Jack Kingston: “I think in so many ways this debate is about our government versus their government, and our government is about…”

“I think in so many ways this debate is about our government versus their government, and our government is about democracy. It is about a republic. Their government is about really one guy basically, Fidel Castro. What is wrong with him? Well, let us just start with the fact that he came into power by hoodwinking people, by stealing hotels, properties, and in many cases, breaking up families and executing many of them. He is pro-communism, he is anti-American, and the other thing is he is bankrupt. In Cuba right now, their debt is $11 billion. Venezuela, one of their strongest allies, suspended oil shipments based on the fact that Cuba owes them $63 million. Right now, Cuba owes Russia $20 billion. Now, when you get in a position like this and you are not exactly a Sunday school teacher from next door, you are liable to cut some deals with some unsatisfactory characters. That is what this is about. This is not about your good constituents or my good constituents going to Cuba. Indeed, last year alone 156,000 Americans went to Cuba. This is about people that you want to keep track on that might be going over there to hide, just like an old outlaw post. Here is a quote from Castro that gives his sentiments. This, by the way, is from May 10, 2001, just on the eve of 9/11. ``Iran and Cuba, in cooperation with each other, can bring America to its knees. The U.S.…”