I like the fact that Fidel Castro has, apparently, relinquished power to his brother or whomever is chosen by the powers that be in the near future, but Fidel has stated that he simply no longer wants the job. It is still likely that, until he dies or becomes totally incapacitated and unable to communicate, that he will still be pulling the strings and that the power swap is aimed at a softer stance toward Cuba by the U.S.

I, for one, would love to see relations between our two countries warm, and eventually, become as mutually benificial as they were prior to Castro's overthrow and eventual slide into communism(albiet without the Mob influence). Cuba is another Carribean island paradise, or it was before it's economy was ruined by another failed attempt at dictatorial socialism and communism which kept both Cuba and America from enjoying the profits of tourism and trade(not to mention a few 16 yr old 95mph fastballers we have been missing out on!).

The collapse of the Soviet Union virtually assured the end of Cuba's ability to stay afloat and remain the lone bastion of communism in the area immediately adjoining America. The move toward a more free Cuba, one with more to offer it's own people as well offering something to the world around it is a good thing, but it is a matter of survival rather than a matter of choice. I think the honchos realize the natives are becoming restless and a new revolution is just a few starving families away.

I don't think the U.S. should step into the role of sponsor and economic savior of that tiny island, I mean, we didn't make the mess, why pay to clean it up. The cleanup can be managed by good relations, tourism, trade and all the perks that go with such things, but we can offer help in the way of continuing our food and medical services bolstered by a free market economy.

Hillary and Barak have been bandying words about in support of a democratic Cuba(even though they seem to care less about a democratic Iraq, Sudan or Kosovo). I don't know the position of the most likely candidate for the White House, John McCain(anyone want to take bets on that?), but I am sure he will ride the "Free Cuba" train into town also.

Will Cuba ever become a real democracy? Who knows? But with Spain, France and Canada all doing well by avoiding the mistake of tying their socialist governments to their markets and doing well because of it(is free market socialism an oxymoron?), I don't suppose Cuba needs to be a democracy to be successful once cooler heads prevail. I hope it comes to pass.