dwkcommentaries

Federal Court Allows Chauvin’s Expert Examination of George Floyd’s Heart Tissue

Derek Chauvin now is in federal prison for joint service of Minnesota state and federal court convictions for the murder of George Floyd. The state court conviction was based on a jury guilty verdict after trial while the federal conviction was based on Chauvin’s guilty plea. For both of those cases, Chauvin’s attorney was Eric Nelson, but Chauvin’s current attempt to invalidate those convictions is based upon the claim by his new lawyer, Robert Meyers, an assistant federal defender.

The last time this blog examined this case, it discussed (1) the November 13, 2023 Chauvin motion (without legal counsel) to vacate his conviction and sentencing based upon the opinion of a pathologist (Dr. William Schaetzel) who had never examined the Floyd corpse, but believed that Floyd did not die from asphyxia from Chauvin’s actions, but from complications of a rare tumor (paraganglioma) that can cause a fatal surge of adrenaline; (2) the January 12, 2024, federal prosecution’s opposition to that motion: (3) the July 31, 2024, Chauvin Reply Brief (with counsel); and (4) the August 14, 2024, federal Government’s Surreply. Based upon review of these papers, this blog thought the Chauvin motion would be denied.[1]

That denial, however, did not happen, and on December 13, 2024, Chauvin (with counsel) filed a motion for the following discovery:

“Any and all hitology slides of Floyd’s heart, tissue samples of Floyd’s heart, tissue blocks containing heart tissue from Floyd, recut sections of all autopsy tissue histology slides relating to Floyd’s heart, related to the criminal case against Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd possessed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office (HCMEO), and any entity that the HCMEO contracted with that has these materials.”
“Photos taken of George Floyd’s heart.”
“Any and all vitreous fluid/aqueous humor, postmortem blood antemortem blood, and urine contracted with that has these materials, HHC (autopsy report notes that antemortem blood was taken at HHC), and NMS Labs (NMS Labs conducted the toxicology testing and produced the toxicology report, and thus they may still have samples of the blood and urine that they tested (DE 544-1 at 25-26)). Chauvin requests quantities of these fluids sufficient to test the concentration of fractionated catecholamines and metanephrine levels present.”[2]

Three days later (December 16, 2024), U.S. District Court Judge Magnuson granted this Chauvin motion. That Order stated, “Given the significant nature of the criminal case that Mr. Chauvin was convicted of, and given that the discovery that Mr. Chauvin seeks could support Dr. Schaetzel’s opinion of how Mr. Floyd died, the Court finds that there is good cause to allow to take the discovery he seeks. That court order also provided that Chauvin’s team may take discovery of any histology slides of Floyd’s heart, tissue samples of his heart, tissue blocks containing heart tissue from Floyd and recut sections of all autopsy tissue slides relating to his heart. Chauvin’s lawyers are also allowed to inspect and make copies of any photographs taken of Floyd’s heart and they can take quantities of certain fluids for testing. That court order also provided that Chauvin’s team may take discovery of any histology slides of Floyd’s heart, tissue samples of his heart, tissue blocks containing heart tissue from Floyd and recut sections of all autopsy tissue slides relating to his heart. Chauvin’s lawyers are also allowed to inspect and make copies of any photographs taken of Floyd’s heart and they can take quantities of certain fluids for testing. Accordingly, the court GRANTS Mr. Chauvin’s Motion.”[3]

The very next day (December 17), the Government filed its Motion To Reconsider Defendant’s Motion for Discovery. It asserted that the “claims of ineffective assistance of counsel fail on their merits . . . and that Defendant is not entitled to relief.” Therefore, the Court should reconsider and deny Chauvin’s motion. But if the court denies that Government’s request for reconsideration, the Court should grant reciprocal discovery by the Government.”[4]

