Jimmy Carter in Cuba, 2002

[killbotfactory]

Now that he's being Roved, and Castro is rumored to be dead or dying, this speech and Q&A seem relevent. Imagine if we still had a diplomat in the White House?

Public opinion surveys show that a majority of people in the United States would like to see the economic embargo ended, normal travel between our two countries, friendship between our people, and Cuba to be welcomed into the community of democracies in the Americas. At the same time, most of my fellow citizens believe that the issues of economic and political freedom need to be addressed by the Cuban people.

After 43 years of animosity, we hope that someday soon, you can reach across the great divide that separates our two countries and say, "We are ready to join the community of democracies," and I hope that Americans will soon open our arms to you and say, "We welcome you as our friends."

The rest of the speech can be read here:
http://www.cartercenter.org/doc517.htm

There is some good questions which show the perspective of many Cubans, especially on the nature of the Cuban government.

Within the warmth of your words, I would first ask that you allow me to make a short reflection. We live in the 21st century and suffer the consequences of an unjust world order. Poverty, hunger and diseases scar the lives of millions of human beings. These human beings are told and taught about liberty, human rights, democracy…

To quote one statistic, each year more than 10 million children die because of poverty all around the world. This is according to the United Nations Children’s Fund Summit recently held in your country.

Mr. President, we have a difference in opinion, as you have correctly indicated. With all due respect, is it democratic to not be able to guarantee those fundamental rights of life, education and health? Can we talk about a democratic America, when in many countries there are people suffering because of such adverse conditions? Mr. President, for us, democracy is the very real power of people to guarantee these rights and not just write them on a piece of paper. Mr. President, with all due respect, I would like to hear your insight on whether it is possible to speak of democracy without speaking of social justice or of equal opportunities.

Thank you.

The Q&A transcript:
http://www.cartercenter.org/documents/584.pdf

Carter's Trip Report:
http://www.cartercenter.org/doc528.htm

Dr. Jennifer McCoy Reflects on The Carter Center's Mission to Cuba

What were you able to observe on this historic trip?

Across the board, Cubans expressed to us their sincere interest in having better relations with the United States. They want Americans to travel to Cuba, and they want to improve relations between the people of both countries. They also want to be treated with dignity and respect. From dissidents to government officials to ordinary Cubans, they all told me they appreciated President Carter's speech, because even when he boldly criticized some aspects of the regime and Cuban life, he did it in a respectful way, honestly and sincerely.

http://www.cartercenter.org/printdoc.asp?docID=623&submenu=news

[malaise]

1. Carter is a class act

Thanks