It is refreshing to hear that former President Jimmy Carter is visiting Cuba for five days. While not always agreeing with his policies as president, I have always believed him to be one of the most decent men to have ever held the office. It is high time a dialogue be opened between the two countries.

It has not made any sense that I can go to Canada and get a direct flight to Cuba but cannot go there from any U.S. point of departure. It seems that in Washington the Cold War is still on. I remember the saber-rattling of a few weeks ago when a small American delegation announced plans to visit Cuba. I don’t imagine it could possibly have anything to do with the large (voting) bloc of anti-Castroites in southern Florida.

The people of both sides of the Florida Strait can only benefit from this first step. The people of Cuba should be able to gain in many ways from relations with the United States. There are automobiles, aircraft, railroad equipment and buildings in Cuba of great historical value. There are many Americans willing to help the Cuban people and to help preserve all of that of historical significance.

It is said “but Castro is a cruel dictator.” Last I knew, Saudi Arabia was being run by a ruthlessly powerful royal family. I don’t think the average Saudi in the street has anymore to say about his destiny than any Cuban. Too bad there wasn’t a lot of oil in Cuba.

Nathan Pitts

Cherryfield