved to miami, Florida couple year ago. I was alway though that Florida was apart of the United States. I tried to get the job in MIami area but company could not hired me. The main reason I am a Cuban nor not do speak Spanish. But I am a U.S Citizen
and I should be able to get a job. as long as I am able and qualify to do the job. These Cuban refugees been in United States for many years. They don't assimilate to our society nor learn to live with our
culture. They prefer not to learn our language nor recognized who we are. Someway they figured out that
Miami, Florida is apart of Cuba. Therefore we non Cuban have to learn and speak their culture and language. How do you like that? Anytime Refugees came
into this country we as Tax payers helping them out.
Directly or Indirectly. Most of the time, Americans are hard working people. We paid tax to local, State and Federal. Then Federal Government give Our hard earned tax dollars to these refugees. Hoping that one day they will realized how greatful to be in here.
Instead they choose to be live or Act like where they came from. disgrace our people here and our society. When anyone from any country, come to our shores in don't want to be apart being American should not come. Please go back to where you came from, live with own people and keep your won culture. Because you are too good for America. Whenever you think your contry is better than USA Please go home. Be somebody in your country and you would be very please and happy.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jorge-Luis Rivera y Rivera — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:09:09 GMT

Hello....arrogant Liz no one is saying that the policy is illegal;what is being said is that the policy is unfair,outdated,discriminatory and encourages illegal activity......SIMPLE!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Sarita, Miami, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:18:57 GMT

Cuban-Americans have been given rights and benefits no other immigrants in the history of the U.S. have ever enjoyed. It's time that ended.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

cw in ohio — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:25:56 GMT

You talk about them not taking care of their own people...we don't take care of our own people, but if I were an illigal I'd have medical care, food stamps, & a monthly welfare check. I work at a bank & see the lines of illigals with their checks every month. In the winter when the nurseries close down they some how get disabitlity checks? How do they manage that. I have worked everyday since I was in 5th grade. When I needed help for my kids I couldn't get it...how do they? My husband got hurt @ work..he later had knee then back surgery..no help & lots of time w/no pay...hmmm. I also worked in a pharmacy (one of my many second jobs over the years)they also manage to get medical cards & lots of free narcotics. I pray for the man w/the italian wife..all will work out for you & you will some day be together. As for everyone else get the hell out...I'm sick of living in poverty for you.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Ron - Atlanta — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:32:09 GMT

Although there is a lot we can discuss on this matter, I would like to state a few quick comments to keep this short.

Point 1 – One can not compare Mexico, Haiti and all other countries mentioned for the mere fact that those countries are not communist. The Cuban people have left for political reasons and are permitted to come to the US for that reason regardless if it is also for monetary reasons. Immigrants from Mexico, Haiti, and etc are migrating only because of monetary reasons. Furthermore, if the US were to deport these immigrants back they would be chastised from the community for being disloyal to the Communist movement, or worse, imprisoned.

Side note - John F Kennedy abandoned hundreds of Cubans during the Bay of Pigs. Most of the Cuban Freedom Fighters were execute without trial when they were captured.

Point 2 – The reason the US is not opening dialogue with Cuba is purely because there is nothing to gain from the island for Americans. The GDP once primary to Cuba such as sugar, rum, tobacco and tourism all have been redistributed / reproduced to other countries.

Do you really believe we liberated Iraq to allow democracy? or to preserve the cost of barreled oil? Do you think we opened are commerce to China because we wanted better fried rice or because most, if not all, products sold in Wal-Mart are made in China with cheaper labor cost so US citizens can buy inexpensive goods..

Point 3 – (Most Importantly) It appears all of us have quickly forgotten that shy of Native Americans, all of us are here because our families left their countries to pursue a better life in the US. Hence, we all were once immigrants and are now living in freedom.

To James Pinkerton from Buckatunna, MS, Sheilah from Littleton CO and David from Long Beach, CA – thank you for keeping an open and insightful discussion on the subject

To Danilo Silva- Cubans immigrant leave the island with no valuables. Zilch!!! For one, they have nothing thus they bring nothing. Secondly, the regime won’t allow them to leave the island with anything. Fidel’s regime seizes everything to redistribute within the communist people. You obviously have no education so take a few notes for your preschool book.

To PR from Atlanta and Osipov – You are beyond retarded. Saying that you are ignorant would be an insult to stupid people.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

luis grand rapids mi — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:36:32 GMT

the Cubans can be in the United States so that the government of the island does not receive to them back to cuba , we must keep in mind that all the people of mexico, Dominican republica or South america can return to their country when they want ,but the Cubans cannot although they have lived in u.s.a. 10.20 30 years, I think that the point of immigration is not to watch that it happens with the Cubans who come to the United States, if not to try to fix its own problems, if the Cubans cannot remain in u.s.a or not,that is not going to change for anything what happens with the immigrants of others country , "once was in class of ingles and there was a Hispanic person (nonCuban) had been in u.s.a during 18 years but it was hardly in first level of english because he always was speaking badly of Cuban people " I think that he is better to take care of their own problems and the life may be much better

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

MIJ, Nutley, NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:56:35 GMT

Cuban-Americans are very hardworking people who sacrifice everything to come to America. If all other immigrants are not so lucky to embrace America and make the best for themselves than why complain? America is a land built by immigrants, and Cuban-Americans are contributing greatly to the economy of this great country and are model citizens. Yes, let them come to our shores!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Richard M. Humbolt. Tn — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:00:08 GMT

For the past two administrations, practically nothing has been done to prevent illegal immigration. As a matter of fact it has been encouraged by providing free food, free shelter, and free medical needs. Even the legal citizens who have lived here for 100 years don't have these benefits. Why does one think that a recent legal or illegal immigrant is going to give a damn about what a coast guard worker suggests or thinks? The illegal immigration problem will only be solved when the middle class citizens are so taxed that they can't properly raise their own families.By then, it may be just a bit too late for the good ole U.S. of Mexico and other foreign countries.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John "Fernandez" Doe USA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:04:36 GMT

Hey to all those racist knuckle dragging boneheads out there, let me give you a little history lesson about why Cuban imigrants are given political asylum and the rest NOT. It seems there was a little matter of a thing called the BAY OF PIGS, in witch the CIA encouraged and backed a counter Castro invasion of the Island PLEDGING air support for the beach landing in the Bay of Pigs. Well, when that day came (and at the very last minute without WARNING) The air support was withdrawn. Thus leaving the PRO-DEMOCRACY freedom fighters to be slaughtered, captured and tortured (real torutre, not water baby boarding). And so from then on, the US, in realizing the huge mistake of allowing a communist enemy a free pass into this hemisphere, stated that any and all from the Island of Cuba, would be granted political asylum in the Good Ole US of A. So, here's your little history lesson on what could have been (a free and Democratic Cuba),but not!Hey you bunch of geniuses, the good ole US of A was made by imigrants and that little fact will always continue (HA,HA,HAA!).

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

M.J. Jacksonville FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:05:25 GMT

Open your eyes America! China, North Korea and Russia are on the other side of the world, while Cuba is just 80 miles from the U.S. Many of you have forgotten the Cuban Missile Crisis. Cuba is more a threat to the U.S. than the other countries because of its closeness. Castro hates America and would do anything to destroy it.

The embargo is just another excuse of the Cuban dictator to keep the people oppressed. There is no embargo. Cuba trades freely with Eastern Europe, China, Russia and South America. They can buy anything they want but won't. Hotels in Cuba cater to the European tourist who can enjoy and purchase anything under the sun. Cubans are not allowed into these hotels and food is not available for them to buy. Castro blames the U.S. for anything and everything negative that happens in Cuba such as lack of essentials, healthcare, transportation, etc.

Cubans who arrive to U.S. soil are NOT granted U.S. citizenship. Initially they are granted refugee status and allowed to work in the U.S. (paying taxes). They later can apply to become residents and then apply for American citizenship, a 5 to 10 year process.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Joe, Seattle, Wash — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:08:23 GMT

The United States Government has already given away the United States Of America to illegal immigrants, it's too late to do anything about anything,case in point is that an illegal immigrant can get a loan for a business before an American Citizen can. Yes, it's to late, The United States Of America is gone.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Chris Miami — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:22:53 GMT

Illegal Immigrants are Illegal Immigrants. Cuban AMericans have thumbed their noses at our laws for over 40 years, and it is a shame that cowards in our Legislature allow this criminal activity to continue.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Javonte. Atlanta, Ga — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:23:26 GMT

It’s all about color and human right. We have the Haitians people coming by boat but what they do to them (The U.S.A Government) humiliate them like a dog Oh I am sorry, I forget that our dog have more value than a human being.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Earth Cruiser — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:27:45 GMT

Could it be that the "US Policy" of coercing other countries precipitates these very acts of desperation. We as a nation are not blameless in this insensitive loss of life.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

William S Jackson — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:42:38 GMT

Has anyone even been to South Florida lately, the signs are in Spanish, the Walmart anouncements are in Spanish and not repearted in English, Most of the store clerks don't speak English. The Miami airport is a classic example, for the most part you would think you were in a different country. The political backbone of Florida is Latin, Get over it America we've lost Florida to Cub. They control it, they rule it and they are only bringing in more personell to hold it and finally they'll ban English all together and we'll all need a Visa to Visit. Bury your head in the sand like usual. The USCG is right,the dry foot policy is wrong. But as usual. We won't wake up and continue to lose our soviernty. BUT when they take over I'll bet thier immigration policies will be very strict. We are a nation of cry babies,whom Stand for Nothing ...Bye , bye America.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

luke — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:50:22 GMT

HAITIANS LAND ON U.S. SOIL AND ARE SENT BACK.CUBANS LAND, AND THEY STAY. WHY? THERE'S NO ANSWER.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Nrocafella, New York, NY — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:00:48 GMT

Everyone who comes here illegally should be denied benefits, and if you don't have the proper documentation should not be allowed to work.
That would fix the problem quick.

There should be a system that tracks everyone, and they could apply for work visas, and companies who hire them should sponsor and be monitored. We have all this technology but no one is implementing and putting it to use.

Our immigration policies should be completely overhauled.

Yeah there are hardships all around the world, why not go to Europe or South America or any other of the many countries available.

America isn't all its cracked up to be, don't forget we still have classic problems that will never go away like Racism, Class wars, Poverty, just because you make it to shore doesn't mean your worries are over there are no guarantees. You could end up worse off than you were in your own country of origin.

I understand people that are escaping wars, and civil strife, but everyone else is just here to exploit this country not work with it.

"America" is over and getting worse every day, there is no more "american dream", just corruption, greed, and blatant abuse of the law.

