The United States should lift its embargo against Cuba.

1) Regarding Threat during Cold War - That was a long long time ago. The world has changed a ton since then. Cuba was a threat in the Cold War simply because of support from the USSR, not because it was a strong, independent country! The USSR has fallen, and Cuba is not a threat to the US any longer. 2) Regarding Cuban Suffering - They have suffered for over 50 years and nothing has changed under the embargo. Why would that just all of a sudden change now? 3) Regarding USA might look weak - Actually, you can turn that argument to me it would actually make the US look stronger. Remember, 188 countries oppose the embargo. 188! Literally almost the entire international community! If the US lifts the embargo, then it will increase US credibility in the eyes of the international community and increase US soft power/diplomacy, especially in Latin America. 4) Regarding Cuba is still not friendly - When you say "not friendly," I'm not quite sure what you mean. In any case, this is non-unique in the sense that in either world, I don't know if Cuba would necessarily be "buddy-buddy" with the US. However, remember, the best way to improve relations (the only possible shot we have) is to lift the embargo. (You can cross-apply the Griswold citation about free trade being the best way to spur democracy) 5) Regarding Cubans in the US support the embargo - It doesn't matter what a select group of people think. The policy needs to do what' s in the best interests of the two countries as a whole. (Utilitarianism) Besides, these are Cubans that live IN THE US! These aren't Cubans in Havana! They haven't been affected by the embargo and what it has done to the country of Cuba. 6) Regarding Cuba still hasn't released its political prisoners - Again, cross-apply my refutation of your argument how Cuba is still not friendly to the US. THE ONLY WAY we could POSSIBLY see things like these human rights violations decrease is if the embargo was lifted and democracy was spread through free trade. Besides, how are human rights violations being deterred through the embargo in the status quo? They aren't. 7) Regarding US represents free trade and not Communism. - While this is true, the US also represents/stands for democracy promotion, and that is not being done with the embargo in place. Turn this argument to me because as I've said, 188 countries oppose the embargo, and so the US would be doing itself and those 188 countries a disservice if it did not go with the best policy for promoting the most democracy- free trade. 8) Regarding US should not lift until they change government - Has the government changed in 50 years? No! As I keep saying, it all goes back to the Griswold evidence. The best way to promote democracy and bring an end to the Communist regime is through free trade. Responding to your responses to my case: A) Medical Care - My opponent doesn't refute the fact that the embargo deprives Cubans of medical care. That is the clearest reason to vote for me. B) International Legitimacy - He refutes this by cross-applying his "weak country" argument, but remember, I rebutted that. Remember, 188 countries oppose the embargo, and so if the US lifts the embargo, it would do what the international community wants. This would increase US legitimacy and diplomacy. C) Embargo hasn't worked - My opponent concedes that the embargo hasn't worked as intended. That's another clear reason to vote for me! Any policy that has been in for 50 years and hasn't done its job should be terminated. D) Democracy Promotion - My opponent says that this would empower the regime, but he doesn't give you a reason WHY this would be the case. - My opponent says that the embargo is there for pressure; however, its pretty obvious the Castro brothers haven't felt the pressure! Actually, you can turn this to me because as my original argument stated, the best way to promote democracy (the best way to pressure the regime) is through free trade. E) US Economy - My opponent refutes this by saying the US will benefit of Cuba gets rid of its regime. Turn this argument to me because as I keep hammering, the best way to promote democracy and the best chance we have of taking down the regime is through free trade. - My opponent doesn't refute the fact that the embargo hurts the US economy and is basically a sunk-cost fallacy, which is another clear reason to vote for me. Overall, because free trade is the best way to promote democracy and for the other reasons above, I strongly affirm. P.S. For the people voting on this debate, keep in mind credibility of argumentation. I give you lots of sources to back up my arguments, whereas my opponent cites not one source throughout the entire round.