If only good cigars were made in China..

Could it be something to do with Fidel Castro.
Something tells me its a case of tit for tat. Without the sanctions Cuba would be quite a little paradise I dare say. As it is, it makes for a vey offbeat tourist destination. I would like to have the funds to see it for myself before it inevitably changes when Fidel dies..
Which makes one wonder what will happen if Fidel has a stroke or heart attack tomorrow, has he an obvious successor or will the country slide into civil war no doubt promoted by the CIA etc.

Cuba has never supplied the cheapo hifi that so easily satisfies the "great decision makers".

Cuba has millions of old American cars. Which constantly reminds Americans how awful their taste was in automobiles at the height of their World domination. When all Americans were strutting peacocks behind the wheel. And they'd have them back like a shot if only they could afford the modern fuel bills and huge restoration charges.

Cuba has many beautiful (if crumbling) buildings which constantly reminds Americans how awful their taste is in architecture and also how they allowed the car to invade their lives like an alien task force.

Gorgeous George Galloway has apparently started a firm in Washington delivering Cuba's finest cigar's through the back door for the fillibuster-merchants & waverers !!!

Our bad taste in cars and buildings not withstanding, just follow the money.
China: Cheap labor, lots of resources, population 1,306,313,812 ( http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html), ripe to adopt "western" consumerism, a very real threat in war.
Cuba: Cheap labor, very limited resources (except for that amazing coffee and tobacco) population 11,346,670 (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2119.html), a 40-year embarassment for US democracy and no real threat in war (unless they have Soviet missles pointed at Miami).
David

Strange how many Cuban's actually seem (dare I say it) Happy ?

Ever talked to one yourself?
I have.
The poverty and malnutrition they describe is astounding.
I think the media would like us to see the happy little communists dancing in the streets.
While there are certainly contented and fulfilled people living there, suffering abounds as well.
David

Sorry are we still talking about East London here John, or was it the Barras in Glasgow, or, or or ?

Fritz Von last time I was in an Asian sweat shop in brick lane was days ago :

Mind you if they were, you'd need a bloody flame thrower to light the buggers, innit