Also another thing how come we are so buddy buddy with freakin Communist China, which i think is one of the most opressive places on earth, but a little island off our coast like Cuba is soooooo bad and we can't deal with them.

If something isn't done soon this whole country will go belly up.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

11`11 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:16:21 GMT

First of all: the majority of cuban americans repudiate the illegal smuggling of other cubans. Must of all the smuggling is done and financed by recently arrivals (people that have been in this country for less than 5 years). The cuban community have been one of the most successful comunities in the nation, for many years the CEO of Coca-Cola, Kelloggs, Office Depot,and other big american companies were cubans. The Bacardi Company which is the most popular alcohol beverage in the world also belongs to a cuban family.
The status of refugee was given to them in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson, the wet-dry foot policy was signed by President Clinton. I love this country as much as any of you do, I also condem the illegal inmigragation, my 2 nephews are serving in Iraq, but the majority of all those comments of the arrival of cubans are full of hypocracy because almost all America descents from people that came to this country by boat. Almost all the communities in the country have a representation in the under-world or mafia, the italians are the ones that Hollywood tends to put its finger on, but the jewish,irish, chinesse, japanese, russian, mexican, etc. are much worse than the cuban organize crime.
I let you guys a lot to talk, bunch of racist and hypocrates. I am going to smoke my good cigar with my good XO cognac and entertain myself with your comments because tommorrow I am flying to Europe to enjoy a nice vacation with the money that I earned very hard and honestly.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Adrian, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:18:24 GMT

For all you Cuban bashers out there:
Cubans are treated no different than any other political refugee in the world. If somebody from North Korea walks across the US border and presents proof that he/she is a N. Korean citizen, they would be let in. After twelve months and a day, they would be eligible to apply for permanent residency. In five yrs. they become eligible for US citizenship. (Three yrs. if married to a US citizen).
Cuba is a COMMUNIST country, people. The poor devils that are caught at sea and sent back are put in prisons and tortured. When was the last time a Mexican or a Dominican suffered jail time for trying to leave his/her country?
Mexicans are by far the largest minority group and have relatively little political representation in Congress compared to Cubans. Maybe it is time for Mexican males to put the guns away and hit the books a little harder. Mexican females should have less kids, stay in school and join the workforce once they graduate.
Don't hate Cubans because of everything they have accomplished. Emulate us! Get more Mexicans into Law, Medicine, and Engineering Schools and then try to gain political muscle.
It is noteworthy to bring up NACARA. Who made up this law so that tens of thousands of Nicaraguans could adjust their status based on years of Sandinista (Communist) Rule? Congressman Diaz-Balart and Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. They both happen to be Cuban-Americans.
Furthermore, how well do Mexicans treat immigrants from El Salvador and Guatemala? Two words: Pretty bad. The same goes for Dominican hospitality to Haitians.
A wise man once said: "There is no wealth like knowledge, there is no poverty like ignorance." I don't think I can sum it up better than that.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Walter Anastas, St. Paul, MN — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:27:34 GMT

I'm glad we have found another ground to condemn George Bush for a situation that some of us do not like. And in the process we also get something to blame the Republican Party for. We need more such issues to feed our rage until Bush's term ends. Then, when a Democrat sits in the White House, all of these problems will disappear overnight, all immigrants from Cuba will be forcibly repatriated and the problem will disappear. I myself am not a Cuban nor any other version of Latin-American. However, in 1945, I was a 15-year-old survivor of one of Hitler's camp, and after being liberated by the US Army, I had to hide out in Germany for 6 months to avoid being "repatriated" to my country of origin which happened to be the Soviet Union. After that problem was finally resolved, I applied for immigration to the U.S. under the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 (a 100% legal immigration status) and then had to wait for 5 years in a refugee camp in West Germany (being fed stuff next to garbage, and clothed in nearly rags, by the UN) until I was finally issued an immigrant visa - all 100% legal. So today, at 77 years of age (54 of those years a U.S. citizen, and in between there a veteran of the US Armed Forces) I have paid my dues, and I think I have the right to express this opinion: I will never support returning ("repatriating") anyone against his/her will under Communism. And anyone who advocates doing just that to unfortunates who land here from Cuba is an enemy of mine, at least in the intellectual sense.
Walter Anastas

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Vana, Rialto, California — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:36:17 GMT

Cubans are allowed to stay because of the Cuban Adjustment Act (1966) signed by President Johnson it came about because of guilt, after the deplorable way the good ole' USA behaved at the Bay Of Pigs ( Playa Giron) after training the Cubans and promising help they abandoned them in a swamp, many ended up in Castro,s prisons, many died, that is why we get what many of you call preferential treatmet, the wet/ foot dry foot is a murderous law, it gives the people hope, only to be sent back to an Island prison, the people of Cuba live in fear, they have no freedom, before the revolution Cuba was a place people migrated to, now the people leave in droves, ask yourselves why that is, if Cuba was trully a paradise people would not leave.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

pete, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:39:14 GMT

no illegal immigration..no exceptions...what are we wasting our time for...the immigrants do not pay the fee for the enforcement... immigration without approval sucks for everyone...

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Miguel Arango Hialeah, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:04:07 GMT

Hey guys:
Let me give it to you from the horse’s mouth. My name is Miguel my country of origin Cuba city Matanzas born in 1966. Since the age of 4 I was doctrine zed by my beloved teachers to hate the USA or any persons from this imperialist country where the only human value was the mighty dollar. I grew up in poverty with out sense of self but always obligated to stand for someone else’s cause and believes like “Pioneers for communism will be like CHE” This particular fraise was in reference to Ernesto Che Guevara a parasite who’s only intention was to slave other country’s in Central and South America with the same virus as a communist CUBA. I’m glad that he was killed in Bolivia at the beginning of his career. This was a very popular fraise that we had to recite and repeat like parrots every single morning, before receiving the so call free education that the Castro Regime gave me. If you are keeping track when I mentioned poverty I wasn’t referring to any goods. Which by the way had nothing growing up? The thing I miss the most was freedom of speech to speak my mine to excel in any area I wanted to with out been part of the “Union of communist youth” and remain the rest of my life acting like a parrot and in total destitute but the worst destitute of all an empty soul. This picture of Cuba does not compare to so many of other countryman the gave their life fighting against the Castro Regime only to end in jail for life or shot to death. Well now I’m forced to explain why we deserved a piece of the promise land. Why we deserved to stand in American soil and be granted so many privileges as this great country give us. With history by my side here I go.

The Cuban Intervention

General George Washington had a dream to liberate the colonies from the English. He also had a band of mercenaries whom to pay, since he relied on these type of soldiers to wage the war which he felt was just and necessary. The French were here in the colonies helping out, and given that there was no money to finance the mercenaries or the war, Lafayette commanded the frigate known as "L'Aigrrette", to travel first to Cadiz, Spain, to see if money could be gotten. To no avail, the Spanish in Cadiz were very kind but not financially forthcomming. The ship then went on to Saint Domingue, what is now Haiti, and what was then the riches of all colonies given the enourmeous wealth to be had in the sugar industry. The French there told the French on the ship, "Nous n'avons pas d'argent", in other words, there would be no money from Saint Domingue sent to Washington. L'Aigrette then set sail to the Port of Havana to obtain water and supplies to return up to Virginia. It was there that word got out, our traditional "Radio Bemba" of the time, that Washington needed funding to stage a battle which was at the time only in the planning stage. Women, girls, from Havana, to Matanzas to Pinar del Rio gave freely of their jewelry, the French even documenting that they disposed of their diamonds, to help Washington in his quest for freedom and his financing of his mercenaries. The women of Cuba came forth, knowing that this was a just cause, giving up of their only wealth which was their gold, to assist the love of independence of another nation. When L'Agraitte set sail and arrived in September of 1781 in Virginia, General Washington upon knowing that there was sufficient financing of over 1,200,000 pounds of Cuban gold, silver and diamonds, historians point out that he lost his usual sedate composure and threw his hat in the air from sheer joy. Cuban Women's Contribution to the cause of American Independence thus made possible the financing of the decisive battle of American Independece, known as the Yorktown Battle. In fact, it was then on 31 October 1781, that General Cornwallis of England, had his sable turned over to General Washington, as a sign of surrender of the English to a band of dreamers know as the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. May G-d bless the children of these Cuban women who
loved their own freedom, but knew that the cause of liberty and justice is one to be pursued at all costs everywhere in the world where there is need for such a state of affairs.
When New York rejoices this Fourth of July, I too in a way shall rejoice doubly, since it was our Cuban ancestors, and despite all the disdain for Cubans present now in this land, that made possible, the freedom and bounty of so many. And by writing this, I hope to start waking up people's minds that Cubans even today as in 1781, maintain their unique tradition of defending freedom above all else.
"...Cubans...made a donation...for the battle of Yorktown...most of the treasure brought from Cuba was intended to pay the French around 800,000 tournesse pounds...another 400,000 tournesse pounds were used to pay the soldiers of Washington troops.

Well guys probably you are hoping I’m tired by now but let me give you a bit more history.

