Lobbying For Castro's Agenda

BY: CAPITOL HILL CUBANS



November 20, 2010

Many opponents of U.S. policy towards Cuba take offense at being labeled as pro-Castro.

That's a fair criticism.

Truth is there are many well-intentioned opponents of U.S. policy towards Cuba who also oppose -- some just as stridently -- the Castro dictatorship and its brutality.

Furthermore, we all benefit and grow from policy disagreements.

However, its one thing for sanctions opponents (or "pro-normalization" activists, as they call themselves) to organize and influence U.S. policy, and a whole other thing to essentially collude with the Castro regime.

A recent post in the Cuba Standard website announced, "Activists to ponder post-election Cuba strategies in Tampa," in which travel agencies, attorneys and lobbyists that oppose U.S. policy will gather to "brainstorm" on "strategies to influence Congress, the White House, Florida and Tampa."

God bless our democracy -- our freedom to assemble and to express grievances.

But here's the kicker in their announcement:

"On Dec. 3, the Cuban Interests Section in Washington will host a reception for a delegation from Tampa."

For those who don't follow Cuba issues closely, the Cuban Interests Section is the Castro dictatorship's official diplomatic representation in Washington.

So while it's not fair to label sanctions opponents (or "pro-normalization" activists) as pro-Castro -- all labels are inappropriate -- it's at least fair to conclude that they share a similar policy agenda.