By: Diane Benjamin
Keep in mind Cuba is a communist country.
Keep in mind human rights don’t exist in Cuba, especially if you are gay or oppose the government.
Keep in mind most of the population makes less than $20 a month.
Keep in mind, Cuba would love to have our tourist dollars – but they have very little to offer in return.
Bloomington’s mayor, Tari Renner went to Cuba from October 8th through October 15th.
Illinois Wesleyan University wrote a check to Bloomington to pay $800 of the trip.
The rest of it was paid for by the taxpayers of Bloomington:
$3,583 – $800 = $2,783
No other expenses were received when I FOIA’d the information
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.
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What was the purpose of the trip?
Supposedly to re-establish a relationship with a former sister city, but Renner never went there.
Why did he book a “double room?”
1) he didn’t go alone.
2) taxpayers paid for it.
Take your pick.
Wonder if he brought back cigars? What’s the matter with talking to LOCAL companies to get them to increase employment or grow, other then using TIFs or going to Cuba? This was nothing more then a pleasure trip on OUR $$$… He HAS to GO!
Maybe I’m starting to show my age, but I grew up in an age when associating with communism was about the most un-American thing that one could do. Now in 2016 I’m beginning to realize that for many, way too many, it’s the cool thing to believe in. What could a mayor of a small midwestern city possibly gain by such a trip? Why does a local institution for higher-learning sign-off on this by paying a portion of this trip? Where is at least a hint of skepticism by the local media? We indeed live in dark times.
The media is bent out of shape because Trump talked to an elected leader in Taiwan. Meanwhile our clowns travel go a communist country for no reason and we get nothing.
Did anyone here at least get a t-shirt?
Reblogged this on BLNNews and commented:
Cuba, now Japan. See how much Cuba cost – in case you forgot. See the world: become Mayor and do it for free!