Anti-Embargo Lawmaker's Tangled Cuba Ties

From Herald Washington Correspondent Lesley Clark:

"Rep. Charles Rangel, a frequent critic of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, met with Fidel Castro on a trip to the island in 2002, but only acknowledged that the Cuban government picked up part of the tab when a watchdog group began making recent inquiries.

"The New York Democrat changed his travel disclosure form for the April 2002 trip and reimbursed the Cuban government and a New York grocery store owner $1,922 for his son's expenses after the Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan group that focuses on open records, raised questions about the trip. House ethics rules permit private sponsors of lawmakers' trips to cover the cost of the member of Congress and one relative -- in Rangel's case, his wife Alma, who also went on the trip."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14765955.htm

Comments

[nonee moose]

Wow. I don't think anyone saw this coming... I'm just glad I was sitting down...

[Kurt]

how generous of fidel to pick up the tab for this guy, eventhough he is a communist without a dollar to his name.. oh, wait, except for those 900 million

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Ah yah Rangel knows how to sic the dogs of war on the Miami Cubans. The right wing Miami Cuban terrorist should expect more of the same after America's shiftward left is complete.

http://www.afrocubaweb.com/rangel.htm

[nonee moose]

education: "no, Congressman, it is pronounced Che... no, Che. look at my mouth, Congressman...Ch-Ch-Che...see? Good...

fact-finding: "...so you see Congressman, it's not REALLY torture and deprivation... it's only a cold stone floor... like, "granito", for your kitchen..."

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

It wont be long before some calls Rangel a commie bastard. Totally ignoring that Rangel fought against the Koreans, and has a bronze star and purple heart. Of course the Miami Cubans hate him because he is black too. I have posted several articles about Miami Cuban well-documented racism against the coloreds. So i hope that Mr. Rangel keeps this in mind when he regains chairmanship of the oversight committee.

http://liberalslikechrist.org/about/chickenhawks.html

http://www.awolbush.com/whoserved.html

[gansibele]

John, I hereby crown you Chicano King of the Straw Men

[a thought....]

Typical politician, regardless of his leanings. Get away with it until you get caught. Then apologize, a la Swaggert.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Gansibele,

Why cant you Cubans come out with something original? Everybody mimicks the same put down from everyone else. I have been crowned a chicano for the 20th time. But thank you anyway, i wear the Chicano crown with pride. As when you crown me a Chicano, you do it with such honor. Thank you.

[gansibele]

You're right, it was a cheap shot. Wetback King of the Straw Men.

[nonee moose]

loujohn:

"the coloreds"??? say it ain't so...

AT, you should make loujohn apologize ala Swaggart...

loujohn, why do you hate me so? i try to treat you with kindness. i never directly insult you. i try to point out your quite numerous shortcomings in the spirit of mentorship, and in the hopes that you too will realize your limitations and chose a path better suited to avoid them... i'm only trying to help you along in your tortuous path to self-realization and acceptance... and improved grammar.

[a thought....]

I passed on "the coloreds" remark because I thought he was having a '50s flashback.

[nonee moose]

AT, either that or you are involved with an older man...much older... LOL

I'm beginning to suspect that loujohn's "school" means bingo at the LH Activities Center...

[usambcuba]

A thought - I wish you could spend time in Washington DC and in Havana, so that your perspectives may open. Unfortunately, its about the money A.T., not sound policy or American principles. This U.S. Cuba policy is a political prostitute.

Rangel made a mistake. He has acknowledged his error and corrected it. No coincidence its pointed out by the Miami Herald.

The perversion that arises from an article like this is that Rangel will be called every name in the book by the hardliners, though Rangel's record of service to the United States is impeccable. Your congressional "leaders" cannot walk in the shoes of Charles Rangel, who will be, God willing and when the majority of this country turns out to vote, the next Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in a Democratically led House majority.

Rangel understands implicitly the insanity of the embargo and wants it to end.

It is interesting to note that his opponent in 1994 was Adam Clayton Powell IV, the son of the very man, who Rangel defeated, when Rangel first was elected. Sorry for Powell that he got played by the hardliners, who threw money at this campaign and took advantage of another personal situation.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Yes, yes where does the right wing Cuban piglet run too now. The dramatic rise of the left in Latin America, and America. The reject from the republican base with all people who speak Spanish, including Cuban-Americans. The lingering memory of the Miami Cubans strutting around bragging about how they single-handily elected Bush. And now im greeted with insults as i point out the obvious. You Cuban piglets should be happy that im pointing out your future. At least this time you Cuban serfs wont be caught by surprise.

