So I need to say something… The administrations decision to lift the embargo on Cuba and the unequal exchange of prisoners for prisoner evokes mixed emotions. The intent of the embargo in the first place was to put pressure on the Cuban government (dictatorship) to make concessions and force those in power to respect the dignity of human rights. And as you would suppose, that embargo has not worked. The only ones who have felt the crunch of the embargo are the underpaid Cuban citizens. The Cuban dictatorship of the Castro brothers that began in January of 1959 is now more than a half of century of mental oppression on the island populous full of brilliant, motivated, industrious people, that if given the opportunity would excel in the world’s market as industry leaders. Those who have escaped the tyranny of this oppression to Puerto Rico, the U.S. and other free enterprise countries, have proven that once given the opportunity, they can make life work. I am personally acquainted with many wonderful Cuban immigrants that have not sought a “hand-out” but rather have worked with diligence to educate themselves with great sacrifice to become an asset and not a liability to whatever nation has opened its arms to them. There is, without a doubt, optimistic hope that the partial lift of the embargo will relieve the pressure of abject poverty in the island. However, it will only be a benefit to the populous if the Castro brothers are willing to pass on the anticipated benefits to the people of Cuba. At present, the tourist industry brings big revenue in dollars, Euros and other strong currencies to the islands hotels, restaurants, resorts, etc. (owned by the regime). The prices are comparable to most any tourist destination in the Caribbean. However, the wages paid to the employees who work in these places is paid with the worthless Cuban peso, which would average $10 to $15 U.S. per month. The executive level employee may garner closer to $20 per month. I know for a fact that medical doctors from Cuba who are sent to work in Venezuela, Nicaragua and other congenial countries to their cause, are paid $300 per YEAR, receivable only upon their return to the island after their year of service. (This is to encourage return to Cuba instead of defection). But, are we so naïve to believe that what is communicated in North America concerning the structure of this agreement will actually be interpreted and executed as we understand it, to the people of Cuba? I am skeptical. I have stood on more than one occasion in the plaza in front of the United States Interest Section office building (which serves as the backdrop for the platform) and listened to the anti-American discourse given in times past by Fidel Castro. On one occasion, I turned to the young university aged patriots of Castro’s Cuba and posed this question, “Do you really believe what he says?” Their response was, “Porque no? (Why shouldn’t I)? Good response. Remember that they have been fed this propaganda all their life. It is all they know. Sometimes I wonder why they would put up with this bondage. But when you are raised that way, it is your norm. So it is not something that they had to “get used to.” It is their way of life. Of course, those who were old enough to understand the ramifications of the 1959 takeover, quickly saw the dead-end street that they were facing and at the high risk of death and the unlikely opportunity for life, plunged into the open waters of a dangerous sea with only the clothes on their back, floating motor-less on many occasions on make-shift rafts, car hoods, and homemade boats in hope of a new beginning. For many it was the end. I guess my question today is, what message has our president sent to the world about our negotiating with those who despise us most? I am afraid that we have become the laughing stock of governments around the world that have disdain for our country. But, let me be fair. If indeed (and that’s a big “if”), this negotiation will alleviate the oppression of the people of Cuba, will make their life easier, and will allow families to be reunited or at least opportunities to visit between the two countries without putting our country at more risk of terrorist infiltration, then just maybe it’s a good thing. But we must not ignore who sleeps in Castro’s bed- Venezuela, Iran, Libya, and others whose affinity for the United States is non-existence. And then, there is the other issue: a president exercising executive action motivated by the desire to leave a personal legacy. He has become the legislative branch of our government, which the framers of our nation never intended. When the executive branch of the government takes over the legislative branch, we have become a socialist state with a dictatorial potentate. So maybe that’s why they can chat on the phone for almost an hour. And why is it that now, our president proposes a trip to Cuba when he would not even go to our own border where we have a crisis that also could adversely affect our national security? Now, I know that my thoughts will get mixed reviews. But, at least consider…
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 03:41:39 +0000
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