How Much is a Chinese Muslim Worth? And the Enya Connection.

That would be roughly $11 million each! Geez, can I have one to sell? Ok, it isn't quite that way, but the U.S. is giving the Pacific nation of Palau $200 million in aid because they've agreed to resettle 17 Chinese Muslims--also called by their ethnic name of Uighurs--now being held at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo). As the story goes, these Uighurs have been cleared of actually being terrorists, and the U.S. has been wanting to resettle them. However, we're afraid to send them back home to China (see shaded area of map for Uighur regions) because they may be imprisoned there or executed--because the Chinese government considers the Uighurs to be dangerous Islamic separatists (i.e., terrorists).

Confused yet? Stay with me! So yeah, it does sound a little like these 17 guys were sold, but figuring out what the hell to do with them has been a thorn in President Obama's side and was holding up closing Gitmo for good. Apparently, no one but Palau wanted the Uighurs. Albania took 5 Gitmo Uighurs in 2006 but said, "Thanks, we have plenty." Plus, Obama wants to close Gitmo by next January, so he's running out of time.

Not a bad deal, really. Palau (below) gets much-needed cash, and these prisoners get a new life in island paradise--sweet!

Wow--never thought I'd have a post with so many seemingly unrelated things. But wait--that's not all!

Did you know that Palau used to be a U.S. trust, ever since it was seized from Japan in World War II? We gave them their independence in '94, but we still have to defend them if they're attacked. And so Palau lets us have a military base there. Plus, if you're native Palauan, you can travel to the U.S. without a passport or visa!

So what does singer Enya have to do with this? Well, she has that phrase "from Bissau to Palau" in my favorite song, "Orinoco Flow!" Ok, NOW this is officially the most surreal post I've ever done.

How Much is a Chinese Muslim Worth? And the Enya Connection.

That would be roughly $11 million each! Geez, can I have one to sell? Ok, it isn't quite that way, but the U.S. is giving the Pacific nation of Palau $200 million in aid because they've agreed to resettle 17 Chinese Muslims--also called by their ethnic name of Uighurs--now being held at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo). As the story goes, these Uighurs have been cleared of actually being terrorists, and the U.S. has been wanting to resettle them. However, we're afraid to send them back home to China (see shaded area of map for Uighur regions) because they may be imprisoned there or executed--because the Chinese government considers the Uighurs to be dangerous Islamic separatists (i.e., terrorists).

Confused yet? Stay with me! So yeah, it does sound a little like these 17 guys were sold, but figuring out what the hell to do with them has been a thorn in President Obama's side and was holding up closing Gitmo for good. Apparently, no one but Palau wanted the Uighurs. Albania took 5 Gitmo Uighurs in 2006 but said, "Thanks, we have plenty." Plus, Obama wants to close Gitmo by next January, so he's running out of time.

Not a bad deal, really. Palau (below) gets much-needed cash, and these prisoners get a new life in island paradise--sweet!

Wow--never thought I'd have a post with so many seemingly unrelated things. But wait--that's not all!

Did you know that Palau used to be a U.S. trust, ever since it was seized from Japan in World War II? We gave them their independence in '94, but we still have to defend them if they're attacked. And so Palau lets us have a military base there. Plus, if you're native Palauan, you can travel to the U.S. without a passport or visa!

So what does singer Enya have to do with this? Well, she has that phrase "from Bissau to Palau" in my favorite song, "Orinoco Flow!" Ok, NOW this is officially the most surreal post I've ever done.

Shopping Carts Used by American Couple to Spy for Cuba

"Pssst. Meet me in the juice aisle. Got some top-secret info for you--and there's a sale on Oceanspray!"

That's seems to have been the preferred method for couple Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers--retired State Department employees--to pass U.S. secrets to Cuban agents. But according to Gwendolyn, they recently stopped using the grocery cart method because of all the cameras now in stores.

But it worked for nearly 30 years! Of course, the State Department is pissed and says the breach of security is "incredibly serious." I suppose--but based on what? We're still here, Cuba's still on the brink of collapse. Yeah, whatever secrets were handed over couldn't have been all that important. I'm just saying...

Still the couple--now in their 70s--may get 30-some years in prison if convicted. And this revelation may halt recent progress on immigration talks between the U.S. and Cuba. And just when we were all starting to get along!

