Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Your Sunday News Assembly, for 5-10-26
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Your Sunday News Assembly, for 5-10-26
Welcome, fellow Conspirators!
The world economy is in crash mode, and this is just the beginning. While Trump preps for a May 14 visit to China, where, perhaps, Xi’s influence might get some sense into Trump’s brain re the US aggression on Iran, it is unlikely that Trump will stick with peace after a brief, performative, seeming “agreement” w Xi to “begin negotiations” again. Xi will reiterate the Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz as a fact that is not going away, and he will stress Iranian interests in nuclear power, recovery of funds for damages inflicted by the US, Israel ending its attacks on Lebanon, and, of course, an end to US-Israeli aggression on Iran. Trump likely will feel the pressure of China possibly shutting down even more Chinese involvement in supplying rare earth minerals, Chinese decisions to decrease bank support of US corporations, and warnings about Trump attempting to impose “secondary tariffs” on any nation dealing with Iranian fuel.
That’s something important to watch, and we have additional news from Lebanon, key news on ICE, information on the Russian Victory Day celebration and the Ukrainian attacks, and a fascinating video link, thanks to the great YT channel, “Interesting Books, Reviewed”! As always, please feel free to read all, or just portions, of the Assembly, to leave and return, and to SHARE the internal links and the whole release! Be sure to head to Rumble or Gardner’s X at 6 PM eastern each M-F for the news, from Liberty Conspiracy LIVE! We hope to provide as much big info for freedom fighters as we can!! ALSO, check out the new Former Star Trek Writing Fellow Channels - On YT, and on Rumble!
**AND feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the Assembly, and you also can donate to help the Liberty Conspiracy, itself! Just visit PayPal to help out!
And now, as Mario and Luigi might say, “Let’s-a-GO!!
Share Gardner Goldsmith
Share
Subscribe now
WARHegseth’s May 7 “Fiscally Responsible Department of War” video went viral because it was so full of offensive rhetoric and assumptions. From his calling it a “deal” or “investment” to his complete disdain for the US Constitution or basic economics and ethics, his slogan-filled vid long will be recalled by many who will cite him, and it, for the War Crimes it attempts to overlook. Here is Antiwar on it Headline “Hegseth Calls Inflating the Pentagon Budget by 50% to $1.5 Trillion a 'Fiscally Responsible Investment' - News From Antiwar.com” LINK
IRANTo offer a sample of the completely unreal mindset that Trump and his team continue to exhibit, here is Daniel McAdams, reiterating the reality to Rubio.
And the prime example of MAGA-tied media schilling, Mark Levin continues to lie and push for more unconstitutional, international mass murder.
-The US and Israel definitely are targeting civilians in Iran
This revelation is not surprising, and he “US had knowledge” phrasing likely is tepid, and should read, “the US had to have had knowledge, and the US likely assisted this in numerous ways.” Headline: “Israel built secret base in Iraq to bomb Iran – WSJ — RT World News” LINK
-Away from Infowars, Owen Shroyer again nails it
-And as Karoline Leavitt and her husband celebrate the birth of their new daughter, the Iranian government reminds her of her complicity on the war-crime slaughter of hundreds of children. The criticism might seem poorly timed to some, but it is very justified.
LEBANONMother’s Day is not the same for many in Lebanon, Gaza, The West Bank, Somalia, Venezuela, and many other locations touched by US militarism, crony-corporatism, and crony-banksterism
Despite Israel targeting journalists in Lebanon and Gaza, this woman is on the ground in Lebanon. Toura (also spelled Tura) is a village in the Tyre District (also known as Sour District), in the South Governorate of southern Lebanon. It lies roughly 9 km (about 5.5 miles) northeast of the city of Tyre, near the Lebanon-Israel border area. The Israelis hit this place on Friday, May 8.
