WP: The Last Wall --Mikhail Gorbachev

Mr Bush, tear down that wall!! Excellent article.

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The changes that have occurred in the world in the past 20 years are truly remarkable. We have left behind the Cold War and the confrontation between two irreconcilable ideological systems. The symbol of divided Europe -- the Berlin Wall, which Ronald Reagan famously urged me to tear down in 1987 -- has long since been destroyed. But one relic of the Cold War remains: the wall of the economic embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba 43 years ago.
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The lack of relations between the U.S. and Cuban governments, enshrined as it is in the U.S. policy of economic and diplomatic isolation of Cuba, has not allowed for an understanding that could benefit the citizens of both nations. The burden of the isolation of Cuba has been borne by ordinary people on both sides of the Florida Straits: the divided Cuban family.

That this situation is abnormal and that the embargo is counterproductive is increasingly recognized throughout the world and in the United States. The high-profile visit of Pope John Paul II symbolized the willingness of the world to open to Cuba and of Cuba to open to the world. Former President Jimmy Carter's trip to that country was a courageous and responsible step.

Many other U.S. political leaders have spoken in favor of normalizing relations. Yet the U.S. government prohibits average Americans from even traveling to Cuba. While it calls for human rights in Cuba, the United States prevents its own citizens from sharing free enterprise, freedom of movement and free thinking with the Cuban people.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42248-2003Oct3.html

What a shame so few DUhers even notice what's happening as we speek!

Thanks for posting this here for the historical record.

First he wanted to renew the second international in the former Soviet Union and he asked Reagan to tear down the wall. The result is a former Soviet Union with a live expectancy rate 5 years lower than 20 years ago and no democrazy at all. Just a mafia-capitalism of the worst kind and a ex-KGB mafiosi as their leader. Mr. Gorbachev might have good intentions, but he's so incredible stupid... Did anyone of you read his last book? Ouch! Any 13 year old, who's smoking to much pot is more realistic than this grandpa... I still don't understand, why so many people admire him.
Hello from Germany,
Dirk
P.S. I admire the people, who are responsible that the Berlin wall is no more. The people, who marched on the streets. Most of them did this for more democrazy, not for cars and houses, they still don't own...
No thanx to Mr. Gorbachev, no thanx to Mr. Kohl.