Last week, Beyonce and Jay-Z flew to Cuba to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. We didn’t have access to the photos, which is probably why I never wrote about their trip. When I first heard about it, I did have a moment of “Huh, I wonder if they had to route their trip through Canada to avoid some State Department regulations” but at the end of the day, I didn’t really care. Americans have been traveling to Cuba for a while, sometimes by exploiting loopholes in America’s completely FUBAR Cuba policies, and sometimes by just traveling there with approval from the government. As it stands right now, an American can’t just decide they want to fly to Cuba on a whim, just to be a tourist. If you are an American, you have to get a special license to travel to Cuba under the auspices of “academic, religious, journalistic or cultural exchange visits.”
But! Things are getting interesting, politically speaking. Two Cuban-American House members are throwing a FIT about Beyonce and Jay’s trip and wouldn’t you know, I think the GOP found their newest scandal! Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (both Floridians) are calling for an investigation as to what kind of travel visas and special permissions were granted to Bey and Jay for their Cuba trip. The representatives have already written a letter to the Treasury Department requesting information as to whether Bey and Jay broke any laws, or whether Pres. Obama pulled some strings for his BFFs (and fundraisers).
Now “sources” from the Treasury Department have gone to media outlets to insist that no rules or laws were broken. These sources insist (to Reuters, the NYDN, etc) that Beyonce and Jay were legally and properly credentialed and their license was in order and everything. So, is the scandal over? Probably not. I would imagine that there will be some kind of House committee or sub-committee hearing on this and the Cuban-American lobby will try to make some political hay.
Photos courtesy of Beyonce’s Tumblr.
hollywood and politics should never mix.
that being said, if they can go to cuba well then i certainly should be able to. the whole embargo on that country is stupid in this day and age and im sure american tourism could help bring that country out of poverty AND allow some cultural exchanges for us all. I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba
+1. I always maintained that if Americans had been allowed to continue to travel to Cuba – and bring American values and culture to Cubans on a regular basis – Castro wouldn’t have lasted more than a couple of years. The glaring inadequacies of communism compared to the benefits of democracy – despite the corruption of the Batista regime – would have caused the people to rebel.
Oh spare us. The world is doing quite well without the all pervasive American capitalist mass market “culture”.
Your way isn’t always the right way you know…just see Vietnam – a true victory of the people against the Western oppression.
Please refer to the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
Cuba does not need American culture or values. The world does not need that. (P.s., I love many Americans, but we do not needs 16 and pregnant, Cuban edition).
Cuba is a beautiful spot, that Canadians love heading too, because they don’t have someone bitching about the lack of American beer in a foreign country.
I always found it how ironic America picks and chooses ‘where’ it wants to ‘support democracy’. Exhibit a, Egypt. Where Americans vacationed, Mubarak was bankrolled on USAID and of course authoritarianism was well and alive there. Believe, if anything Egyptians hated America and their ‘values’ because their money propped up a brutal dictator like Mubarak.
Is this a joke?
The cuban people are very happy with castro and health care and education, thanks.the embargo is an issue, yes.
My god, do people really still believe that democracy actually exists on the north american continent? Seriously?
This was the same argument used for colonialists and imperialists to grab the world for their colonies. Bringing their culture to improve the native one because of course their culture was far, far superior to that found in whatever lands they decided to grab.
I’m not too sure of Cuban history buy wouldn’t I be right in thinking that Cuba was treated like a playground for Americans prior to the revolution and that this was a contributing factor? So… more of the poison will surely be the cure? Just wait until those Cubans see American tourists with their green dollars and they’ll soon see the ideological error of their political ways. Yeah. Sure. Edit- this was supposed to be a reply to epiphany.
Absolutely
I was just listening to the news a few months ago and it was a story about a regular guy who went there on a trip recently and is now being heavily investigated and fined and facing jail time. It’s ruining his life. Sure he should have known better but he is being railroaded to an unnecessary degree.
I the double standards for celebrities and financial backers of politicians (happens in both parties and pisses me off equally with either side). If your average citizen can’t go then Bey and Jay shouldn’t be able to either. As soon as I heard this story I got so pissed off!
