The Helms-Burton Act has failed to promote democracy in Cuba and has strengthened the hand of the Castro regime, by providing an excuse for its own failed economic system. Many people seem to have forgotten that Castro has complete control over his island dominion. Castro is in absolute, unqualified control of a hard-line communist nation that is ruled by a dictator with complete and total power over all aspects of his subjects' lives. Castro's one-man government has demonstrated, time and again, his intolerance of innovation and suppression of any human endeavor which conflicts with his puzzling discredited Marxist-Leninist ideology.

             The Cuban Embargo has not met its goal, to bring the downfall of the Cuban government. The policy of isolation from Cuba, which the U. S. has pursued, has not achieved its purpose. If anything, it has provided an excuse to the Cuban government to maintain its absolute control of Cuban society. In a way, the policy of the U. S. government is the best ally of a more restrictive Cuban government. Business interests with eyes on the Cuban market would like to lift the embargo, but had been criticized by politically powerful Cuban-Americans who are opposed to Cuba's communist government (as a precursor to ending the embargo). U.S. officials said that by allowing more flights to Cuba, increased payments to Cuban families, and more exchanges, the United States could help slowly build and strengthen Cuba's non-governmental sectors. ``Our goal is to encourage the development in Cuba of peaceful, civic activities that are independent of the government and that will help the Cuban people prepare for the day when their country is once again free,'' according to Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. .

             If the Embargo were lifted, there would be competition in the agricultural business in the Southern most tip of Florida. In Cuba, the workers can afford to work for less, making their products cheaper.