Obama Asks Castro If It Is OK To Come In
When President Barack Obama announced the most significant change in U.S- Cuban relations in the past two decades, I was keenly aware of the giant ripples of change and discussion that would hit Miami.
“Today, Miami is often referred to as the capital of Latin America,” said President Obama in his December 17th speech. “But it is also a profoundly American city -– a place that reminds us that ideals matter more than the color of our skin, or the circumstances of our birth; a demonstration of what the Cuban people can achieve, and the openness of the United States to our family to the South.”
Growing up in Miami, I am no stranger to the large and influential Cuban culture. I have been introduced to croquetas and pastelitos at every birthday party. I have experienced the unique wonder of an early morning cortadito. Most importantly, I have heard the strong sentiments of Cuban- Americans when it comes to the extreme lack of liberty and freedom that is carried by Cuban citizens in their everyday life in Cuba.
I am not Cuban and my ties to Cuba only extend to being close friends with some Cuban families. However, I strongly agree with President Obama when he presents the idea that the current policies the United States has with Cuba are not going to bring about positive change. We are continuing to pursue a change with a stubborn and broken approach.
Some argue that other countries have had diplomatic relations with Cuba for many years now and that has changed nothing. Nonetheless, one must not forget the greater influence the United States has due to its close proximity to Cuba. Miami, one of the most vibrant and diverse places within the United States has grown and flourished greatly with the impact of the Cuban culture.
The 1996 Helms-Burton Act states that the embargo may not be lifted until Cuba successfully transitions into a democratic government, ensuring basic human rights and free elections. The act clearly states that this must be done without the Castro brothers.
Personally, I condemn the constant violation of human rights that exists every single day in Cuba but I must also state that the embargo has not affected the government. It has not hurt the power and influence that the Castro brothers hold against their own people. It has made life for a regular Cuban citizen even worse. It has caused a deep dependency from the Cuban people on their corrupt government.
Acknowledging the changes Raul Castro has brought to the country, such as relaxing restrictions on small business and liberalizing real estate markets, can yield a positive U.S influence on Cuba. In my opinion, President Obama has opened the most sensible option in advancing political pluralism