I am an American living in Canada and I miss out on trips for friends’ wedding because of this embargo. (Canadians go to Cuba a lot for vacations and destination weddings) I guess if I was super wealthy I could just pay off my politician of choice and go as well. Argh!!!!
That is supposed to say that I hate double-standards. I need to stop typing on my iPhone at 5:30am!
Anyone can apply for one of those special licenses. Apparently several reputable universities send students every semester. It’s just takes a little bit of patience and a willingness to deal with bureaucracy, but the opportunity’s still there.
So, I’m usually relatively up on things, but I did not know there were issues with American’s going to cuba?
I’ve had about 5 different faccebook friends posting recent photos of their Cuba trips…but we’re Canadian.
Another Canadian here and yeah, we never have issues going to Cuba. The US, however, doesn’t allow Americans to go to Cuba from the US (unless they have special permission and etc) so if Bey and Jay did fly out of the USA it’s theoretically not allowed.
TBH I just find that it’s all slightly ridiculous. There are more important things to fret about than where two uber-rich people spent their anniversary.
There is a 51 year old embargo the US put on Cuba related to the cold war.
Kennedy sent one of his employees to bring him 1200 Cuban cigars and as soon as he got his smokes Kennedy signed the embargo.
It’s not a question of where their flight originated. It’s a question of their passports. If you’re an American, unless you’ve received permission, you may not travel to Cuba from anywhere.
Americans do visit- [i am american]; they fly out of cancun….when i was visiting cancun, i saw signs and touts everywhere [3 days/2 nights in cuba, airfare and hotel packages, for example]
you can choose to not have your passport stamped. i have not visited myself,but know that americans do travel to cuba, this way. Maybe other locations besdies cancun, too???
Americans can go if it’s a “cultural experience” which is very loosely defined. These two aren’t smart enough to do any damage anyway.
“Aren’t smart enough” HAHAHAHAHAHA. Amen.
All it takes is one event attended by Bey or Jay Z to be deemed a “cultural exchange.” Of course this was legal! This is how class and status works, people. You have more opportunities and better mobility than say, your average middle-class worker.
I think people are missing the biggest reason that Bey and Jay are in Cuba. Jay latest business is Sports agent and he just signed NY Yankees player Robinson Cano to his agency.
Jay- Z is in Cuba scouting potential babeball players and using the anniversay getaway as a cover.
Seriously, who goes to Cuba for their anniversary.
everybody but Americans 🙂
You think, here, in the USA we are the only thing in the world? Cuba is a great tourist destination… Ask anyone anybody around the world! But the USA. You can fly to cuba from Miami without much problem, just visit your favorite calle Ocho travel agent. You can also fly from any other country! Any!!!!
Cuba is beautiful. I hold dual citizenship and have been to Cuba. In this day and age, the embargo is ridiculous. But please don’t think that any country needs the values of any other country to help it survive (and I’m not just talking about Americans, either, it happens all over.)
Beyonce went to steal dance moves.
wow, those Republican Senators really need something to do. oh wait, they’re trying to discredit Obama any way they can. So they want to see if he pulled strings for his friends. Amazing how badly these Republicans have it out for Obama.
I am sure the extreme acts of the Republicans has turned many people away from the Republican party. A lot of moderate people will be turned off by the extremism of some of their acts, such as this one. wonder if they realize how bad they are making their party look?
That may all be true, but fact is that this embargo does exist and Bey-Z did seem to ignore it. A bit dumb, if you ask me. Why take that risk? Why not go to Mexico instead?
I really wanted someone to call these two out. I’m glad it has stirred up controversy, and I don’t care who the controversy comes from.
If regular citizens can’t go then they shouldn’t be able to either!
Regular citizens can go. It just takes a little planning and finding a few loopholes.
If they secured a license in order to go, then they did not ignore it.
Furthermore, uhh Cuba does not equal Mexico. The culture and food are very very different. If you’re going to substitute another Latin country for it, at least go Caribbean.