Cuban Misile Crisis

An Overview of the Crisis

"Nuclear catastrophe was hanging by a thread ... and we weren't counting days or hours, but minutes."
-Soviet General and Army Chief of Operations, Anatoly Gribkov
The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world ever came to nuclear war. The United States armed forces were at their highest state of readiness ever and Soviet field commanders in Cuba were prepared to use battlefield nuclear weapons to defend the island if it was invaded. Luckily, thanks to the bravery of two men, President John F. Kennedy and Premier Nikita Khrushchev, war was averted.
In 1962, the Soviet Union was desperately behind the United States in the arms race. Soviet missiles were only powerful enough to be launched against Europe but U.S. missiles were capable of striking the entire Soviet Union. In late April 1962, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev conceived the idea of placing intermediate-range missiles in Cuba. A deployment in Cuba would double the Soviet strategic arsenal and provide a real deterrent to a potential U.S. attack against the Soviet Union.
Meanwhile, Fidel Castro was looking for a way to defend his island nation from an attack by the U.S. Ever since the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, Castro felt a second attack was inevitable. Consequently, he approved of Khrushchev's plan to place missiles on the island. In the summer of 1962 the Soviet Union worked quickly and secretly to build its missile installations in Cuba.
For the United States, the crisis began on October 15, 1962 whenreconnaissance photographs revealed Soviet missiles under construction in Cuba. Early the next day, President John Kennedy was informed of the missile installations. Kennedy immediately organized the EX-COMM, a group of his twelve most important advisors to handle the crisis. After seven days of guarded and intense debate within the upper echelons of government, Kennedy concluded to impose a naval quarantine around Cuba. He wished to prevent the arrival of more Soviet offensive weapons on the island. On October 22, Kennedy announced the discovery of the missile installations to the public and his decision to quarantine the island. He also proclaimed that any nuclear missile launched from Cuba would be regarded as an attack on the United States by the Soviet Union and demanded that the Soviets remove all of their offensive weapons from Cuba.
During the public phase of the Crisis, tensions began to build on both sides. Kennedy eventually ordered low-level reconnaissance missions once every two hours. On the 25th Kennedy pulled the quarantine line back and raised military readiness to DEFCON 2. Then on the 26th EX-COMM heard from Khrushchev in an impassioned letter. He proposed removing Soviet missiles and personnel if the U.S. would guarantee not to invade Cuba. October 27 was the worst day of the crisis. A U-2 was shot down over Cuba and EX-COMM received a second letter from Khrushchev demanding the removal of U.S. missiles in Turkey in exchange for Soviet missiles in Cuba. Attorney General Robert Kennedy suggested ignoring the second letter and contacted Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin to tell him of the U.S. agreement with the first.
Tensions finally began to ease on October 28 when Khrushchev announced that he would dismantle the installations and return the missiles to the Soviet Union, expressing his trust that the United States would not invade Cuba. Further negotiations were held to implement the October 28 agreement, including a United States demand that Soviet light bombers be removed from Cuba, and specifying the exact form and conditions of United States assurances not to invade Cuba.
Well guys the punch line it’s here:
Yes we the Cubans the ones that help your nation to celebrate 4th of July every year and that ones that later where stabbed in the back by the US Russian deal to support a DICTATOR in power with a treaty that would allowed him to kill, torture, incarcerate and mangle any dreams for freedom and success indefinitely. Would like to remind you why we deserved a piece of the promise land. I would like to state that I love this country to death. On my behalf and my family I would like to thank every American for the opportunity to be part of the greatest country on the World.

Miguel Arango born in Cuba in 1966. A Miami Resident since 1983

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Emanuel Thompson, Hollywood, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:26:16 GMT

The U.S. Coast Guard has a duty to preform its mission relative to the U.S. Coast and if the Cuban-American Community mainly in South Florida/Miami
area cannot comply by the law how do we have the right to clamp down on the Mexican people that the Border Patrol are dealing with along the U.S. Southern Border. I say if the Cubans can get to America and receive Asylum from 90 miles away from our shores then the Mexicans people should be treated the same and they are only 1 or 2 miles away.
We go around the world being friends with people that do not like us (Americans) and those near our Shores and Borders we cannot treat like good neighbors. The U.S. Coast Guard is doing its Job and its time that Politics take a back seat whats fair is fair, whats right is right our country(America) need to do the right thing not look the other way because of polotics.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jim Skladany — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:48:27 GMT

WHY does the United States continue to support God knows how many crooked nations of the world where the majority of the "aid" is NEVER seen, much less "received" by the people it's supposed to aid? The "aid" only goes to the bureaucrats' non-traceable bank accounts a la Switzerland, the Bahamas,etc. As one of the "taxcattle"of the U.S. I'm getting damn tired of paying to rent friends. If you think Foreign Aid is ACTUALLY helping people, boy, are you blind, deaf, and plain dumb.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Nico Allano, Cupertino,CA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 08:47:37 GMT

It is appalling to see how many Cuban lives are lost at sea everyday. And yet families in despair continue to risk their lives to leave behind their hard treacherous conditions that continue to deteriorate in Cuba.
When will our President of the United States finally let go of hate,power and control, and allow Cuba to defend itself by participating in the free trade policies. Cuba has rich resources like rum,sugar,cuban cigar,bananas,etc. If the Cuban people are able to participate in the free trade policy, they can help themselves. It's very simple! The problem is that we have a group of selfish Cuban American politicians that persuade Mr. President to continue to ignore the basic fundamentals of survival that a country needs to survive.
The America can forgive Russia, Vietnam, China and Japan. Why not Cuba?
Isn't it crude and selfish to continue with the detriment of embargo on such a small island of people that can barely feed themselves?
Did you not see the documentary "Sicko"
When Michael Moore arrived in Cuba, with a boat full of Americans that were denied medical attention in the United States, due to lack of insurance and funds.
Yet the Cuban people welcome them with open hands and hearts, and provided the Americans with the medical attention they needed without a single dime requested! And even provided the Americans with free medication. Did the Cubans conducted themselves as our enemy?
I have to tell you it is dishearten to see some of the comments I read about Cubans. I see no love for humanity.
I am tired of having our Government and Religion choose for us who are enemies are.

Let's wake up people...Love is the answer,compassion and humility.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

ich bin ein floridian, Tampa, fl. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:10:50 GMT

Fifty years is long enough for a trade embargo. I can fly to Viet Nam on United but I can,t sail to cuba? As far as smuggling people? Hey 20 to 50 k for a nights work? Not a bad thing to this pirate.Heck i,d even give them lunch and boat drinks at those prices. Really it is all about Miami republican politics.The Eurotrash are making Money in Cuba now buying up realestate.The cubans in Miami are living in a dream world if they think they are getting their land back after they left so long ago. By the way . Remember the marial boat lift during Reagan? When Castro joins Che in that great gig in the sky you will be able to walk across the straits on boats.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Brooke, Portland, ME — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:12:50 GMT

As a born and bred American having lived in Miami for a short stint and only a short stint due to not finding a decent job because I didn't know "Spanish" was too much for me. When you apply for a job and it says you must be bilingual and you are, but you are fluent in Italian and German instead of Spanish that cuts to the core. I mean really, this is America where English is the first language and you should only need to know that in our country in order to get a job. When people are born on their own soil and can't speak a language that people who are coming here illegally speak doesn't this say something?! I am the first to give someone a shirt off my back,in fact crossing the gulf stream in my parents boat in the late 80's we picked up a half dead "illegal 16 yr old" (who was fine after a long hospital stay, his uncle died via shark attack from the same trip)in a small inner tube. BUT when I can't find a job here in the US because I don't know the language of the "illegals" then by golly who needs it. I do want to make a comment from the person from Colorado stating "stop the bashing", well, one can only say that if they have not tried living in an area where they are trying to make a living. When you have pounded the pavement and get turned down because of a language barrier in your own country you have an experience that turns you OFF. It opens eyes, live there, find out how hard it is to get employment and find that some illegal or new citizen gets it just because they know the language, yet they don't know english very well at all and they end up getting the position because they are CUBAN. That can leave you very sour and negative. Open the relations baby between these two country's and get these people out of here so the natural born citizens of our country can get their jobs back and we can lessen the stress on our welfare system. If a fireman/policeman had to move from Iowa to Miami good luck, no job for you, unless you know Spanish and uneducated Spanish too boot.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Glenn McGahee — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:14:13 GMT

For those that talk about the desparation of the people that live in Cuba. The problem is not the Castro regime, the problem that the citizens have is due to the embargo that our country has in place that prevents free trade with Cuba. Not just trade with America, but we insist that any other country that wants our support better participate in the embargo. Its time to open up and let people travel back and forth and trade. Why is the US so afraid that Castro might actually succeed in his gov't policies. If there was oil on the island, we'd be trading.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Dawn, Tampa, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:17:37 GMT

Does noone recall the Bay of Pigs incident? Our government abandoned the cuban people (south koreans, south vietnamese, and now the middle eastern people?). We left the brave cuban people who tried to keep Castro out and let them be slaughtered, usually their families too. Some were lucky enough to make it here. Some are waiting to return to a free Cuba. Some are intent on getting fat on U.S. welfare, but most love the U.S. They live quitely, not making a fuss and making this a better place. Having a child in the U.S. or marrying a U.S. citizen DOES NOT grant you automatic citizenship. Cuban people DO NOT receive automatic citizenship upon reaching our shores. They do get a green card easily and may be offered the chance to go to any state. It's hard to agree with giving Cubans food stamps, (NOT meant to give a hand to ANY hard working people, it's a program to keep food prices low), but it may be better than Miami looking any more like Cuba than it does. Many hispanics do the work no american is willing to do: pick vegetables, clean seafood, pluck chickens, back-breaking labor for less than minimum wage in unsafe conditions. We would no longer be able to afford many things we now take for granted if the workers were all legal. History is not taught in schools so educate yourself to understand the situation. If you find the situation wrong, vote. Get involved to change the laws instead of complaining. Our imperfect country is still the best in the world and immigrants know it. My ancestors knew it too. Most americans are from somewhere else. There is plenty of room here and we can make it better for all of us.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Chippy Wood,North Wales,United Kingdom. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:28:15 GMT

You think you have problems we in the UK have been having this game fo years.The only answer is to turn them all back,no hassle.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

grow a pair — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:29:59 GMT

Bleeding hearts.....send them ALL back, if they can rally here and cry foul, why not in thier own country? Get out, go back and fight for your independence and take your country back from Castro, my God what a bunch of cowards! Castro didn't run away, he fought and took over the country, you mean to tell me he's the ONLY person in Cuba with the balls to fight??? Give me a break....

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Thomas Johnson, Bradford, Mass. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:52:17 GMT

David from Long Beach is correct in mentioning cultural differences between Cubans, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. The same applies to Afro-Americans from the North, South, East and West. In addition this applies to peersons from Africa. Note that most Cubans arriving in Florida are Caucasian.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

mark harris — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:52:17 GMT

end the embargo. Under the current administration travel and trade have been forbidden. This is a country 90 miles from our shore and we cannot go there. 5o years is long enough. All we are doing is making cubans suffer needlessly. My sailing friends used to be able to go to cuba with humanitarian supplys. Not now.Also I agree with the poster about the dry Tortugas. Every morning one armed park ranger patrols the small islands in that area to rescue those who have been landed there without food or water. The fact that we allow the cuban political machine in Miami to dictate our policy is madness and ignorant. Cuba is a vibrant, and beautiful country. Its people are artistic, intellegent and deserve better. I firmly believe that Rauol Castro is willing to be flexable on human rights.The Cuban people will demand it if they see the light at the end of this endless tunnel. Demand the end of the embargo.Cuba is ripe for democracy.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

darryl, milpitas, ca — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:11:54 GMT

there is absolutely no reason why the cuban immigrants should be granted any special status. illegal is illegal. period. end of story. immigrants from every country in the world can claim poverty, political discrimination, etc.. just because they are geographically closer than immigrants from other countries (except of course Mexico and Canada, who still must pursue LEGAL means of entering this country) is no reason to let them stay, let alone grant them citizenship automatically. If their families smuggle them over here, and they get to stay here, let THEM pay for their life here (medical, dental, etc.)...stop giving them a penny of MY tax dollars.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Bob Martinez — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:15:08 GMT

