As I have discussed before, I think one of the main reasons that we are seeing changed relations between the U.S. and Cuba occurring now is that our past approach has been a resounding failure. U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy says just this while he speaks at a press conference in support of the bill that has been introduced to remove travel bans to Cuba. Senator Leahy also mentioned that resuming diplomatic relations with Cuba would go a long way to garner more respect for the United States among Latin American nations. Although I hadn’t thought of it this way, I think this makes a lot of sense. Other nations, particularly Latin American nations, all deal with Cuba yet the U.S. refuses. I think it is safe to say that the U.S. government has a bit of a reputation as obstinate and heavy handed when it comes to our relations with Latin American nations. I’m hardly an expert, but I can easily see Latin American leaders sitting around talking about how it is best to not get involved with the U.S., I mean, jeez look at their policy towards Cuba, if they can’t figure out a way to settle their differences with a nation less then 100 miles away then what will happen if we have a disagreement. The way that the U.S. has dealt with Cuba only stands to show our inflexibility and powerful need to always be right. If the U.S. were a college student he’d be the kid nobody wanted to get stuck with for the group project. Showing that we have the capacity to change and develop a new strategy for relations with Cuba may go a long way toward developing a more mutually respectful relationship between the U.S. and other Latin American nations.

Senator Richard Durbin, speaking at the same press conference mentions that the U.S., because of our proximity is in a good position to influence Cuban policy simply by opening up to an exchange of Ideas. This reminded me a lot of the discussion we had in class about face-to-face interactions between social groups being one of the best ways to reduce animosity between conflicting groupings. If we really do wish to impact the future of Cuba then it makes perfect sense that the best way to do this is through an open and honest exchange of ideas. By allowing travel to and from Cuba we greatly facilitate this idea exchange.