@AliEzzedine7 ","username":"cbonneauimages","name":"courtneybonneauimages","profile_image_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/profile_images/1791812576973557760/JI_owp1J_normal.jpg","date":"2026-05-09T11:56:36.000Z","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/w_1028,c_limit,q_auto:best/l_twitter_play_button_rvaygk,w_88/drv8jth4w2k9ojncnsj9","link_url":"https://t.co/ntXIwz4s6H"}],"quoted_tweet":{},"reply_count":243,"retweet_count":3966,"like_count":9120,"impression_count":417594,"expanded_url":null,"video_url":"https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2053081418738040837/vid/avc1/1280x720/-uJ0JhG0sCL6HSgG.mp4","belowTheFold":true}" data-component-name="Twitter2ToDOM">WEST BANKVerified reports from Reuters, Haaretz, and others confirm this May 9, 2026 incident in al-Asasa village, at an elderly man’s newly-dug grave
GAZAMORE ISRAELI-COMMITTED MURDER As the IDF takes more land. CUBAFirst, not only does the US Constitution not contain a provision allowing the Prez or an Executive Branch office to impose “sanctions”, the specific sanction on a join Cuban-Canadian mining company noted here further will restrict the supply of nickel, which is a pretty dumb idea. Headline: “US imposes sanctions on Cuban military conglomerate, mining joint venture” LINK For an in-depth look at the disastrous and immoral US “Sanctions” on Cuba, see the end of the Assembly!!
TRUMP- CHINAI usually find Brookings material to be very neo-con, pro-Zionist, but this is a decent overview of some of the matters Trump has made worse when it comes to relations with China. Headline “What will happen when Trump meets Xi? | Brookings” LINk
RUSSIA-UKRAINE-VICTORY DAY CELEBRATIONThe Russian government days ago announced a ceasefire to respect V-E Day, 81 years to the day. It’s a massive matter for Russians, that victory over the Axis Powers, and the ceasefire was important. Yet, Zelinsky today embarked on another terror campaign, attacking Russians. Headline: “Ukraine has violated Victory Day ceasefire – Moscow — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union” Link
-And Maria Zakharova makes very strong points about many western powers continuing to associate with Nazi figures, over many decades of western influence and imperialism in the former Soviet Bloc nations. Here us the opening of the pertinent article: “The West is busy rewriting the history of World War II, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated ahead of the 81st anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.” LINK
-More: Headline: “‘People are forbidden from honoring Victory’: How Europe is erasing the memory of Nazism’s defeat — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union” LINK
Subscribe now
THE US-WORLD ECONOMYAs Prof Henke notes, if the US doesn’t lay off its insane, Quixotic, attempt to overthrow Iran, and Iran continues to respond by restricting the traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will begin experiencing fuel shortages and a lack of availability in July. This, atop higher prices due to supply not meeting world demand, a lack of fertilizer, higher shipping costs, and Trump TARIFFS.
Yet, of course, Trump lies re the difference btwn his policies and the Biden record on gas prices (which, itself, was abysmal). Here, we see Trump claiming to have brought gas prices WAYYY down from Biden’s days. But, as you might have guessed, Trump is focusing on the highest price under Biden, not the last weeks of Biden. LINK Here is some reality. Headline “Fact check: Trump posts wildly deceptive chart on oil prices” LINK
Share
IMMIGRATION POLICE STATEA person horror story - Headline “Teen brothers detained by ICE speak out after emotional ordeal” LINK
-And this piece, from Jacob Hornberger, is excellent. Headline “The Immigration Police-State's Infliction of Harm – The Future of Freedom Foundation” LINK
SO, get this, if you want to collect information on price-demand trends and offer it to willing buyers, but you decide not to make that information universally visible? The Antitrust division will attack you. Not only is this a matter of free speech and not only is this attack no sanctioned by any provision of the US Constitution, the prectical outcome of it is to stifle information-sharing speed. This is one of the major problems of the monopoly of government going after people for so-called “insider trading”. If a person can get key information before others, and he talks to others, not only is that beneficial for those people, it incentivizes others to try to get the information on their own, racing for faster info-collection. Attacks on this kind of reporting retard, rather than promote, market dynamics. Note, also, how this ties in with the recently announced Antitrust attack on the four big meat processors (two located in the US, and two in Brazil). The PR machine in DC really wants US Consumers to think they are being helped, not hurt, by Trump’s goon squads. Headline “Trump administration settles meatpacking antitrust case in bid to bring down grocery prices” LINK
FREEDOM OF SPEECHIt’s a rare moment when one can applaud the people at The View, but this is one of those times. It’s too bad they don’t approach constitutional scholars who can tell their audience how utterly unconstitutional the FCC is. This is a very good opportunity to let the folks know… Headline: “ABC says Trump’s FCC is threatening free speech in 'The View' probe” LINK
NOW! VIDEO!This conversation, between Danny Haiphone and Stanislav Kaprivnik, is a very informative look at the temporal and monetary hurdles facing the world as the US and Israel inspire more destruction of oil wells, pipelines, and repositories. There is a lot to absorb, thanks to these two well-informed men.