Mr Danilo Silva,
I can smell your ignorance from my laptop! I came here from Cuba with my family in the very early 60's. Yes, we were wealthy, but contrary to what you've been told, we were only allowed three shirts and three pair of pants and the shoes we had on.So from riches to rags my father, 32 at the time,went to work. Despite all the verbal slurs thrown at him from fellow "white" workers he persisted and ended up retiring as boss to all that verbaly abused him and close to being a millionaire.NEVER did my father take govt. help,NEVER.Like him are many still living down there, contributing their share of (substantial) taxes to this govt. and have built a dynamic economy in south Fl.which many ethnic groups could envy. Sure there is a lot of trash there too, but trash comes in all colors.If anything blame the peanut farmer for allowing the Mariel boatlift, talk about a blunder.So, Mr Silva before you go insulting yourself again, do a little research and get the FACTS right, you just may come out smelling a little nicer than you do right now.
God Bless

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

BobC Ashland, Ky — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:25:47 GMT

This Country cannot and should not take in all the world's people! We are losing manufacturing jobs everyday, construction is down, now they are outsourcing research & development....we can't take care of these people with jobs nor with our tax dollars.
Foreign countries should reform to help their own!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Melissa Maura, Orlando, Fl — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:36:44 GMT

Bottom line is be GRATEFUL that you were born an AMERICAN!Or did we forget what a priveledge it is? We live in a country that people literally are dying to come here? For what? A promise for a better life. Maybe it's just me but last I checked the World Trade Center wasn't brought down by a illegal immigrant who walked or swam here. The flew here LEGALLY, the were quickly granted visas, took flight training, and the rest is history. Illegal Immigration is indeed a sensitive issue. But we need to differentiate between our own racists reasons, instead of saying they are ALL criminals, or the just use welfare. That is just not true. Just like not all people from Kentucky are rednecks, or not all Americans are arrogant. Think about this because when we step out of this country, even for a vacation, we always ask, "Do you speak English?" Why should they??? Have we really become this uncompassionate and ignorant? There are people who try years to come here legally. They are doctors, speacial ed teachers, college students, and good people (from all countries). But, when their government is corrupt and not as just as ours, anyone would be desperate for a way out. We are a light to all of these other nations. And I must say, our economy, and business and services NEED illegal immigrants. YES WE DO! Because I surely do no know ANYONE who is willing to pick fruit, or roofing, or pick up trash on the interstates for $6 a day or even $6 an hour who is AMERICAN. Yeah, we would need a union contract, smoke breaks every hour, lunch hr. 401k, and yearly performance reviews and raises. And don't forget, no nights and weekends either! For that, they can keep comming here because I surely do not plan to do this on my free time,(like we have any!)nor do I plan on paying $10 for 4 oranges, or $30 for Strawberries, or $400,000 for a $200,000 house! So think twice before we act like we don't all have a purpose or need anyone. Immigration reform IS needed desperately, but it does need to be human. Please do your research when looking at political candidates!! PLEASE!! Do not let CNN and Fox and ABC and CBS dictate who is going to represent YOU. We are the people in, "We the people" We are Americans and we are priveledge. But as Americans we need to take accountability for our own idividual actions too! Happy New Year to all.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Frank Balzer, Plant City, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:37:28 GMT

Those who ramble on about the supposed horrid social conditions driving some Cubans to risk an illegal boat ride to the US are intentional or unintentional hypocrites.

The social conditions in Haiti are much more dire than those in Cuba; however, nobody gives their boat people any special privileges. And in Haiti, some returnees have a good chance of facing government-backed retaliation.

I lived in Honduras for a couple of years. If I was a peasant in Honduras and had the chance to choose between living as a peasant (or typical urban dweller) in Cuba or Honduras...I would choose Honduras hands down.

By the way, Honduras is the AIDs capital of Latin America. Gangs (marras)run most of the barrios and most businesses have armed guards outside and inside their establishments.

Stop demonizing Cuba and look around and check out what life in most of Latin America is really like.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Dinorah, Tallahassee, FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:09:13 GMT

First let me clarify that as an American citizen and a tax payer since arriving to this wonderful country in 1980, via Mariel,I feel disgusted but not surprised by some of these comments. Thank you Sheila for your words of wisdom. As a cuban-american I realize that blind, deaf and plain ignorance truly does not help anyone. It is very easy to generalize when in reality a person does not really know much about a situation. Education is the key out of ignorance. Unfortunately, some of you that write such crap do not truly take the time to investigate before you say how you feel. I truly pitty some of you. I can understand and even agree that we have received some priviledge not afforded to other nations. However, do you realize that we have europeans and middle easteners who arrive daily to our airports and get asylum? No one seems to really know about it. They are truly educated, highly intelligent and immediately learn English.
On another note, I did not flee Cuba for lack of food. Although it is true that food is very scarce, my mother made the decision to come for a simple reason. Religious persecution at school and the lack of educational opportunities for me. While in 8th grade and working 45 days a year to pay for middle school education during December, many parents decided to take their children out to celebrate Christmas and New Year eventhough the political system had outlawed our visits home. As a punishment, the school system erased our GPA. Thus, immediately by crossing that gate, we closed all doors to attending what we know here as high school and forget attending the university. Let me add the most important factor,most of the rebels had the highest GPA's in the nation.I had the highest record in our province according to my teachers. I did not find this out however, until coming back to school. You see, the neglected for almost 8 years to let my mother know because I was a Christian who did not swallow the communist ideas and spoke her mind. My father who passed away when I was 9 years old, dreamed of coming to the land of freedom not for food.Every day after school he'd sit and read old history books that said the truth about our heritage not the bologna created by the Castro regime. Unfortunately, many parents become afraid of speaking against the government but he did not. He not only spoke truth but acted on it. He never attended work or block rallies to support the government. I learned by example to speak up and to be a leader not a follower. I thank God for my father's courage. Moreover I am proud of my mother's decision at the age of 42, shortly after becoming a widower, to flee all that she knew too give me the gift of freedom of without fear of retalliation. I have clearly expressed and enyoed my freedom of speech when addressing some of my family members who recently arrived and think the worse of my USA. They state that Castro did a lot for Cuba and gave them a free education and medicines. Yeap, right! These particular family members did not complete middle school because they had no materials to attend school or medicines to heal their ailments unless mom send them $$$$ from the good USA. I told them to get on the same boat they were smuggled in and go back. Again, I did not come here for food. I figure I am as happy to be here as all of you who do not seem to be Native Americans. The last time I checked the old history books, we all came from somewhere for one reason or another, be it political, hunger or desire to achieve higher educational opportunities or simply dollar bills.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Mr. Wizard, Peru, Indiana — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:28:25 GMT

The name of the game is RISK. Let's just roll the dice and take Cuba and Mexico. Afterall they're trying to take us. One citizen / illegal at a time. Then we wouldn't even need a fence. It would be hard to stop the migration south. Tax dodging businesses would be caught off guard.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

CG Spouse — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:36:48 GMT

I keep reading about the bad conditions that these illegal migrants are trying to escape. Oppressive government, hmmmm we as Americans got away from an oppressive government via a revolution. Maybe these illegal migrants need to take back their own country instead of trying to make ours into theirs. If they wanted american freedoms and rights then they would integrate into our system instead of trying to convert everything from signs to teachers to spanish.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

JR — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:38:34 GMT

Most coments seem to focus on the GOVERMENT. The president and administration. I see the problem as a socio-economic issue that can only be solved by free trade and world aid. People, you have to remember that only thirty some odd years ago these people planned our demise with nuclear missiles pointed at our families and children here. Castro has never backed off his communist rants although communism has been dead for almost twenty years. Cuba serves as a huge launching point for a majority of cocaine inported here. The bottom line this is complicated and until Castro is gone(which thank god looks like he will die soon) and we get semi-honest politicians in Cuba our hand is forced. Through Democrats and Republicans our policy has been level, thats because again they pointed nuclear weapons at us and planned our downfall. VIVA AMERICA!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Don Riley Winfield, KS — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:26:44 GMT

If they are picked up in the water they are deported.. That makes it imperative for them to reach the land and why they fight the Coast Guard, out of frustration.
But they are political refugees. They aren't nearly so dicriminated against because for one thing we havent had 25-30 million of them enter this as the Mexicans have done. Many countries aren't that big. 25 million people drawing down welfare.
How long would you expect the welfare systems to last??

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Pissed off Canadian, Ottawa, Canada — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:34:13 GMT

Hey Mcoronado. Your statement "Our 9-11 terrorists came in through Canada" may be correct but certainly incomplete. Do not EVER forget that it was your U.S. Customs that let these terrorists into your country.
It seems you are following in the foot steps of your politicians and press in spreading misinformation.
WAKE UP!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Don Reynolds, Austin, Texas — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:44:00 GMT

"Out of curiosity, were the members of the Underground Railroad criminals?"

daniel, garanhuns, pernambuco, brazil (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:24 PM)

Yes, sonny. The Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War was a criminal enterprise, in violation of the Federal Fugitive Slave Act and numerous state and local laws.

Smuggling human cargo into and around the USA is WRONG and it is ILLEGAL. The people who do it should be punished severely and their assets confiscated by the government. Too often, the smugglers become kidnappers, holding family members for still more ransom. Even if the ransom is actually paid by desperate friends and relatives, they are often murdered rather than released. Too often, people being smuggled end up as sex slaves nowhere near their destination. Abuse of all kinds is so common that it no longer merits mention. Today's smugglers should be known by their old name....pirates, since piracy is often part of the deal.

I am sure I speak for a great many American citizens when I say I am uninterested and unconcerned about how people live in Cuba, or Mexico, or China, or any other country. No matter what conditions they find themselves, there is no excuse or exception for entering the USA illegally. Use your head for a moment. If all the people who wanted to improve their condition came to the USA, who would be left behind in all the countries of the world? It would be best for all concerned if people who want to improve their own living conditions do so in their own country.

This country is not a ripe peach, waiting to be picked by whomever happens to come along. This is my country and it is worth fighting for.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Douglas W. Rodrigues — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:01:35 GMT

Why complain about anything? Our do nothing government "leadership" will simply allow the sovereignty of the United States to go the way of the DoDo bird. All the world hates the United States, but yet everybody wants to come here? In another 30 years we'll have English as a second language and we'll be living in a third world country of our own making. Complaining about Cubans and Mexicans sneaking into our country means absolutely nothing, because you voters keep voting the same lying politicians into office!

