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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: Learning to survive ... Techtoberfest event was a rousing success ... Jeffrey Gillespie: Hillary Clinton’s big night ... Our View: Learning to survive ... Techtoberfest event was a rousing success ... Jeffrey Gillespie: Hillary Clinton’s big night ... LOCAL TAKE Should the U.S. normalize relations with Cuba? Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Aug. 17, 2015 at 8:18 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Aug. 17, 2015 at 8:18 PM » RELATED CONTENT • What can be done to reduce gun violence? • Has smoke affected your end-of-summer plans? » Social News The U.S. has recognized Cuba, one of its nearest neighbors, after 54 years of a boycott based on this island nation’s ties to the former Soviet Union, a long-term Communist state. Despite the recognition, basically done unilaterally by President Barack Obama, without the advise and consent of the Republican Congress, the U.S. continues to maintain some level of boycott based on Cuba’s long-ago nationalization of some American corporate property, as well as Cuba's lack of a democratically elected form of government. Much remains to be done before relations are fully normalized. With Cuban President Raul Castro, the brother of revolutionary guerrilla fighter and longtime President Fidel Castro, Obama worked out the rapprochement using the good offices of Pope Francis. On Dec. 17, 2004, Obama announced major steps to normalization, labeled the “Cuban Thaw.” On Friday, the U.S. flag was raised over its embassy in Havana. We asked Ashlanders: Is this a good idea? Or should we maintain our choke-hold on Cuba until they adopt a democratic form of government? Jack Harbaugh — The timing is appropriate for recognition. We’ve been heading in that direction for years. I was fortunate to live in the Caribbean and have lots of friends from Cuba. It can only help folks from Cuba and the Central American community. They’re dealt with a lot of challenges over the years. The tricky question for Obama is our political climate these days. Too many issues get mired in the political gridlock, forcing us to make decisions strictly for partisan reasons. Brittany Morgan — I’m a little pessimistic about how much Cubans would benefit from our imports. Obama is open to believing the U.S. can spread our way of life, to their betterment. I’m skeptical because the U.S. needs to do this for itself — helping people be resilient and strong. That’s the solution to the problem. Deanna Elkin — It’s pretty cool Obama made his own decision to do this. Sometimes, it requires a progressive-minded person to do something out of the box, helping others get out of the box. We are all one, on higher ground, experiencing a new culture of human beings who have stepped out of the box. We’re so conditioned to being perpetrators or victims. We’re going outside the veils of that level. Mary Ehlers — It’s an excellent idea. They are neighbors of ours. I think their people and our people should know each other . It will be great to see their old (American) cars in person. I would go there. They’ve made such advances in health care because they had to make them without the advantages of our modern system. Katherine Nabielski (declined photo) – It’s a good idea. All people have the right to explore the nationalities of other countries. They can run their government the way they see fit. Our way is not the only way. Serena Newby (declined photo) — It’s already happened, the recognition and constant exchange of tourists. People have written good things about Cuba for a long time. It’s just the old regime here, hanging onto certain ways of seeing things, instead of recognizing what’s going on already. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Aug. 17, 2015 at 8:18 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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