The Decatur Daily
March 27, 2007
EDITORIAL
While the United States has prohibited trade with Cuba for the past 45 years, our country is still the top supplier of food and agricultural products to the tiny, poverty-stricken island-nation.
Since 2001, Cuba has paid more than $1.5 billion for American food and agricultural products including chicken, rice, beans, wheat, soft drinks, candy bars, dairy cows and condiments. The embargo, initially a Cold War statement in protest of Fidel Castro’s dictatorial government, no longer makes sense.
With Mr. Castro in ill health and the embargo no longer fully enforced, the U.S. government would be wise to open up trade with — as well as legitimate travel to and from — Cuba.
It could be beneficial to poor Cubans as well as American farmers. It would also be a first step toward friendlier relations with our Southern neighbor.
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