Doug Rodrigues
Sparks, Nv.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

ED , ATLANTA , GA. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:09:38 GMT

Since when did the U.S become responsible for all the worlds problems and living conditions? Just because Cuba has problems with the gov, living conditions etc is it our problem to solve? no ethnic group of any kind should be able to enter the U.S illegally. PERIOD!! we can't do it anywhere so why should they be allowed to do it here.We tell our own people things like get a job - get off welfare , stop having babies you can't afford to keep etc,etc. well they can abide by the same messages. coming over here illegally is one thing but when you wave the cuban flag in our govs face and stand in the streets and protest our way of doing things because you claim to be a citizen is a joke.I've been in miami and the place is awful because of all the illegalls. They get jobs others can't get because nobody wants to be accused of favoritism. they only hire other cubans.thye expect everybody else to speak spanish and think our schools should pay for and sponsor programs in the schools for us to learn spanish. and when that happens why do cubans take spanish classes and get an A for doing so.I worked at the airport with lots of cubans who were given access to the ramps and planes when there is no way for us to do proper criminal background and fingerprint checks on any of them. wher did they come from ? what have they done that we don't know about? they are treated special and throw everything in our everytime they a chance and we accept it so certain people can get a vote!! did it ever occur to anyone that if we didn't allow illegals here from anywhere there would be alot more jobs for americans,alot less political issues like this one. if everyone did like all other countries and took care of our way of life and needs first - like donatons to rebuild poverty stricken areas- just think how much better the U.S would become.I don't see us going to cambodia and bringing refugees here to live freely so stop allowing others to do it and then parade against you on T.V. Rember the little Gonzales kid that was tracked down with a special squad (on TV) and deported ? what made him different from any of the others? nothing!! they all arrived the same way so round them up and ship them out.And while we're at it get our gov to stop asking where the money will come from to secure the mexican border and shipout all the illegals from there. the answer is from the gov.its their job to protect our borders and people so they should build the wall and instead of closing military bases , build one on the border to help controll the illegals. I wonder how many terroist have come across the border or from cuba over the years? and for all those who sit over here from other countries illegally and complain about us , get god taken from the pledge of allegiance and complain about the jesus displays out for christmas rember this was our way of life and beliefs before all of yall got here, what about my way of life, beliefs that you are steadily taking away from me? you can always go back from where you floated,swan or rode in from and neither of us will have any more of these problems will we. signed by a true red blooded american for americans !!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Ed, Union, NJ — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:11:57 GMT

Mr. Potter, Do you remember the "underground rail-road" to the north by the black americans?
Freedom is vitalr too so many people that taking risks is not as important. 50 years of tirany is too much and looking the other way or sticking your "head in the sand" does not resolve the problem of the cubans trying to escape the island. Again "freedom is a scarce comodity".

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Joe, Hartford County, Conn. — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:17:17 GMT

Homeland Security? What a joke, we might as well hire
people to filter the pollutants out of the air. They would be accomplishing as much as the make-work political appointments to that ridiculous agency. With all of the supposed technological, military, government enforcement agencies, such as the DEA, the FBI, the state police forces and local departments, this country has not been able to stop the import of drugs. If we cannot even secure our borders against this menace, what makes us think we will ever stop the infiltration of human beings. We already have so many organizations (initials), that are supposed to be doing the jobs designated to the new government employment program (HomelandSecurityInc.), that we dont even know exist.

But, as others here have stated, its politics, politics, politics. And in the grand old style of american politicians, as long as there is money and votes to be garnered from assinine use, misuse or non-use of enforcement, we will have "dry foot" policies, fences desired to shut out mexicans, an open avenue through our sea port and airports, and a lot of hot air fed to us about how hard they are trying to make this a better country.

Im not sure about the average american, but i am much more concerned about dying as a result of a mall rampage carried out by a disturbed teenager, or a home invasion by multi-paroled felons, or muggings and carjacks by random crooks or street gangs, than i am of any imported terrorist. Our homegrown terrorists are already filling our hospitals, morgues, cemetaries and prisons at an inexcusable rate. Viet Nam, now our friend, China, now our friend, and Iraq, a future democratic ally, but Cuba remains an enemy? Does anyone really believe that if Cuba was a military threat to us, we could maintain Guantanamo?

The Statue of Liberty was a beautiful gift with a heartfelt message when it was erected. But every refuge has an occupancy limit. When will we finally cover that message with the more realistic one stating, "Thank you for coming, but we are now choking on our emmissions, running out of water, depleting our own natural resources, jamming our highways, and building houses in dangerous areas in places such as New Orleans. Please stay home and make your own country a better place to live and stop thinking we still need your help".

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Viktor Popp Mt.View MO — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:34:01 GMT

Cubans are a solid voting block,and our polititions know this.Both parties are catering to Cubans.Cubans
prever republicans.If they are starting to lean towards the democrats,the special treatment will change.Is it to late to do anything about illegal
immigration?This Congress will never build the border fence,democrats and republican like these lawbreakers,for their own political reasons.Many of
the illegal aliens are crimminals,and the goverment refuses to deport them.Complaining does not change anything,the elections are comming up,lets see how smart the voting public realy is.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Wayne O. Strange, Smyrna, TN — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:46:38 GMT

The illogical approach of the US towards Cuba has defied good sense for many decades and the immirgration policies for Cubans sets a shining example of that approach. The US is long past the time where normalized relations with Cuba is called for.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Rafael, Tampa, Florida — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:53:40 GMT

It is obvious after reading these emails that most of these people have never experienced living under a totalitarian communist state...again, Americans expound on what should be done not knowing what they are talking about...there is no similarity between Cuba and the Domincan Republic, Mexico, etc...Cubans would be happy to live in those countires also and are doing so, they just want to live anywhere but Cuba...drawing similarities between Canada and the US is preposterous, if not idiotic...it must be that many of these writers are not old enough to remember the Cold War and the then standing US policy of allowing anyone into this country escaping a communist regime, anywhere...that allowed massive amounts of Jews to emigrate from the USSR (Russia et al) and allowed people like me to come from Cuba to this country...it is tragic that people die in the open seas to escape Cuba but it is more tragic that Americans refuse to recognize the despair ands oppression that motivates them to do so and have done little to correct matters...

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

CampbellKid — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:16:54 GMT

I am absolutely amazed that any of you think that our Christian President and Commander-In-Chief treats Cuban immigrants any differently than he does Mexican immigrants.
Heh!...Heh,heh...ha...haha...hahahahahahahahahah...hahahahhahhaahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Benton Qwest — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:40:33 GMT

Americans go to Cuba every day. They go to Mexico or Canada and are granted visa's. when they get to Cuba, they tell the Cuban authorities they are American and ask them to not stamp their passports. Cuba has some great resorts with fabulous service because they love the Euro and the dollar. It is time American woke up I believe 45+ years is long enough to hold a grudge.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

WAYNE OELWEIN, IOWA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:51:28 GMT

WHAT WE SEEM TO FAIL TO RECOGNIZE IS THAT NO MATTER WHERE THESE ILLEGALS COME FROM...AS A RESULT OF POOR AND ABUSIVE GOVERNMENTS THAT WE PROP UP AND IGNORE THOSE RESULTS...WE DO NOT NEED MORE PEOPLE FROM ANYWHERE. WE HAVE PLEANTY OF POOR AND IGNORED POPULATIONS LIVING IN OUR CITIES AND ON RESERVATIONS. WHY SHOULD WE BECOME THE PREEURE RELIEF VALVE FOR MEXICO AND OTHER CORRUPT GOVERNMENTS ? ANY ATTEMPTS AT CORRECTING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ARE FUTILE IN THE FACE OF CONTINUED POPULATION GROWTH. THE SWIFT COMPANIES OF THE WORLD ONLY WANT CHEAP LABOR SO WE CAN SAVE 50 CENTS ON THE PRICE OF A BURGER . WHAT IS THE REAL COST OF ALL THIS CHEAP "STUFF" ?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Alex — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:53:18 GMT

I understand that people from Cuba are, for the most part, living in horrible conditions, however, I don't think the "Wet foot, Dry foot" law should be used if it will only apply to one racial group.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Joe Coastie — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:19:05 GMT

I served in the CG in the Florida Keys. I have stopped countless Cuban Migrant Smuggling vessels. This Admiral Kunkel's account of how little the smugglers care about their human cargo was drastically understated. I have seen people holding infants over the side of their vessels to prevent me from boarding their boat!

As for the US policies that "force" Cuban to illegally emmigrate to this country: I love this country and can understand why everyone wants to live here. Whet the summglers fail to understand is that they have a moral imperative to protect the lives of the people on their vessels. The conditions that they get underway in surpasses the capabilities of their boats which are overloaded, improperly modified to carry more thousands of pounds of fuel, and ill equiped for the safety of the passengers.
No human should be placed in this much danger regardless of the motives.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Al, Mayagues, PR — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:32:23 GMT

It's saddening that such a brilliant Nation should harbor so much ignorance! The Republican-and current administration-bashers seem to forget the "great betrayal" in the '60's, when Cuban Patriots DID try to reclaim the Country and were betrayed by a Democratic President (JFK-Bay of Pigs, in case you forgot).
It also seems odd that so many people in this Country are ignorant about the differences between Communist oppression and other political and economic dosorders.
IT IS a mystery (to me, anyway) why Castro has survived so many years (being so close to the US), but NOT why Cubans are willing to sacrifice the risk of crossing over.
I'm a Cuban-American and a Vietnam Veteran in the U.S.M.C., without regrets, except that I'm accompanied with such stupidity as I have encountered in response to this fine column. The Coast Guard 9s only ONE PART of the complex mechanism of OUR DEMOCRACY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!! AGAIN !!!
I'll BE !
\

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Al, Mayaguez, PR — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:38:28 GMT

Someone said --and you need to think it over--:: "The Nation that forgets its history is condemned to repeat its mistakes."
The way I say it is..."The PEOPLE who forget their past is likely to repeat its errors."
This I believe.
DON'T forget.
L.V.
(all that is missing, is "U" for LUV)

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Beatriz Ferreira — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:43:33 GMT

The Earth is but One Country and mankind its Citizens. All of us folks who support such slogans as "One Nation Under God", forget that when the concept of God was created or vice verse when God "created" mankind, God did not create boundaries nor divided pieces of dirt nor built fences to keep each of his children out or in. God create One Planet and One Human Family. And when each of us "experiences" or decides to have a "fundamental change of consciousness and assumes our purposeful responsibility to take care of each other (all the Golden Rules of all major world religions require it) then will these unnecessay and untimely deaths of innocent children will cease. Selfishness and Greed by those in power cleary gets in our way. Therefore, as World Citizens we must engage in selecting Moral Leaders that truly are Servants of the People and for the People. The challenge is finding those Moral Leaders. Let's look around and see who emerges as a Moral Leader. They may be right next door. My thoughts of love and support go out to all those who suffer as a result of our awful boundaries. Beatriz Las Cruces, NM

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Bill Cincinnati, Ohio — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:50:59 GMT

You are all idiots! You make note of the government and the fact that they don't enforce the laws of the land. BUT, you are the same idiots tha tvote the likes of Kennedy, Byrd and all the rest of the lifetime congress people into office. Ever wonder why we only let a president serve two terms and not the cogress? It's becuse we are stupid.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

SER — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:11:32 GMT

The US should normalize relations with Cuba and end this ridiculous embargo. That would end the problem and the Cubans would only be entitled to follow our regular immigration rules.

