Posted on 12/17/2014 12:40:22 PM PST by Jim Robinson
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) slammed the Obama administration for exchanging imprisoned aid worker Alan Gross with Cuba for three Cuban spies. Menendez calls it a dangerous precedent and one that absolves the Castro regime’s behavior.
“Let's be clear, this was not a ‘humanitarian’ act by the Castro regime. It was a swap of convicted spies for an innocent American,” the New Jersey Democrat said in a statement. “President Obama's actions have vindicated the brutal behavior of the Cuban government.”
Menendez — whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba — stressed that there is no “equivalence” between Gross and the spies who were released in exchange for his return.
“One spy was also convicted of conspiracy to murder for his role in the 1996 tragedy in which the Cuban military shot down two U.S. civilian planes, killing several American citizens,” he said.
Wednesday the Obama administration announced the release of Gross and an unnamed intelligence source in exchange for three Cuban spies and the reestablishment of an official relationship with Cuba.
While Menendez noted that Gross’ release is a relief for his family, the senator said it also will serve as an enticement for other dictators to use Americans as “bargaining chips.”
“Trading Mr. Gross for three convicted criminals sets an extremely dangerous precedent,” he said. “It invites dictatorial and rogue regimes to use Americans serving overseas as bargaining chips. I fear that today’s actions will put at risk the thousands of Americans that work overseas to support civil society, advocate for access to information, provide humanitarian services, and promote democratic reforms.”
He concluded saying that the uptick in trade will also serve to “invite further belligerence toward Cuba's opposition movement” and tighten the Castro regime’s hold on the Cuban people.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
But it was a good thing! RINO Jeff Flake said so. ;-P
Menendez is not only corrupt but he is hopelessly stupid if he is surprised by Obama’s action to recognize Cuba. The vile Obama has always admired the barbaric, communist Castro brothers. He envies the fact that Castro is able to torture and kill his pesky opponents with impunity.
Obama blasted by Senate Democrat committee chairman. I wonder if a call will come to Menendez explaining how he is required to follow the talking points or Obama just no longer care who he ticks off?
America’s friends are Obama’s ENEMIES.
America’s ENEMIES are Obama’s friends.
We already knew this.
I wouldn’t get too excited about opening up diplomatic relationships and/or trade with Cuba.
Castro and the commies still need “the embargo” as an excuse as to why their “paradise” simply isn’t.
Obama vindicates anything, making it go away....like the WOT and those wars....why he can just by the wave of a hand shut down our involvement in countries still needing some help from terrorists....Cuba now?
Well, well, well. Menendez, despite being a Dem, actually always has been pretty good on these issues.
“a future republican perhaps? “
Nah, he has to spend too much time down in the Dominican Republic having sex with hookers provided by one of his Cuban American benefactors.
Back in the 90s, I met a fellow who had just retired from the State Dept. He’d spent his entire career in Latin America negotiating release of prisoners from every country governed by dictators who tortured political prisoners.
He basically turned white when he told me some of the awful things that went on in Cuban prisons, and he wouldn’t tell me everything. He said that Castro was the most vicious torturing tyrant in the world.
Meanwhile Oba***** brings Cuba into the fold while accusing his own country of torture. Oh wait, the US is not Oba*****’s country.
what’s that space blaster on the desk?
An indication of the maturity of America’s attorneys?
I though the same thing. What the hell is that, a phaser?
?!
Where is this???
Washington DC.
Isn’t that a proud terrorist’s picture on the wall behind him??
Kabuki Theater for the Cubanos in Union City, NJ & West New York, NJ
Jeff Flake is the enemy.
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