This conversation btwn Prof Mirandi and Prog Diesen is very worthwhile to watch. Key info re Iran.
Subscribe now
Share
Leave a comment
******That’s it for now, on those major items! Now, here is our special report on the long-extant US “sanctions” against Cuba!THE US “SANCTIONS” ON CUBA, GOING BACK DECADESThe US maintains a comprehensive, longstanding economic embargo (often called the “blockade” by Cuba) against Cuba, primarily enforced through the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR, 31 CFR Part 515) administered by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This regime prohibits most direct US-Cuba trade, financial transactions, and travel, with limited exceptions (e.g., certain licensed agricultural/medical exports paid in cash, family remittances, and humanitarian aid). It has extraterritorial elements that affect third-country parties trading with Cuban-based businesses or the Cuban government.
ofac.treasury.gov
Major recent escalations (as of May 2026) under the current Trump administration have added broad secondary sanctions risks for non-US persons and foreign financial institutions (FFIs). These build on the core embargo but significantly increase exposure for international companies. Cuba remains designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST, re-designated January 2025), which layers additional financial and aid restrictions.
Key Categories of Restrictions, Start Dates, and Third-Party Impacts
Here is a breakdown by major category:
Core Comprehensive Embargo on US Persons (Primary Sanctions via CACR)
Started: Partial restrictions (arms, certain goods) began in 1958–1960 under Eisenhower after the Cuban Revolution and nationalizations. Full trade embargo proclaimed by President Kennedy in February/September 1962 (Proclamation 3447 and related actions). Cuban Assets Control Regulations issued July 1963 under the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA, 1917, later supplemented by IEEPA). Codified and tightened by the Cuban Democracy Act (1992) and Helms-Burton Act (1996).
Current prohibitions: US persons (including US-owned/controlled foreign subsidiaries in many cases) are broadly barred from exporting/importing goods/services to/from Cuba, dealing in Cuban property, providing financial services, or engaging in most travel (with narrow general licenses for family visits, certain educational/professional travel, remittances, and support for the Cuban private sector). Most exports require a license from BIS/OFAC and are often denied.
Third-party impact: Indirect via US subsidiaries and “facilitation” rules. Limited direct effect on pure non-US entities until recent changes.
Estimated commerce hit: Primarily affects US-Cuba bilateral trade (near-zero in most sectors). Older USITC estimates (2001) projected potential US exports to Cuba of ~$658 million annually (1996–1998 data) without the embargo. US Chamber of Commerce (2009) estimated ~$1.2 billion/year in lost US sales/exports. Cuban government and UN analyses attribute a large share of annual losses to restricted trade/shipping (e.g., higher freight/insurance costs of tens of millions annually in recent years). LINK
Helms-Burton Act (Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, 1996) – Extraterritorial Provisions
Started: Enacted March 1996 (Titles I–IV). Title III (lawsuits for “trafficking” in confiscated US/Cuban-American property) was suspended by presidents until reactivated by Trump in 2019 and remains active. Title IV (visa denials) has been enforced periodically.
Current prohibitions: Allows US nationals to sue in US courts any person (including foreign companies) that “traffics” in property confiscated by Cuba after 1959. Title IV bars entry to the US for executives (and families) of companies involved in such trafficking. It deters foreign investment in tourism, hotels, ports, and other sectors linked to expropriated assets.
Third-party impact: Significant deterrent for non-US companies investing or operating in Cuba (e.g., cruise lines, hotels, mining). Examples include multimillion-dollar judgments against foreign firms.
Estimated commerce hit: Deters foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism. Cuban/UN reports link it to billions in lost investment over decades. Specific litigation (e.g., 2022 cruise line cases) exceeded $400 million in damages. Broader FDI losses are folded into overall embargo estimates (hundreds of millions to billions annually in forgone projects).
State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) Designation and Related Financial Restrictions
Started: Originally designated 1982; removed by Obama (2015); reinstated by Trump (January 2021); re-designated January 2025.
Current prohibitions: Bars most US foreign aid, restricts exports of certain items, and complicates Cuba’s access to the international financial system (banks often avoid Cuba due to US secondary sanctions risk and compliance costs).
Third-party impact: FFIs face heightened scrutiny/risk of US penalties for processing Cuban transactions.
