I’m not really into playing 4x games multiplayer. But I did play Stellaris multiplayer. It can get pretty frantic if you don’t pause every now and then, but a far cry from boring.

When did they vote to join? They fought pretty hard to keep their rightfully elected government.

First of all, that’s not at all a reasonable reply to my comment. Second, how the hell do you have the gall to openly post this fascist garbage for all the world to see?

They did before they were conquered. Why is that so hard to imagine now?

You said the quiet part out loud. The USA really does represent a gangster.

You might be a fan of this guy

Listing data for 2023 as proof of me lying. Cute. How about going back a couple of years? But no, I’m lying about everything, and Cuba not being able to buy parts they needed is totally their fault. I’m done with this. You can continue defending your murderous country in peace.

Not being able to trade in USD is a huge issue, as it means you are blocked from SWIFT. When it’s stated that you have to use a different currency, it means a whole different trading mechanism. Which may or may not exist/work for your business. And if the US decides to cut your access to SWIFT completely, then you’re effectively out of business.

You could argue that the US should not have this much power over world trade, and I would agree with you. But you’re not. You’re blaming the Cubans for not being able to buy the replacement parts they needed, because the US totally isn’t interfering with their trade. Not to mention the absolute inhumanity of this position. When the US suffered from hurrican Katrina, Cuba didn’t hesitate to offer aid. When Cuba’s main oxygen plant breaks during a pandemic? Apparently the American people show their humanity by cheering. And you feel this is just. I feel like you’re just being willfully obtuse at this point.

How so? The existence of trade does not disprove the US blockade. Your own selected quote even states that you risk US sanctions if you trade with Cuba. This is NOT referring to US companies.

The risk of US sanctions can create uncertainty and businesses, especially banks, sometimes find themselves caught between conflicting legal requirements. UK companies, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular, have for example encountered problems in payments to/from Cuba being blocked by UK banks.

We recommend that companies with extensive US interests which are interested in doing business with Cuba seek independent legal advice. We advise potential investors to read the advisory notes regarding US regulations on the OFAC website.

I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m saying it’s a chilling effect when the US can arbitrarily start blocking your financial transfers. International trade is typically done through USD. And trading with Cuba opens your company to US sanctions.

But honestly, just think about it for a second. which do you think is more likely? Cuba is completely incompetent and/or self isolating? Or the US blockade prevents Cuba from doing any significant amount of trade?

Here’s what the UK government says about it:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-business-risk-cuba/overseas-business-risk-cuba

That’s not how blockades work. The US doesn’t allow trade with Cuba.

Have you forgotten that the US is still actively blockading Cuba? It’s not about the US’ lack of empathy. It’s the simple fact that they actively blocked them from obtaining life saving equipment.