Missing their chance

By: Leticia Guerra

Havana Province, Cuba. – There is a proverb that goes: “Some people would gladly lose an eye to see others blinded.” The adage seems custom-made for the government of the United States. The economy of that country annually loses $ 6 800 millions in exports and other economic activities, due to the blockade against Cuba. If that extraterritorial law was repealed, this would generate 10 000 jobs for US people. For that reason, many citizens of that country add their voices to ours, demanding the end of the embargo.

US government is like a fasting dog that does not let others touch the food. As a result, its people are deprived of multiple benefits. For instance, they miss the possibility of energy cooperation, because Cuban territorial waters could be a rich source of natural gas. Potential gas exports to Florida, through a direct pipeline, amount to 2 million tons.

The blockade is also detrimental for US rice producers. Cuba could buy 70 000 tons of this product every year under normal trade conditions.

Health care also suffers the consequences, because heart diseases are the first cause of death in the United States. The lives of many US citizens could be saved if they had access to Cuban drug Ateromixol, commonly known as PPG. It is the best anti-cholesterol drug available in the market, according to a study conducted by Geneva University. It is cheaper and more effective than the ethanols and steroides available in the United States.

These are just a few examples of the long list of damages that United States suffers because of the blockade against Cuba. US government has sacrificed an eye and is half-blinded. Thus, it cannot see that Cuban people will never give up their Revolution and sovereignty because of blockades or aggressions. Other doors open, while THEY ARE MISSING THEIR CHANCE.

Translated by:Pedro A. Fanego

( 28/10/09 9:39 AM )