Yesterday afternoon I was sitting in a cafe in Bed-Stuy and a sister screamed and threw up her hands. I looked over at her and noticed her laptop screen read Obama Lifts Cuba Restrictions. Not exactly the whole truth, but I expressed my own excitement, smiled, and sat back in celebration like I was Cuban. [Although, according to my Florida-born granddad's many colorful tales: I'm Cuban six times removed]. But the real deal seems tricky. Obama will gladly allow Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba to visit family. They can also send money. Obama's even hopeful Cubans will eventually have greater access to cellphone use and satellite TV. But still the trade embargo remains.
I don't know about you, but this sounds like a big tease. I certainly think it's great family members can visit the beautiful island after years of restrictions. However, what does Obama expect to happen after a few months of this new "access"? Does he expect Cubans to be content with visits from fam and ongoing news about consumer freedoms and then… just smile and bear it? If it was me, I'd want more and more. If it was me, I might get a little anxious. What do you think?
Keith Josef Adkins is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and social commentator.