Monday, March 21, 2011

"The people of Cuba deserve it"

Excerpts from President Obama’s remarks in Santiago, Chile today:

"Across the Americas, generations, including generations of Chileans, have struggled and sacrificed to give meaning to these words -- ordinary men and women who dared to speak their mind; activists who organized new movements; faith leaders who preached social justice; the mothers of the disappeared who demanded the truth; political prisoners who rose to become presidents; and, even now, Las Damas de Blanco, who march in quiet dignity.

[…]

"Let’s never waver in our support for the rights of people to determine their own future -- and, yes, that includes the people of Cuba. Since taking office, I’ve announced the most significant changes to my nation’s policy towards Cuba in decades. I’ve made it possible for Cuban Americans to visit and support their families in Cuba. We’re allowing Americans to send remittances that bring some economic hope for people across Cuba, as well as more independence from Cuban authorities.

"Going forward, we’ll continue to seek ways to increase the independence of the Cuban people, who I believe are entitled to the same freedom and liberty as everyone else in this hemisphere. I will make this effort to try to break out of this history that’s now lasted for longer than I’ve been alive.

"But Cuban authorities must take some meaningful actions to respect the basic rights of their own people -- not because the United States insists upon it, but because the people of Cuba deserve it, no less than the people of the United States or Chile or Brazil or any other country deserve it."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

all nice words and all, but USA has no right to tell any 'peoples' or nations what to do.

Oh wait, we just invaded (and killed 100s) of people in a country that didn't attack us. while spending millions$$ , while our own country burns . NPR too much $$, head start too much.. missles for Libya, yea! $$ for tv marti, no problem.

OB is becoming a neo-con. Our country is screwed.. b/c if Obama can't fight the military industrial complex, (neo-cons) , then who can?

senior-chief said...

I have served under my Commander-in -Chief's from 64-94, this man is as honest as politican I have seen since President Carter. Cuba's chance is know. Please amigo's and senoras take the gift of freedom..It will take time, but governments are sloths at best. Peace to all..Senior-Chief