Estimated commerce hit: Major driver of banking isolation. Cuban reports cite hundreds of millions in annual financial-sector losses (fines on European banks historically reached billions cumulatively). Contributes to dollar access issues and higher transaction costs. LINK
New Secondary Sanctions and Oil/Fuel Measures (2025–2026 Escalations)
Started: “Total pressure” strategy announced January 2025 (including SST re-designation and military contractor sanctions). EO 14380 (January 2026) declared a national emergency and authorized tariffs/duties on countries/entities supplying oil/petroleum to Cuba (extraterritorial “fuel blockade”). New EO 14404 (May 1, 2026) under IEEPA authorizes broad blocking sanctions on foreign persons/FFIs. State Department designated GAESA (Cuba’s large military-controlled conglomerate) and affiliates on May 7, 2026. LINK
Current prohibitions: EO 14404 targets foreign persons engaged in transactions with the Cuban government or in sectors like energy, defense/materiel, metals/mining, financial services, and security. It enables secondary sanctions on FFIs for “significant” transactions with blocked persons. Prohibits US persons from dealing with those designated. Oil-related tariffs pressure third-country suppliers (e.g., Russia, others).
Third-party impact: Major escalation — non-US companies and banks now face direct designation/blocking risk for routine Cuba business, similar to Iran/Russia regimes. This affects virtually any party trading with Cuban-based businesses (especially state-linked ones).
Estimated commerce hit: Too recent for full quantified studies (May 2026 EO is days/weeks old). Already contributing to Cuba’s acute fuel shortages, blackouts, and economic contraction (e.g., GDP declines and energy crisis in 2025–2026). Broader deterrence expected to reduce foreign trade/investment further; Cuban analyses project additional hundreds of millions to billions in annual losses from such measures.
Overall Estimated Hits to Commerce
Precise per-category breakdowns are limited and disputed (US sources emphasize regime responsibility; Cuban/UN reports attribute nearly all losses to the embargo). Independent estimates are dated, but here are key figures:
To Cuba (Cuban government/UN estimates): Cumulative losses since 1960 in the hundreds of billions to “trillions” (adjusted for inflation; e.g., $933 billion by 2018 per Cuba; UN 2023 cited trillions). Annual damages: ~$4.87 billion (2022–2023), over $5 billion (2023–2024), and $7.5 billion (March 2024–February 2025). Sectors most cited: trade/shipping overruns, tourism/FDI deterrence, finance/banking isolation, agriculture/tech imports, and energy (recent oil restrictions worsened blackouts and productivity losses).
To the US: Older estimates of $1.2 billion/year lost exports (US Chamber, 2009) or $3.6 billion/year in broader economic output (2002 Cuba Policy Foundation). These are primarily from foregone bilateral trade.
The embargo affects all major sectors of the Cuban economy (trade, tourism, FDI, finance, energy, agriculture), with recent measures exacerbating shortages and isolation. Note that some impacts overlap with Cuba’s internal policies, global events (e.g., COVID, Venezuela issues), and sanctions evasion challenges. For the absolute latest designations or licenses, check OFAC’s Cuba page directly, as enforcement evolves rapidly.
Subscribe now
Share
That’s it for now, all! Thank you for caring about freedom and being energized to push the principles! And come back Monday for our new DAILY NEWS NOTES! It’s for paid subscribers, and will give you a midday look at some of the breaking news you might want to follow, to compare notes with others, and utilize to keep an eye on the statists in politics and the statists in the “commentary/reporting” realm! Remember, you can watch Liberty Conspiracy Live, each weeknight, at 6 eastern! Help others learn about all the facets of freedom, from markets, to privacy, to speech, to parental control and education, and much MORE! You can watch, listen, and join the chat for freedom as we broadcast on my X and Rumble. Hit me up at X as @gardgoldsmith there and on GAB as “GardnerGoldsmith”! And, of course, I want to mention that if you’d like to get some of my fiction, grab my current novellas at Amazon and Barnes and Noble!! As a rocking opener, I recommend “Fishing” as a dark, well-composed crime tale with some very unusual turns (this contains some scenes of dark violence, so please, be warned)…
…Or feel free to get “Bite” for a different take on vampirism, and “Wall” for a cryptoarcheological adventure set in 1960s China. And I have three novels and two more novellas in their final editing phases, soon to be on the way!
You also can donate to help the Liberty Conspiracy, itself! Just visit PayPal to help out! You also can mail GG at:
Gardner Goldsmith
PO Box 581
Amherst, NH, 03031 Be Seeing You!
Thank you for supporting the ideas and the scholarship of freedom. God bless, everyone!
