JB: Agreed. I wanted to ask you about the historic opening of the Cuban Embassy in Washington a few days ago [July 20th]. Do you think it's anything significant, or merely symbolic, not worth getting in a tizzy about it?
BJB: I think it's very significant. The GOP-controlled Senate is now for removing further restrictions on travel for Americans to visit Cuba. President Obama is rumored to be moving toward closing down GITMO. The stubbornness with which America pursued failed policies against Cuba alienated nearly all our allies at the United Nations (with the exception of Israel). I've always felt diplomacy and promoting more exchange with Cuba was a far more fruitful path to productive, necessary changes on the island, as opposed to CIA-sponsored assassination attempts and lumping Cuba in with "state sponsors of terror" and vilifying Cuba on the basis of human rights atrocities, while operating what amounts to a torture camp with GITMO that was annexed from the country without a single Cuban being involved in the negotiation.
Cuba has imposed brutal conditions on its citizens that must rightfully be changed, but providing a foil for the Cuban government never benefited any Cuban citizens in the short or long term. I'm all for a pragmatic approach and finally the American public, in the majority, is in agreement with that strategy. The bigger question is, will changes in American policy help make Cuba a place the majority of Cubans still have hope for their futures in? From the Cubans I've spoken to on the island, there isn't much optimism. Income inequality is what they foresee and with it, growing tensions and instability. But many will benefit as more money is pumped into the island. The question is, as always, is what those that don't benefit and see their station in life grow ever more dire by contrast will do to cope.
JB: Any last thoughts before we wrap this up?
BJB: I appreciate your time with discussing my book and work in Cuba. Thank you so much!
JB: Thank you, Brin. It was such an education to read The Domino Diaries and then speak with you about it. To be frank, I don't like boxing; in fact, I would undoubtedly run the other way if someone offered me a chance to see a fight. And yet, the intricate tapestry that makes up Cuba, its people, its politics, and its love of sports and culture bewitched me and drew me in completely. I highly recommend it.
Brin-Jonathan Butler photo with three-time Olympic champion Felix Savon, 2007
(Image by courtesy of Brin-Jonathan Butler) Details DMCA
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Part one of my interview with Brin
Domino Diaries link
A Cuban Boxer's Journey [Brin's other book] link
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