On October 19th 1960 the United States of America declared that it nor its allies would no longer associate with the Republic of Cuba and its people due to a variety of political and economic differences. The U.S. and its allies would sever all ties with Cuba to instill one of the most extensive embargos ever conceived. Under this embargo the people of Cuba have suffered through a stagnant economy, political uncertainty and perpetual isolation as a result of the actions taken by their leaders some 50 years ago. Cuba no longer has sovereign rule as the embargo limits its function and reach as a society. The embargo is still in place today despite a growing movement for its lifting and support from prominent political figures. How can a people whose place such emphasis on personal freedoms continue to support the embargo with the knowledge of the hardships faced by the Cuban people as a direct result of the embargo? How can we continue to restrict the freedoms of another country when ours values the ideal of independence and democracy to the fullest extent of the definition? 

I find the topic of the embargo of Cuba to be very fascinating due to its volatile nature and expansive history. This is a topic that has troubled every American President and administration and will continue to until the situation is resolved. As a question of freedom and independence this topic made me question my own definitions of these terms. I found myself debating what the ideals mean to me and what they mean to my country. I had to take note of the opportunities and abilities I had as a result of our country's democratic nature. The question of the moral implications of the embargo added a depth to the conversation and also had an effect on how I defined these terms. I do not have personal experience regarding the lack of independence and economic freedom but I have lived my entire life with these freedoms. I appreciate these freedoms and understand the importance of the values to a society. I have followed the numerous debates, studies and stories about the impact of the embargo on the Cuban people for several years. Over the years I have developed my ideas of foreign policy regarding the embargo and the policies of Cuba. 

In his review of the trade restrictions put into place in 2004, Remy Herrera outlines the strict regulations imposed with the embargo. He argues that the comprehensive trade and manufacturing restrictions placed on Cuba have had an extremely negative effect on the economy and wellbeing of Cuba. Herrera stresses the importance of economic and personal freedoms that are restricted by the embargo. The article also places an emphasis on the economic effects of the embargo on the Cuban people. This emphasis also includes a focus on the perceived attack on freedom through the Cuban economy. Herrera is a researcher in the field of development economics and has conducted similar studies in several other countries facing the same situation as well as those with strong and free economies. He has an obvious bias based off of the stats and data presented. He is able to support every portion of his argument. 

The Cuban revolution was one of the driving factors of the embargo as the rise of Fidel Castro and dangerous political ideals. In her exploratory piece, "With or Without Fidel Castro ... " Sujatha Fernandes examines the changes in culture brought upon by the embargo and Cuban Revolution. In this piece, Fernandes explains the importance of a strong culture and society and what the lack of these can do to a people. She highlights the values of creativity, education and personality. She expands on how the embargo has restricted and at times put an end to some of these things. Fernandes is a professor of sociology who specializes in social theory. Her research focuses on different social movements namely the Cuban revolution. The article dose feature a bias as Fernandes maintains a clear stance on the embargo and uses statistics and data to support this. 

Dr. Indira Rampersand discusses the scope of the anti-Cuban embargo movement in the U.S. and neighboring countries. In her article "The Anti-Cuban Embargo Movement in the United States", Rampersand discusses the broad spectrum of liberties that are suppressed by the embargo as well as the lasting effects that the embargo will have on Cuba. Rampersand discusses the values of freedom, human rights and independence. She stresses that these traditional American values should translate into foreign policy. In the article she mention several specific organizations and corporations that have come together to advance the anti-embargo movement. Rampersand is a researcher who holds several degrees that allow her to approach this topic from several different perspectives. This speaks to her credibility as an author as well as the sources used in her article. The information used on this article creates a bias against the embargo and support for the anti-embargo movement. 

As a question of foreign policy and ethics this is an argument that is easily made and supported. As a question of politics there are multiple argument to be made in many different areas of discussion. Of all the sources used in my research they all agreed that the embargo diminished the economy, culture and liberties of the Cuban people. The sources I used to research this topic each brought a new perspective to the discussion. The sources strengthened my understanding of the economic, political and cultural impact of the embargo. With this information I will need to revise my research question to focus on one particular aspect of the discussion. 

