President Obama was parsimonious with American troops and military assets. His efforts at regional buy in and coalition building, were ridiculed by the GOP as, leading from behind.
Someone has hit the mute button. Republicans have failed to call out the true back bencher that ostensibly heads their party. A leader in the oval office creates, or plays a dominant role, in crafting legislation. Our president neither impacts, nor understands, the legislation proposed in his name, TrumpCare is really, Trump doesn't care. After rooting for the house bill, he cut the legs out from those who supported it.
Trump is not a coach calling the plays. He is a cheerleader gone mad.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Without Due Consideration
Democrats and, most Republicans, can agree that Medicaid is
more than the answer to the question, how do you give the wealthiest among us a
one trillion dollar tax cut?
Medicaid is the thickest webbing in the safety net. According to statistics on the ‘Rachel
Maddow Show,’ Medicaid covers 49% of births, and 30% of children. Medicaid funds the care that
allows so many disabled to stay in their homes, go to work, and lead productive
lives.
Medicaid is a big ticket item. Review is certainly appropriate. Dramatic cuts without hearings is not. Congress must take testimony from
stakeholders and experts. The
disabled community, economists, medical professionals, and social workers, to
name but a few, should be consulted.
Republicans will not get boffo
reviews for acting in ignorance.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Like Moses
Nancy Pelosi has been a great Speaker of the House and Leader. She muscled Obamacare through Congress, and has given Democrats power, even in the minority, by holding them in unison against a divided GOP. She is a prodigious fundraiser.
But even Moses was denied the promised land, passing leadership to a new generation. Nancy Pelosi has been, through no fault of her own, branded. Her visage is a turnout machine for Republicans. Despite her unrelenting progressivism, she is viewed as the old guard by many in the Trump resistance movement.
Her graceful exit, will help her party take center stage in 2018.
But even Moses was denied the promised land, passing leadership to a new generation. Nancy Pelosi has been, through no fault of her own, branded. Her visage is a turnout machine for Republicans. Despite her unrelenting progressivism, she is viewed as the old guard by many in the Trump resistance movement.
Her graceful exit, will help her party take center stage in 2018.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
A President Without Rhythm
President Obama could move his feet to a Latin beat. His Cuba policy put the United States in step with Latin America. Venezuela was a wallflower, left out of the line dance, shunned by the other 33 member nations of the Organization of American States ("OAS").
President Trump has stepped on his own feet. His Cuba Policy broke the formation. Yesterday, the OAS refused to support the United States proposal condemning Venezuela. Obama's sizzling salsa has been replaced by a blundering box step.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
President Trump has stepped on his own feet. His Cuba Policy broke the formation. Yesterday, the OAS refused to support the United States proposal condemning Venezuela. Obama's sizzling salsa has been replaced by a blundering box step.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
The Lesson of the Special Elections
Three of the four special elections were special for the Democrats, even in defeat. The anti-Trump movement is generating turnout. In Montana, Kansas, and South Carolina the Democrat exceeded Hillary's total in the district as well as that of the former incumbent.
Georgia's 6th was different. Unlike the other 3 elections, the Democrats went all in. Indifferent Republicans clearly dislike the National Democratic Party. Inadvertently the national party did for Handel, what Trump did for Ossoff.
In the future, in Republican districts, Democrats must be like a thief in the night, taking advantage of favorable conditions without setting off alarms.
Georgia's 6th was different. Unlike the other 3 elections, the Democrats went all in. Indifferent Republicans clearly dislike the National Democratic Party. Inadvertently the national party did for Handel, what Trump did for Ossoff.
In the future, in Republican districts, Democrats must be like a thief in the night, taking advantage of favorable conditions without setting off alarms.
Trump in Cubaland
As with Alice, down is up, and up is down. One pill makes you fatter. It is the only pill. Trump trumpets on the dismal human rights record of the Castro Brothers. But we all know that if his extensive Saudi business interests were mirrored in Havana, he would be embracing any Cuban orb in sight.
The policy objective is to starve the government, and help the people. The policy does the opposite. The embargo has actually starved the people leading to thousands of deaths, before Venezuela stepped in to provide aid. Clearly any policy that gave Venezuela a foot hold 90 miles from our shore was questionable. The new policy will renew the Russian presence.
Under the Trump proposal, group tours will continue, but independent travel will be blocked. Tours book government hotels, fly on government owned airlines, and are organized by government owned agencies. Prices are absurd, one thousand dollars, and up, per couple per day.
Independent travelers spend more of their dollars directly with Cubans. With hotels overpriced, and pre-booked by tour groups, independent travelers stay in cases particulares, the Cuban equivalent of B&Bs. Such travelers are also more apt to eat at family owned restaurants.