Ok fine, go to the Dominican Republic instead. My point was: don’t make yourself an easy target. You KNOW that even if these two did secure a license in order to go, Republican senators are going to claim that they got it under false pretenses.
I rather this than the Ohio politician wanting to have our lovely groundhog Phil charged, indicted and killed for predicting the wrong outcome for winter.
Um… wasn’t that some sort of JOKE?
What a bunch of bull.
I was there last summer. You fly thru any other country (like in the Carib or MX), spend a day or two, buy a ticket (there are flights almost every day) and it’s nbd. They don’t stamp your passport (they stamp your ticket stub). They sell/exchange U.S. DOLLARS in the main airport in Cuba. The place is chock full of Europeans, Japanese, etc. It’s a fantastic country and I encourage everyone to go. This embargo has got to stop. (FYI – I’m not a Cuban, I am a total chica blanca)
I am pretty sure that you can technically go to Cuba but the embargo states you can’t spend money there. (ie on food, hotel room, etc.) they do prosecute for this so if you get some paperwork questioning you about this later (like what happened with the gentleman in the news who is currently facing exorbitant fines and jail time) do yourself a favor, see a lawyer, and plead the fifth.
But this is a lot like illegally downloading music. They pick and choose a few people to be super strict with and really go after, but for the majority of people nothing ever comes of it.
And I believe the Bush administration was trying to be more hard core with enforcement, but the Obama admin, not so much.
However, I do find it odd that Bey and Z publicized this so much if it was illegal or legal but as a result of favors. Then again, they might be dumb and not realize what a shitstorm this would create. Who knows?
Well, if the big deal is that spending money there supports a communist regime, then why aren’t people complaining about China and virtually every single electronic item, (Iphones, etc), that are manufactured there and purchased here??? Total hypocrisy. And, unlike the Cubans, the Chinese actually have nuclear weapons. What hypocrites these Republican Senators are!:)
Agree!! aqui desde Miami!!
I’m tired of Obama Mingling with Hollywood.. It is completely unnecessary And I guarantee he has something to do with them getting and being there.
Are you serious? You think the U.S. president is actively involved with Hollywood types’ vacation plans?
I think if a celebrity is “friends” with a President and asks to pull some strings, the president just nods his head and things are done. Its not just Obama, plenty of presidents have done the same. Republicans tend to give their favors to businessmen and democrats tend to show favor with celebrities. its just the way the money/power system works
@Cinnamon: yes, I’m sure you’re right about that, but would Bey-Z really need Obama for this?? As some of the commenters above have pointed out, it’s hardly that difficult to get into Cuba. If they DID use their ‘political connections’ to avoid themselves the trouble of having to fly through another country, well… That’s really dumb. They should have known it would backfire.
I LOVE Obama but with respect to these particular celebrities? Yes.
Agreed Cherry, the president has more important matters to attend to… and like many pointed out, it’s actually not that hard to secure a license to go to Cuba. Really. Do people honestly think the president goes out of his way to help arrange people’s vacations? Beyonce and Jay Z have assistants for a reason.
You saw the photos of Jay Z and Beyonce in the Situation Room, yes?
And heard about President Obama’s speech at the $4 million dollar fundraiser put together by Jay Z and Beyonce where he said he considers her a role model for his daughters?
It’s all good, as long as you’re a part of the 1%….
Wake up and smell the coffe, honey… Hollyweird is the reason Barry got elected!
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Anyone that would step foot in Cuba, especially a woman, needs there head examined. What this communist Country has done to women, is inexcusable!!!
Eli, the idea that “hollyweird” is the reason Obama got elected is absurd. Celebs are far from the most powerful people on earth. CEOs and lobbying groups run the US government, not celebs. They are waaaaaay down on the chain of power.
Tiffany, you are so wrong! Millions and millions of dollars were spent and sent… Hollywood got the man elected. You might want to do a little research, precious!
Eli,
Millions and millions might sound like a lot of money…but campaigns costs BILLIONS of dollars. Yes, some celebs did fundraisers for Obama, just as Kid Rock and other celebs did fundraisers for Romney. But neither campaign was made or lost based on how much celebrity support they received.
