Political Quotes

“2 days ago--December 3, 2012--marked the third anniversary of Alan Gross' arrest by the Cuban Government. Over the past 3 years, Alan's case has been of deep personal concern to me and many in my State. Alan, an American citizen and Marylander, was in Cuba to help the small Jewish community there establish improved access to the Internet, which would allow the community to go online without fear of censorship or monitoring. After being held for 14 months without charge and then a cursory 2-day trial, he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In August 2012, a petition to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention was filed on his behalf. Last week, officials with the Cuban Ministry for Foreign Affairs claimed that Alan Gross is in good health. But the Cuban Government has not allowed Mr. Gross to receive an independent medical evaluation. To date, Alan has lost 105 pounds, suffers from degenerative arthritis, and has a mass behind his shoulder. Alan also suffers from severe mental anguish because of the separation from his family. To say that the Gross family has been on a rollercoaster would be an understatement. His mother and daughter are both battling cancer. His wife Judy is struggling to make ends meet. Judy Gross has fought for Alan's release every day for the last 3 years. Judy has called, e- mailed, and met with everyone imaginable. She has been on news programs and written letters.…”