Shopping Carts Used by American Couple to Spy for Cuba

"Pssst. Meet me in the juice aisle. Got some top-secret info for you--and there's a sale on Oceanspray!"

That's seems to have been the preferred method for couple Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers--retired State Department employees--to pass U.S. secrets to Cuban agents. But according to Gwendolyn, they recently stopped using the grocery cart method because of all the cameras now in stores.

But it worked for nearly 30 years! Of course, the State Department is pissed and says the breach of security is "incredibly serious." I suppose--but based on what? We're still here, Cuba's still on the brink of collapse. Yeah, whatever secrets were handed over couldn't have been all that important. I'm just saying...

Still the couple--now in their 70s--may get 30-some years in prison if convicted. And this revelation may halt recent progress on immigration talks between the U.S. and Cuba. And just when we were all starting to get along!

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Cuba and Russia Have Homosexuals!

Arrests in Moscow

I found it so interesting that in 1 week, both Cuba and Russia had gay pride events, with very different results. While here in the U.S., gay pride parades have become cliche and downright boring, marching in your finest drag can still get you arrested in some places.

Take Russia. Moscow banned a recently planned gay pride parade, and when people began gathering anyway, riot police moved in, broke it up and arrested people. No surprise, I suppose, given the former Communist country's record on human rights. Guess they'll find a way to spin this.

Contrast that with what happened in still-Communist Cuba, where the country held it's first-ever gay rights event. Granted, the government approves everything there or it doesn't happen--but that's a huge step from 2008, when a gay rights rally was banned. It wasn't a full-on parade with leather boys and all, but hey--baby steps! And the event was led by Raul Castro's daughter Mariela, so I guess that's a good thing. She's already known for being a gay rights advocate.

Interesting contrasts and comparisons. And it shows the world that we're not going to be silent, no matter where we live.

Support from Mariela Castro in Havana

Cuba and Russia Have Homosexuals!

Arrests in Moscow

I found it so interesting that in 1 week, both Cuba and Russia had gay pride events, with very different results. While here in the U.S., gay pride parades have become cliche and downright boring, marching in your finest drag can still get you arrested in some places.

Take Russia. Moscow banned a recently planned gay pride parade, and when people began gathering anyway, riot police moved in, broke it up and arrested people. No surprise, I suppose, given the former Communist country's record on human rights. Guess they'll find a way to spin this.

Contrast that with what happened in still-Communist Cuba, where the country held it's first-ever gay rights event. Granted, the government approves everything there or it doesn't happen--but that's a huge step from 2008, when a gay rights rally was banned. It wasn't a full-on parade with leather boys and all, but hey--baby steps! And the event was led by Raul Castro's daughter Mariela, so I guess that's a good thing. She's already known for being a gay rights advocate.

Interesting contrasts and comparisons. And it shows the world that we're not going to be silent, no matter where we live.

Support from Mariela Castro in Havana

Orbitz Wants to Open Cuba for American Tourists--Plus, Free Coupons!

This is an interesting development, a sure sign that our 50-year ban on travel or trade with Cuba is coming to an end. Internet travel company Orbitz has stepped into the treacherous waters of politics by publicly calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba--even setting up a separate web site at www.opencuba.org.

At OpenCuba.org, you can sign a petition supporting an end to the embargo, as well as find out more about the island. And once you sign, they'll send you a free coupon worth $100 to use on Orbitz.com once the ban on travel to Cuba is lifted.

Very interesting. This shows Orbitz has balls, but I'm cynical enough to question its motives. Orbitz stands to make lots of money if this ban is lifted--and why hasn't the company spoken out before? I'd prefer it if companies would speak out because it's the RIGHT thing to do and not just to make money. Silly me.

Hordes of American tourists descending on Cuba could be good or bad, and only time will tell. I also fear that other U.S. companies that once had a pre-embargo presence in Cuba will resurrect their attempts to regain property which was previously seized by the Cuban government.

Here's a more in-depth article on the development.

Orbitz Wants to Open Cuba for American Tourists--Plus, Free Coupons!

This is an interesting development, a sure sign that our 50-year ban on travel or trade with Cuba is coming to an end. Internet travel company Orbitz has stepped into the treacherous waters of politics by publicly calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba--even setting up a separate web site at www.opencuba.org.