Donations from large corporations and large donors for both candidates made up far more of their campaign funds than anything else. In addition, research shows that celeb endorsements have very little impact, and even “Gen Y” voters were more concerned about positions on issues than on endorsements. Read up, sweetie.
…and milions and millions do add up to be billions and billions, but I wasn’t sure if that kind of math would go over your head!
–
I have no desire to argue or debate with you. Continue to believe what your Liberal mind allows you to believe…
I am just trying to help you grasp the real role of celebs in elections, as what you are suggesting is so far from the truth.
Celebs are merely a sideshow, the real power is far away and MUCH more expensive. Celebrities might be what your average person thinks of when they think rich and powerful, but in reality they aren’t going to be on Forbes 500 richest list. Understand? Yes, millions can add up to billions…but you have to add them thousands of times over.
Some might think that celebs dominate all things, even politics. In my world, I have a more realistic appreciation for their place in the society. Beyonce can’t even get 1 million people to buy a song on itunes, you think she could actually get 1 million people to the polls? And if sticking to facts makes me a “liberal”, fine.
qué feo comentario
English, please?
Cherry she called Eli’s comment ugly.
yes… i’m sure that obama has nothing better to do than plan vacation trips for beyonce and jay z…
Word.
I doubt Obama had anything to do with getting them to Cuba. Google travelling to Cuba and follow the link to the US State Dept, anybody can travel to Cuba now. But I am sure given your original remarks facts won’t sway from your beliefs.
Thank you for pointing this out. Like with most out of country travel, you just have to fill out the proper paperwork, get shots if needed (like when you go to India) and you are good to go.
Seriously? Your comment is so out of the blue, you seriously think the President is a moron who would break any rule to allow Beyonce to TRAVEL somewhere? Gah, I smack my head on this one. I am really working hard not to be mean here.
Absolutely he would. If Obama had something to gain, and a rule had to be broken to gain it, he’d break the rule in a heartbeat.
Of course. Obama simply doesn’t think the rules apply to him or his friends, so there’s no question that if those two clowns getting whatever permission they needed to go to Cuba.
Face it, Obama is a huge narcissist and he gets a gigantic charge out of hanging out with celebrities. Hence his party last night (his tenth so far!) where he used tax payer dollars to fly numerous performers to him to entertain him and his family. There was no other reason for it; not entertaining heads of state or even a particular big occasion. He just likes to party with the stars and sees no reason why he shouldn’t spend our money on things like that.
So, yes. If Jay and Bey, or any of his other pals want a pass to go to Cuba or do anything else that ordinary Americans are not allowed to do, he most certainly has a hand in making sure it happens.
oh please… this is a bullshit issue ginned up by rightwing cuban nationalists who happen to hold seats in the u.s. congress.
So typical..democrats do something wrong, ..other democrats blame republicans for pointing it out.
I hope this, and the fact that Obama no longer needs to be running for reelection during his presidency, will cause the U.S to take a second look at the embargo. How much of a threat is Cuba to the world? And the ppl and culture are so beautiful.
+1
…and the food… oh my heavenly!
Do American acts tour in Cuba? Wouldn’t they be free to travel under a “cultural” exemption, then, as performers? They could say they’re researching for a show or something equally BS.
Chrissie Hynde has performed there.
My take is they did it for attention. Plain and simple. Anything to get the spotlight on them. Both are famewhores.
If they did, why didn’t they ‘leak’ any photos of their trip?
They did. They’re all over the internet.
For attention? Cuba is a beautiful place to visit. The culture, music and food. Thousands of Americans visit Cuba each year and millions of people visit from other countries. The photos of them in Cuba were released by the Cuban govt.
Yeah for attention. They are becoming more and more annoying. Forced gravitas.
@Cherry – lots of the photos exist! The Daily Mail has been running this story and printing the photos since Sunday maybe even Saturday. The comments on that site are hilarious and most are lambasting the fact that she has her hair in braids! Also they want to know where is Blue Ivy? Bey-Z travelled to Cuba with his mother and Beyonce’s mother.
