FRIENDS CLOSE ENEMIES CLOSER! Editorial

      In today's Cedar Rapids newspaper, The Gazette,  there was an article about President Obama and the first lady making their first trip to Cuba next month. I will state right now that I have always thought we should have normalized relations with Cuba years ago. Being so close to our country and the vast amount of Cubans and descendants living in this country, we should have reached out some time ago.

      I have always liked our own Senator Chuck Grassley, but, now I have to part ways with his "in line" Republican response to the President's trip. He along with the Republicans don't think we should be dealing with a country that deprives people of certain human rights and a country controlled by an "authoritarian" regime. Blah! Blah! 

      What, we don't or haven't had relations with dictator's through the years and even now. Most third graders could name you a half dozen countries run by dictators. I suppose there are some nice ones but not many. I say let's get over there and get McDonald's established everywhere along with Starbucks. And, let's face it they could use some new cars besides 1955 Buick's. It's a big island and there is a lot to gain from establishing new relations. If Ronald Reagan would have come up with the idea oh boy! Most of these bullies, if the truth be known, are just looking for attention. And, most today would rather be our friend than not!