An Historic Day: Old Glory Over Havana

I really do not know why I feel the way I do about reestablishing

The Flag being raised at the US Embassy
Havana, Cuba

relations with Cuba, but I am very happy that one of the last vestiges of the Cold War has finally been eradicated.

The raising of the Stars and Stripes over the Embassy in Havana yesterday, on a clear and beautiful August day, was the proper exclamation point to formally begin to reconnect with a country for which we have had an unreasonable paranoia for far too long.

I do not fully understand the Cold War, anti-communism mentality that vilified Cuba--but being unrepentant for so many decades is a travesty. Since 1961, the U.S. has fought a war in Vietnam and then subsequently normalized relations with that country--and we didn't win that war.

The anti-Cuban mentality that many people have is, in my opinion, misguided. Countries (for instance China) with far worse human rights track records are afforded most favored nation status. The embargo has not worked! What will work is entrepreneurship and capitalism. Open Cuba to the world commerce and the commerce of America. Our economic prowess is still a force almost unequalled on the planet and that is what will eventually bring hope, prosperity, and freedom to the Cuban people. 

It was an historic day and it coincided with V-J Day! Coincidence? I think not.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD