The American Flag was just raised at the embassy in Cuba after more than half a century

54 years ago, the flag was lowered. Three marines present at that time were present today when it went back up. That must be a surreal feeling to get to experience with awareness these connected moments in history.

John Kerry is the first Secy. of State to visit Cuba since 1945!

US Marines Return to Raise American Flag

Who is booking their next vacation for Cuba?

a reply to: queenofswords

This is a good thing, IMO. It has taken way too long to open the doors with Cuba.

a reply to: queenofswords

I can't help but be pleased with the demise of our travel ban.

However, I doubt that this liberal policy will be reciprocated.

I also have serious concerns about the arbitrary nature of the lifting.

I just don't know.

a reply to: queenofswords

Maybe now they can get some modern cars?

The Corporate takeover has started !!

It's about time we started talking to people instead of beating them over the head.

a reply to: xuenchen

The American Blockade isn't why corporations found no footholds on Cuban soil. It's because the people and the government are fiercely committed to Cuban Socialism.

Most of the capitalists left Cuba, long ago. The remaining might try but 40 years of education against capitalism is going to be mighty hard to overcome.

Does this mean that we will see a mass migration of Cubans leaving Florida to head back home?

a reply to: Kali74

Especially when the Castro Family and a few elites control all the income and distribution.

a reply to: Bluntone22

Why? Nothing has changed in Cuba.

originally posted by: Swills
a reply to: queenofswords

Maybe now they can get some modern cars?

I know! So many great old restorations! Some of those people are sitting on a gold mine and don't even know it. I saw one old '55 Chevy behind John Kerry as he gave his speech that I know somebody would pay $$$$ for.

Kind of sad, really, to think this time two or three years from now Cuban roads will be full of the bland generic-looking blahs we call cars today.

originally posted by: NewzNose
a reply to: queenofswords

This is a good thing, IMO. It has taken way too long to open the doors with Cuba.

I knew when JZ and Beyonce made their trip to Cuba for "cultural" reasons in 2013, Obama was using them in some way to open the doors. And looky here! Just 16 months later, Kerry is in Cuba raising the American flag at the embassy.

originally posted by: Kali74
a reply to: Bluntone22

Why? Nothing has changed in Cuba.

If they have changed nothing why are we changing the relationship?
We gained nothing

a reply to: Bluntone22

Because our sanctions accomplished nothing and it was stupid to carry them out for so long.

a reply to: queenofswords

It's about time. I hope the U.S. learns a lesson from this... when you alienate yourself from your enemies, positive changes can't take place. Having an open dialog and an exchange of tourism will only help create a better friendship between the U.S. and Cuba and set a course for positive change.

I have to believe this has much more to do with Russia than it does with Cuba. Putin is being fairly aggressive lately. If I were in charge I'd want to have as close an eye on Cuba as possible, as to try to avoid what happened with the Cuban missile crisis.

We were lucky to avoid that disaster. It's hard to believe that if a similar circumstance would arise today, we would be so lucky.