P.S.
Gansibele, i didn't even know that you cared about me so much. The first time you address me you called me a wetback. Hmmm, that is interesting as many on SouthBeach call the Miami Cuban salt-water webacks. Interesting indeed!! However, the difference is the Mexican has a country, and the Cuban piglet only has a city. Which by the way will be heavily policed by a leftist administration. I think one would call it "self preservation" after all, according to the Miami Cubans the Democrats are nothing but a bunch of commie bastards.

Have a sunny day,

[nonee moose]

USAM:

LLLLOOOOLLLLL, Charlie Rangel... the anti-Balart. Like ying and yang. Please USAM, no llegues al despretijio. If you criticize one, don't lionize the other because it suits your purpose. the beard never cut a fart that Charlie didn't think smelled of violets...

[a thought....]

I've been to Washington DC (twice). It doesn't change my opinion that most politicians might go into politics with the best of intentions, but eventually get seduced by money and power. They are, after all, human. But I suppose since they keep saying they are the best for the job, then it's our fault for EXPECTING them to be the best for the job.

[gansibele]

I wonder why the ambassador is always speaking to AT in that annoying patronizing tone: "I wish you could spend time in Havana, in Washington" etc. And I wonder why he thinks justifying Rangel's unethical behavior furthers his cause - or if he really believes he's fooling anybody.

I'd have more respect for Rangel if he was to come out and say "yes, I broke the embargo because i don't agree with it" and let the chips fall where they may. But i can't criticize the Lotts and deLays and then say it's all fine and dandy when someone from my Party does it.

P.S.: Juanito, one remark does not a care make. And I'm a real Democrat you idiot.

[a thought....]

Most individuals seem to have a blind spot when pols of their own parties do something wrong or illegal. We whitewash them and apologize away their indiscretions. Which is why they will continue to get away with things again and again. When we start holding those that we place in office accountable for their actions, then we will start going back to the basics of "FOR the people, by the people." Until then, we will have politicians constantly feeding at the public trough and making us pay for it. Again, that goes for BOTH parties.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Gansibele,

Listen, we have never had a formal introduction so i want you know something about me; 1) you dont get special consideration because you are a Cuban Democrat 2) dont tangle me

Nuff said,

Big John

[nonee moose]

gansi:

date banquete con el comemierda este... mira ver que tiempo te lleva hacer que se cague en tu estampa...

[a thought....]

Gansi: Welcome to John's world. Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times....and don't attempt to feed the natives...

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Oh my Good, looks like the leftist revolution is complete!! A must read!!!!

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Lou_Dobbs_Foreign_Owned_Voting_0608.html

[usambcuba]

Hey Gansibele - sorry if you find my tone annoying but my purpose to AT is that I sense from her writings a genuine hunger to understand what is going on here and on the island of her ancestors. She is on a journey. Part of the answer to that journey lies in gaining a deeper understanding of what is going on in Washington DC and in Havana, not through the filters of Miami hardliners who are obsessed with one thing at the expense of everything else including our Constitution. This again is why we fail in our policies with Cuba.

So pardon me if I admire her passion and quest for the truth and encourage her to go seek it for herself.

And BTW Rangel has done as much as state he doesnt believe in the embargo, is against it, and leads efforts to remove it when he can in the House.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

usamcuba,

You are such the statesman. You know i took the exam for the State Department.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Gansibele,

Come forth with your bio please!!

[nonee moose]

oh shit not that again... loujohn, State Department custodial staff is outsourced... you don't need an exam, dufus... i think somebody was pulling your leg.

[gansibele]

"Listen, we have never had a formal introduction so i want you know something about me; 1) you dont get special consideration because you are a Cuban Democrat 2) dont tangle me"

Aparte de retrasado mental eres amnésico. Porque no hace mucho tiempo me estabas elogiando mi educación y preguntando dónde había estudiado en este mismo blog.

Te digo que soy demócrata para que te ahorres conmigo el estereotipito bobo de los cubanos en Miami ese que tienes. Seguro que he hecho mucho más por el partido demócrata que tú... ¡hasta trabajé en la campaña de Reno! Y te respondo en español pa joder na má.

Ask your mama or your boyfriend to translate.

[gansibele]

Ambassador, you can be encouraging without being patronizing. You have called her a parrot, a sheep, a blind follower and closed minded for not going to Cuba. Not that she needs a defense attorney or anything like that, she does quite well on her own.

