Friday, November 04, 2016

Relations with Cuba should be two-way street

Relations with Cuba should be two-way street
EDITORIALS
NOV 4, 2016

Both Americans and Cubans would benefit from normalization of relations
between our two countries, President Barack Obama vowed two years ago.

Then, despite concerns expressed by many Democrats and Republicans in
Congress, Obama proceeded to lift many of the diplomatic, economic and
social barriers that had been in place for more than half a century.

They were erected after Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba, nationalized
assets owned by many American individuals and businesses, and launched
an ongoing campaign of repression against his own people.

Normalizing relations would help Cubans by improving their economy and
opening channels of commerce between our two countries, the president said.

Well, that might occur — if the Cuban government would allow it.

It is not doing so, as The Associated Press reported this week. Except
for a few airlines, hotel companies and other tourism-related
businesses, Havana continues to keep U.S. businesses from opening up
shop in Cuba.

That country's economy remains under tight government control, with the
communist rulers still determined to limit free enterprise.

It may well be too late to close the Pandora's Box opened by Obama.
Still, Cuba should not be permitted to cherry-pick what U.S. businesses
it will permit, while capitalizing on tourism by Americans and markets
for Cuban goods in this country. The newly-opened street cannot be
limited to one-way traffic.

editorial@tribtoday.com

Source: Relations with Cuba should be two-way street | News, Sports,
Jobs - Tribune Chronicle -
http://www.tribtoday.com/opinion/editorials/2016/11/relations-with-cuba-should-be-two-way-street/

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