In Cuba, hope for better US relations under Obama

[Bacchus39]

In Cuba, hope for better US relations under Obama

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_inauguration_cuba;_ylt=AhELrGnCTSAaO2vf8oCk4zy3IxIF


HAVANA – Cubans expressed hope Tuesday that Barack Obama's inauguration could bring monumental changes to their island, even if bans on satellite television kept most from witnessing the moment.

"The American people have taken a great step," said Alain Echeverria, who slipped into a hotel lobby to watch. The 34-year-old was wearing a Obama-Biden T-shirt he begged off an American tourist on U.S. election day.

"He comes in with ideas that are different from all the other presidents," Echeverria said. "The peoples of all the world will receive him with open arms."

Cubans blame many of their woes on U.S. trade sanctions that took effect in 1962 and prohibit most trade between the countries. Obama has said he will ease some restrictions on travel and remittances but doesn't plan to end the embargo itself without major concessions from Cuba.

However, that was enough to leave many Cubans excited about the new president — especially the few with access to cable TV or pirate satellite dishes. The event was not carried live on state-controlled radio or television.

At a cafe in Old Havana, a musician with the house band stood rapt as he listened to Obama's speech on satellite TV beamed in for tourists.

"This country would change a lot if they took away the embargo," said Alberto Romero, 28. "Most Cubans are hopeful that he'll do something to change the situation."

Across town at the U.S. Interests Section, which Washington maintains in Havana instead of an embassy, authorities invited about 30 dissidents, activists and opposition leaders to watch the inauguration over wine, rum drinks, pasta and pizza squares.

"Obama's victory and his inauguration represents a victory for the United States, but also for Cuba," said Oscar Espinosa Chepe, jailed in 2003 for his anti-communist views but released provisionally the following year for health reasons.

Yuri Perez, a university student and opposition activist, noted the irony of watching the event inside the U.S. mission.

"We have read about democracy but we have never lived it. We have to watch it on TV like this," he said. "In Cuban schools, the young people are so excited. Even though we aren't American, we feel proud."

[dake]

1. We're all God's children

I'm a 49 year old male living in South Carolina. With the recent news of a renewed relationship with Cuba, I find myself in a way anticipating meeting new friends, hearing the stories that people share while they sit around the dinner table or local cafe.
What would a weekend boat ticket cost? It would surely be cheaper than an air line ticket to the west coast. How Long would it take for friendships to grow and text messages between new friends become common place.
I personally would enjoy going to Cuba, making new friends and putting the past behind us. Is it possible? I can't be the only one with an optimistic view of our neighbors to the east. We the people have allowed our legal systems to dictate our lives and with the current economical and global outlook, a Cuba, U.S. positive relationship is one that we the people should diligently pursue as if we were planning a family reunion.
Your friend
Dake