Redstate

By Brandozilla Posted in Foreign Affairs — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

John McCain is set to give a speech today in Miami, discussing US policy toward Cuba.

With Fidel reportedly still on his deathbed, Cuba policy will be a hot issue this summer and fall.

McCain's remarks will include the following:

Tyranny will not forever endure, and as president, I will not passively await the day when the Cuban people enjoy the blessings of freedom and democracy. It is in our national interest to support their aspirations and oppose those of the Castro regime, one that harbors fugitives from U.S. justice, expresses unrelenting hostility to America, and shoots down unarmed civilian aircraft.

I wish the other presidential candidates felt similarly. Just a few years ago, Sen. Obama had a very clear view on Cuba. When asked in a questionnaire about his policy toward Cuba, he answered: [b]"I believe that normalization of relations with Cuba would help the oppressed and poverty-stricken Cuban people while setting the stage for a more democratic government once Castro inevitably leaves the scene."[/b]

Now Senator Obama has shifted positions and says he only favors easing the embargo, not lifting it. [b]He also wants to sit down unconditionally for a presidential meeting with Raul Castro. These steps would send the worst possible signal to Cuba’s dictators –- there is no need to undertake fundamental reforms, they can simply wait for a unilateral change in US policy. [/b]

I believe we should give hope to the Cuban people, not to the Castro regime. My administration will press the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners unconditionally, to legalize all political parties, labor unions, and free media, and to schedule internationally monitored elections. The embargo must stay in place until these basic elements of democratic society are met.

A President Obama will give away the farm to Raul, unconditionally - and at a time when Cuba will the ripest for change it has been throughout Fidel's regime.

A President McCain will demand democratic change, free elections and the release of political prisoners.

The policy the next President takes towards Cuba will also send a message as to what is acceptable to other South American Castro Wannabes (See Chavez, Hugo).

This is just another point reinforcing the necessity of a McCain presidency.