At any rate, Cuba has achieved reasonable economic relations with most Latin American countries and enjoys improved relations with the European Union countries which have begun began providing aid and loans to the island. China has also become a new source of aid and support. What exactly is holding us back from considering doing the same? The need to get Jeb Bush re-elected? The perception, possibly false, that most Cuban Americans want nothing to do with with their native land?

This island nation is a country with great economic potential and sparkling possibilities. Let's end the duplicity and hypocrisy......let's take the lead and begin to unlock the potential that would have tremendous and lasting benefits for both Americans and Cubans.

".... The vast majority of us on the island who oppose the [Cuban] Government believe that a dialogue and a relaxation of tensions between the United States and Cuba would better facilitate a transformation. The Helms-Burton Act makes it very difficult for the United States to take part in such a dialogue." Elizardo Sanchez, Leading Cuban dissident, New York Times Op Ed, April 1997

"The growth of the world economy depends on world trade. The growth of world trade depends on American leadership. And America will lead -- toward freer trade, toward wider and more lasting prosperity for ourselves and for the world." President George W. Bush, May 29, 2001