Emphasizing that “time does not change the past,” U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) took a stand on Monday against President Barack Obama’s recent announcement of a plan to normalize relations with Cuba.
While expressing gratitude for the safe return of Alan Gross, a U.S. citizen who had been held prisoner in Cuba for the past five years, Cole spoke against the Obama administration’s plan to re-establish diplomatic relations and trade with the Castro regime by removing the long-imposed economic sanctions.
“Certainly, we always celebrate the safe return of one of our own,” Cole said. “While the president insisted that Gross was released for humanitarian reasons, it appears that the policy change unveiled last week is yet another prisoner exchange slanted heavily in favor of a known enemy.”
Cole speculated that the plan may have been a concession by the U.S. as part of a prisoner exchange.
“The timing of the Obama administration seeking to normalize and rebuild diplomatic relationships with Cuba hardly makes sense,” Cole continued. “Like his brother, Cuba’s current dictator Raul Castro maintains close relationships with some of America’s worst and most dangerous enemies. Instead of being discouraged or forced to feel consequences, the intentions of the Castro regime are further emboldened and will likely empower other enemies of the United States to test a similar course of action.”
Cole is convinced the deal with Cuba opens the door for other nations to take advantage of the U.S.
“I am very disappointed that the president believes he can reason with a nation ruled by a corrupt dictator,” Cole said. “In the process, he is setting a dangerous precedent that welcomes future negotiations with our proven enemies that are of little benefit to the United States.”