Obama, lift the embargo on Cuba
Dear Editor,
The United States of America is the only superpower in the world and is also the greatest country in the world. I am not about to apologise to anyone for saying this. Look no further than President Barack Obama. Although he’s brilliant, he’s a minority whose race comprises roughly only 12 per cent of the US population. Despite this, he was elected and re-elected president of the greatest country on earth. Yes, some may say we’re not there yet, there’s still a lot of work to be done, but Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr must be smiling in his grave because part of his dream has now become a reality. With all its flaws and imperfections. I’m truly blessed to call this great country home.
Having said that, I think the time has long past for the US to lift the 50-year-old embargo against the island of Cuba. This embargo has accomplished nothing but hardship for the Cuban people. Just as President Reagan told Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, we’re telling the president and Congress to do the same with this meaningless embargo, as trade can be beneficial to both countries.
Let the firm handshake Obama extended to Cuba’s President Raul Castro recently at Nelson Mandela’s memorial be the catalyst to get the process started. Let this be a part of the president’s legacy, along with the Affordable Health Care Act.
Look at the relationship that the US has with China and Russia, two communist giants and its former arch enemies. Not only that good relations exist, both countries are important trading partners. No more cold wars or tensions. The Obama Administration is keen on promoting exports; well, there’s a ready export market available an hour and a half away from Miami.
Whatever differences that separate Washington and Havana can be rectified through communication, negotiation and cooperation; whether if it is over politcal prisoners or human rights, it can be worked out. The US was created on Christian principles, one of which is to love your neighbour as yourself.
Noel Mitchell
Westchester, New York
nlmworld@yahoo.com
