Just because he doesn’t want to be involved in politics long term (who would want to be apart from charlatans and liars?) and because he wants to finish his book – that means he can’t do a good job – in a position which he was implored to accept?

If anything he should be praised for his honesty in admitting that he just want to do what’s required – and then get back out.

If David did that he would be using the same tactic as the Cuban Government basically preventing people from speaking their minds. He may well agree with you that I might be boring, lack ability in debate, be ignorant or foul mouthed etc but because he has a very important attribute called tolerance (another attribute absent in the Cuban government) he can choose to ignore me. So can you.

Even though you have posted An insult about me unlike the Cuban Government I am very happy to support your right to do so and wouldn’t dream of lobbying David to block you in any shape or form.

Best regards,

Michael.

What is particularly depressing is that the Professor concludes: “I really don’t want to be in this office … I will go back to my book about Europe”. I may be missing some subtle irony in this remark, but to me it doesn’t say much for his commitment to his country’s plight.

Somehow I prefer the Irish version, with or without leather jacket.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/13/the-euro-s-long-goodbye-to-greece.html

[ NB the beast wears a purple turban !!! ]

Michael seems to be having a tantrum , fair play for bowing out.

It think any sane reader would deduce as you deduced, that Michael was implying that a high proportion of the votes were due to countries seeking leverage over the US. In fact, one can see that even the allies of the US were voting against it.

How would Ireland fare if the UK had a similar historical embargo?

There is a lot wrong with Cuba, certainly the prostitution seems shocking. I suppose one thing worthy of mention is that it is blatant in Cuba, e.g. old tourist with young Cuban in a restaurant.

But there is a considerable level of prostitution in the US too and it is the home of the pornographic industry where people are paid to copulate. So the US with no free education has it’s problems too.

Also, hopefully young people will be better able to pursue their dreams, hospitals with have medicine as well as doctors and and there will be democratic elections.