Caption: Any idea what buliding this is? A hint: Secretary Kerry is heeaded here tomorrow! #USCuba #Havana #Cuba #tbt #throwbackthursday
The sun has finally set, and the flag risen on Cuban-US relations. Fifty four years after the flag was taken down signaling the end of diplomatic relations between the capitalist United States and the communist Cuba relations finally begin to thaw. Of course, this welcome change of pace is not welcomed by all, as so few things these days are. Indeed, there are many Americans, mostly Republicans led by Presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who vehemently oppose any sort of deal with the Castro regime. Opponents feel that this reopening of diplomatic relations somehow rewards the Castro regime for its oppressive behaviors. Never mind that nations all around the world continue to have relations with Cuba, and that we continue to have relations with dozens of oppressive regimes around the world; with Cuba we must continue our policy of non-diplomacy. These dissidents were unsurprisingly not invited to the flag raising ceremony, something that was taken as well as being turned away from the lunch table in middle school.
As is the way with old policies, those considered liberals seek new ways to achieve the goals of old lawmakers. Those considered conservatives tend to believe that more of the same is better. While it is apparent from Senator Rubio's statement that he believes the current policy effective in dissuading human rights violations in Cuba, the rest of the nation and world seem to disagree.
Not only does this policy shift mark the end of the Cold War with Cuba, it also checks another campaign promise off President Obama's list. One of Obama's key campaign promises was to end the failed embargo on Cuba and reestablish diplomatic relations. This administration's decision is a message to the world that we will not continue with failed policies, especially when they are non-sensical and have done nothing but harm international relations for decades. Rather than display weakness, as many Republicans seem to think diplomacy does, it shows a willingness to negotiate. However, make no mistake, the opening of relations does not mean the end of trying to establish Democracy in Cuba. Rather, a new approach is being taken, and hopefully with the influx of new tourists, ideas, and information, Democracy can take hold of its own volition in Cuba.
