How ironic that as the United Nations celebrates its 50th anniversary this week in New York, the U.S. government is making every effort possible to avoid any sort of reconciliation with one of its oldest enemies.
While Cuban President Fidel Castro visited the States this week for the anniversary speeches, the U.S. government did its best to ensure he wouldn't feel welcome. President Bill Clinton and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani pointedly did not invite Castro to banquets and dinners they sponsored.
But the biggest slap in the face came as the Senate Ÿ for no discernible reason Ÿ voted to tighten sanctions on Cuba. No other country in the world does this, and the continued American resolve on the issue indicates continued anger with countries that don't share our governmental philosophy Ÿ a "play my way or don't play at all" attitude. How mature. How productive.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms, doing his part to increase the sense of global community, said the vote was an "early Christmas gift" for Castro. That's the reason the Senate voted as it did? To tweak a prominent foreign leader as he visits our country?
Cuba is no threat to the U.S. The very idea is an archaic remnant of Cold War fears. If the U.S. truly wants to see a global community happen, then the key is to build bridges, not burn them.