Silvia Wilhem: Majority of Americans support Cuba travel

Letters to the editor of the Miami Herald

Re the June 20 Open letter to CNBC by members of the Pedro Pan group: I am a Pedro Pan interviewed for the documentary and would like to point out:

• First, I never said or implied that I spoke on behalf of any organization. Neither did anyone else featured in this documentary. It would be ludicrous to pretend to speak on behalf of 14,000 people. Nevertheless, we all have the inalienable right to speak for ourselves.

• Second, with regard to their statement of my ``open advocacy of the Cuban government's agenda regarding the unconditional lifting of the U.S. embargo and travel restrictions to Cuba,'' I must point out that a recent Ipsos poll taken April 23-27 finds that 67 percent of all Americans want the right to travel to Cuba, and 72 percent of respondents said it would have a positive impact on the island.

According to a Bendixen and Associates poll taken April 14-16, 2009, 67 percent of Cuban and Cuban-American adults support the lifting of travel restrictions for all Americans.

In other words, my opinion is not an isolated one. My advocacy on behalf of opening travel is a position supported by the majority of citizens of the United States. Indeed, my advocacy is on their behalf.

• Third, this month, 74 Cuban dissidents, including many of the island's most well-known human-rights advocates, sent a letter to the U.S. Congress asking it to pass legislation (HR 4645) that would end restrictions on travel to Cuba. They also joined the advocates for a change in policy, for they are well aware how counterproductive the status quo is to their efforts.

I echo CNBC's desire that this documentary continue to foment discussion and open a respectful debate in our community, which is one of the fundamental elements of democracy. Let's continue to debate these issues, but stop personal attacks that so damage the image of our community and thwart the democratic process.

SILVIA WILHELM, Miami

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JG: I commiserate with Silvia's predicament. Hardly a week goes by that I do not get a digital visit at Cuba Journal from one of the anonymous Miami ultra-right-wing fanatics who accuse me of being a communist and/or a Castro agent. I laugh it off and hit the reject button faster than they can say 'Down with Cuba'. What a bunch of childish idiots!

I too was victim of CIA's operation Pedro Pan. My family was totally fooled.