The Political Darwinism of the 20th century is by no means over, but it has significantly dwindled to tolerable levels. Truly, we are punishing that country by denying them trade. Their economic situation for the past 40 years has been evidence of that. But dictatorship thrives under turmoil, and by our not assisting their economic prosperity, we have been assisting their despotism.
In 1969, President Nixon began implementing unprecedented measures in order to ease impediments to a bilateral trade agreement with Communist China. In 1980, we began to allow China to export at the same tarriff rates as friendly countries. We currently enjoy the largest mutually beneficial trade agreement with China. Not only has this trade agreement encouraged growth and decreased prices, it has also allowed the people in the People’s Republic of China to see the benefits of a capitalist economy. In 1990, the current Shanghai Stock Exchange opened and has quickly become the fifth largest exchange in the world.
Since these capitalistic trade agreements have been incrementally implemented, the people’s attitude toward communism has also become incrementally more negative. Democratic activists are increasing anually, and the Chinese government is becoming more and more tolerant. This is due partly to the government’s gradual acceptance of the idea, but it is also due to their reliance on international trade. They have come to fear the world’s economic reaction if they overtly supressed all forms of democracy.
This is the way to influence democracy. By strengthening Cuba’s economic base their people will gradually enjoy a better quality of life. Once the people become accustomed to the benefits of capitalism, they will be resistant to go back; and once the leaders of Cuba become dependent on U.S. trade, they will be equally hesitant to return to despotism for fear of economic reprisal. As long as we perpetuate their economic strife by resisting trade, we are perpetuating their dictator’s whim. I’m sorry to say it, but I think Mr. Obama is on to something.
