Signs of change, hope in Cuba

Sunday, November 13, 2011

EDITORIAL: Signs of change, hope in Cuba
Nov 13, 2011 (Daily Times-Call - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
via COMTEX)

The changing nature of the kinds of freedoms the Cuban government will
allow its people crossed a bridge last week when Cuba's decision to
allow expanded ownership of private residences went into effect. The
change was announced last March by President Raul Castro.

When announced, the changes made it clear the new law would apply only
to Cuban citizens living in the country and permanent residents only.
Reportedly, there will also be expanded ownership of used cars, the
kinds of classic but challenged vehicles seen cruising the wide streets
of Havana.

This change regarding housing ownership is one of several differences
that have come about in the years since the extremely restrictive regime
started with the revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959. Some religious
observances are now allowed, which wasn't always the case.

People in the U.S. seem eager to have greater communication and travel
rights with Cuba. Wishful thinking that all is well should be tempered
by the knowledge that the Castros have led and continue to preside over
a brutal dictatorship that has stomped out most of the freedoms enjoyed
by Americans, including freedom of the press. But times can change.

The U.S. should continue to encourage greater freedoms for the Cuban
people while our government keeps a wary eye on official Cuba because of
the island nation's history of support for international terrorism. The
tense and frightening days of the Cuban missile crisis are still in this
nation's memory. As the decades have unfolded, there have been
encouraging signs that there someday will be more normal relations
between the U.S. and the beautiful island of Cuba, home to more than 11
million residents.

The Cuban people themselves seem genuinely friendly toward Americans and
there is a surprising amount of trade allowed between the two countries
despite the official trade embargo.

Due to the economic, housing and other problems in Cuba, Raul Castro may
have had little choice but to push for reforms to bring the nation into
the modern world. Whatever the reason, working toward expanded freedoms
for the Cuban people and continued better relations between our two
countries are goals worth pursuing.

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={e4c47299-28d5-4ca7-8c1c-0c7f9c530c15}