We have a long tradtion in the USA of direct military action, covert destabilization and the outright overthrow other country's governments. We currently support some of the world's most repressive and violent dictators (but only when they do what we tell them to do), now Condi has unveiled the latest chapter in this sad, sad saga.On Monday, Condoleezza Rice said a government commission (which she happens to chair) on Cuba had been reconvened and would report by next May on more measures to promote change.
She said the time had come to end 46 years of "cruel dictatorship".
To the tune of 80 million bucks now and 20 million anually thereafter.
Well, there you have it, Condi the Crusher has spoken.
So be it.
Castro's response:
"Pitiful"
So, what about our grand tradition of mess'n?
William Blum, writer of the book, "Rogue State":
"From 1945 to the end of the [20th] century, the USA attempted to overthrow more than 40 foreign governments, and to crush more than 30 populist-nationalist movements struggling against intolerable regimes. In the process, the USA caused the end of life for several million people, and condemned many millions more to a life of agony and despair".
Let's have a look at the counting coup tote board shall we?
COUNTING COUP
1949 Syria, Elected government against USA political interests and pro-Palestinian.
1949 Greece, Elected government against USA political and economic interests.
1952 Cuba, Elected government against USA business interests.
1953 Iran, Elected government against USA oil interests.
1953 British Guyana, Access to sugar and bauxite.
1954 Guatemala, Elected government against USA business interests.
1955 South Vietnam, French backed leader replaced by USA backed leader.
1957 Haiti, Previous government against USA business interests.
1958 Laos, Pro-USA government wanted.
1959 Laos, Pro-USA government wanted.
1960 South Korea, Previous leader not strong enough for USA.
1960 Laos, Pro-USA government wanted.
1960 Ecuador, Previous government too independent in foreign policy.
1963 Dominican Republic, Elected government against USA business interests.
1963 South Vietnam, Previous USA puppet leader's policies led to televised suicides.
1963 Honduras, Pro-USA government and access to resources.
1963 Guatemala, Military government was about to allow elections.
1963 Ecuador, Elected government too independent.
1964 Brazil, Access to resources and cheap labour.
1964 Bolivia, Previous government too independent in foreign policy.
1965 Zaire, Access to cobalt, copper and diamonds.
1966 Ghana, Previous government too independent in foreign policy.
1967 Greece, Military bases.
1970 Cambodia, Previous king against USA political interests.
1970 Bolivia, Country took ownership of its oil and tin.
1972 El Salvador, Elected leader against USA business interests.
1973 Chile, Elected government against USA business interests.
1975 Australia, Elected government had unsuitable foreign policy.
1979 South Korea, Pro-USA government wanted.
1980 Liberia, Pro-USA government wanted.
1982 Chad, Pro-USA government wanted.
1983 Grenada, Pro-USA government wanted.
1987 Fiji, Previous elected government supported nuclear-free Pacific.
2002 Venezuela, Disagreed with foreign policy of elected government.
2003 Iraq, Control of startegic oil reserves.
2004 Haiti,Disagreed with economic policy of elected government.
50 years of mess'n. And wer'e still at it.
I think I agree with Fidel on this one.
It is Pitiful.
Material on coups from:
Shoutwire