At OpenCuba.org, you can sign a petition supporting an end to the embargo, as well as find out more about the island. And once you sign, they'll send you a free coupon worth $100 to use on Orbitz.com once the ban on travel to Cuba is lifted.

Very interesting. This shows Orbitz has balls, but I'm cynical enough to question its motives. Orbitz stands to make lots of money if this ban is lifted--and why hasn't the company spoken out before? I'd prefer it if companies would speak out because it's the RIGHT thing to do and not just to make money. Silly me.

Hordes of American tourists descending on Cuba could be good or bad, and only time will tell. I also fear that other U.S. companies that once had a pre-embargo presence in Cuba will resurrect their attempts to regain property which was previously seized by the Cuban government.

Here's a more in-depth article on the development.

American Tourists in Cuba: Blessing or a Curse?

Heard today that a group of 20 U.S. Senators are calling for a repeal of the 47-year-old ban on American travel to Cuba, which I think is a good thing for everyone. But then some dimwit--er, Sen. Chris Dodd, had to position it this way:

[The proposal will] "make a difference for democracy... The one thing that totalitarianism can't stand is light, is communication, is information."

I wish dreams came true, too, Chris, but the fact is that residents of other democracies around the world--remember, Europe, Australia, Canada?--have been going there for the last half-century, and it really hasn't made a difference. Oh, but of course, we Americans have that SPECIAL democracy, the magical super-size combo that will cause the blind to see, the lame to walk and the Commies to shudder in defeat!

Face it, our foreign policy toward Cuba has failed and we need to change. We deal with other Communist countries (Vietnam, China), so why not Cuba? It bothers me as an American that I'm not able to travel to Cuba and see conditions for myself. The country is only 90 miles from Florida and yet it might as well be light years away because of the restrictions and limited contact we are able to make. Is this how a democracy should behave?

Of course, the last thing we need is tacky tourists and spring breakers in Havana. It might make the Cubans slam the doors and send us home!

American Tourists in Cuba: Blessing or a Curse?

Heard today that a group of 20 U.S. Senators are calling for a repeal of the 47-year-old ban on American travel to Cuba, which I think is a good thing for everyone. But then some dimwit--er, Sen. Chris Dodd, had to position it this way:

[The proposal will] "make a difference for democracy... The one thing that totalitarianism can't stand is light, is communication, is information."

I wish dreams came true, too, Chris, but the fact is that residents of other democracies around the world--remember, Europe, Australia, Canada?--have been going there for the last half-century, and it really hasn't made a difference. Oh, but of course, we Americans have that SPECIAL democracy, the magical super-size combo that will cause the blind to see, the lame to walk and the Commies to shudder in defeat!

Face it, our foreign policy toward Cuba has failed and we need to change. We deal with other Communist countries (Vietnam, China), so why not Cuba? It bothers me as an American that I'm not able to travel to Cuba and see conditions for myself. The country is only 90 miles from Florida and yet it might as well be light years away because of the restrictions and limited contact we are able to make. Is this how a democracy should behave?

Of course, the last thing we need is tacky tourists and spring breakers in Havana. It might make the Cubans slam the doors and send us home!

Obama Stands Up for Families and Eases Travel Restrictions to Cuba

Thank heavens these restrictions are finally being rolled back. Back in '04, Bush had instituted a tortuous policy that made it illegal for Cuban-Americans to visit their relatives still living on the island except for ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS. Why? Well, it would bring Fidel Castro to his knees! Yeah, that worked out well.

But Obama has now reversed this policy, which only punished the families. So now Cuban-Americans can make 1 trip to Cuba per year, and they can stay as long as they like once they arrive. They can also visit more distant relatives.

We still have a long way to go with regards to our inhumane policies against Cuba, but this is a great step forward. Gracias, Barack!

Obama Stands Up for Families and Eases Travel Restrictions to Cuba

Thank heavens these restrictions are finally being rolled back. Back in '04, Bush had instituted a tortuous policy that made it illegal for Cuban-Americans to visit their relatives still living on the island except for ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS. Why? Well, it would bring Fidel Castro to his knees! Yeah, that worked out well.

