The United States embargo against Cuba has been in place for over 50 years. On November 13, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly voted against it for the 21st time. Again, the vote was nearly unanimous. Here in the United States, polls show that the majority of the people want to normalize relations with Cuba.
Furthermore, the embargo adds to the suffering of the Cuban people, making it very difficult to get basics like asthma medicine and mammograms. Hurricane Sandy, which devastated large regions of the country, is just the latest example of how the embargo prevents vital aid and materials for reconstruction from arriving where they are desperately needed.
It's time, Mr. President. The embargo is pointless and cruel. End it now.