Addressing the issue of relations with Cuba seems to always draw a maelstrom of emotions from individuals and groups who continually bully it off the agenda for any intellectual discussions.
So why do we view the island nation as a threat to our way of life? We must get beyond archaic Cold War attitudes and move forward with foreign policy enlightenment reflective of current and future global strategies. After all, Communism as a governance system has proven to be ineffective and a politically endangered species.
How different is the situation regarding China? The Asian giant is plagued with allegations of human rights violations, and addresses the sovereignty of Taiwan with a contentious if not bullying approach. And yet the United States goods imports from China were close to $300 billion last year.
Where is our credibility as a global leader if we can’t even take care of business in our own backyard? Now is the time to stop treating Cuba like the 600-pound gorilla in the room and reestablish diplomatic and economic relations with our southern neighbor.
Finally, remember the Maine? The USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor 15 Feb 1898 with the loss of 260 American lives. US Navy investigators found inconclusive evidence as to the cause of the explosion. Similar as today, it was an outspoken populace fueled by external influences that shaped opinion and eventually drove the US political response.
No comments:
Post a Comment