His billionaire friends like Cuban cigars and rum. Both industries are completely owned by the government. Rich friends matter. Those traveling to Cuba may bring back unrestricted amounts of each, subject only to duty limits.
Only partly visible, Putin has a cheshire cat grin. Russia plans to open a military base in Cuba. With dollars going down the rabbit hole, Castro will need rubles.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
The policy objective is to starve the government, and help the people. The policy does the opposite. The embargo has actually starved the people leading to thousands of deaths, before Venezuela stepped in to provide aid. Clearly any policy that gave Venezuela a foot hold 90 miles from our shore was questionable. The new policy will renew the Russian presence.
Under the Trump proposal, group tours will continue, but independent travel will be blocked. Tours book government hotels, fly on government owned airlines, and are organized by government owned agencies. Prices are absurd, one thousand dollars, and up, per couple per day.
Independent travelers spend more of their dollars directly with Cubans. With hotels overpriced, and pre-booked by tour groups, independent travelers stay in cases particulares, the Cuban equivalent of B&Bs. Such travelers are also more apt to eat at family owned restaurants.
His billionaire friends like Cuban cigars and rum. Both industries are completely owned by the government. Rich friends matter. Those traveling to Cuba may bring back unrestricted amounts of each, subject only to duty limits.
Only partly visible, Putin has a cheshire cat grin. Russia plans to open a military base in Cuba. With dollars going down the rabbit hole, Castro will need rubles.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Pastoral Perfection
Vinales has a dual personality. With more rooms for rent than downtown residents, the main street caters to tourists with restaurants, nightspots and travel agents. But Finales is also blessed by nature with the conditions for growing tobacco and coffee, and with stunning vistas.
Vista Al Valley combines the best of both worlds. It is a short walk to town, while having the best view in the valley, including a working tobacco farm in your backyard. By the way, Osiris' smooth tasting cigars are a bargain for 2 CUC. Osiris and his wife are excellent hosts. His English is fluent.
The 3 rooms were built for tourists. The beds are comfortable, and everything works, A great shower, a quiet toilet and plenty of outlets. Couple this with excellent food, strong drinks, and you have my definition of perfection. Reserve early.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Vista Al Valley combines the best of both worlds. It is a short walk to town, while having the best view in the valley, including a working tobacco farm in your backyard. By the way, Osiris' smooth tasting cigars are a bargain for 2 CUC. Osiris and his wife are excellent hosts. His English is fluent.
The 3 rooms were built for tourists. The beds are comfortable, and everything works, A great shower, a quiet toilet and plenty of outlets. Couple this with excellent food, strong drinks, and you have my definition of perfection. Reserve early.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Friday, June 16, 2017
Told You So
I hope you took my advice issued on May 30 to immediately plan a trip to Cuba. As ABC News reported: "The Treasury Department said individuals who bought an airline ticket or rented a room or car before Trump's announcement could make additional travel-related purchases for that travel under the Obama policy, even if their trip to Cuba takes place after the new, stricter Trump regulations go into effect."
The window may be closed, although enforcement may be spotty until regulations are issued. Agents may have difficulty determining if you booked a room before Trump's pronouncement.
The new rules will be a nightmare. Trump has two competing visions. He will continue to allow the licensed tour groups which preceded Obama's liberalization, but with a twist. They cannot use government owned entities. That eliminates all tour buses, such as Transtur most hotels, and all air travel. Even if they can find private transportation that can handle the tour group, all gas stations are government owned. If all this can be circumvented, the outrageous price tag of roughly one thousand dollars per day for a couple will likely remain
He is banning all individual travel, unless specifically covered under restrictive treasury regulations. Ironically, individual travelers almost always stayed in rooms in privately owned casa particulares, the Cuban version of B&Bs. Individuals were also more prone to eat at private, rather than government owned, restaurants. The cost of individual travel was generally one hundred to three hundred per day for a couple.
Larry Stein
Author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
The window may be closed, although enforcement may be spotty until regulations are issued. Agents may have difficulty determining if you booked a room before Trump's pronouncement.
The new rules will be a nightmare. Trump has two competing visions. He will continue to allow the licensed tour groups which preceded Obama's liberalization, but with a twist. They cannot use government owned entities. That eliminates all tour buses, such as Transtur most hotels, and all air travel. Even if they can find private transportation that can handle the tour group, all gas stations are government owned. If all this can be circumvented, the outrageous price tag of roughly one thousand dollars per day for a couple will likely remain
He is banning all individual travel, unless specifically covered under restrictive treasury regulations. Ironically, individual travelers almost always stayed in rooms in privately owned casa particulares, the Cuban version of B&Bs. Individuals were also more prone to eat at private, rather than government owned, restaurants. The cost of individual travel was generally one hundred to three hundred per day for a couple.
Larry Stein
Author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Need a Lead Plaintiff?