Since you are quite the expert: How many times HAVE YOU gone to Cuba? For how long? Have you ever lived there for an extended period of time? Have you ever had a "libreta de racionamiento"? I've been in more than 15 countries either working or visiting, and I wouldn't presume to be an expert in the internal politics in any of them after 2 or 3 visits.

[Juan (Pancho) Valquez]

This guy is just another scum bag politician. Democrat or Republican they're all the same. That is to say both parties are equally worthless.

[nonee moose]

wiki, today i feel cynical... and i have to agree with you....

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Cuban-Americans are abusive to their women.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Posted by: gansibele | June 08, 2006 at 04:34 PM
Aparte de retrasado mental eres amnésico. Porque no hace mucho tiempo me estabas elogiando mi educación y preguntando dónde había estudiado en este mismo blog.

Te digo que soy demócrata para que te ahorres conmigo el estereotipito bobo de los cubanos en Miami ese que tienes. Seguro que he hecho mucho más por el partido demócrata que tú... ¡hasta trabajé en la campaña de Reno! Y te respondo en español pa joder na má.

Ask your mama or your boyfriend to translate.

A.T. now im being accused of being a Cuban female. Could you briefly summarize what this piglet is saying to me? Thanks honey!!

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Kind of sad artice beneath. Perhaps i will start being nicer to Miami Cubans.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060608/ap_on_re_us/hispanic_teens_risks

[a different thought]

Government for the people, by the people ......and against the people.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Oh my gaaawd, someone has spoofed A.T.'s kewl ass nickname. Oh my gaawd, the audacity of "a different thought."

[Manny O.]

Loujohn,

This for you:

RANGEL IS A COMMIE BASTARD

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Of course he is Manny. Along with the 70% of the other Americans who want to lift the boycott. By 2008 you will have to point at the entire nation. And accuse all of America of being communist for electing Democrats to run this nation again.

[usambcuba]

Ambassador, you can be encouraging without being patronizing. You have called her a parrot

- no I have said she was "parroting" the same old tired lines. A.T. is very much a passionate thoughtful latin woman.

-I have never called her a sheep.

A blind follower
-no I told her to challenge the assumptions she has been given. And yes, it is in her best interests, in my opinion, for her to go to Cuba and assess the situation and gain perspective for herself, not through you, me, or even her family, but through her own experience, which I assert is her right and actually essential to her development. Then she will be in a far better and richer position to share her own perspective.

Since you are quite the expert:

I am not an expert, but have acquired some experience and expertise in these matters professionally and personally.

How many times HAVE YOU gone to Cuba?
More than once, and all on licensed trips.

For how long?
Long enough to learn what an insane policy we have with Cuba. Long enough to see that we exacerbate the misery of the Cuban people who already have to contend with an authoritarian regime. Long enough to see the shameful disgrace and waste of precious human resources. Long enough to see that our policy is the equivalent of a political prostitute and mocks the very principles of democracy and freedom we are supposed to be messengers of.

Have you ever lived there for an extended period of time? No. But someday when the insanity ends and it becomes possible, I look forward to the opportunity. I plan to be part of the American community that will help with development and construction. It all began with a dream I had on my first visit to the island, the day the United States and Cuba reconcile as two nations, two friends, and partners to confront and solve serious problems our world faces.

Have you ever had a "libreta de racionamiento"? No. But I know many Cubans who have.

I've been in more than 15 countries either working or visiting, and I wouldn't presume to be an expert in the internal politics in any of them after 2 or 3 visits.

-You make an incorrect presumption here.
You don't know who I am, my professional background, experience, etc. But when I speak about these issues, my comments and analysis are based on both actual and professional experience and research.

To John- thanks for the kind words. I have been preparing myself learning, acquiring, and practicing skills of private diplomacy and negotiation. One thing I do get from this blogging is practice, debating, and sparring, and gaining more understanding of the pathology of what is our present U.S. policy with Cuba and the proponents of the policy. It is also sometimes very entertaining, diverse, and off beat as the discussions are about politics, food, and occasionally women's feet and toes...

