9/20/09 – President Obama – While you were busy today on the talk show circuit, you may have missed the monumental cry of more than one million Latinos singing (in English) "It's time for a Change." I'm sure they could hear it 90 miles away in Miami where most of the Cuban opposition lives. The “Peace Without Borders” concert was beyond compare. Artists from many countries gathered in Havana, dressed in white ( as were most in the audience) to sing the praises of Peace.
On Tuesday you will meet with the Netanyahu and Abbas to discuss peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. The concert in Havana today reminded me that the U.S. has a 60-year history with Cuba that is similar to the history Israel has with the Palestinians. America, suffering from an immense dose of testosterone, just can't seem to see their way into negotiating a peace agreement with the Cubans.
This is not to say that the situations are the same; fortunately America does not occupy Cuba as the Israelis occupy Palestine, America is not killing Cuban civilians on a daily basis, and, while Palestinians every movement is controlled, Cubans have much greater freedom of movement.
If you truly desire peace in the Middle East, I strongly suggest that you announce Monday or Tuesday, before your scheduled meetings, that the U.S., in the spirit of desiring peace, is ending the blockade of Cuba. I have no idea how you can expect Netanyahu to do anything constructive when America cannot accept the people and their government in a country that is just a stone's throw from its own borders.
In addition to the million gathered in Havana, many, many millions of others watched the powerful Peace Without Borders Concert thanks to HITN-TV who broadcast the concert live. In Havana and in front rooms throughout Latin America, as well as Latin U.S. there was a universal call for peace. Peace in the Middle East, peace between Israel and Palestine, peace in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, most importantly, peace between Cuba and America. The people of the world want peace. You are in the unique position to make it happen. Recognize Cuba and tell Netanyahu that he must recognize the Palestinians.
Thomas Daly
Retired California
Newspaper Publisher