Sorry Beulaah and Dorothy, I misread part of this post, i.e. ‘We didn’t have access to the photos’ as ‘there aren’t any photos’. Yeah, they’re pretty much ‘in your face’.
I read an article in Vogue not that long ago about some rich girl going to Cuba… so, this seems overblown. Obviously, they let people in besides celebrities.
What a bunch of idiots. They need to focus on N Korea and the problems in this country not a trip taken by Beyonce and Jay Z. I doubt they would go to Cuba without proper licenses.
This Cuba thing makes zero sense. I think keeping tourism dollars out of Cuba could be helping keep the status quo.
I find it strange that Cuba bad but North Korea okay.
I think this is much ado about nothing. Americans travel to Cuba all of the time. Most just take a flight from Canada or Mexico. Beyonce and Jay-Z aren’t getting special treatment for going but for the scrutiny they are receiving. Most people who go there for vacation have no problems and are not investigated. But they were stupid to go for a vacation. If they did some humanitarian photo-ops they probably would have been fine.
“Americans travel to Cuba all of the time. Most just take a flight from Canada or Mexico”
Don’t forget the Caribbean – go to Miami take a flight to Nassau, Bahamas and then onwards to Havana. Best $89 fare you’d ever buy! 🙂
Apparently, they are celebrating their anniversary and have taken both mother-in-laws.
Most people who go to Cuba are private citizens who go on the downlow. These 2 schmucks publicized it to the hilt, like they do everything.
They went to Cuba for Jay-Z latest hobby, er business, scouting for ball players. They got the license per friends with Barry O. Not that hard to figure out. I don’t really care though, they should just admit it is all. The funny part is the pics out there of Bey with her head full of about 20 lbs of hairpiece in Afrocentric styled braids and dress, lol. She would never dress like that over here in the US.
The comments on her braids are sooo funny. I personally think she looks beautiful! Her dress sense seems especially carib-afro-centric to me – lots of prints!
They wouldn’t need the help of the President to go to Cuba, especially if Jay-Z is scouting baseball players as you claim.
Repeating Fox News talking points is fine until you realize that there are no FACTS behind them.
Beyonce went to steal dance moves.
I think waaaaaay too many people posting on this thread seem to think Cuba was some kind of “isle of perfection” before Castro. Not so. There was racism and poverty in Cuba before he came along (the effects of colonialism and all that, and all helped along by, who? wha? American business interests, specifically Big Sugar).
The U. S. has a long history of sticking it’s nose into everything. And this coming from someone who has been involved in that process in a place called Iraq. Read your history books, people, and not just ones written by Americans.
Last pic of Beyonce: SHUT UP.
This is stupid and biased. They had permission to travel to Cuba. Where was the outrage when Johnny Depp filmed a movie in Cuba and parked his yacht there and stayed after filming? Where was the outrage when Scarletst Johanssen and Ryan Reynold’s vacationed in Cuba? I guess since its cool to hate Beyonce and Jay Z, only they called out.
I think this is just because they are friends with the president…the replublicans are the ones bringing it up.
I was just in Cuba a month ago, I had a great time in Havana. Its a very interesting place. Im Canadian though.
Bingo.
They just want to find something to attack Obama because Beyonce and Jay Z held a fundraiser for him and were at the Inauguration.
Depp filmed in Puerto Rico!
Can we discuss Beyonce’s personal style in these photos?
I think she looks great! I love the hair, the outfit, and the shoes.
For all the folks screaming about that horrible “communist” country and giving aid and comfort to that horrible castro, must not have heard of China–the biggist communicst country in the world with multiple human rights issues (Tienamen Square anyone!?!) and hosted the Olympics, where Americans travel all the time and film movies.
Sorry, can’t get to worked up about this.
I would imagine the Cuban government are the publicity generators behind this, not this awful couple themselves.
The USA embargo does actually have a big economic impact on Cuba. Normal citizens are still on rations, with limited access to goods we take for granted (toothpaste, for example, was 1 tube per family per fortnight last time I visited).
This has been exacerbated by the removal of Russian funds in the post-USSR period, Russian input having subsidised the country for a long time.
