Vt. delegation: U.S. should normalize relations with Cuba

[maddezmom]

Source: Rutland Herald

MONTPELIER, Vt.—Vermont's congressional delegation says the United States should reconsider its failed policy toward Cuba following the resignation Tuesday of Fidel Castro, the country's ailing president.

more stories like thisThe three-member delegation says the U.S. policy of isolating Cuba has failed to oust Castro or make any democratic changes in the communist country.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he hopes the end of Castro's rule brings about democratic reforms and the release of prisoners of conscience.

Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., said American businesses are losing billions of dollars and Canadians and Europeans are winning business as a result of the economic embargo.



Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2008/02/20/vt_delegation_us_should_normalize_relations_with_cuba/

[ozone_man]

1. The next administration must end the embargo.

Link to full article (emphasis mine):

http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080220/NEWS04/802200387/1004/NEWS03

Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., said normalization of relations with Cuba is long overdue.

"American businesses are losing billions of dollars and Canadians and Europeans are winning business as a result of our economic embargo," Sanders said. "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."

[cali]

2. I really appreciate my Congressional delegation

they exhibit real leadership and they're almost always on the same page.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

3. Nothing would piss me off more

than for *'s admin to take credit for opening of relations w/ Cuba

[Mika]

4. He can't. Requires congress to end the myriad of US sanctions.

-

[provis99]

5. I'm not sure a communist sympathizer like Bernie Sanders

is the best spokesman for attacking the Cuban embargo. He's about as credible as listening to the words of Cuban exiles on what should be done about Castro.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

6. You're kidding, right?

Saunders is highly respected and one of the best the Senate has to offer.

The embargo needed to end years ago -- it would have been the one way to bring down Castro.

[LynnTheDem]

7. "United States should reconsider its failed policy toward Cuba"

NO WAY!!! USA loves failed policies!!!