Two days later (December 19), the District Court issued another Order, stating that it “is not persuaded by the Government’s arguments . . .and “the Order granting Defendant’s discovery motion will stand.” But the Court also stated that it “expects the parties to cooperate in the discovery process, allowing the Government reasonable access to any lab reports, test results, and expert disclosures.” That court order also provided that Chauvin’s team may take discovery of any histology slides of Floyd’s heart, tissue samples of his heart, tissue blocks containing heart tissue from Floyd and recut sections of all autopsy tissue slides relating to his heart. Chauvin’s lawyers are also allowed to inspect and make copies of any photographs taken of Floyd’s heart and they can take quantities of certain fluids for test. [5]

Reactions

This is a shocking development in this historic police misconduct case in Minneapolis that could obviously affect the other four policemen convicted of aiding and abetting Chauvin in the Floyd case if the tests now ordered establish the theory advanced by Dr. William Schaetzel unless there is law that refuses to excuse policemen for such conduct if the victim has unusual medical conditions.

===========================

[1] Derek Chauvin’s Motions for New Trial for Killing of George Floyd, dwkcommentaries.com (Sept. 6, 2024).

[2] Defendant’s Motion for Discovery, U.S. v. Chauvin, U.S. Dist. Ct., D. Minn. (Dec.13, 2024).

[3] Order, U.S. v. Chauvin U.S. Dist. Ct., D. Minn. (Dec.16, 2024).

[4] Government’s Motion To Reconsider Defendant’s Motion for Discovery, U.S. v. Chauvin, U.S. Dist. Ct.. D. Minn. (Dec. 17, 2024)

[5] Order, U.S. v. Chauvin, U.S. Dist. Ct., D. Minn. (Dec. 17, 2024); Montemayor, Derek Chauvin allowed to examine George Floyd’s heart tissue in challenge to federal conviction, StarTribune (Dec. 16, 2024); Moser, Motion allows George Floyd’s heart tissue to be examined in Derek Chauvin’s latest challenge to federal conviction, CBS News (Dec. 16, 2024): Karnowski, Judge allows testing of tissue from George Floyd as officer convicted of killing him seeks new trial, AP News.com (Dec. 17, 2024).

Cuban Journalists’ Opinions on Cuba’s Status

Diario de Cuba opened this article with the following words, “2024 is coming to an end, a terrible year for Cuba and Cubans. Hunger, blackouts, repression, corruption and the government’s battle against private initiatives have characterized this period, with no signs that the situation will improve in 2025.” The newsletter then published the following opinions on Cuba’s current predicaments from four of its prominent Cuban journalists.[1]

Luz Escobar says, “Cubans feel that every year that passes is another downward slope. In other words, one more step in the debacle that is being experienced. Without a doubt, it was worse than 2023. Many Cubans have come to the conclusion that it is even worse than the Special Period, the closest reference we have in terms of crises,”

He “reminded Cubans imprisoned for expressing themselves on social media or demonstrating peacefully: ‘Citizen protests have marked the increase in political prisoners. And something that Prisoners Defenders points out, which is very interesting, is that many of those who are receiving sentences in Cuba do not even belong to the opposition.’”

“’Regarding the lack of solidarity from Spain, the European Union and Latin America,’ Escobar said it was ‘disappointing and outrageous.’”

“’What is happening has to do with the narrative that Fidel Castro created at the time, which has allowed many to hide behind the romanticization of the Cuban revolution, in order to then allow themselves the luxury of putting buts on the reality of Cuba, hunger, repression; something they do not do with other realities, such as Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ukraine, to give three examples’”

Náyare Menoyo recalled that Cubans cannot even guarantee three meals a day. “And that is an economic situation, but in the long run it will be a public health situation, a mental health situation, etc. The economy, which should be the basis of any society, is screwed. Where will that end up? I don’t know, but 2024 has been quite sinister in that sense,”

She “referred to the migration crisis, which, in addition to the general population, has also affected artists, athletes and other professionals: ‘Artists have decided that their future or project is not in Cuba. They are going to the US, to Spain, to the rest of Latin America. The crisis is so big that dividing it into sectors no longer makes almost any sense. Wherever you look, everything is bad.’”