[a different thought]

Sorry you don't like my moniker LouJohn, I just didn't want you to think it was A.T. b/c I know you guys have a thing going. I've posted under the moniker "a thought" before, I just want to avoid confusion, didn't think you'd think it audacious, just clearer..But I guess Iv'e realized everything pisses you off..too bad..life is fun sometimes

[a different thought]

For the record, I think that when the regime changes in Cuba (and it will change everything does) few will be able to predict the results. Only a few economies have gone from Planned to Free market, and none with the Cuban character. I agree with usambcuba, we can't say a damn thing until we've walked a mile in the person's shoes, and trying on doesn't count.......although trying on does sometimes help one get a little of a feel. (The shoe analogy is for you LouJohn).

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

a different thought,

Hmmm, i reread my post and was surprised that you read anger in my writing. What i "thought" i was saying was that when A. T. gets home you might think someone spoofed her name. I think your name was both creative and funny. Too bad you appear to be overly sensitive.

You are correct that life is fun. But I suspect it is the Cuban-American that is celebrating like there is not a care in the world, and not the regular American. The Miami Cuban life seems to revolve around Fri & Sat night in this pit of sin city that they are so proud of. However, for the "real" American these are some of the darkest days in our nations history, with a potential horrific short term/long term future. So "a different thought" i cheer you as you laugh the night away. After all you deserve it. You elected George Bush, and as a result got to determine the direction of our nation, and this hemisphere. So hip horaaay to the Cuban-Americans as the party and laugh the night away.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

ADT,

I dont need to try on someone shoes to be empathetic. All i got to do is sit back and watch these Miami Cuban right wing piglets posts.

[a different thought]

Wrong, I voted for Clinton, Gore, Kerry in that order. I have never voted for any Bush.

And, also for the record, just because my parents came from Cuba and you have decided to label me "Cuban-American", does not mean that I am not an American...I carry a U.S. Passport, vote in elections, and have served on jury duty..hence an an "American". (Although, we could quible and say really "United Statesian" because people from Columbia are also American.)

Don't lump all Cuban Americans together!!! I agree with some of your ideas (open visits and trade with Cuba--all peoples really, etc.), and I am a registered Democrat. Go figure, live on South Beach, married to a Kentucky white guy, a Democrat and still a "Cuban American". Hell, I even paint my toenails...the point is you do sound bitter and angry. Lighten Up Dude!!!

[a thought....]

Gansibele wrote to John: Aparte de retrasado mental eres amnésico. Porque no hace mucho tiempo me estabas elogiando mi educación y preguntando dónde había estudiado en este mismo blog.

Te digo que soy demócrata para que te ahorres conmigo el estereotipito bobo de los cubanos en Miami ese que tienes. Seguro que he hecho mucho más por el partido demócrata que tú... ¡hasta trabajé en la campaña de Reno! Y te respondo en español pa joder na má.

John, you wanted the translation so here it is: Apart from your mental retardation, you have amnesia. Not that long ago, on this very blog, you were lauding my education and asking me where I studied.

I'm telling you I'm a Democrat so you can save time from your dumb stereotyping of me like you do for all the Miami Cubans. I have surely done more for the Democratic Party then you. I even worked on Reno's campaign. And I'm responding in Spanish to severely annoy you.

Any translation mistakes are mine. "Severely annoy" is as good as I could think up for "joder".

Since there is now "A Different Thought" (which I think is cool) posting, I will probably start using my real first name if I see that people start getting us confused and attack "A Different Thought" thinking its me, or vice versa.

Hi, "Different Thought"...to quote one of my all-time favorite bands..."Welcome to the Jungle"....

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

A.T.

Thank you baby. You are so sweet!! Its funny because gansibele did severely annoy me. I dont know why he had to be such a jerk and posts in Spanish. I mean if you are going to call me mentally retarded then say it to my face Gansibele.

[John Longfellow aka Lou Dobbs]

Gansibele,

Excuuuuse Me, but who in the hell do you think you are? Just barging into the Cuban Connection like you have stock in this blog. You need permission "from me" to stick your Cuban piglet nose in this blog. So scoot along now, before you end up reaching for a box of kleenex from my nasty posts.

Nuff said,
BIG JOHN

[nonee moose]

AT & ADT... twenty toes... no waiting.

btw, the package from Urban Decay is here... which one of you ordered the Brick House nail enamel????

[nonee moose]

loujohn:

get back to your sweeping, little man... before your boss takes away you soldier of fortune mag...

signed,

the boss of you

[nonee moose]

and you know it, too, you little bed-wetter.

[a thought....]

Nonee, you are up on your couture. I did not order the Brick House..I think I ordered the Trailer Park Tan and possible the Suburban Scum...I have to check my receipts...