As a citizen of the self proclaimed, beacon of freedom, what showing must be made under the constitution to restrict my freedom of travel? A policy that has failed for 50 years is a questionable rationale. As an American I was in no more danger in Havana than in Los Angeles or New York.
I am the author of a Cuba guidebook: '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook.' I have expended time and resources, including travel costs, to produce this ebook. I have spent additional resources working on a second edition. Since I will be economically harmed by Trump's travel restrictions, I should have standing to sue.
If any organizations need a lead plaintiff, I am available and motivated.
I am the author of a Cuba guidebook: '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook.' I have expended time and resources, including travel costs, to produce this ebook. I have spent additional resources working on a second edition. Since I will be economically harmed by Trump's travel restrictions, I should have standing to sue.
If any organizations need a lead plaintiff, I am available and motivated.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Death Panel
Until now, Sara Palin's Obamacare death panels, have been as elusive as George W. Bush's weapons of mass destruction. Under the stewardship of Mitch McConnell, 17 white men have been empaneled to make life and death decisions for 300 million Americans.
One sixth of the economy is being shaped in secret. All we know for sure is that richest among us will receive a major tax cut, paid for dollar for dollar by a reduction of medical benefits for those less fortunate.
Trump and his billionaire cabinet are too busy lining their own pockets, to have time to drain the swamp.
One sixth of the economy is being shaped in secret. All we know for sure is that richest among us will receive a major tax cut, paid for dollar for dollar by a reduction of medical benefits for those less fortunate.
Trump and his billionaire cabinet are too busy lining their own pockets, to have time to drain the swamp.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Havana Hustle
Waltzing beneath the banner of human rights, Trump intends to limit the right of Americans to trade with, and travel to, Cuba. His rationale is out of step, after sword dancing in a country with neither elections, nor respect for women's rights, and the source of funding and manpower for 9/11. He giddily shares state secrets with Russia, the county that tried to sabotage our elections, and which, routinely imprisons or murders Putin's critics.
Perhaps for fear it might drown out his own baritone drone, he has never given voice to the voiceless. His business was routinely cited for refusing to rent to minorities. His budget guts federal enforcement of anti-discrimination statutes. He also wants to deny healthcare to millions, an act too cruel for even the Castro brothers. Cuba has universal healthcare.
Even if Trump's heart were pure, his policy is unsound. During my two visits, I observed the growth of a fledgling free market. Interaction is more likely to produce change, than a policy that failed for half a century. For the US, jobs will be lost, and trading opportunities will be missed.
The geopolitical ramifications will be severe. The US will again be at odds with Latin America, unable to advance regional policies, such as condemnation of Venezuela. To prop up its weak economy, Cuba will again turn to our adversaries for support. Russia is already talking about opening up military bases.
Even as Trump cuts a deal for Rubio's support, the real beneficiary is Russia.
Larry Stein, Author of, '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Perhaps for fear it might drown out his own baritone drone, he has never given voice to the voiceless. His business was routinely cited for refusing to rent to minorities. His budget guts federal enforcement of anti-discrimination statutes. He also wants to deny healthcare to millions, an act too cruel for even the Castro brothers. Cuba has universal healthcare.
Even if Trump's heart were pure, his policy is unsound. During my two visits, I observed the growth of a fledgling free market. Interaction is more likely to produce change, than a policy that failed for half a century. For the US, jobs will be lost, and trading opportunities will be missed.
The geopolitical ramifications will be severe. The US will again be at odds with Latin America, unable to advance regional policies, such as condemnation of Venezuela. To prop up its weak economy, Cuba will again turn to our adversaries for support. Russia is already talking about opening up military bases.
Even as Trump cuts a deal for Rubio's support, the real beneficiary is Russia.
Larry Stein, Author of, '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
Amazon sales page: https://www.amazon.com/Americans-Cuba-Traveler-Rope-Guidebook-ebook/dp/B072L4WG3K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495552372&sr=8-1&keywords=4+americans+in+cuba
Google Play sales page: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Larry_Stein_4_Americans_in_Cuba?id=JR7EDgAAQBAJ
Kobo sales page: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/4-americans-in-cuba
Monday, June 12, 2017
Unusually Good Hotel Restaurant
Eating at a hotel is usually total surrender. You are too tired to drive to a more interesting, or more fairly priced, restaurant. Enoteca at La Bellasera Hotel is different. The food, service and ambience may be as good as any in Paso Robles. My glazed pork chop, was huge, but too good to leave any behind. My wife loved her clams. But, the berry cobbler stoled the show.
Factoring in the no corkage policy for the 1st bottle of local wine, prices were competitive. Getting to take the elevator back to our room after dinner was priceless.