If the Cuban government can draw attention to their outdated relationship with the USA by putting out photos that they know will cause a stink in the States, they may put some media pressure on the latter to relax trade embargos more. Who can blame them for trying?
Edit added for levity: I also liked her hair and Carib ‘styling’ though if she checked out the local scene beforehand she would have realised that Cuban women mostly dress like 1980s Russian ladies-of-a-certain-value.
As long as we American taxpayers don’t have to foot the bill for the investigation….oh, wait.
As long as these bozos reimburse us for their shameless but shameful self-aggrandizing shenanigans, I don’t give a crap about boring beyonce and jay-zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
I don’t care where they go on their vacation. And I think he went for the cigars and she went to see what it’s like to live back in the 50’s. People say it hasn’t changed since the day Castro took over. I bet he bought property there too because when the present government finally fails Cuba is going to become a destination like it was before Castro. You wait and see.
As a Cuban-American, I’m kind of mixed on this. On the one hand, I think it would be good for a stronger Western influence in Cuba — it has existed as a totalitarian regime for far too long, and more exposure to Western culture would open minds I think.
On the other hand, it grates at me when Canadians, for example, travel there for fun and assume it’s some kind of paradise — no fools, it’s only a paradise because the government hides the gross human rights violations from the ignorant tourists.
As an “ignorant?” CDN who has visited Cuba, don’t think we didn’t see the poverty, lack of decent living conditions, and decrepit structures, leaking gas plants, etc. etc. I think anywhere you go in this world, there are human rights violations happening, even in our own countries.
I like to think that maybe our tourist dollars do something to help the economy in a small way.
The server in our section of the hotel invited us to her home in the slums. They shared their rationed bean with us, all cooked in 4 rationed slow cookers, with Mom, brother, niece and husband. The brother just wanted to go to America to meet “chicas” and the mom just wanted some shoes that would fit. We gave them what we could, and tried to send a package by courier, but it would have cost over $700. Sorry this is so long, but, we know Cuba is not paradise, and also sorry that our supposed ignorance grates you.
I think many Americans do not realize the hardships of the everyday Cuban. I had dinner in FL with some clients who were Cuban American and they seethed at the mention of Castro’s name. They went on and on about the third world living conditions that Cuba likes to keep hidden from visiting celebrities.
I had no idea that it was that bad. The three politicians that are offended by this trip are Cuban Americans whose families fled Cuba…so I think that is why they are so passionate about this issue.
You know, I had the reverse experience. I know some Cubans who live where I live, and they seem to love Cuba and Castro. I also know a couple of people who live in Cuba and they seem to like it but despise US intervention in Cuba.
the ban on Cuba is kind of redonk anyways.
I’m over this couple.
Jay Z is so unattractive. There, I said it.
+1
I think the embargo should be done with – we are so far away from the original reasons for it. Old, simmering resentments and slights is what’s keeping it in place. But I have to say it’s irritating to keep hearing about how the US embargo is what’s keeping Cuba so poor. We live in a global economy, there is absolutely no reason why the US has to be an aid provider and major trade partner for Cuba. Especially when citizens/corporations of every other country in the world can travel there and invest. Cuba is poor because of its government’s economic and social policies and because these days, it’s not important enough in a geopolitical sense to throw money at.
An American does not need a liscense to travel to Cuba if they are visiting a living relative who is related by a common ancestor within 3 generations. I am not saying this is what they did but there are many loopholes that do not require you to get special permission.
Janet already busted that look and much better circa Poetic Justice btw.
Heh heh.
Why couldnt they go to Hawaii or Florida or somewhere in the US and spend their money in the US/contribute to the US economy? It would have been great publicity for travel in America. Goodness knows every state needs the money tourism brings.
The same could be said of Robert Downey Jr., who filmed parts of Iron Man in China. Why not film here instead of bolstering the communist Chinese Governement and their economy?
He was just everywhere in Beijing being feted by the Chinese Government, but I don’t see anyone blasting him. Personally, I could care less, but hypocrisy is just so annoying.
