Today in 1960: The Kennedy administration begins a war of starvation on liberated Cuba, which is almost entirely dependent on U.S. commerce. Kennedy bans all exports except medical supplies and a few food items. The United States also will threaten to punish nations that continue to trade with Cuba.
Not a single other country will join the embargo. The Cubans, meanwhile, will turn to the Soviet bloc for trade. In the 1990’s, after the Soviet break-up, Cuba will seek trade with other nations, but the United States will pass the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 to tighten the embargo.
It’s This Weekend’s Action Calendar!
Tomorrow, there will be a free showing of the film “As Goes Janesville,” by Brad Lichtenstein. The film is a documentary that records two years in the lives of laid-off workers, business leaders, and elected officials all trying to reinvent their lives and Janesville amid the closure of their GM plant and the economic crisis. The director will be in attendance, and Mark Pocan, Mike Sheridan, Jenni Dye, and John Nichols will join the post-film discussion. This will be at 1pm at the Sequoya Branch Library, 4340 Tokay Boulevard. More info at 266-6359.
Tomorrow, there will be a talk by Communist Party USA Chair Sam Webb titled “Democracy at the Crossroads”. This is sponsored by the Unemployed Workers Council, and is free and open to the public. This is tomorrow at 3pm at South branch public library, 2222 South Park Street. More info at 608-628-4802.
The PFLAG monthly meeting will be held on Sunday from 2:15 to 4pm at the Friends Meeting House at 1704 Roberts Court. This is free to all. The program: Liz Lusk, Madison Metropolitan School District Administrator for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning student population. For more info, call Sharon at 271-5440.
“Facing Nature” is a playful performance and community inquiry into ways of re-enchanting the relationship with earth and each other. Facilitated by Seattle artist Thomas Arthur, this event includes elements of contemplative performance, projected imagery, guided movement meditations and group dialogue. This will be from 12:30 to 2pm at Unity of Madison, 601 Tompkins Drive. This is free and open to the public. Donations for the artist are welcome. Call 257-3485 for more info.