Cuban Exiles on the Trade Embargo

First implemented in 1962, the American embargo against Cuba is one of the most enduring anti-trade measures in human history, having outlived most of the original government and military leaders responsible for its creation. But has it benefited the United States as intended, by weakening Fidel Castro’s grip on his country? Or has it, instead, strengthened his position? This unique work draws upon interviews with Cuban exiles to provide broad-ranging insights on the embargo’s effects on the Cuban people, and an evaluation of its diminishing role as an effective political tool.

Edward J. González lives in Sitka, Alaska.

Edward J. González
Foreword by Elisabeth Aiken
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 196
Bibliographic Info: map, index
Copyright Date: 2008
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3043-7
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8070-8
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vii
Foreword by Elizabeth C. Aiken      1
Preface      3
Introduction      5

I. Cuba Up to Fidel Castro      13
II. Castro’s Cuba      19
III. Echenique      29
IV. MJ      39
V. Elpidio      44
VI. La Peña      60
VII. Dr. Beato      73
VIII. Teresita      83
IX. Travel and Funds      87
X. Padre Armando Llorente      90
XI. Cullowhee Methodist Church      103
XII. NPR      114
XIII. Ricardo and Laura Estella      116
XIV. Jovenes (The Younger Generation)      140
XV. Las Monjas (The Nuns)      143
XVI. Politics: The Impact of the Helms-Burton Act      146
XVII. Larry      157
XVIII. Loss of a Cuban Hero      171
XIX. Conclusion      176

Index      183

“I urge those who truly are interested in the impact of this ‘embargo’ on Cubans and Americans here in the U.S. and on the island to read [this book]”—The Palm Beach Post.