“Osmel Ramírez [from Holguin] predicted a 2025 “much more complex in Cuba, much more difficult, with more vicissitudes, if that is possible. Everything seems to indicate that the Communist Party can turn the screw again, a screw that seems infinite. People are going through a very deep crisis and, even so, in the midst of this situation, the Government dares to attack the private sector, which is like the lifeline.”

“Jorge Enrique Rodríguez, from Havana, said that in 2025 ‘the Cuban regime is going to have a very difficult fight,’ because ‘the population has more information every day, and automatically has more awareness of what a political prisoner is, something that was unthinkable ten years ago. We have seen ridiculous laws, such as legalizing blackouts or banning MSMEs, which has been classified as political suicide. I think that 2025 will bring more changes and guidelines that will create tensions. I am not saying victories or defeats, but tensions.”

=======================

[1] Suarez, 2024, a terrible year for Cuba and Cubans, Diario de Cuba (Dec. 25, 2024).

New Earthquake Shakes Southeastern Cuba

On the morning of December 23, a new earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit southeastern Cuba.

There was minor damage to some homes that were affected by previous earthquakes in the area of Providencia, Granma, and landslides were reported in Babujal, Guamá municipality , in Santiago de Cuba.

The head of the National Seismological Service, has warned that “mistakes continue to be made in the construction of works of socioeconomic interest to the country, especially housing. Post-disaster recovery is much more expensive than addressing and reducing vulnerabilities in a timely manner, rather than increasing them with new buildings without steel and cement in the area with the highest seismic risk in Cuba.

=====================

A new earthquake, measuring 6.1 degrees, shakes eastern Cuba, DiariodeCuba (Dec. 23, 2024); 6.1 magnitude earthquake south of Santiago de Cuba, Granma (Dec. 23, 2024),.

Cuban Churches Helping Cubans Through Dire Times

On November 20, the Alliance of Christians of Cuba issued a declaration signed by over 60 Cuban religious organizations that criticized the Cuban Government’s failure to respect human rights, especially religious freedom.[1] Now one of its members (Teo Babun, the President and CEO of Outreach Aid to the Americas, a nonprofit religious organization) has reiterated that claim.[2] Here is what he said:

“We are witnessing severe difficulties and strive to bring hope to the most vulnerable: the elderly, children, women, men, and family members of political prisoners who suffer the absence of their loved ones simply for exercising their rights.”
“Churches have long been a lifeline for the average Cuban. A midst economic collapse and natural disasters, foreign ministries have provided humanitarian aid through church networks, distributing food, medicine and even toys.”
Yet, their support goes beyond meeting material needs. Since 2018, the evangelical community has spearheaded initiatives opposing totalitarian policies and advocating for political prisoners. Rooted in faith, these actions have made churches targets of government reprisal.”
“International organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International and Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), have documented the ongoing persecution of religious leaders in Cuba. CSW reports harassment, threats, fines, and imprisonment of clergy.”
“Children of faith are bullied in schools, and congregations are pressured to ostracize families of political prisoners. Both registered and unregistered religious groups — representing most Cuban Protestants — operate under constant threat.”
“The Cuban government projects a facade of religious tolerance through state-controlled entities like the Cuban Council of Churches. Behind the scenes, the Office of Religious Affairs (ORA), an arm of the Communist Party, wields unchecked power to regulate religious organizations, restrict foreign travel and approve worship construction. This tight control suppresses independent faith groups, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized.”
“The ACC Declaration laments these restrictions, particularly as Christmas approaches, a time when churches traditionally mobilize to provide hope and assistance. The grim reality is clear: 89% of Cubans live in extreme poverty, and over 1,000 political prisoners languish in cells, denied even the basic right to religious visits.”
“Cuba’s crises extend far beyond religious persecution. Economic hardship, food and medicine shortages, energy instability, and a collapsing transportation system have created a humanitarian emergency.”
“The Central Bank’s depleted reserves, coupled with skyrocketing inflation, have rendered basic necessities unaffordable for most families. Prolonged blackouts and failing infrastructure worsen an already dire situation.”
“Adding to the strain is a mass exodus of Cubans. Over the past decade, the population has declined from 11.5 million to 10 million. This loss of confidence in governance—even among officials—has left the country teetering on the brink of collapse.”
“Despite these challenges, there is hope. The Cuban people’s deep spiritual commitment is a testament to their resilience. While the government seeks to control faith, it cannot suppress the determination of individuals who place their belief in God above the state.”
“The international community must act. We call for the immediate release of political prisoners, including those jailed for their religious beliefs. Systematic reforms are necessary to restore dignity and freedom in Cuba. Faith-based organizations, international advocacy groups, and democratic nations must amplify their efforts to monitor religious freedom and support the Cuban people’s quest for justice.”
“As we observe Human Rights Month, let us remember Cuba’s faithful who continue to light candles of hope in the darkness. Their courage is a reminder that faith is a powerful force for change, even in the face of repression. Together, we can work toward a future where freedom of belief is not a privilege but a universal right.”

