Senator Sanders and Vermont delegation call for reexamination of Cuban policy

[Freida5]

in light of Castro resignation.

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=293202

Reacting to the resignation of the aging and ailing Fidel Castro, Vermont's congressional delegation said the United States should reconsider its failed policy of isolating Cuba, according to The Associated Press. “With or without Castro, the United States should move toward normalized relations with Cuba,” Senator Bernie Sanders said. "American businesses are losing billions of dollars and Canadians and Europeans are winning business as a result of our economic embargo. I hope the Cuban people will use this transfer of power to move toward a more democratic society. In the process, I hope the United States will respect the independence of the Cuban people.”

The Bush administration ruled out any immediate changes in its Cuba policy, including a relaxation of the five-decade old trade embargo. President Bush – the 10th to occupy the White House during the long Castro regime – has taken steps to tighten the U.S. embargo and increase international pressure on Cuba. He restricted family visits to once every three years, and capped the amount Cuban Americans can send to family members in Cuba.



Cartoon credit: Tom Toles, Washington Post