Factoring in the no corkage policy for the 1st bottle of local wine, prices were competitive. Getting to take the elevator back to our room after dinner was priceless.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Hot Socks
Our weanling, Hot Socks, is at Old English Rancho, a horse farm on the outskirts of Sanger, California. We took a road trip starting in Santa Ynez and ending in Sanger.
Here is a picture of our 3 month old colt.
Here is a picture of our 3 month old colt.
'4 Americans in Cuba' Press Release
Smart Travel Tips Offered in '4 Americans in Cuba' the Fourth Guidebook in the On A Rope Series
Seasoned traveler Larry Stein shares personal experiences and colorful photographs in his guidebook of best practices for Americans traveling in Cuba.
'4 Americans in Cuba' by Larry Stein
Pointed prose, and over 200 pictures, tempt you to take a bite out of major cites and nibble on hidden beaches. Unvarnished opinions, with a uniquely American perspective, guide you to ample accommodations, fine food, stirring sights and sizzling salsa.
As in Larry Stein's three other books in the Traveler on a Rope series, '4 Americans in Cuba,' targets value options for readers with cash flows wider and thicker than a shoestring. Well-traveled author Larry Stein outlines the planning process that he follows, and documents the details of the trip itself—including specifics about lodging, costs, shopping, dining, and transportation. Stein explains how to do all of this affordably while still enjoying comfortable accommodations, good food, and realistic travel options between destinations. Stein's style is conversational, friendly, witty, and honest. His own photographs—
The first part of '4 Americans in Cuba,' provides a thorough overview of how to plan and prepare, including: meeting United States requirement for travel to Cuba, researching flights; vaccinations and traveler's insurance; dealing with insects; acquiring a visa; and what to pack. The rest of Stein's book provides information on where to stay, eat, shop, and sightsee with special emphasis on food and lodging in Cuban homes known as "Casa Particulares."
Stein shares details about his satisfaction (or not) with his accommodations and meals (he provides photos of both), and he is not shy about his proclivity for the abundance of food offered by street vendors. His itineraries include stops at cultural and historical sites, and his photographs—
Unique among travel books, Stein wanted to share the knowledge he has gained in his forty years of trip planning that other sources seem to be lacking. This is the same formula he used in his recent book, 'Bangkok and Chiang Mai on a Rope.' "In tailoring my own vacations, I found glitzy magazines aimed at the 'cost is no object' traveler, and a suitcase full of books for backpackers and flash packers," explains Stein. "The 'traveler on a rope' fits neatly between these two extremes. Anyone considering a trip to Cuba will benefit from the tips and insights in this book."
'4 Americans in Cuba,' is published in eBook format by eBookIt.com and is now available at popular online retailers including Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/
Review copies of '4 Americans in Cuba,' are available to media contacts upon request. Author Larry Stein is available for interviews.
CONTACT:
Larry Stein
traveleronarope(
818-242-8796
About Larry Stein
Larry Stein is captivated by ethnic cuisine, cultural diversity and photography. These passions are sated through traveling with his trusty cameras and ample appetite. A published play and an appearance with an improv group have recently been checked off on his bucket list. He has published five eBooks, four of which, are travel guidebooks.
He has an undergraduate history degree from U. C. Berkeley, and a law degree from Boalt Hall. He practiced law with a fortune five hundred company for nearly thirty years.
He lives with his wife Roslyn and their dog Pogo.
About eBookIt.com
Since 2010, eBookIt.com (based in Sudbury, Massachusetts)
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Best Bar in Vedado
The most touted bar in Vedado is the terrace of Hotel Nacional. Ignore the touts, lest you be underwhelmed and overcharged. On the less touristed side of Vedado is Cafe Madrigal. The fresh fruit daiquiri is remarkable. The day we went the fruit was pineapple.
Prices are on the low side. Mojitos are 2.50 CUC. You can have two for the price of one at Nacional, and have enough left over for a generous tip. As a benchmark, 11 year old Santiago de Cuba Rum is 5 CUC. The very fresh fruit daiquiri was 3 CUC.
A small plate menu compliments the drinks. The ambience is bohemian with movie posters, a piano, old radios, and 50's style couches.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147271-d6787408-r488290546-Madrigal_Bar_Cafe-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html#
Pineapple dDiquiri
Prices are on the low side. Mojitos are 2.50 CUC. You can have two for the price of one at Nacional, and have enough left over for a generous tip. As a benchmark, 11 year old Santiago de Cuba Rum is 5 CUC. The very fresh fruit daiquiri was 3 CUC.
A small plate menu compliments the drinks. The ambience is bohemian with movie posters, a piano, old radios, and 50's style couches.
Larry Stein, author of '4 Americans in Cuba: A Traveler on a Rope Guidebook'
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147271-d6787408-r488290546-Madrigal_Bar_Cafe-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html#
Pineapple dDiquiri
Falaffel Snack
Retro
Cool Front Room
Vintage
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