Cuba is *WARNING* the U.S.

[Gohan Ryu]

The Cubans are pissed more about the 75 sign than the holiday decorations...Christianity is alive and well in Cuba. fredjacksonsan seems to be the only one who actually read the article, but he missed two things...

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

1. They had the 75 up before Christmas decorations, in which case the Cubans are using Christmas as an excuse to bitch [as a matter of fact I recall hearing something about it before]

2. They put up the 75 along with the decorations.

Quote from the article:

"Our intent, in the spirit of Christmas, was to call attention to the plight of these 75," Cason told reporters. "We're prepared to pay whatever price for the things we believe in."

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

1) If it's US soil then they can put up whatever they want to [as per Embassies]

2) If it's Cuban soil they should go ahead and comply.

Quote from the article:
"The United States and Cuba have not had diplomatic relations since shortly after Castro took over. In lieu of embassies, interest sections provide consular services and limited official contact."

[fredjacksonsan]

Whups thanks Gohan I glossed over those points I think. Or darn work interrupted.

So, they're on Cuban soil and admit to doing it on purpose to stir things up. Now they have achieved their goal, which is to call attention to the 75. Now they have to decide if it's more important to stay, or to keep the 75 sign up.

[Heep]

Regarding Christmas, I am Christian, believe in the birth of Christ, etc etc, but I can not stand Christmas. I hate the decorations, I hate the music, I hate the cheery people, I hate the people pissed off at the cheery people, I hate the crowds at the mall when all I want to do is go buy myself a magazine, and I hate the pressure to like it.

I'm such a grinch

Originally Posted by FairyDust

but also for the other meaning of Christmas time that was around long before Jesus ever was.

Regarding the article, and casting aside my own bias against Christmas decorations, I think the Cubans are making too much of a fuss about it, and people should be allowed to decorate if they want. The "75" was a pot-shot and probably wasn't appropriate of the U.S., however I don't see why the Cubans should complain about all the other decorations. Finally, if the U.S. is on Cuban soil, then they should comply with the Cuban demands - to not do so is disrespectful, and just asking for trouble.

In the article, I had to laugh at this:

Baucus, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said instead: "I just believe that we have a great future ahead of us, both the United States and Cuba, if we just stay on a positive course, and work to build relationships."

Way to entirely avoid the issue and change the subject!

Also,

whose administration has toughened economic sanctions and publicized its plan for a democratic Cuba after Castro.

That is BS - the Bush administration simply can not comprehend that anyone might not want U.S. style democracy and is going after anyone that doesn't offer it.

Canada isn't even a democracy really, does that put us somewhere on their list?

[whttrshpunk]

Canada IS on the list, but for other reasons.

[Rbraczyk]

Originally Posted by PBking82

Ok, The U.S. gov is so f'd up when it comes to religion policy. Christmas is is officaly recognized by the Christian people as the birth-day of Jesus. Why now do we have this day as a national holiday? Is this stating that the U.S.'s offical religion is Christian? I think yes and no. Without the Christmas holiday Retail sales would plumit for the First quarter(or is it the second?). Commercial travel would be in the shitter. So in esance, Christmas is a holiday that is vital to our economy. Now does it just so happen that X-mas and Christianity fall together as a religious holiday? Afraid not anymore. I am 100% non-religious(don't believe in organized religion) and I celebrate Christmas. Now, we don't go to church, pray, etc... Christmas is just a time for my family to get together and have a good time. Christmas as a national holiday in the U.S is about the biggest fuckup in sep. of church and state. The only bigger fuckup when it comes to sep. of church and state is having to swear on a bible in a court of law. Ok, lets see if any of this makes any sense. Peace-

Absolutely right. Theres only one thing I want from Cuba. Cigars.

[Cbass]

Canada is a representative democracy, and that works for me. I have a member of parliament who represents my area, and if I'm not pleased with what's going on I can write him a letter and he will actually respond. Of course, I live in an area mostly full of military and retired folks, and they tend to vote right wing, so I have a conservative representing me...

There's some doubt as to whether Christ was actually born in December at all. Christianity absorbed the pagan celebration of the solstice, that's even where the Christmas tree ritual comes from.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm

For me, Christmas is a pagan celebration, not a Christian one.

[DGB454]

This doesn't have anything to do with the article really but I think we should completely take Christ out of Christmas. Let the world have the Holiday as a pegan holiday. Isn't Easter more of a Christian holiday anyway? Isn't the reason Christians celibrate Easter of more importance? I am a Christian and I am tired of trying to remind people of "the reason for the season". Let them have it. I have never read once where birthdays were celebrated by Christ or his followers. I just can't imagine Jesus saying " OK Peter it's time to blow out the candles on your cake. Be sure to make a wish" .

As for the article. If it's on Cuban soil then do what the Cuban Gov't. asks you to do. We would expect the same here in the U.S. Christ even said "Give to Cesar what belongs to Cesar and give to God what belongs to God." What belongs to Cesar in this case is rule over their own land.