US Congressional Delegation Arrives in Cuba
the bipartisan group arrived in Cuba yesterday, and plan to dine with Ricardo Alarcon, President of the National Assembly.
they are: Reps. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz; Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.; Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn.; Mike Conaway, R-Texas; Jim McGovern, D-Mass.; Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.; Jane Harman, D-Calif.; Jerry Moran, R-Kan.; and Hilda Solis, D-Calif..
the State Department urged them to push for democratic reforms in their meetings with senior Cuban officials.
one wonders if the seeds of real dialogue will be planted during this visit, now that Congress has swung to the Democrats and the next US President seems almost certain to be a Democrat.
the Bush's administration failure to engage Prince Regent Raul in dialogue when he requested it shortly, and now its instructions for the Congressional delegation to push for democratic reform is business as usual with Cuba, and it has gotten exactly the same results as the past 47 years of American policy towards Cuba.
i am convinced that if the US had engaged Cuba in dialogue in the late 1980's, the transition happening in Cuba today would be very different indeed.
think ahead, guys ... think ahead...
Source
this is not to suggest that Cuba's track record is not horrible. for example, after the 2003 Congressional visit, dissidents who met with the US Representatives were jailed shortly thereafter.
i am just saying that the hard line has not worked for 47 years. perhaps a softer approach might get better results. it can hardly get any worse results...
they are: Reps. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz; Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.; Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn.; Mike Conaway, R-Texas; Jim McGovern, D-Mass.; Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.; Jane Harman, D-Calif.; Jerry Moran, R-Kan.; and Hilda Solis, D-Calif..
the State Department urged them to push for democratic reforms in their meetings with senior Cuban officials.
one wonders if the seeds of real dialogue will be planted during this visit, now that Congress has swung to the Democrats and the next US President seems almost certain to be a Democrat.
the Bush's administration failure to engage Prince Regent Raul in dialogue when he requested it shortly, and now its instructions for the Congressional delegation to push for democratic reform is business as usual with Cuba, and it has gotten exactly the same results as the past 47 years of American policy towards Cuba.
i am convinced that if the US had engaged Cuba in dialogue in the late 1980's, the transition happening in Cuba today would be very different indeed.
think ahead, guys ... think ahead...
Source
this is not to suggest that Cuba's track record is not horrible. for example, after the 2003 Congressional visit, dissidents who met with the US Representatives were jailed shortly thereafter.
i am just saying that the hard line has not worked for 47 years. perhaps a softer approach might get better results. it can hardly get any worse results...
posted by Yimboro | 8:29 PM
1 Comments:
There was no fruitful dialog possible while Cuba was under Fidel Castro's absolute totalitarian rule. Perhaps, when he is finally gone, his aging brother, lacking his charisma and verbal talent, may engage in a meaningful dialog. Raul Castro has prepared his family for a future outside of Cuba. Nevertheless, he may want a slow transition for the sake of many in his government.
In essence, lets go fishing to see what we land. If it's poisonous, lets through it back in the water.
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