And this is not just directed at you, but this entire post.
I support celebrities (or anyone for that matter) breaking any law that is unnecessary, outdated, and overly restrictive. And this is one.
This is my take on this. It is their fifth wedding anniversary and let’s be honest here it’s Beyonce. Where are you going to take her that she hasn’t been before? From a political standpoint yeah it’s kind of shady, But from a husband trying to do something different for his wife on their anniversary. It is pure genius.
It’s disguting to luxuriate while people are being imprisioned for… Well anything the regime wants. These two get bougie by the day.
The Cuban governme t treats AIDS patients like criminals and is extraordinary bigoted. From sending only black Cubans to fight and die in Angola because they “blended in” to discriminating in favor of lighter skinned or Cubans of Spanish decent.
A writer was fired just last week after an article highlighting the racism in this island prision was published by the Intermational Times. ”
In the article, published on March 23, Zurbano described a long history of racial discrimination against blacks on the island, stating that “racial exclusion continued after Cuba became independent in 1902, and a half century of revolution since 1959 has been unable to overcome it.” “
I apologize for the typos.
These two don’t care about Cuba, America, or anywhere else. They care about who will pay them the most to travel to places pretending that the elite rich still exist in America. Or to ask low-income people to buy their awful products. Just like they do here in America.
Their wealth could have rebuilt entire cities in Africa and educated kids for decades. Or generations.
They’re trash and they know it.They’re laughing at people because they think no one can do anything about their riches.
I don’t understand why people are in such a rage. As previously said, nobody cares about China who is just as bad if not worse than Cuba and Beyoncé and Jay-Z are not the only Americans who have been there. I do wonder if the scandal is more about attacking them and Obama than the actually trip.
Comparing China and Cuba is the ultimate apples vs. oranges comparison.
Lets start with the fact that Cuban people are held prisoner and aren’t allowed to leave and travel at will. Last time I checked Chinese people have the freedom to leave.
And the geopolitical realities of not engaging China would be the height of ignorance. Cuba doesn’t have the influence or might to shape and alter the course of the world. China does in spades.
Eh, the same can be said for people in Palestine/Israel/Lebanon, but no one’s complaining about visiting these places, right?
I’m not opposed to people, including Americans, traveling to Cuba. There is a meaningful purpose to cultural exchanges and seeing a place and a people up close.
I was fortunate to travel to the Soviet Union in 1989 as a high school student. I had studied the language at my public high school and was seriously considering a career that would use those language skills. I also wanted to bear witness to the oppression the of communist government and have the opportunity to meet individuals to learn more about the society and hear the true words of actual people.
I wasn’t drinking cocktails and catching rays.
Let’s send Beyonce and Jay-Z to North Korea for a vacation! They can take Dennis Rodman with them.
Truth, just because the Carter’s are a strong supporter of the Obama Adminstration they travel to Cuba illegally because they can? First the Carter’s are citizens of this US and they follow and legally recieved permission/permit to go to Cuba as person-to-person tourist. The republican’s are still pressed with the win of Obama 2nd term and they need to appreciate and worried about things that make sense and of necessity. Jay/Bey didn’t do anything wrong they got proper documatation and approve from the US Treasuary.
There are many ways around the embargo. I myself can visit legally since I have dual French-American citizenship, though I’d have to go through Canada or Mexico to fly there. The American government can protest as much as it wants, but it can’t prosecute all the dual citizens who travel there on another passport/all the Americans who “sneak” in via Cancun.
Beyonce looks lovely!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2306421/Beyonce-meets-match-joins-Cuban-showgirls-dance-floor-historic-Tropicana-cabaret-club.html
I’m Canadian as well. I’ve been to Cuba many times. Not sure if you know this but the Cuban Customs don’t stamp your passport. They stamp the Visa to get in and out of the country.
If they didn’t get their passport stamped then they weren’t “technically” in Cuba.
Cuba is not that bad America. I’ve seen many Americans in Cuba and the people treat them the same as everybody. Only thing is that they charge an extra 20% if you exchange $US to $CUC. So if you plan to go to Cuba, bring CDN money.