Among the outrages of the Biden presidency, which include using presidential authority to pardon a family member and providing Israel with unlimited weapons to commit genocide, Biden broke campaign promises to reverse Donald Trump’s aggressive policies against Cuba, contributing to an economic crisis that has led to the emigration of over 10% of the population.

When Joe Biden was running for reelection, he hoped his hawkish policies would attract right-wing Cuban-American voters. Instead, Kamala Harris lost Florida, and the only result of Biden’s gamble was suffering for Cubans. The U.S. blockade has been in place against Cuba for over 60 years, and its stated aims include inducing starvation to compel Cubans to overthrow their government.

With limited exceptions, Americans are unable to travel to Cuba, so the only news they receive about the island is from the corporate media.

Trump reversed Obama’s limited reforms and ridiculously added Cuba to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, which further limits the country’s access to trade. Cuba deserves our solidarity, not sanctions. Cuba has sent thousands of its doctors around the world. Cuban labs developed multiple COVID-19 vaccines.

Despite the blockade, Cuba provides universal health care and free education to its people. Thousands of Cubans died fighting apartheid South Africa; Cuba welcomed Nelson Mandela while he remained on U.S. terrorist watch lists. Cuba’s ELAM educates the next generation of doctors, including students from the U.S. and Palestine, for free.

If you’re interested in donating humanitarian aid to Cuba, please visit Let Cuba Live’s website.

Michael John Kowalchuk

Northampton