Cuba's human rights record is no worse than that of Russia, North Korea, China and the middle eastern countries and we speak to and trade with them. Even the US has just as bad a human rights record right now - think Abu Graib atrocities, hidden prisons where our government diappears and tortures people and so forth which have all been in the news.

Stop the madness and end the Cuban embargo!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

john doe Seattle, Wash — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:22:41 GMT

The question was asked, "Were the memb er of the Underground Railway criminals?" The answer is, YES. They stole private property & were responsible for the war that caused 600,000 deaths. It is long since time that they should stop being regarded as anything else.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Benjamin, San Antonio, TX — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:34:41 GMT

The huge hypocrisy in United States Immigration policy is the Wet Foot/Dry Foot policy. As Hispanic, I get angered when the lunatic right bashes Hispanic of not assimilating, Cubans are worst is assimilation to American culture, yet the lunatic right defends them. Cubans don't care about America, the all say when Castro and Communism dies, they will return to Cuba. Cubans are the most unpatriotic ethnic group in the United States. If Lou Dobb's wants bash someone, let them be Cubans. Mexicans and other Hispanics are assimilating to the United States. Even though the first generation, the ones that came to the US, have a hard time with English, the second generation have no problem with English and know little or no Spanish. Hispanic, except Cubans, are proud of being in living in the great USA. I believe Cubans should not be allow to come to the country with a free pass, since they spit on that free pass and still love their beloved Cuba. North Korean suffer the most from their communist dictatorship, compare to Cuba, yet this Government doesn't allow them to get a free pass to escape the tyrant worst than Castro, Kim Jong-Il.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Gesy, Roanoke, Virginia — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:30:06 GMT

david, Long Beach, CA

Finally somone talking the right thing.....

Gesy

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Heather Czerniak, Milwaukee, WI — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:53:16 GMT

Why didn't we just invade Cuba instead of Iraq? It's closer and there would be plenty of ex-Cubans to do the fighting. We need to be more practical in our approach to spreading democracy.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

mike — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:58:14 GMT

people crack me up with your horendus living conditions "oh how terrible" im a born and raised miami native i dont live there anymore due to discrimination by cubans against americans, fact is this the embargo is a repulican driven policy causeing the "horrible" living conditions in cuba theres a lot of money involved, all cubans support this arangement by voting (including the dead ones) repulican, the conditions on the island are no worse than 20 other nations around the world. the cubans show up here and get residency not citizenship they dont want citizenship cause then they have to pay stuff like taxes, medical bills, comunity serivces. as to them leaving when castro dies lol thats hilarious, the best thing america can do is annex cuba as a new state and treat it as the carribean hawaii.

another policy i wish they would change is the born here instant citizenship it should be a requirement that one parent be a citizen before this happens.

finally i would really like to see some value placed on citizeship, currently its only value is being forced to pay everything. and the reward for a lifetime of this is retirement with a standard of living lower than a bum living under a bridge. oh by the way cubans over 55 get social security benefits and you were wondering why ss receipianets get so little money

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Felix — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:59:38 GMT

It's amazing how little the average person living in America knows about the complexities of this situation. For the non-hispanic Americans I would tell them this: Firstly, this policy was started at a time when the cold war was in full effect. It was a way of putting mud in the eyes of our enemies. The overwhelming percentage of Cubans who came prior to 1980 were middle class,law abiding and did very well in the U.S. Since the 1980s the curse of communism has turned the once hard-working people in Cuba into socialist welfare babies. That more than anything may be why we may need an adjustment to this policy.
For hispanic americans, especially puerto ricans, colombians and to some degree mexicans I say this: You're just jealous of them. puerto ricans have been in this country for three generations and have nothing to show for it. Mexicans for even longer. Cubans came here and in one generation got themselves up to the educational and financial levels of the average American. The also have never fallen for the trap of the democrat party which gives its minority constituents an excuse for failing. If you tell them that they can't succeed in America because of prejudice they buy into it and stop trying. If you tell the same to a Cuban-American he'll tell you to stop eating shit and that America is the greatest nation in history because of opportunity.
I agree that the policy needs changing but I disagree with calling out Cuban-Americans for doing something any other nationality would do as well if they could.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

SLJ, Philadelphia, PA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:08:37 GMT

In response to CC of Boston: The island of Puerto Rico has been a United States territory with Commonwealth status since 1952. Anyone born in PR is already a U.S. citizen.

If anything, PR gets its own share of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic, located nearby on the island of Hispaniola.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Motma, Plano, TX — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:10:54 GMT

I have read these comments and found them quite thought-provoking. One thing I think should be clarified regarding a comment from CC.Boston, MA, about Puerto Rico: illegally to a better life. The difference is that those fleeing Cuba are given special treatment, and allowed to stay. That should NOT be the case". Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States and Puerto Ricans are US citizens (just like people who live in Washington, DC).

I also think it's time for the US to get back to the basics, if you will. We need to take care of our own and stop trying to take care of other countries that may or may not want our help. There are a lot of poor, starving people right here. There are a lot of orphans right here. There are a lot of desparately ill people right here. There are a lot of uneducated chldren right here. Why not try to fix things here, first? Oprah wanted to be a bigger celebrity than she already is by starting a school for girls in South Africa. Why not do the same thing right here? Numerous so-called "stars" (Brangelina and Madonna ring a bell?) go to various third world countries to adopt children. Why not do the same thing right here?

The United States became a superpower in good part due to its "melting pot" population. However, every pot will reach a boiling point if not carefully watched. Right now, we are fast approaching that point. This can, in my opinion, be attributed to the social, economic and foreign policies to this administration. Under the Republicans, there has been more hatred toward various groups, be it religious (Mormons, Moslems, etc), ethnic (Hispanic, Arab, black, etc), national origin (Mexican, Iraqi, Indian, etc), than at any other time.

I realize this may be considered somewhat off the subject but it really isn't. It all still comes down to the fact that there are laws that are being broken and nothing is being done to stop them. The Coast Guard has a limited amount of personnel and equipment and a vast amount of coastal waters to protect from more than human smugglers. If we want them to do the job, give them the equipment and personnel needed to accomplish the task.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jim, Miami Beach FL — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:17:09 GMT

Yes, the Gusanos in Miami are bankrolling this fiasco. They do not care about the people who die in the Atlantic Ocean. They only care about themselves.
We should have never let them into the United States in the first place, when Castro kicked them out of Cuba.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Sherry Fortner Chattanooga Tennessee — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:39:04 GMT

I tell you what we should do, build a bridge between Cuba and the U.S., Haiti, the Dominican Republic, India, and tear down the fences between the US and Mexico. Let them all come! Then our country will be as filthy, disease-ridden, and corrupt as the above-metnioned countries. Everyone will go bankrupt because our money wasting congressmen and senators will give everyone but the hardworking American citizens who pay out the ass for their insurance free medical care and social security even though they have worked and contributed for fifty years into the system as I have. OPEN ALL BORDERS and our country won't be even worth living in. Therefore, the attraction will be gone. WHY don't the hispanics CLEAN up their own countries. Overthrow your dictators, put your corrupt officials in jail. I recently visited Miami and was so distressed that this beautiful area of our country had become so overcrowded, filthy, and crime-ridden. I saw girls who must have been ten or eleven hooking on street corners. I saw the local high school with a ten foot barbed wire fence and a guard shack at the interest. Great Job Cuban-Americans you have ruined Miami as far as I'm concerned just as the illegal Mexicans have ruined Southern California.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Roger P, Hopkinsville KY — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:41:48 GMT

So right, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans don't usually get along very well, and they BOTH dislike the Cubans who are arrogant. Years ago my brother worked in California teaching English to Cuban Refugees, after months they learned nothing of English, "I am Cuban we DO NOT speak English ! !" they said they tried very hard NOT to learn English, but they DID accept a nice house (free) and live on the American dole. Guess the Republicans bought some California votes too, If they could get them to vote..

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

farella — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:57:09 GMT

In the first place, America should learn not to harbour illegal immigrants. Once they allowed wet foot/dry foot to happen, it means they are cordoning human infiltration and smuggling activities to happen. They should learn from singapore like putting up high telescopic cameras to catch illegal immigrants,etc. Whilst everyone is welcome to visit Singapore through proper entry with passport and visa, but Illlegal entry means punishment is harsh for illegals. Even overstayers are not allowed. If caught they will be jailed, and caned if it was a severe case offender (caning is for men offenders only - from age of 18 years old to up to 50 year old only ). After jail term and caning if any, they will be deported. Their face and hand prints of all fingers will be taken and kept. They will be barred from entry forever - persona non-grata. The harsh punishement has made the country free of illegals. If anyone entered the country on tourist visit and if caught working will be jailed, caned and sent home. A police cuff decal is pasted on public food centre to inform anyone about it. Across the border of Singapore is Malaysia. Malaysia has hundred of thousands of illegals, but Singapore does not have any - if at all. America should learn from it - not to play into compassion and sympathy games with illegals. It only encourages more from them.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

farella — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:57:10 GMT

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Frustrated in Miami, Fl — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:58:43 GMT

I couldn't have said it better than Danilo. The island is mostly Black now (Afro-Cuban). They are the ones staying behind while the whites are leaving and getting the red carpet treatment in South Florida. The Haitians are treated like criminals and sent back. I wonder if race is playing its ugly head in the story. I hope America wakes up and realizes that our foreing policies are creating monters that will comeback to haunt us.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Tommy D. Fayetteville, NC — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:49:22 GMT

An idea from an old fool. Conceal GPS systems in the high powered cigarette boats and monitor them from the time they leave the dealer's lot. Some type system involved in the installation process so that removal of same would notify authorities and time and place of removal could be visited immediately and the boat be impounded or followed .

