@mattbrowne I had heard the same thing, that Castro has been rethinking some things. I never thought of it as being selfish. I always thought of it as punishment. Well, at first I think they had an embargo to try and squeeze Cuba so they would relent and change. Now, I think it is more akin to trying to castigate them, not give the benefit of dealing with the US, which is kind of a conceded stance.
I think you are right that this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Part of the reasons so many Cubans are Republicans are because they blame Kennedy for making some sort of deal that maintains the status quo of the country. Even if Cuba became more democratic, I wonder what exactly the Cubans in America would need to really feel better? Would they want reperations for property lost? Many from the older generation say they would go back, I dont believe that for a second, they have their lives here now, although maybe the proximity of the countries would make that easier than if they had come from a different country.
Cuba could be a long ferry ride from Miami, it could be fantastic.