• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 09 / 22 / 2011

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By JOE O'NEILL.September 21, 2011. One long-overdue step forward. One frustrating half-step back. Such is "progress" along the Tampa-Cuba continuum.

To recap the most recent event of note: Direct, albeit limited, flights from Tampa to Havana have resumed. Most Americans who would like to visit the nearby island nation still can't, of course, but this is good news for those in the Cuban-American community. And it numbers about 80,000 in the Tampa Bay area.

But while this step was only an incremental one, it has at least upped Tampa's profile regarding Cuba. But then what? Arguably, you would want to take advantage of such entree. Maybe expand the number of such flights and add other Cuban cities. Develop additional business relationships that have been too long deferred.

But first things first. So, how about a polite, pro forma letter from the Tampa City Council to be conveyed by a council member to a Cuban government official acknowledging the obvious? We bring greetings. We come in friendship. We pay respect to the historic ties between Tampa and Cuba. And we celebrate this reconnection via recently commenced commercial flights. Etc. Or as council Vice Chairwoman Mary Mulhern, who initiated the letter gesture, phrased it: "Basically saying hello to Cuba."

Apparently that was the hola from Hades for Councilman Mike Suarez.

Anything official from city council, he reasoned, was inappropriate. In fact, it was tantamount to messing with foreign policy. It surely was akin to a "government to government" communication.

"I don't think at this time this is the proper way for us to present our credentials or to even say hello to the people of Cuba through this letter" Suarez said. "I just can't support it. ... Our role as city council is not to make international policy."

¿Cómo?

Since when does Suarez, who reminds us that he has "Cuban blood," channel a Diaz-Balart brother? This is Tampa, where "Cuban" connotes cigar workers and Jose Marti, not Little Havana, where "Cuban" means Batista extended family and exile agenda. Too bad Suarez didn't make clear during last November's election that he would use protocol as a smoke screen for a counterproductive, provincial view of doing business with Cuba.

Perhaps Suarez should read -- or re-read -- the minutes of previous meetings on this subject. Other American cities and states have taken trade missions to Cuba. Some governors have led them. Officials talk directly.

Such visits aren't considered meddling in international affairs. It's seen for what it is: Trying to get your state or community a piece of the action not precluded by the Cold War-era economic embargo. You also want to establish relationships. Of course you do. In any other context, this is not an issue. It's just common sense. And good business practice. But not when it comes to too many Florida politicians and the subject of Cuba.

Objecting to a nominal city council letter is likely seen in Havana -- believe me, they know about this exercise in absurdity -- as a sign of timid, parochial politics at best and as an insult at worst. You want to partner with those who can't agree to drop you a courtesy line in gratitude and friendship?

When the embargo is lifted -- and the end is near -- the Cuban government will remember who was on board back when. And who was too petty or too ideological to even "risk" a formal bienvenidos, hola or gracias to an appropriate official. And who was perceived as a last-minute opportunist.

As Havana's American soul sister, Tampa is uniquely positioned to take advantage of trade and travel opportunities between Cuba and Florida. The cultural ties date to the 19th century. But Tampa will continue to lose credibility and business to New Orleans, Houston and Galveston if it continues to be impacted and influenced by those playing the part of clueless, political rubes.
Joe O'Neill can be contacted at www.opinionstogoonline .com or [email protected].


Source: http://www2.tbo.com/news/community-news/2011/sep/21/unsent-letter-speaks...