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

big dally wale — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:57:26 GMT

Man this garbage of how bad things are in cuba is the biggest joke. Has anyone else in here seen the Micheal Moore movie "Sicko?" Micheal had a film crew with 1st-responders from the World trade center in a cuban hospital. The hospital which was 1st-rate took care of ALL of the americans and was able to significantly reduce some if not all of the medical symptoms of the the 1st responders. Prez. Bush had a 100,000 a-plate dinner for cuban-americans and promised NOT to lift the embargo. You would think that the Cuban-Americans would want to be re-united with their families. I guess not.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jake — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:06:41 GMT

Here's a fun fact for the group-
Amount human smugglers charge Cubans (mostly paid in advance by their S. Florida relatives) $8,000 - $10,000 per head. Amount the US Govt provides newly arrived Cubans to start their life in the US $8,0000. You do the math.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

change the system, Miami, Fl — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:23:16 GMT

Some one said they are Castro's enemies that come. I bet if we were to check everyone that comes to US we will see that many actually were part of the gov't that they run from, were in the military or were supporters of some kind. Their leaving is economics.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Mario Rios Pinot, NY NY — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:27:33 GMT

Someone mentioned Puerto Ricans in some connection to this topic; I want to remind people that anyone born in Puerto Rico is a citizen of the USA. As citizens we can travel back and forth as we please. The Cuban Americans are a silly people.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

ARMANDO J. BOLET, 424 NE 8 STREET, BOCA RATON, FL 33432 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:38:44 GMT

All the people that want to lift the trade embargo wi th Cuba simply don't know what is happening there. Over 100,000 people (there are lists of actual names and places of their murders) have been murdered during 48 years of tyranny. The Republic of Cuba, which happened to be the most progressive government in Latin America in 1959 (just look at the UN statistics of 1959) has been absolutely destroyed; its infrastructure totally gone, even its main industry, sugar cane, also gone (from 659 sugar mills in 1959 producing 8 million tons/year, only second in the world to Brazil, to scarcely 140 sugar mills producing less than 1 million tons per year). There is a system of Apartheid in Cuba today where Cuban citizens are not allowed to enter tourist stores or tourism hotels, and if they are caught, they face up to 10 years in prison. Cuba has no freedom of anything. Human rights are non-existent. The only people with any rights are the members of the Communist Party and their cronies and they number less than 100,000. Castro is a racist himself and practices "Santeria" religion which believes in idolatry and polyteism. There are no African-Cubans in Castro's inner circle. They are all white "gallegos" descendants from Galicia in Spain. The Cuban youth is taken away from the home at an early age and made to join the "Pioneers", a communist indoctrination organization directed and controlled directly by Castro's inner circle. If the parents refuse to hand over the 6 year kid, then the government takes away the food ration card from the parents as punishment for the refusal. Cuba has no Universal Health Care, like many ignorant propagandists in the US Media like to call it: God help you if you live in Cuba and get sick being a plain non/communist party member. The so called hospitals have nothing. If you need to get attention, you have to take your own soap, bed linens, food, medicine (went from the US) and even the water, in order to be taken care of. The only hospitals that function well are the tourist hospitals (Only for tourists, in which no Cuban citizen is allowed to enter ever). Cuba has no cars for the common citizen and the transportation system is 4th. world style transporting people like cattle in actual cattle trucks (some are open so when it rains all the people get wet).
There are no laws to protect anyone. Consumers are at the mercy of the communist party and if anyone objects to the government edicts, it is considered "dangerous" to the society, the party calls those people "peligrosos al estado".
I sincerely wish that all of those that think that
Cuba is a paradise, then they should go and live there for 3 months only. Maybe then, they will realize that what I am saying is true and really understated in many ways.
Armando Bolet

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

peter leonard — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:14:09 GMT

Thought -- Chevez or U.S why not U. S. ???????

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Carlos, Miami, Florida (A FREE Cuban thanks to the U.S.) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:37:10 GMT

Thanks to those of you who actually took the time to learn about this cruel dictatorship before giving an opinion. It is incredible that 50 years later ignorance still reigns....sad, very sad.

First of all blaming the policy of the U.S. of giving political asylum to cubans who arrive here is like saying that the reason why people get sick is because we decided to build a hospital. I do agree that cubans should not have an advantage just because they are cubans; they should have an advantage (just like anybody else in the world) only if they are claiming political asylum.
I do agree that the current policy is stupid because under it there a communist can be granted "asylum" if he/she touches land and a real refugee that is caught at sea is turned back to the living hell he/she came from.
For those of you who argue that all illegals are the same; just open your brain for a minute. If you are living in prison (which is what Cuba is) how can you migrate legally for political reasons ???? You are going to ask your particular dictator to just let you do it ?? I wonder why people on East Germany did not try that approach instead of just being shut at trying to jump over the Berlin wall.

Real inmigration reform is easy:
1. Seal the borders

2. Give preference to political refugees or people prosecuted in their countries.

3. If you are coming here for economic reasons then get in line...(A cuban should not be ahead of a mexican, nor should a mexican be ahead of a nigerian or a haitian if their claim is the same -- better economics ----)

4. If you are granted political asylum then you can return to your country of origin until you become an american citizen. (if you allege persecution how can you be going back without fear ??)

Simple enough....just needs to be done

P.S. Embargo?? What embargo ?? Cuba does business with anyone that is foolish enough or those who do not care about using slaves to do their work. If you ever actually read the conditions of the "embargo" you'll see that freeing political prisoners and holding free elections should be an given for any country wanting to do business with the U.S.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John, Arizona, USA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:44:49 GMT

I can't believe the cuban bashing above, despite the demonstrated patriotism and success of the the cuban-american community. Why are they all republicans? That's simple. If you don't worship Castro you can't be a democrat, they'll throw you out or worse. The way to solve the problem is to facilitate the demise of Castro's Communist Paradise, but of course Nancy Pelosi (not to speak of Shrillary) would have none of that. Viva Cuba Libre!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John Baltimore MD — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:02:38 GMT

one child = $10,000, no guarentee to make it alive.

For those who support this smuggling.....how much is your life worth with no gaurentee of coming out alive?

My life is worth more to me.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

L.H.S., London, England — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:34:36 GMT

I am a native of Dade county and spent all of my formative years with Cuban classmates, friends and neighbors. When I was in 8th grade I remember my English teacher taking an informal poll revealing only 4 kids of 28 were USA born. The point being that all things Cuban are very familiar to me. Including the stories of loss and exile from home.
I was always welcomed to my Cuban friends homes and love many things about the culture and of course the people I knew. On another level though, the local poltics one, I feel less enamoured. When my son enrolled in a Dade county school (Kindergarten)I was informed he would not be offered Spanish in the curriculum as he had a non-hispanic last name. Huh??
It was explained to me that the school board (Hispanic dominated) determined it was more important to perfect the Spanish of the children who already spoke it at home, than to offer it as a second language to the "Anglo" kids just starting school. So my son and 2 others in this kindergarten class were sent to another room to watch videos while the others had a Spanish lesson. They would be offered Spanish in THIRD grade! I was shocked and appalled at the arrogance that would come up with a policy of exclusion like this. Everybody wins when we are all bi-lingual as early as possible (at least if you want a job in S. Florida)! So why have a policy that deliberately sets up a Hispanic vs Gringo competition? Because this school board didn't care about the gringos. Do not underestimate the power of the Cuban political machine, whether it's the school board or presidential election. Wet foot dry foot is here to stay, we have nothing to say about it until Cuban Americans decide otherwise. By the way, I insisted my son be allowed to stay in the room during the Spanish lesson (protested by the Spanish teacher) and he did just fine!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Erik, Elizabeth City, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:38:38 GMT

The Coast Guard wouldn't have as much of a problem if the people were transported using safe techniques and practices. If Cubans were crossing the Straits of Florida in sea-worthy vessels with an eye to the weather and life jackets, the loss of life would be far less. Then the debate would be simply over the legality of the migration, and not the severe danger that has claimed hundreds of people in the last couple of years.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Outsider looking in — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:48:22 GMT

In response to David from Long Beach, CA. The reason why some Cubans are successful is because they are members or descendants of the former ruling class in Cuba. Other Hispanic minorities have come to the US either as a result of poor economic or political conflicts in their countries. The Cubans that are now arriving in the US via boats or through the Mexican border are for the most part the working class, except for professionals who have defected while on official business on behalf of the Cuban regime.

To Liz:
Your comments are not only silly but laughable. To claim that all Cubans learn and assimilate to American culture is nothing more than a fantasy.
Sure, Cuba may have a high literacy rate than other Latin American countries. Unfortunately, this does not mean squat in a country were people lack one human beings most basic need--food! Yeah, other Latin American countries have their problems but at least a human being is not limited to what he/she can buy as long as he/she can afford it. Unfortunately, the people who pay the price are people back in Cuba. I really feel for them.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Cassandra, Toronto, Canada — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:51:11 GMT

David, you have it backwards. It has to do with NOT being political refugees. Cubans do not qualify for refugee status, because an applicant for refugee status has to prove a well-founded fear of persecution and Cuban emigres can't do that.

As a Canadian, I am one of millions who travel freely and happily to Cuba, some of us every year, and there is no hunger, food is plentiful, organic and cheap (oranges are 2 for a nickel in the farmers' markets); wages have doubled since 2005; minimum old age pensions have tripled; half a million houses have been built or renovated in the past few years; the stores are full of Chinese goods; there are only three medicines that the Cuban hospitals have been unable to find a source for; there has been a total recall of high-energy-consuming appliances and their replacement with energy-efficient new fans, air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, stoves, water heaters and pressure cookers and, of course, light bulbs.

The subsidized, virtually free, food does include little hamburger per month, but it includes 25 lbs. of vegetables, coffee and cocoa for a cup a day, a liter of milk per day for pre-schoolers, pregnant women, nursing mothers, seniors and others with special needs, a dozen eggs, five lbs of sugar, five lbs of rice, chicken, fish, a liter of cooking oil, toothpaste, soap, sanitary napkins, occasional items of clothing, black beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, plantains -- all for about $1.50 per month.

If Cubans want more, they have to buy it. Is this oppression? Meat is $1/lb. in the markets.

AIDS, btw, is almost non-existent and the treatment of AIDS patients is the best in the world.

It's no puzzle to those of us who go there why the U.S. government maintains the blockade. They don't want you to see this for yourselves.

