Peace in Iraq, peace with Cuba, peace with former enemies

My thoughts go to other countries today.

Cuba - today I watched a documentary called "the Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil." And I watched Cubans who have much to teach to their neighbors to the north.
Japan - today is the anniversary of the 1995 expression of remorse for World War II from the parliament. Japan was our enemy and is now a powerful trading partner. Ditto Germany. When will it be Cuba's turn?
Iraq - today state flags are at halfmast because another one of our citizens has died on Iraqi soil in the military conflict there. I grieve his death, and pray we can soon end the suffering and begin in earnest the healing and reconciliation the region so badly needs.

One of the Cubans advised, "think globally, act locally." So I will. Another letter to the editor (at least more than 2 people will read it), and some prayerful contemplation. Then more local action, but what they are I don't yet know.

peace, y'all

Molly

A way to boost readership

I crave readers. Writing to no one is a fragile business. Without feedback, how do I know if I touch any hearts or inspire any thoughts or positive change?

Recently I copied a blog posting (Cuba libre) and sent it to the editor of my local newspaper. It ran this past Sunday and I've received a number of comments already. I will do it again next month too--because I know people read letters to the editor.

Peace y'all

Molly

Cuba libre

I want USA to normalize relations with Cuba. I have always wanted this but didn't dare to hope until recently. Our stances versus Cuba is silly. It's wrong. It has unintended and unfortunate consequences. It's hypocritical.

Okay, we trade with China --actually we just pour our consumer dollars into Communist China hands-- because through trade we can influence the Chinese government to treat its citizens better, right? But we can't trade with the communist government just a long swim away from our shores? Hypocritical.

Silly. Lilke we take our toys and only play in our own back yard, but the rest of the planet happily trades with Cuba.

Wrong. It's wrong for the tail to wag the dog, and that's what we do with the Miami Cuban-Americans who are angry with Fidel controlling the foreign policy of the United States of America.

Ineffective. See silly, above.

Unintended and unfortunate - by withholding our trade and our riches, we have given the government a bad guy to blame for Cuba's troubles. It's the norteamericanos! We have strengthened Fidel.

Cuba is the pearl of the Antilles. It's lovely and I am eager to be a gringa tourist there. I am eager to bring eco-bucks there. I want to be neighbors with our, well, neighbors.

I want the US to end its silly, stupid, wrong-headed, ineffective policies against Fidel, and act neighborly to our neighbors.