Exiles concerned over U.S. plans in Cuba

By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ, Associated Press Writer

MIAMI - A presidential commission's report on U.S. plans to promote democracy 
in Cuba has earned applause from Cuban exiles, particularly for an $80 million 
commitment to bolster civil society and independent media. But while many 
expressed broad support for the commission's message, some were wary of 
how, and if, the promised funds will be spent. 

Worse, when I read about how much money is going to Iraq or will be thrown to Cuba for Democratic purposes, I feel the money is simply being thrown away to F.o.B.s ("Friends of Bush"). A few days ago there was a little blurb in the paper about how the Army is finally investigating Halliburton for a small matter of 1$ BILLION dollars in overcharges. If that level of corruption doesn't make you angry then $80 million for Cuba won't make you blink. But it adds up and we're paying for it.

And we're paying for it while the Government spends and throws it away with no accountability. None. We, as the taxpayers, have a right to know exactly where our money is going. Every cent. And if the Government, our Government, poo-poos our rights away saying "Where the money goes is a matter of National Security, so we can't say." then our BS alarms should go off and we should demand to know - LOUDLY. Let the politicians know that we the voters aren't fooled, won't be fooled, and will vote against them and their cronies every damn chance we get. And that's before we get the courts on them.

It's our money; it's our Government. We deserve to know!