Bush's Cuba policy hasn't changed Alabama trade plans

[Osolomia]

Published October 19. 2003 1:24PM
By GARRY MITCHELL
Associated Press Writer

President Bush's pumped-up policy to tighten the embargo on Cuba hasn't derailed plans by Alabama agriculture officials for a trade bond with the Fidel Castro-controlled island nation.

"The trade potential is huge," said lumber dealer Robin Swift III of Atmore, who believes opposition to lifting the embargo has "moderated some in our part of the world."

Bush announced on Oct. 10 several new U.S. initiatives aimed at speeding up the "arrival of a new, free, democratic Cuba." These included stepped-up enforcement of existing restrictions against the communist government and an increase in inspections of people and shipments going to and from Cuba.

But Bush, a Republican free-trade advocate, didn't mention the trade relationships in agriculture that Cuba has built with more than 30 states. An 18-member delegation from the Alabama agriculture department visited Cuba for a week in August and plans a return visit in December.

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks was among those who met with Castro for more than three hours. Sparks pledged to lobby officials in Washington to lift the trade sanctions against the island.

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http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031019/APN/310190668&cachetime=5

[Osolomia]

1. Even Alabamians are defying Bush

and DUhers are nowhere to be seen. Go figure!

[Judi Lynn]

2. Mobile was the first American city to organize a formal relationship

with a Cuba city, in the "Sister Cities" program, years ago. They were really progressive pursuing breaking through the barriers. A lot of people would be tempted to think this is remarkable.

Don't forget that the Texas Legislature crafted a resolution to end the embargo the very year George W. left Texas to live in the White House. As soon as he was gone, they expressed themselves very well.