Leave a comment
Share
Subscribe now
View all episodes
By Gardner GoldsmithWelcome, fellow Conspirators!
The world economy is in crash mode, and this is just the beginning. While Trump preps for a May 14 visit to China, where, perhaps, Xi’s influence might get some sense into Trump’s brain re the US aggression on Iran, it is unlikely that Trump will stick with peace after a brief, performative, seeming “agreement” w Xi to “begin negotiations” again. Xi will reiterate the Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz as a fact that is not going away, and he will stress Iranian interests in nuclear power, recovery of funds for damages inflicted by the US, Israel ending its attacks on Lebanon, and, of course, an end to US-Israeli aggression on Iran. Trump likely will feel the pressure of China possibly shutting down even more Chinese involvement in supplying rare earth minerals, Chinese decisions to decrease bank support of US corporations, and warnings about Trump attempting to impose “secondary tariffs” on any nation dealing with Iranian fuel.
That’s something important to watch, and we have additional news from Lebanon, key news on ICE, information on the Russian Victory Day celebration and the Ukrainian attacks, and a fascinating video link, thanks to the great YT channel, “Interesting Books, Reviewed”! As always, please feel free to read all, or just portions, of the Assembly, to leave and return, and to SHARE the internal links and the whole release! Be sure to head to Rumble or Gardner’s X at 6 PM eastern each M-F for the news, from Liberty Conspiracy LIVE! We hope to provide as much big info for freedom fighters as we can!! ALSO, check out the new Former Star Trek Writing Fellow Channels - On YT, and on Rumble!
**AND feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the Assembly, and you also can donate to help the Liberty Conspiracy, itself! Just visit PayPal to help out!
And now, as Mario and Luigi might say, “Let’s-a-GO!!
Share Gardner Goldsmith
Share
Subscribe now
WARHegseth’s May 7 “Fiscally Responsible Department of War” video went viral because it was so full of offensive rhetoric and assumptions. From his calling it a “deal” or “investment” to his complete disdain for the US Constitution or basic economics and ethics, his slogan-filled vid long will be recalled by many who will cite him, and it, for the War Crimes it attempts to overlook. Here is Antiwar on it Headline “Hegseth Calls Inflating the Pentagon Budget by 50% to $1.5 Trillion a 'Fiscally Responsible Investment' - News From Antiwar.com” LINK
IRANTo offer a sample of the completely unreal mindset that Trump and his team continue to exhibit, here is Daniel McAdams, reiterating the reality to Rubio.
And the prime example of MAGA-tied media schilling, Mark Levin continues to lie and push for more unconstitutional, international mass murder.
-The US and Israel definitely are targeting civilians in Iran
This revelation is not surprising, and he “US had knowledge” phrasing likely is tepid, and should read, “the US had to have had knowledge, and the US likely assisted this in numerous ways.” Headline: “Israel built secret base in Iraq to bomb Iran – WSJ — RT World News” LINK
-Away from Infowars, Owen Shroyer again nails it
-And as Karoline Leavitt and her husband celebrate the birth of their new daughter, the Iranian government reminds her of her complicity on the war-crime slaughter of hundreds of children. The criticism might seem poorly timed to some, but it is very justified.
LEBANONMother’s Day is not the same for many in Lebanon, Gaza, The West Bank, Somalia, Venezuela, and many other locations touched by US militarism, crony-corporatism, and crony-banksterism
Despite Israel targeting journalists in Lebanon and Gaza, this woman is on the ground in Lebanon. Toura (also spelled Tura) is a village in the Tyre District (also known as Sour District), in the South Governorate of southern Lebanon. It lies roughly 9 km (about 5.5 miles) northeast of the city of Tyre, near the Lebanon-Israel border area. The Israelis hit this place on Friday, May 8.
