Castro Is Willing To Talk

During his campaign, Barack Obama said if elected, he would allow unlimited Cuban-American family travel and remittances to Cuba. He also said he stood ready to normalize relations and stop the embargo, if Cuba would also take some steps such as releasing political prisoners. I hope he meant that.

I say that because it looks like Cuba is willing to take the first step. Speaking the day after the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, Raul Castro acknowleged the promises made during the campaign, and said he is ready to talk face-to-face without preconditions. The Cubans have also offered to discuss a prisoner release or exchange.

Cuba is taking the first step. I realize it may not be politically feasible for Obama to meet directly with Castro right away, but it is time to normalize relations with Cuba. It is also time to end the embargo (that has failed to accomplish anything for 50 years). The last time the embargo was presented to the United Nations, every civilized country in the world voted against it, except the United States.

Outside of Mexico and Canada, Cuba is our closest neighbor. It is time for our two countries to be friends. Cuba poses no danger to the United States, and it is time we stopped trying to hurt them.

Obama has promised hope and change. It is my fervent desire that this change will include our relationship with Cuba.