U.S. Hypocricy Needs to Change

   For all of the money and effort spent by the folks in Washington to create an opposition movement in Cuba, and all of the pressure put on the nation of Cuba by the laws enacted by Washington, Cuba continues to advance in peace.  Cuba remains on the U.S. terrorist list, yet no evidence can be found that Cuba has supported terrorism, nor has it been an aggressive nation.  It is acknowledged by military and intelligence officials as not posing any threat to the U.S.  Record numbers of Americans are traveling to the island explaining upon their return that the image of Cuba presented to us in the press doesn't match what they experienced.  Within the community of Cubans living in the United States, there is a growing support for changing the policies that have endured for over a half of a century.  The business community in the U.S. has been openly speaking of the advantages of opening more trade with Cuba.  Many cities in the United States have sent delegations to Cuba expressing good will and hopes that things can change so that relationships can be expanded.

   In spite of all of the positive attitudes that exist, the official line of the United States is to continue to state that Cuba must change its form of government and that Cuba must respect human rights.  It is none of the business of Washington to determine what kind of government Cuba should have.  The complaints about human rights in Cuba is a talking point which has nothing to do with Cuba's reality.  Washington complains of arrests of supposed dissidents while protesters are routinely arrested in the U.S.  This is pure hypocrisy.  The supposed dissidents who are arrested on the island have been shown to be working with the U.S. government which openly considers itself an enemy of Cuba's government.  Is a nation supposed to allow some people to work to undermine it on behalf of an enemy government?  Of course not.  What is truly absurd is that the protesters in the United States who are arrested are never found to be working for a foreign government.  Their dissent is natural.  Their dissent is born from a feeling within the United States. 

   It is not considered a human right in the U.S. to have a home or shelter.  If it were, the U.S. would be a massive violator of human rights.  Homelessness is rampant here and increasing.  Also not considered human rights are medical care and education.  These are considered commodities that are to be bought by those who can afford them. 

   Cuba has a different perspective.  There are no homeless people in Cuba.  Cuba has taken all possible measures to ensure that people have a place to call home, even if the conditions aren't what the average citizen in developed countries would expect for themselves.  Medical care is provided for free for the people of Cuba, even the so-called dissidents.  Higher education is also available for no charge by anyone who decides to pursue it. 

   The disconnect from reality by our politicians serves nobody well.  It simply helps perpetuate the ignorant status quo of Cuba policy in Washington.  Hopefully the positive forces that have been growing within the United States can force their way ahead of the extremist interest group which is headquartered in Miami.  When the thoughtful voices are taken seriously, there will undoubtedly be positive engagement between Washington and Havana for the benefit of everyone.