The President's latest approach to Cuba in a speech to the nation on Wednesday was long overdue by an American President. Cuba, an island nation located 90 miles from America was once a natural trading partner and vacation location in our own hemisphere. It was controlled by a dictator back then like so many other countries near by. Every one knows what took place when Castro came to power so there is no need to repeat the story here. The President's actions did what this writer suggested in a commemtary dated 11/23/07 titled Cuba: A Missed Opportunity for America.
Cuba outlasted 11 America Presidents and a embargo that was supposed to bring the Castro government down. It did not, it only damaged the Cuban people. Cuba itself has never been a threat to America since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. It was only a threat then because of Russian nuclear missiles installed on that island. President Kennedy took care of that threat, understood a free Cuba with out influence from the outside could be an ally and partner in our hemisphere and some of his top aids said had he lived and were reelected President would have moved to improve relations with Cuba and reduce Russian influence.
The republican's reaction to the President's speech was predictable, the usual negative rhetoric, especially from Louisiana's Jindal and Scalise. Both little boys still represent the stupid party's wing. Now the starting point of diplomacy with Cuba has begun after laying dead for over 50 years. Congress should support the President's actions because America has everything to gain. More freedom for the Cuban people means less influence by the Cuban government. Bringing families together again will accomplish the same thing.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
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