But Obama has now reversed this policy, which only punished the families. So now Cuban-Americans can make 1 trip to Cuba per year, and they can stay as long as they like once they arrive. They can also visit more distant relatives.

We still have a long way to go with regards to our inhumane policies against Cuba, but this is a great step forward. Gracias, Barack!

Guatemala's Prez Strikes New Course with Apology to Cuba

Thought this was interesting, given the 1954 U.S.-led overthrow of the democratically elected government in Guatemala and the subsequent failure of our invasion in 1961 of Cuba.

The newly elected president of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, has apologized to Fidel Castro and Cuba for allowing Guatemalan land to be used as CIA training bases for participants in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. He says his decision is a gesture of "friendship and brotherhood" between the 2 countries. Colom also criticized the continuing U.S. embargo of Cuba.

It's good to see Guatemala stand up against the U.S., given our past meddling there. Due to Communist panic at the time, the CIA led a coup in 1954 that toppled the government of Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. Instead of bringing peace to the country, it unleashed decades of dictatorial rule and death. But hey, there weren't no Commies, so it's ok!

With his election, Colom is the first leftist president in Guatemala in more than 50 years. Interestingly, he's also an honorary Mayan priest, an honor bestowed on him as thanks for his past work assisting the beleaguered ethnic Mayan majority.

And if you want to read a depressing chapter in American foreign policy and corporate recklessness, brush up on the history of United Fruit/Chiquita in Guatemala. Who knew eating a banana was such a moral quagmire?

Guatemala's Prez Strikes New Course with Apology to Cuba

Thought this was interesting, given the 1954 U.S.-led overthrow of the democratically elected government in Guatemala and the subsequent failure of our invasion in 1961 of Cuba.

The newly elected president of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, has apologized to Fidel Castro and Cuba for allowing Guatemalan land to be used as CIA training bases for participants in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. He says his decision is a gesture of "friendship and brotherhood" between the 2 countries. Colom also criticized the continuing U.S. embargo of Cuba.

It's good to see Guatemala stand up against the U.S., given our past meddling there. Due to Communist panic at the time, the CIA led a coup in 1954 that toppled the government of Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. Instead of bringing peace to the country, it unleashed decades of dictatorial rule and death. But hey, there weren't no Commies, so it's ok!

With his election, Colom is the first leftist president in Guatemala in more than 50 years. Interestingly, he's also an honorary Mayan priest, an honor bestowed on him as thanks for his past work assisting the beleaguered ethnic Mayan majority.

And if you want to read a depressing chapter in American foreign policy and corporate recklessness, brush up on the history of United Fruit/Chiquita in Guatemala. Who knew eating a banana was such a moral quagmire?

Peruvian Shamans Send Good Vibes to Obama--and Michael Jackson

Interesting little tidbit. Seems a group of Peruvian shamans are blessing Obama and others in their regular rituals. The story says the shamans went to the highest point in Lima for the cleansing ritual, which included blessings not only on Obama but also Bolivian President Evo Morales, Cuban President Fidel Castro, among others, including the King of Pop Michael Jackson.

You can watch a video of the actual ritual here.

Of course, I'm intrigued, but upon seeing the video, it all looks a bit staged. But these so-called shamans have done this before. Before the recent U.S. election, they held a ritual to bless both Obama and McCain so that the best candidate would win. At least they're nonpartisan shamans.

But who am I to judge? As long as they're sincere, fine with me. We need all the help we can get! (I'm sure Michael does, too.)

Peruvian Shamans Send Good Vibes to Obama--and Michael Jackson

Interesting little tidbit. Seems a group of Peruvian shamans are blessing Obama and others in their regular rituals. The story says the shamans went to the highest point in Lima for the cleansing ritual, which included blessings not only on Obama but also Bolivian President Evo Morales, Cuban President Fidel Castro, among others, including the King of Pop Michael Jackson.

You can watch a video of the actual ritual here.

Of course, I'm intrigued, but upon seeing the video, it all looks a bit staged. But these so-called shamans have done this before. Before the recent U.S. election, they held a ritual to bless both Obama and McCain so that the best candidate would win. At least they're nonpartisan shamans.

But who am I to judge? As long as they're sincere, fine with me. We need all the help we can get! (I'm sure Michael does, too.)