Political Quotes

“as I look at the vast array of foreign policy issues the 104th Congress will address, United States policy toward Cuba stands out in my mind as the most in need of a dramatic overhaul. I believe all my colleagues agree on the goals of United States policy toward Cuba--promoting a peaceful transition to democracy, economic liberalization and greater respect for human rights while controlling immigration from Cuba. Where some of us may differ, however, is on how we get there. In my view, current policy is not only outdated and ineffective, but, far worse, it is counterproductive to fostering these goals and contrary to U.S. national interests. Rather than tightening the embargo and further isolating Cuba, as the United States has done, we should be expanding contact with the Cuban people and lifting the embargo. I say this not because I believe the Cuban Government should be rewarded; in fact, I am disappointed that the Cuban Government has failed to make meaningful steps towards political reform and improving human rights. Nor do I believe that it should be done as a quid pro quo. We should lift the embargo simply because it serves the U.S. national interests by helping foster a peaceful transition to democracy. In my view, greater contact with the Cuban people will plant the seeds of change and advance the cause of democracy just as greater exchange with the West helped hasten the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.”