Sam Farr: “I call on Castro to not fear political dissidents in Cuba, nor free press, nor trade or travel with the U.S. But I also…”

“I call on Castro to not fear political dissidents in Cuba, nor free press, nor trade or travel with the U.S. But I also call on our government to consider the following: the U.S. has tried 45 years of an embargo and restrictive travel; the State Department has tried democracy assistance programs; and, the Treasury Department has tried restricting U.S. farmers from easily selling their products to Cuban consumers. All these U.S. government policies have failed to bring about a change of leadership in Cuba. Unfortunately throwing more money at TV Marti or democracy programs is not going to bring about a real change in Cuba. Real change can only be brought about by revolutionizing U.S. policy towards Cuba. Lifting the travel embargo--allowing for the free exchange of ideas and people between our country and Cuba--that's how we will support Cuban political discourse! That's how we will support freedom of expression in Cuba. Support lifting the embargo--vote against the Diaz-Balart amendment and support a saner policy towards Cuba!”