[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to promulgate the notion of a 
unified Caribbean, where an island nation may assist its neighbor 
nations in prospering culturally, economically, and socially. There is 
so much we can do together, so much that binds us--a common humanity, a 
desire for advancement, a love of country and culture. It is by staying 
true to these commonalities, while celebrating--not ignoring--our 
differences, that true cooperation and exchange can flourish in the 
Caribbean region. Our divisions are nowhere near as salient as those 
elements that draw us closer.
  We are finally making headway in improving our relations with Cuba. 
After decades of turning a cold shoulder to the Cuban people, we are 
poised to allow more of our American essence to penetrate the Cuban 
bubble. Our Cuban American brothers and sisters are no longer hamstrung 
by a cruel travel ban that allowed them only one trip to the island 
every three years, forcing them to miss weddings, funerals, and births 
happening only 90 miles away. The Obama Administration has opened 
itself up to talking with the Cuban government. Nothing has to be off 
the negotiation table, but we get nowhere when we outright reject all 
dialogue. Five decades of failed policy have mired us in the same 1960s 
arguments and rhetoric to the benefit of neither nation. It is time for 
a fresh, bold approach.
  We should wholesale lift the travel ban for all of our citizens and 
legal residents. Wherever Americans travel, they bring their values, 
their morals, and democratic mores to bear. Cuba needs more of this, 
not less. We should end an embargo that has proven to be a scapegoat 
for the Cuban government and a detriment to the Cuban people--all the 
while our economy and our farmers suffer the brunt of an untapped 
market. We should be supplying the island with much-needed food, and 
medicines, and charity.
  Cubans and Americans have had a love affair for decades. The affinity 
between the two peoples has developed naturally, from our shared 
musical influences to our predilection for baseball. The island has 
such a rich history of heroes and heroines, from independence fighters 
such as Jose Marti to salsa innovator Celia Cruz. May we celebrate the 
distinct Cuban cultural imprint, while looking forward to a new, 
improved Caribbean region that fosters intercultural ties and smart, 
responsible policy.

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