@AliEzzedine7 ","username":"cbonneauimages","name":"courtneybonneauimages","profile_image_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/profile_images/1791812576973557760/JI_owp1J_normal.jpg","date":"2026-05-09T11:56:36.000Z","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/w_1028,c_limit,q_auto:best/l_twitter_play_button_rvaygk,w_88/drv8jth4w2k9ojncnsj9","link_url":"https://t.co/ntXIwz4s6H"}],"quoted_tweet":{},"reply_count":243,"retweet_count":3966,"like_count":9120,"impression_count":417594,"expanded_url":null,"video_url":"https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2053081418738040837/vid/avc1/1280x720/-uJ0JhG0sCL6HSgG.mp4","belowTheFold":true}" data-component-name="Twitter2ToDOM">WEST BANKVerified reports from Reuters, Haaretz, and others confirm this May 9, 2026 incident in al-Asasa village, at an elderly man’s newly-dug grave
GAZAMORE ISRAELI-COMMITTED MURDER As the IDF takes more land. CUBAFirst, not only does the US Constitution not contain a provision allowing the Prez or an Executive Branch office to impose “sanctions”, the specific sanction on a join Cuban-Canadian mining company noted here further will restrict the supply of nickel, which is a pretty dumb idea. Headline: “US imposes sanctions on Cuban military conglomerate, mining joint venture” LINK For an in-depth look at the disastrous and immoral US “Sanctions” on Cuba, see the end of the Assembly!!
TRUMP- CHINAI usually find Brookings material to be very neo-con, pro-Zionist, but this is a decent overview of some of the matters Trump has made worse when it comes to relations with China. Headline “What will happen when Trump meets Xi? | Brookings” LINk
RUSSIA-UKRAINE-VICTORY DAY CELEBRATIONThe Russian government days ago announced a ceasefire to respect V-E Day, 81 years to the day. It’s a massive matter for Russians, that victory over the Axis Powers, and the ceasefire was important. Yet, Zelinsky today embarked on another terror campaign, attacking Russians. Headline: “Ukraine has violated Victory Day ceasefire – Moscow — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union” Link
-And Maria Zakharova makes very strong points about many western powers continuing to associate with Nazi figures, over many decades of western influence and imperialism in the former Soviet Bloc nations. Here us the opening of the pertinent article: “The West is busy rewriting the history of World War II, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated ahead of the 81st anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.” LINK
-More: Headline: “‘People are forbidden from honoring Victory’: How Europe is erasing the memory of Nazism’s defeat — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union” LINK
Subscribe now
THE US-WORLD ECONOMYAs Prof Henke notes, if the US doesn’t lay off its insane, Quixotic, attempt to overthrow Iran, and Iran continues to respond by restricting the traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will begin experiencing fuel shortages and a lack of availability in July. This, atop higher prices due to supply not meeting world demand, a lack of fertilizer, higher shipping costs, and Trump TARIFFS.
Yet, of course, Trump lies re the difference btwn his policies and the Biden record on gas prices (which, itself, was abysmal). Here, we see Trump claiming to have brought gas prices WAYYY down from Biden’s days. But, as you might have guessed, Trump is focusing on the highest price under Biden, not the last weeks of Biden. LINK Here is some reality. Headline “Fact check: Trump posts wildly deceptive chart on oil prices” LINK
Share
IMMIGRATION POLICE STATEA person horror story - Headline “Teen brothers detained by ICE speak out after emotional ordeal” LINK
-And this piece, from Jacob Hornberger, is excellent. Headline “The Immigration Police-State's Infliction of Harm – The Future of Freedom Foundation” LINK
SO, get this, if you want to collect information on price-demand trends and offer it to willing buyers, but you decide not to make that information universally visible? The Antitrust division will attack you. Not only is this a matter of free speech and not only is this attack no sanctioned by any provision of the US Constitution, the prectical outcome of it is to stifle information-sharing speed. This is one of the major problems of the monopoly of government going after people for so-called “insider trading”. If a person can get key information before others, and he talks to others, not only is that beneficial for those people, it incentivizes others to try to get the information on their own, racing for faster info-collection. Attacks on this kind of reporting retard, rather than promote, market dynamics. Note, also, how this ties in with the recently announced Antitrust attack on the four big meat processors (two located in the US, and two in Brazil). The PR machine in DC really wants US Consumers to think they are being helped, not hurt, by Trump’s goon squads. Headline “Trump administration settles meatpacking antitrust case in bid to bring down grocery prices” LINK
FREEDOM OF SPEECHIt’s a rare moment when one can applaud the people at The View, but this is one of those times. It’s too bad they don’t approach constitutional scholars who can tell their audience how utterly unconstitutional the FCC is. This is a very good opportunity to let the folks know… Headline: “ABC says Trump’s FCC is threatening free speech in 'The View' probe” LINK
NOW! VIDEO!This conversation, between Danny Haiphone and Stanislav Kaprivnik, is a very informative look at the temporal and monetary hurdles facing the world as the US and Israel inspire more destruction of oil wells, pipelines, and repositories. There is a lot to absorb, thanks to these two well-informed men.
