Actual Text of Cuban Letter To President Bush (Not as "angry" as depicted by media!)

CANF.ORG ^ | 7/28/03 | CANF

[Recovering_Democrat]

I've seen reports all over cable networks how angry the Cubans are with President Bush. Even some Cuban Americans are going on TV saying how they disagree with the President. One supposedly prominent Cuban leader left the GOP and registered as an independent. But I haven't seen any alternative given...in other words, this appears by and large to be an internal debate of supporters of the President.

So, I decided to look at the text of the letter myself. What I saw was just that: a letter expressing concern, not unlike the several letters I sent the President regarding the wretched McLame-FindGold Anti-First Amendment Campaign Finance "law". So, for my fellow FREEPers, I'll transcribe this letter for you so you can judge for yourself, since so many network reports refuse to tell you all the letter says. Here is the body of the letter:

Dear President Bush,

It is with deep regret that wee, the undersigned Directors, Trustees and Associates of the Cuban American National Foundation, write to you to express our disappointement at the Administration's present Cuba policy. We write as your friends to ensure a successful Cuba policy.

When you were a candidate for President and again in Miami in May of 2002, we heard words from you that gave us great expectations that the Cuba policy would soon lead to a free and democratic Cuba. Unfortunately, the Administration's Cuba policy has not been significantly different than that of the prior Administration.

Today, we are no nearer to a free Cuba. The wet-foot/dry-foot policy is still in effect. Recently, the Administration returned 12 Cubans to a dictator who denies basic due process of law and moreover a priori negotiated with the dictator their prison sentences. Radio and TV Marti still do not reach the Cuban people in a meaningful way. Castro has not yet been indicted for the murder of the four Brothers to the Rescue pilots, three of them U.S. citizens, all four Florida residents. The dissident movement in Cuba has not received the promised assistance from the U.S. government. They fight bravely, but alone and in impoverished conditions.

Mr. President, we need a Cuba policy that respects the human rights of the Cuban people and leads to a free Cuba. Please, understand that we have a high personal regard for you and for your outstanding leadership of this great neation. Cuban Americans have been responsible, engaged citizens and have strongly supported you. Notwithstanding, it is our responsibility to advance the cause of a free Cuba and therefore, respectfully request the enactment of an effective Cuba policy that will bring an end to the suffering of the Cuban people.

We know that one day soon, with your help, Cuba will return to what it used to be, a free and independent nation and a strong friend and ally of the United States of America.

God bless you and your family.

Very truly yours,

[Recovering_Democrat]

The letter does a great job of pointing out points of disagreement but falls way short of how some seem to want to portray the Cuban-American community: as one about to fall out of the conservative camp and into the jaws of the Janet Reno Party.

The President will deliver for this important constituency...and then where will this story be? In the commode.

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for doing the research! I had a hunch this was overhyped by the media as usual. Doesn't the national media ever tell the truth?