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The fifth summit of the Americas will be taking place this week here in Trinidad. Obama will be coming as will all the leaders of both Anglo and Latin American countries, with the exception of Cuba. The civil society forum began today and the big wigs start arriving later this week.
For those of you who aren't following the story, hereis a good summary of some of the key issues.
What would you like to see happen at this summit? Under the Bush administration the last summit was a forum for insults and little if any progress was made on key issues in the region. This is a chance for the Obama administration to initiate a new dialog of cooperation and leadership in this hemisphere.
What would you like to see happen? Personally I'd like to see Obama make a clean break from the Monroe doctrine that has defined US politics in this hemisphere for the past 150+ years. I hope Obama comes ready to listen, but I'll be very disappointed if all he does is listen.
Some hot topics that are sure to be on the agenda.
Cuba Economics Drug Trade Weapons Trade
Energy, Environment and Climate really ought to be on that list but I suspect they will more likely buried by the Economic issues. Cuba is likely to be a very hot topic as many of the Latin American leaders have declared it the #1 issue for the summit. At this summit, Cuba will be more than just about Cuba -- its also a symbol for the US history and attempts to dominate the region.
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
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Also, pass the word around that Barack and Michelle are welcome to come to my house for dinner if they'd like.
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
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