Column 48 for July 23, 2000

I remember my father gathering us together on that somber mid October day of 1962. There was fear but also a determination in his eyes. My father knew war. There was a very good chance that World War III was going to begin sometime in the next few days. On October 22, President Kennedy had announced to the nation that the Soviets had deployed mid-range nuclear missiles in Cuba.

My little brother was about to turn twelve, and I was fifteen. Our father explained to us the chaos that might envelop the country should the bombs begin to fall and the missiles begin to fly. He had put together a plan for us, reminding us that the skills we had learned in Scouting might be needed in the days ahead.

Drawing on his knowledge gained as a weather forecaster during World War II, my dad knew that we were located in the fallout path of what would probably be major Soviet targets. We could not remain where we were. Individually, or together, we were to regroup after an attack at my Grandmother’s home, a little over 100 miles away. Heck, we had been on several 25-mile hikes with no problems.

I don’t remember the politics from so long ago. I don’t really remember the fear, the way much of our country did back then. It has only been since then, with a much better, studied understanding of the situation, that I realize the fear I should have felt.

Times change, the world has changed. In 1992 I had the opportunity to fly over Cuba. To see the beaches, coral reefs, and farmland. A beautiful island. I’ve been to many islands in the Caribbean, and long to someday to add Cuba to my list.

Fidel is still there, but his time will pass. Isn’t it time we normalized relations with a nation so close? Sure, they have a long way to go with human rights and economics, but hey, China, Russia, Vietnam, even North Korea have garnered our attention and improved relations over the past years. We have many more reasons to "hate" them than we do Cuba.

A week or so ago, three Senators, two Democrats and a Republican, visited Cuba. They jointly called for an end to our sanctions, and efforts to improve the relations between our two countries. I think it’s time we realistically considered their suggestions. Almost 40 years of isolation hasn’t made a difference, but I’d bet a couple years of economic opportunity and development might turn even Cuba into a democratic, capitalistic country. The competition might lower the cost of a Caribbean vacation too!

See ya bye! tomiswho@mindspring.com