This conversation btwn Prof Mirandi and Prog Diesen is very worthwhile to watch. Key info re Iran.
Subscribe now
Share
Leave a comment
******That’s it for now, on those major items! Now, here is our special report on the long-extant US “sanctions” against Cuba!THE US “SANCTIONS” ON CUBA, GOING BACK DECADESThe US maintains a comprehensive, longstanding economic embargo (often called the “blockade” by Cuba) against Cuba, primarily enforced through the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR, 31 CFR Part 515) administered by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This regime prohibits most direct US-Cuba trade, financial transactions, and travel, with limited exceptions (e.g., certain licensed agricultural/medical exports paid in cash, family remittances, and humanitarian aid). It has extraterritorial elements that affect third-country parties trading with Cuban-based businesses or the Cuban government.
ofac.treasury.gov
Major recent escalations (as of May 2026) under the current Trump administration have added broad secondary sanctions risks for non-US persons and foreign financial institutions (FFIs). These build on the core embargo but significantly increase exposure for international companies. Cuba remains designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST, re-designated January 2025), which layers additional financial and aid restrictions.
Key Categories of Restrictions, Start Dates, and Third-Party Impacts
Here is a breakdown by major category:
Core Comprehensive Embargo on US Persons (Primary Sanctions via CACR)
Started: Partial restrictions (arms, certain goods) began in 1958–1960 under Eisenhower after the Cuban Revolution and nationalizations. Full trade embargo proclaimed by President Kennedy in February/September 1962 (Proclamation 3447 and related actions). Cuban Assets Control Regulations issued July 1963 under the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA, 1917, later supplemented by IEEPA). Codified and tightened by the Cuban Democracy Act (1992) and Helms-Burton Act (1996).
Current prohibitions: US persons (including US-owned/controlled foreign subsidiaries in many cases) are broadly barred from exporting/importing goods/services to/from Cuba, dealing in Cuban property, providing financial services, or engaging in most travel (with narrow general licenses for family visits, certain educational/professional travel, remittances, and support for the Cuban private sector). Most exports require a license from BIS/OFAC and are often denied.
Third-party impact: Indirect via US subsidiaries and “facilitation” rules. Limited direct effect on pure non-US entities until recent changes.
Estimated commerce hit: Primarily affects US-Cuba bilateral trade (near-zero in most sectors). Older USITC estimates (2001) projected potential US exports to Cuba of ~$658 million annually (1996–1998 data) without the embargo. US Chamber of Commerce (2009) estimated ~$1.2 billion/year in lost US sales/exports. Cuban government and UN analyses attribute a large share of annual losses to restricted trade/shipping (e.g., higher freight/insurance costs of tens of millions annually in recent years). LINK
Helms-Burton Act (Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, 1996) – Extraterritorial Provisions
Started: Enacted March 1996 (Titles I–IV). Title III (lawsuits for “trafficking” in confiscated US/Cuban-American property) was suspended by presidents until reactivated by Trump in 2019 and remains active. Title IV (visa denials) has been enforced periodically.
Current prohibitions: Allows US nationals to sue in US courts any person (including foreign companies) that “traffics” in property confiscated by Cuba after 1959. Title IV bars entry to the US for executives (and families) of companies involved in such trafficking. It deters foreign investment in tourism, hotels, ports, and other sectors linked to expropriated assets.
Third-party impact: Significant deterrent for non-US companies investing or operating in Cuba (e.g., cruise lines, hotels, mining). Examples include multimillion-dollar judgments against foreign firms.
Estimated commerce hit: Deters foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism. Cuban/UN reports link it to billions in lost investment over decades. Specific litigation (e.g., 2022 cruise line cases) exceeded $400 million in damages. Broader FDI losses are folded into overall embargo estimates (hundreds of millions to billions annually in forgone projects).
State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) Designation and Related Financial Restrictions
Started: Originally designated 1982; removed by Obama (2015); reinstated by Trump (January 2021); re-designated January 2025.
Current prohibitions: Bars most US foreign aid, restricts exports of certain items, and complicates Cuba’s access to the international financial system (banks often avoid Cuba due to US secondary sanctions risk and compliance costs).
Third-party impact: FFIs face heightened scrutiny/risk of US penalties for processing Cuban transactions.
