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Ex-ambassadors debate Cuba policy, agree to disagree---Elian's "hostess" in D.C., Sally Grooms Cowal, (past president and CEO of Youth for Understanding) until he was shipped back to Castro, is calling in her chips.

Cowal's group received its initial funding from the ARCA FOUNDATION, a wealthy organization devoted to more contact and fewer trade restrictions with Cuba. Its chairman is SMITH BAGLEY, a grandson of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and a major Democratic donor. ******(Remember the two DNC fundraisers with Elian as their trophy?)*******

( UNDER THE GUISE OF RELIGION, NCC, UMC, PASTORS FOR PEACE)-- Another one of the most militant, fanatic and violent "religious" and "humanitarian" organizations part of this network in the U.S. appearing to be working for Castro's tyranny are the "interreligious" group Pastors for Peace. These "pastors" as well as the NCC have received grants from the ARCA FOUNDATION, which according to scholar Irving Louis Horowitz, is a "highly pro-Castro and partisan," grant-giving agency. From 1994 to1998, ARCA awarded about $3 million for pro-Castro projects.

(December 14, 2001)-- U.S. ships carrying food prepare for trip to Cuba Under last year's law, Cuba can buy food and medicine as long as it pays cash without public or private U.S. financing. But the administration remains adamant that it will not ease the embargo unless Cuba holds free elections, releases political prisoners and takes other steps toward democracy. Earlier this month, the administration sent Lino Gutierrez, acting assistant secretary of state, to Miami to reassure Cuban exiles -- whose votes Bush will need in 2004 -- that his hard line toward the island has not changed.

The Cuban government said the financing restrictions are insulting and until they are lifted, there will be no more food purchases.

Don't subsidize a tyrant --Miami Herald--(Excerpt) -- While the embargo restricts most U.S.-Cuba trade, it does not impose a humanitarian burden. Cuba frequently has bought wheat from Canada, rice from Vietnam, and medicine from Europe, Asia and Latin America. Donations of food and clothing and the licensed sale of U.S. medical products are permitted.

The real cause of Cuba's hardship is not the embargo but the state's Soviet-style economy. Traditional exports such as sugar cost the regime more to produce than they sell for on the global market. Tourism brings in hard currency but not nearly enough to provide for Cuba's needs. Debt payments are so uncertain that major trade partners often must extend new loans.--(End Excerpt)

Youth For Understanding--February 22, 2001 --To all of my friends and colleagues in the YFU World: Greetings. I want to tell you about my plans. I will be the President of the Cuba Policy Foundation, a newly established non-profit, non-partisan organization, which has been set up to promote normalization of US-Cuba relations. It is a challenge I believe our nation needs to address. I was approached by the backers of this Foundation who, given my previous service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and US Ambassador in the Caribbean, as well as my current involvement with Cuba, have persuaded me that I am in an absolutely unique position to successfully execute this task. After considerable personal agonizing, I decided to accept. I will, therefore, be stepping down as President of YFU, although I expect to remain actively involved as a member of the Board of Trustees, like all Trustees serving without compensation.

I am enormously proud of what we have accomplished together in the last 20 months. We have truly re-invented YFU and our strategic plan is based in reality, well-crafted and will ensure that we are successful in our most essential activities-recruitment, selection, education, travel, placement and counseling of the 5,000 students entrusted to our care. If we all stay the course, as Trustees, staff in Washington and around the country, and as volunteers our 2001 cycle, will be the proof positive that the new plan works. Already our partners and donors have responded with enthusiasm. Our senior staff, Vice Presidents Nikolaus Pelka and Paul Risteen, are wonderful, creative and energetic leaders, dedicated to this cause and possess all the necessary qualifications, and commitment to lead us forward. I know that I can count on your dedication to so doing.

In addition to serving as a Trustee, I also want to express my belief in this organization with a tangible personal gift. I am today setting up a YFU endowed fund, initially of $25,000, which will be increased as I am financially able. I intend for the proceeds of this fund to be used to give YFU scholarships to young people to promote US-Cuba relations. The first scholarships will support our summer program entitled 'Our Century, Our Hemisphere' which YFU USA is executing together with our partners in Latin America and Canada. I hope this fund will be an incentive for others to join us in this cause.

I am not saying sayonara, auf Wiedersehen, or even hasta luego because I expect to be in contact with each and every one of you. I thank you enormously for the support, guidance, and dedication that have characterized our relations. We are the best. Now, let's get out there and prove it! ---Sally Grooms Cowal, President

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February 22, 2001-- To the YFU Community Worldwide: I am writing to inform you that Sally Grooms Cowal has been asked to assume the Presidency of the Cuba Policy Foundation, a newly formed entity that will work to bring change and improvement to the relationship between Cuba and the United States, effective March 2, 2001.

In her twenty months with YFU, Sally has worked tirelessly to strengthen management, build faith and confidence in our ability to deliver programs, and guide YFU USA into a new International structure. Her broad insight and thoughtful leadership has set us on a path that has brought full financial control and diversity to our program offerings, enabling more students to experience exchange. Her presidency has enlivened our mission; her leadership has extended our vision.

As Sally is being called to serve a role in public policy and foreign relations, I am grateful for her willingness to be seated on the Board of Trustees. The Nominating Committee of the Board will meet in April to consider my request. Until that process can be completed, Sally and the Executive Committee of the Board have offered to continue their counsel with the Vice Presidents to further the goals outlined in our strategic plan.

We are fully committed to moving forward with our agreements and obligations, and doing so with vigor. The Board of Trustees is proud of the direction and accomplishments achieved and confident of our future. The structural changes now underway to re-invent and strengthen our mission delivery are showing early signs of success, and we look forward to a renewed, invigorated YFU.

Please join me in congratulating Sally as she assumes this important position and in welcoming her to a new involvement with YFU. Our worldwide community is stronger thanks to her leadership.

Sincerely yours,

Jack P. DeBoer, Chairman [JACK DEBOER, Wichita, Kan. Jack P. DeBoer, '52, chairperson and chief executive officer of the Candlewood Hotel Co. Inc., founded the Residence Inn and sold the 103-hotel system to the Marriott Corp. in 1985. He co-founded Summerfield Hotel Corp. in 1988 and has developed more than 16,000 apartments nationwide.

Candlewood owns, operates and licenses 100 Candlewood Suites coast to coast, including the hotel at MSU's University Park Complex. Candlewood also operates and licenses Cambridge Suites. In 1990 DeBoer paid for the complete renovation of the Theta Chi fraternity house at MSU. He has served as chairperson of Youth for Understanding, the world's leading student exchange organization and as president of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce. In 2001 he received the hotel industry Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of California at Los Angeles.]