There is no doubt that there is the dawning of a new age with regard to Cuban-American relations. This gradual thawing of hostility between the two countries was definitely brought about by President Obama's bold and confident initiative in lifting the near 50 years of travel restrictions on Cuban-Americans to their country of origin.

Although the infamous trade embargo will still be enforced, and American citizens in general will not be allowed to travel to Cuba, the announcement from the White House with regard to the easing of restrictions on Cuban-Americans is a significant first step in establishing better relations with the Cuban government.

Move quickly

I hope the Obama administration will move quickly to lift the senseless and undemocratic travel restrictions on all Americans. How can the United States profess to uphold the tenets of democracy when it vehemently forbids its citizens the right and freedom to travel to Cuba?

It is true that the Castro regime does not embrace or practise the general American and British brand of democracy and freedoms, but it is also true that the Cuban government does not make the hypocritical claim of being the strong guardian and advocate of these virtues like its American counterpart.

After the lifting of all travel restrictions, President Obama and the American Congress should abandon the punitive trade embargo. It should be understood that this embargo has not only hurt the Cuban people, but also many American business enterprises that would like to trade with Cuba.

I am, etc.,

RUPERT JOHNSON

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Ontario, Canada