U.S. should lift embargo against Cuba

To the editor:

My wife and I read the article in The Gazette on Dec. 26 about Marco Rubio blocking Roberta Jacobson to the ambassador's post in Mexico. I would not have thought much about this except that we just returned from a person-to-person exchange in Cuba.

Our Cuban guide explained the Cuban's version of past politics between Cuba and the U.S. He said that around 1960, wealthy Cubans fled to the U.S., settling in southern Florida. They left behind their stately homes and possessions with the intent of returning after the 'uprising.” Fast forward 55 years and these individuals or their children want the embargo in place because they believe that the regime will crumble and the families can return to Cuba and reclaim their properties.

Our guide explained that the Cubans are such a strong voting block in Florida that Florida politicians will not do anything to ruffle their feathers for fear of not getting elected. Also, Florida being such an important swing state, persuades other politicians to vote along with the Florida politicians. This is the reason that there still is an embargo against Cuba.

Now Rubio (son of Cuban immigrants) blocks the vote on Jacobson, who was helpful in lifting the sanctions against Cuba. Hmmm. One has to wonder. Also, after seeing most of Cuba on our trip, Cuba is no longer any type of threat to the U.S. and the embargo should be lifted. It's time the rift between Castro and the Bush family goes away.

Jeff Ilten

Cedar Rapids