Best source on Cuban hospitals is MEDICC -- google it.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:27:30 GMT

I do not really know anything about this subject at all except My family emigrated from Cuba in the mid 1940's. Thats right, BEFORE Castro. My father fought in the Korean War for the United States while still a Cuban citizen. Thats right BEFORE he became a citizen of the United States. His childern grew up speaking english as their primary language and lived in the NORTHERN part of the country not south Florida waving the AMERICAN flag, not the Cuban flag. It is always interesting to me how imigration is never a problem until the topic includes people of Latin American origin. But this is not racism is it? As for all this preferential treatmen Cubans get in this country no one in my family has gotten any free hand out from the government.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

baron — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:37:55 GMT

As soon as Clinton or Obama get elected and legalize all the illegals from Mexico and all their relatives from South America all the arguments on this thread will be immaterial IMO.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Kristi, Central Florida — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:50:40 GMT

Many people commented that Cubans who set foot on US soil automatically become US citizens. This is not the case. They still must go through the process of becoming a resident just like other immigrants going through the immigration process and if they leave family behind in Cuba and don't follow the proper procedures to bring them to the US afterwards, this family could be in essence "left behind". And I am not talking about distant relatives. We are talking about wifes and children. Another thing that I see mentioned is the inability to travel from the US to the island. This is not the full truth. Most people know it is nothing to get a flight to the Bahamas and then a flight to the island. It might not be a legal thing to do but it can be easily done. It is my hope that the people of Cuba can one day be free from their current and long endured oppresion.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Eileen Stevens Fairfax, Ca — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:01:10 GMT

I am sick & tired of being called a racist because ai am against illegal immigration. None of my 3 kids are white, I have friends from all races, & I am not a racist. I think it is unfair that people are rewarded for breaking or immigration laws, yet if I ,as an American, were to go to Mexico & violate Mexican law. I would be thrown into jail, pobably without even the right to an attorney or to contact the American Consulate.I cannot go into a foreign country illegally & get a job, free education, free health care, raise a family & never learn the language or pay taxes! Other countries guard their borders & enforce their laws; why don't we? If the Cubans are so unhappy with Castro why have they not overthrown him? How was he able to become the leader of Cuba in the first place? Because the people loved & respected him.
The US Government wants us (Americans) to hate Castro, & I agree with the other comments made regarding why does the US gov't. support China & other communist nations, while refusing to help Cuba. I am in solidarity with the Cubans who want to stay in Cuba & work to make their country strong. What is so great about America where the gov't allows families to live in poverty & even homelessness! This same gov't is trying to take away women's reproductive freedom so we can all have 12 kids & become a third world country!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

THOMAS WELKER — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:18:52 GMT

WHY HAS NOONE ON HERE MENTIONED THAT THIS WHOLE CUBAN IMMIGRATION MESS STARTED WITH JIMMY CARTER? NOT BUSH. NOT REAGAN. BUT JIMMY THE PEANUT CARTER. PLACE THE BLAME IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

MJ Alonso — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:30:42 GMT

I read all these comments and so far the only thing I've come away with is how ignorant Americans really are, how insular and narrow minded and racist this country really is. The question of immigration is one that will be debated until kingdom come. I for one feel that this country was built on wave after wave of immigration. You "American" yes you! The German, Italian, Portuguese, American Indian mutt that you are, yes you, I'm calling you out as nothing more than an ignoramus that doesn't have any cultural gumption whatsoever, or any kind of historical perspective. You are all (we are all) the product of immigration wether legal or illegal, you are not a native American, I don't care if you were born here, Americans all are but a product of immigration. Even the native Americans came over the Bering Straight, so there are really no native Americans. The only native anythings are the Mesopotamians, after the tower of Babel we are all immigrants. This country has always been a free for all... ALWAYS! Love it and get get used to it... Or go back to wherever you came from, or your parents or your grandparents, or your greatgrandparents... etc.

Cubans, Mexicans, Chinese, Haitians, Pakistanis, Timbuktuans, et al, keep coming to America... We don't want to pick tomatoes or work menial jobs and need you badly. They will discriminate you at first, but don't worry your grand children will do the same to them once they become AMERICANS.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

jock mitchell, miami, fl and san jose, costa rica — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:05:41 GMT

we are bound by special interests for both the republicans and the democrats. as the majority of americans in this great democracy of ours do not vote, the cubans who do vote, and do spend their money on politics, both local and national, have what they want. that is the wet foot/dry foot asylum. there is no reason for them to care about other countries and their problems. right now there are enough mexican legals to make it possible for the illegals or undocumenteds to stay. there are many santuary cities.
this is all about money and jobs. it is not about legals and illegals. look at cafta and nafta. study them. learn what these treaties have done and continue to all countries involved. this includes the united states. these treaties have devestated countries on both sides.
nafta and cafta only benefit the multinationals. buy stock. make money. we could have all bought haliburton before the war. i did not because i cannot stand the industry. i do not like the product. i do not like petroleum products. do you know we had hydrogen fuel in the 1950s! in texas no less!
let's get rid of these free trade agreements.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Loosing Hope, Memphis, TN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:18:01 GMT

Ah,the land of the free.The home of the brave.Whatever happened to the Great American Melting Pot? What was the speech "give us your weak your..."? The land where,if you work hard you can be anything you want to be.That is what they used to teach in the schools. Isn't everyone living here glad our forfathers took this land (by one means or another) and made it ours to say who could stay and who must go. The system stinks and we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the way we have let our government become.If cubans can beat the system,then change it. Who could blame anyone for wanting to live here.We have our problems but it's still best country in the world to live in isn't it.That's what they used to tell us when I was growing up.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Camilo 100fuegos — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:26:18 GMT

Cubans American should feel full of shame, with all that brain power and money had not been able to bring down fidel castro. All the other nations in Latin America had bring down they america supported dictators. Nicaragua brough down Somosa; Chile Pinochet; Argentina Videla; Dominican Republic Trujillo and even Haiti was able to bring down the Duvaliers. What a shame! why can Cubans stay and fight like all the others? are they lacking in the COJONES department? someone answer me por favor.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

r ferris medina texas — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:31:03 GMT

In response to the first message. Puerto Ricans are American citizens. Also many of your responses people seem a little unsensitive. Perhaps you have never gone with out proper living requirements. Do some reading of Latin American/ American history before you post any comments. Many of us (USA) citizens have had our lives served to us on a silver plater. While on a trip in West Texas a "singer" on the border was singing a song to me. Since I speak both languages we spoke. He stated that "life was hard and how was he to pay for it". I said through hard work and prayer. Every time you hear of these tragedies perhaps you should think of your own blessings, before complaining about Cubans wishing to become what you were born with. "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country". Rember that?

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

tim greenwood fergus falls mn — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:53:50 GMT

when do we stop giving rights to non citizens for the sake of equaility? my friend has been trying to get a green card legally for 8 years and finally went back to engalnd and a cuban walks on shore and he is a citizen? please! make the system work better and be fair!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Raphael, Vancouver, BC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:01:46 GMT

I'm frankly disgusted and ashamed by most of these comments. Why should Cubans be given asylum, simply because they are runing from a horrible regime, which can only be understood if you're a Cuban and have lived a normal cuban life there. Don't forget either that if you are sent back you face retaliation by the government.
But it's really shameful how most well intentioned people (some of them with latin names) are letting themselves get misguided by the left oriented media and are willing to play Fidel's game.

Diversify your news sources, Expand your universe and you'll find the truth!!!

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Alexander — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:21:06 GMT

Methinks that ignorance is definitely bliss. We are not speaking of "migrants" here. The issue is "refugees". We are not speaking of "economics", but of "basic human rights". The human rights abuses in Cuba are what are unbearable. Other than redneck mentality here have most the posters even researched the Cuba issue? Do they know that Cuba exappropriated billions of dollars of US property and thus we cannot trade with Cuba as they not only owe us, but are capable of doing it again. Do they not know of the countless people who were brutally executed at the hands of the Castro regime? Do they not sense the desperation that must exist that would drive a parent to risk their children's lives on a raft rather than to die in Cuba? Do the posters want to have relations with the only country that nearly used nuclear weapons on the US? Do they want relations with the same country that wanted to plant bombs at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in order to achieve mass carnage? Oh well, there I go again with facts. It seems that facts are just an inconvenience. Excuse me for providing facts in a conversation that does not rely on any.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Jorge Vazquez — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:22:17 GMT

Maybe this will clear up some questions:

US Census Bureau. Facts about Cuban Americans

Organizacion Autentica US Census Bureau. Facts about Cuban American:
Cuban Americans have acquired an enormous amount of wealth and prosperity in an extremely short period of time; no other immigrant group has achieved this as quickly as the Cubans. Many immigrants have never achieved it at all, despite being in this country far longer than Cubans.

Second-generation Cuban-Americans were more educated than even Anglo-Americans. More than 26.1% of second-generation Cuban-Americans had a bachelor?s degree or better versus 20.6% of Anglos. Thus Cuban-Americans in 1997 were approximately 25% more likely to have a college degree than Anglos.

Other Hispanic groups lag far behind. Only 18.1% of South Americans had a bachelor?s or better. Puerto Ricans, despite being U.S. citizens by birth, recorded a disappointing 11%; Mexicans only 7%.

In 1997, 55.1% of second-generation Cuban-Americans had an income greater than $30,000 versus 44.1% of Anglo- Americans. Thus Cuban-Americans are approximately 20% more likely to earn more than $30,000 than their Anglo-American counterparts. All other Hispanic groups lag far behind in average income.

In 1997, 36.9% of second-generation Cuban-Americans had an income greater than $50,000 versus 18.1% of Anglo- Americans. Cuban-Americans were twice as likely to earn more than $50,000. Also, approximately 11% of Cuban-Americans had incomes greater than $100,000 versus 9% of Anglo-Americans, and less than 2% of other Hispanics.

Cubans comprise less than 4% of the U.S. Hispanic population, Mexicans 65%, Puerto Ricans 10%, Central and South Americans 11%, and ?others? 10%. Yet of the top 100 richest Hispanics in the U.S., more than 50% are of Cuban descent (ten times what it should be on a population basis), and 38% of Mexican descent. The rest is scattered among all other Hispanic groups.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

C.Jasso, Cape Coral, FL. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:48:48 GMT

Thank you, Mark Potter, for running this story. It gives us, a chance to comment on a very important issue. An issue that many of us here in Florida have been aware of, and are quite frankly baffled by it.
There are many illegal immigrants here, and there has been a significant increase in deportations, unrelated to criminal activity. However, Cubans are not among those because of the unfair "wet-foot dry-foot" law. I understand about the impoverished conditions there. I also understand that the situation is just as desperate in other countries, such as Haiti. I have read the suggestions in the comments on this blog, and am still not sure of the right solution. Our immigration laws should apply to all countries, and should be enforced, without discrimination.

Coast Guard criticizes Cuban-Americans

Big Jim — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 03:25:56 GMT

it,s all about money and power and "votes".