SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 10A

LENGTH: 502 words

HEADLINE: Ending embargo is first step toward democracy in Cuba

BODY:
I am disappointed, but not surprised, that our president is playing politics in keeping the unsuccessful and immoral embargo against Cuba ("Bush stands firm on sanctions against Cuba: Nation 'must be free' before embargo ends," News, Tuesday).


During nine religious trips since 1994, I have seen friends die because they didn't have proper medicine. Families were torn apart by our travel and immigration restrictions.
Embargoes seldom do anything but bring suffering to the innocent. I know such restrictions do nothing to reduce Fidel Castro's popularity in Cuba. The case is quite the contrary. Cubans are strong, of great resolve and willing to suffer greatly for their independence.


Castro's revolution, while not a resounding success, has brought universal education and access to medical care for all.


Cubans know that if their country were opened to U.S. investment and tourism, they would be vulnerable to the economic domination that characterizes American foreign policy.


I ask Americans to push for the normalization of relations between our two countries. That would be the first step toward democracy in Cuba. We should not allow U.S. policy toward Cuba to be held hostage to the political clout of one special-interest group.


Cuba has much to teach us.


D.H. Clark, M.D.


Monroe, La.


No opening while Castro rules

USA TODAY's editorial suggestion that we find a creative way to nudge our Cuban neighbors toward democracy is impractical as long as Cuba is under Fidel Castro's rule ("Bush's hard line on Cuba preserves hurtful stalemate," Our View, Cuba embargo debate, Tuesday).


Castro is a ruthless and hypocritical leader whose only goal is his survival. There can be no compromise with such an evil tyrant. To do so would give approval to his repressive tyranny.


Bravo to President Bush for taking a hard line on Cuba.


Michael J. Gorman


Whitestone, N.Y.


Trade: It worked with China

Freedom in our hemisphere suffered a setback when President Bush dictated terms to Cuba and threatened to punish people who travel there. Clearly, Bush is ignoring lessons learned in dealing with China, while pandering to a small radical group of Cuban exiles in South Florida.


It is not America's place to tell other cultures or sovereign nations how they should behave internally or when and how to choose their leaders.


Progress made in China in the past 30 years is due largely to the opening of trade without tying it directly to human rights or free elections.


Most distressing is the contrast in tone between our president's patriotic rhetoric about terrorism and his apparent contempt for Cuba, a militarily toothless and non-threatening nation.


A truly patriotic leader would recognize that now is the time to practice the American tradition of inclusion by opening trade with Cuba. The president should not allow himself to be swayed by special-interest groups.


Dave Kellond


Cotati, Calif.


GRAPHIC: PHOTO, B/W, J. Pat Carter, AP; Cuba policy: President Bush greets Cuban-Americans in Miami. He announced a tougher stance toward the Fidel Castro regime.

LOAD-DATE: May 23, 2002