Tourism And Trade With Cuba example essay topic

U.S. Against Cuba Should Americans and the United States government advocate some type of normal relationship with Cuba? Would the opening of trade and travel lead to a Cuban democracy and the improvement of human rights in that country? Would Cubans benefit from American tourism? The answer to all these questions was definitely NO, as I analyzed an extremely strong argument against Cuban relations presented by Frank Calzon, who is the executive director of Center for a Free Cuba.

His writings have been published in a variety of journals and newspapers. Each one of them is the same persuasive genre appealing to an audience that is sympathetic to the dilemma of the citizens in Cuba, but he explains with factual text the reasons why we cannot subsidize Castro and his government. His use of powerful adjectives; such as repression and misery, support his claim that Castro is a man not to be trusted. The Center for a Free Cuba (C FFC) is an independent organization that promotes human rights and a transition to a peaceful democracy in Cuba.

The center's website has a variety of interesting information for anyone just wanting to learn more about Cuba. The main emphasis of this website is to offer political viewpoints about Cuba. However there are also archives of articles by sponsors of the organization as well as expert information. The sub-areas of the website are: media, exhibits, get involved, books, and inside Cuba. This center's website is: web where one can read more articles by Mr. Calzon and will find an array of links about Cuba. In addition there are press releases, new sources and a link called "Ask the Experts".

Just clicking on the Learning about Cuba link will give you more valuable information than any encyclopedia. While visiting this website I learned that Mr. Calzon has written over 20 articles in such publications as the Miami-Herald and USA Today. He has also has spoken in Washington, DC to different congressional committees. He is truly a Cuban political activist, trying to explain how to achieve a Cuban democracy. Tourism and trade with Cuba will only subsidize Castro and support his terrorist connections to other anti-American countries. The quality of life will not improve for the citizens of Cuba if the United States brings in their dollars.

The Cuban culture will not improve politically, socially, or economically. Calzon argues all these points and confirms that we must continue the travel restrictions and embargo of trade with Cuba. After analyzing the literature it is clear that many human rights are violated in Cuba. Any money given to the Cubans will be used for terrorist involvement, increased prostitution, and Castro himself. It appears nothing will be given to the people, and the people are the ones who need it the most. As I analyzed the text I was aware that Calzon used the technique of logos, appealing to reason.

He gave statistics related to foreign investment and quoted the Associated Press is discussing the poor treatment of Cuban citizens. Furthermore he quoted Secretary of State Colin Powell reaffirming the U.S. policy with Cuba. By quoting the person third in command of the United States, someone who is trustworthy and calls Castro a "dictator", he has given substantial reason to believe his claim. In addition, his information is credible as he also quotes a Johns Hopkins University report. These facts were substantially reasonable information strongly supporting his argument. By stating that Castro lets people "get away with it", he is again reinforcing his claim that Castro is a ruthless and evil leader.

It is quite reasonable for the reader to assume that Castro would use any money given to the Cuban economy for illegal gains. He also uses pathos, appealing to our emotions. When he discusses the sharp increase in child prostitution, the exploitation of women, as well as the "internal apartheid" which does not permit the use of Cuban facilities by its citizens, the reader feels sorry for these people who are not allowed to live freely in their own country. Apartheid is when people are segregated according to their race or social class. It was very prevalent in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990's. The reader would find it difficult not to feel compassion for those people who must live under these conditions.

The people in South Africa were punished for treating people inhumanly, so why should Castro benefit from similar treatment of his people. The thought of children as prostitutes to support their own families would also tug at a person's heart and feel pathos for the miserable conditions these people must live in. At one point in the article, he uses mythos, which appeals to our values. Using nostalgia by referring to the Old west where Americans are the cavalry trying to rescue Cuba, the reader can imagine an old Western movie, where the army came in and rescued those victimized by the Indians. Only in this case the United States is seen as rescuing Cuba.

The reader easily related to the analogy he made. People often can relate to events from the past and how they influence our lives in the present. Do American tourists want to rescue Cuba the way the cavalry rescued the settlers? There is a logical flow of information as Calzon supports his argument that we must limit Castro's access to U.S. dollars.

He has three to four main issues that he supports with factual information. The first point by Mr. Calzon is the issue that Cuba supports anti-American terrorism. He uses quotes from a knowledgeable, reputable leader in the political community. He states that since 1982, the U.S. government has known this fact. He uses language that is clear to the reader, without using overly political terminology. He uses this fact to support his principle that isolating Cuba from U.S. dollars is the way to stop any global terrorist ties.

The next point discussed by Mr. Calzon is that human rights are constantly being violated in the Cuban society. The information that Cuban citizens are not allowed to mingle with tourists, can't go to restaurants, hotels or even use the same medical facilities appeals to the reader's emotions. There is empathy towards the people of Cuba and this is where Calzon again reinforces that American dollars are used to exploit woman and children in prostitution. The third main thesis that Mr. Calzon states is that over time the Cuban government is weakening on its own. It is obvious that he has done extensive research, as statistics regarding millions of dollars in revenue lost are presented. While reading other articles on his website, Mr. Calzon clearly stated the facts in a very orderly and logical manner.

There is not a feeling of propaganda in the way that Mr. Calzon presents his information. There does not seem to be misinformation or made up facts. He supports his "evidence" with dependable sources. There are certain consequences that could come from this article. If people truly are touched by what Mr. Calzon said, they could write their senator or congressman and encourage them to vote against any lifting of trade restrictions with Cuba. Also, pressure from the public could decrease the curiosity with Cuba and keep any tourism very low so that Castro would not receive U.S. money.

This may lead to what Mr. Calzon says is the Cuban government becoming weak on it's own without being rescued by America. As you can see, this is a well-organized article with excellent documentation. It is written so that someone unfamiliar with the political, social and economic struggles in Cuba can understand clearly the position that Mr. Calzon takes. If a person follows up by going to the website, they can have a very clear picture as to why the claim that tourism and travel could lead to terrorism by Castro.