On U.S. embargo against Cuba

With regards to Cuban Embassy responds in your May 29 edition of The Jakarta Post, I would like to respond as follows.

The Cuban Ambassador's contention that the U.S. economic and financial blockade is responsible for his country's woes or his qualification of fellow Cubans with different political aspirations as traitors merely follow the official party line, which after more than four decades rings increasingly stale and hollow.

In its attempt to eliminate social inequalities or to impose a strictly regimented cradle-to-grave system upon its citizens, the sclerotic Cuban socialist model inevitably resulted in a downward equalization and generalized pauperization of a largely apathetic population. Rather than allowing, let alone encouraging private initiative and entrepreneurship, the virtually state-guaranteed employment system resulted not only in a subsistence level and largely inefficient labor utilization, but also represents an incredible waste of university graduates and other educated talent.

On the other hand, the U.S. government policy of maintaining its trade embargo and travel restrictions toward Cuba is not only counterproductive but looks increasingly misguided and foolish. Plain common sense would dictate that these should be lifted soon if political changes and economic progress in Cuba are to come about.

Past U.S. sanctions have not only failed to overthrow the Castro regime but have also provided it with the necessary nationalistic ammunition to entrench itself even further. Cuba's much vaunted educational achievements are largely meaningless in the face of daunting unemployment levels and its free but threadbare medical care has yet to fill empty stomachs.

Easing trade and travel restrictions or allowing access to U.S. financial markets would not only ease the plight of an impoverished population but would also provide a strong impetus for gradual reform from within. Fidel Castro is not going to be around forever and there are no candidates on the political horizon with the necessary charisma to ensure the regime's survival in its present form in a post-Castro era.

JOE L. SPARTZ

Jakarta