With today's raising of the US Flag at our Embassy in Cuba, I was wondering what is everyone's opinion on normalizing relations with Cuba?

I think the Cuban citizens will finally be able to be free and not lived out their lives scared to death and always looking over their shoulder. US and others will start building business's over there....their economy will finally begin to grow and the Cuban people will finally be able to have things they have never been allowed or could afford to have before.

I only hope that the brother is a much better person that Fidel.....and that once the Castro's are gone, maybe they'll implement democracy and they'll vote in their next leader and they lives/economy and overall situation will become better and better.

It is a great deal for the Cuban people. There will be lots of tourists visiting and buying their wares. They have a long way to go in getting their country ready for tourists. But at least now, they will have access to modern tools. I saw last night Carnival is already working on trips to Cuba. That's the plus side of things. In the negative side, I'm concerned about the increase, if there is any, in more drugs coming into our country. Florida and much of the East coast might have the problems we have in Texas, Arizona, and California, with drugs and human trafficking. IMHO

I see the natural progression as the gates of travel are opened. American companies will develop and invest in Cuba, and trading will be promoted. Right now the Cuban markets are restrictive and lacking in essential products. My father use to go into Cuba and knew a female professor with a beater of a car which was luxury. She would drive them around, and the car would break down and she fixed it like a good mechanic. Dad would bring in stuff like hand lotions, shampoo, and conditioner because the market was so inefficient and ineffective. American tourism in my mind will bust the Cuban economy wide open.

I think it's a good thing, both for us and for them. All of the people of Cuban descent that will hopefully be able to see family again is a good thing, but only if they don't face retribution from the Cuban government. Business and travel opportunities are a good thing too.

I support this move. After all, sanctions haven't worked after all of these years. Might as well try a different approach, now that Fidel has stepped down.

About fricken time!

I can't wait to go visit. I am sure it is nice down there.

It's good. It is long past time to end the pointless embargo. If we can trade and "engage" with China, we can do the same with Cuba. And besides, cigars and rum. Mmmmm.

It's long past due. Cuba has not been a threat to the US since the end of the Cold War, and probably before that. The Cuban people have suffered extensively because of our embargo, and what did the embargo really accomplish?

My only question is how long before we can openly travel to Cuba and then how long before we destroy everything that makes it special now?