The truth has come out in regards to the world outpouring of support, and offers of aid from the world community. Reports are that the Bush administration either spurned, or refuse to collect on the many generous offers that would have helped out the Katrina victims, especially since the administrations lack of support / FEMA ineptitude left so many of them high and dry. Despite Bush administration assurances that international aid offers will be kept free of politics, Cold War tensions seemed to freeze out help from Cuba, and pride froze out many of the rest of the offers, many of which were very, very generous.
One such instance was the offer of cruise ships to be used as emergency hospitals and clinics. The administration said no, then hired Princess cruises to do the exact same thing that was previously offered for free from other countries. Many, including Bill Maher on "Real Time," have speculated that the administration said no so that Princess cruises could get massive revenues for the effort, and thus receive a return on their political contribution investment with the Bush administration. I would like to believe this is untrue, but day in and day out, we get reports of how this administration is capable of anything, legal, or borderline illegal.
Cuba, a long time sufferer from an ignorant cold war that dates back to the Kennedy administration and the Bay of Pigs incident, generously (and inexplicably) offered medical help, namely, to send some 1,600 medics, field hospitals and 83 tons of medical supplies to ease the humanitarian disaster. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack asserted that the Cuban medical brigade would probably not be needed since there has been a “robust response from the American medical community.” We now know that help was, indeed, not on the way. The administration largely sat back and let the largely African-American victims of this tragedy twist in the wind. At the time, White House spokesman Scott McClellan scorned the Cuban proposal. When asked if the president would consider accepting the Cuban help, “When it comes to Cuba,” said McClellan, “we have one message for Fidel Castro: He needs to offer the people of Cuba their freedom.” No, that is not political at all.
Another Bush lie surfaces from the murky depths of their incompetence.
Was this a golden opportunity to resume more rational relations with a neighbor? Yes, they are a communist country. Yes, they do not have our sense of human rights. Hell, not even we have that same sense anymore. Since 1960, we have built up this ridiculous cold war with Cuba, and for what? We have seen in Russia that communism is not a threat to us. We (Bush administration) have even made it impossible for Cuban Americans to legally go to Cuba and see their families there. What does this accomplish? More stupidity from the administration that couldn't shoot straight.
Attempts at normalcy have been made. Carter's visit in 2002, the Elian Gonzales case where Clinton did not block his return to Cuba, which was applauded by Cuba, the exportation of US food to Cuban citizens in 2001, and other attempts.
This cold war is ridiculous, and could have ended with their offer of Katrina relief. We should have relations with Cuba. We should allow travel to and from Cuba. We should set up an embassy and work with the Cuban government, which is weak with reports of the condition of Fidel Castro. We should allow all U.S. exports into Cuba (except weapons of course), and imports of their products. we should have allowed American investment into Cuba. From some of my Cuban friends accounts, this country is rich in resources and is a beautiful, beautiful coast line rich country. A perfect vacation spot not far away from Florida in fact.
We should stop being stupid. We are only hurting ourselves, our Cuban American citizens, and the Cuban citizens themselves.
Isn't it time we reached out to all countries with normal communications. Isn't it time we stop trying to force our particular brand of government on others?
Isn't it time we stop letting our arrogance and ignorant pride hurt and penalize our own people?
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