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In May of 2009, a bi-partisan group from the U.S. House of Representatives urged President Obama to lift the 47-year-old trade embargo against Cuba. They argued that it has failed to achieve its objective of regime change, and that the U.S. is missing out on major trading opportunities as countries from around the world sign up to do business with the island nation.
Critics counter that allowing trade and tourism to Cuba won’t make it more democratic. They point to Cuba’s poor labor practices and human rights record as a reason for keeping the embargo in place.
Is it time to end the trade embargo against Cuba or are there legitimate reasons for keeping it in place? Join WIDE ANGLE correspondent Aaron Brown on Blog Talk Radio as he moderates a discussion with representatives from both sides of the debate.
Phil Peters (left) is Vice President of the Lexington Institute, author of the blog The Cuban Triangle, and has testified before Congress to advocate for a relaxing of the trade embargo against Cuba.
Mauricio Claver-Carone (right) is a lobbyist for the anti-Castro U.S.-Cuba PAC, author of the blog Capitol Hill Cubans, and a fervent supporter of maintaining the current trade embargo.
We want to hear what you think. Call in and join the discussion LIVE, Thursday, August 13th at 11:00 a.m. EST. The number to call is (718) 506-1351.
To send us your questions in advance, leave a comment below. You can also send your question via Twitter using #VictoryIsYourDuty. If you miss the radio show, visit our site after the debate to hear it online.
We look forward to hearing from you!