Estimated commerce hit: Major driver of banking isolation. Cuban reports cite hundreds of millions in annual financial-sector losses (fines on European banks historically reached billions cumulatively). Contributes to dollar access issues and higher transaction costs. LINK
New Secondary Sanctions and Oil/Fuel Measures (2025–2026 Escalations)
Started: “Total pressure” strategy announced January 2025 (including SST re-designation and military contractor sanctions). EO 14380 (January 2026) declared a national emergency and authorized tariffs/duties on countries/entities supplying oil/petroleum to Cuba (extraterritorial “fuel blockade”). New EO 14404 (May 1, 2026) under IEEPA authorizes broad blocking sanctions on foreign persons/FFIs. State Department designated GAESA (Cuba’s large military-controlled conglomerate) and affiliates on May 7, 2026. LINK
Current prohibitions: EO 14404 targets foreign persons engaged in transactions with the Cuban government or in sectors like energy, defense/materiel, metals/mining, financial services, and security. It enables secondary sanctions on FFIs for “significant” transactions with blocked persons. Prohibits US persons from dealing with those designated. Oil-related tariffs pressure third-country suppliers (e.g., Russia, others).
Third-party impact: Major escalation — non-US companies and banks now face direct designation/blocking risk for routine Cuba business, similar to Iran/Russia regimes. This affects virtually any party trading with Cuban-based businesses (especially state-linked ones).
Estimated commerce hit: Too recent for full quantified studies (May 2026 EO is days/weeks old). Already contributing to Cuba’s acute fuel shortages, blackouts, and economic contraction (e.g., GDP declines and energy crisis in 2025–2026). Broader deterrence expected to reduce foreign trade/investment further; Cuban analyses project additional hundreds of millions to billions in annual losses from such measures.
Overall Estimated Hits to Commerce
Precise per-category breakdowns are limited and disputed (US sources emphasize regime responsibility; Cuban/UN reports attribute nearly all losses to the embargo). Independent estimates are dated, but here are key figures:
To Cuba (Cuban government/UN estimates): Cumulative losses since 1960 in the hundreds of billions to “trillions” (adjusted for inflation; e.g., $933 billion by 2018 per Cuba; UN 2023 cited trillions). Annual damages: ~$4.87 billion (2022–2023), over $5 billion (2023–2024), and $7.5 billion (March 2024–February 2025). Sectors most cited: trade/shipping overruns, tourism/FDI deterrence, finance/banking isolation, agriculture/tech imports, and energy (recent oil restrictions worsened blackouts and productivity losses).
To the US: Older estimates of $1.2 billion/year lost exports (US Chamber, 2009) or $3.6 billion/year in broader economic output (2002 Cuba Policy Foundation). These are primarily from foregone bilateral trade.
The embargo affects all major sectors of the Cuban economy (trade, tourism, FDI, finance, energy, agriculture), with recent measures exacerbating shortages and isolation. Note that some impacts overlap with Cuba’s internal policies, global events (e.g., COVID, Venezuela issues), and sanctions evasion challenges. For the absolute latest designations or licenses, check OFAC’s Cuba page directly, as enforcement evolves rapidly.
Subscribe now
Share
That’s it for now, all! Thank you for caring about freedom and being energized to push the principles! And come back Monday for our new DAILY NEWS NOTES! It’s for paid subscribers, and will give you a midday look at some of the breaking news you might want to follow, to compare notes with others, and utilize to keep an eye on the statists in politics and the statists in the “commentary/reporting” realm! Remember, you can watch Liberty Conspiracy Live, each weeknight, at 6 eastern! Help others learn about all the facets of freedom, from markets, to privacy, to speech, to parental control and education, and much MORE! You can watch, listen, and join the chat for freedom as we broadcast on my X and Rumble. Hit me up at X as @gardgoldsmith there and on GAB as “GardnerGoldsmith”! And, of course, I want to mention that if you’d like to get some of my fiction, grab my current novellas at Amazon and Barnes and Noble!! As a rocking opener, I recommend “Fishing” as a dark, well-composed crime tale with some very unusual turns (this contains some scenes of dark violence, so please, be warned)…
…Or feel free to get “Bite” for a different take on vampirism, and “Wall” for a cryptoarcheological adventure set in 1960s China. And I have three novels and two more novellas in their final editing phases, soon to be on the way!
You also can donate to help the Liberty Conspiracy, itself! Just visit PayPal to help out! You also can mail GG at:
Gardner Goldsmith
PO Box 581
Amherst, NH, 03031 Be Seeing You!
Thank you for supporting the ideas and the scholarship of freedom. God bless, everyone!
Leave a comment
Share
Subscribe now