===========================

[1] Alliance of Christians of Cuba‘s Criticism of the Cuban Government’s Failure To Respect Human Rights and Religious Freedom, dwkcommentaries.com (Nov. 21, 2024).

[2] Babun, Churches are helping Cubans through dire times, Miami Herald (Dec. 18, 2024).

Immigrants Dominate U.S. Population Growth

For Fiscal 2024, ending June 30, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the U.S. population grew by about 1% to 340.1 million, which was the fastest growth since 2001. This includes 2.7 million net arrivals of immigrants. This was fueled by a surge in legal and illegal arrivals, a falling birthrate and a death rate propped up by an aging population.”[1] This net arrival figure is after the subtraction of 271,484 immigrants who were deported last fiscal year by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.[2]

The South accounted for 54% of this growth led by Texas (+563,000) and Florida (+467,000). Only three states were estimated to have lost population, and just barely: Vermont, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

“Immigrants became a major source of U.S. growth because of recently high numbers of people coming to the U.S., a historically low birthrate and a death rate that, while down from pandemic peaks, remains elevated in part because of the graying population.”

“Many states would have lost population if not for immigration. California, for example, lost about 240,000 people to other states. But it netted about 361,000 immigrants, Census estimates show. New Jersey lost a net 36,000 residents to other states but added 131,000 from abroad. Overall, about two-thirds of immigrants who arrived in the last year were concentrated in 10 states.”

“Seventeen states saw more deaths than births in the recent year. The biggest impact was in West Virginia and three New England states with particularly old populations: Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.”

“President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals to limit immigration and boost deportations could affect the nation’s ability to grow, given its heavy reliance on immigrants.” Moreover, “a significant loss of immigrant labor could put upward pressure on wages and prices.”

===================

[1] Kamp, Follow & Follow, Immigrants Dominate U.S. Population Growth, W.S.J. (Dec.19, 2024).

[2] Miroff & Sacchetti, U.S. deportations at highest level since 2014, ICE report shows, Wash. Post (Dec. 19, 2024).

Another Perspective on the Cuban Combatant March

Another perspective on the December 20 Combatant March has been offered by Alina Barbara Lopez Hernandez, a Cuban historian and political scientist who has participated in many protests against Cuban government policies.[1]

She said,”The problem is not that the government is able to summon thousands of people to a march in support of it. It has the power and we know that it has made a huge effort, with a huge police deployment, pressure and expenses that, by the way, it is not in a position to make now.” Indeed, “many of the protesters were dressed in their work uniforms, suggesting that they were organized at their workplaces and taken to the march. Caravans of buses were seen from various points in Havana transporting people to the site, wasting fuel that the authorities say they do not have to cope with the power outages and sustain the semi-paralyzed public transport.”

She also admits “that many of those attending the march are unconditional supporters of the Government and are there out of conviction and their own decision. And that must be respected. The real problem is that the Government knows very well that if a civic protest march could be called without being repressed, it would be much larger than theirs. That is why they do not allow them, thus violating article 56 of the Constitution.”

If the government wanted to convince the world of its power, they would allow a countermarch and if the government did that and the government overwhelmed the protesters, the government’s “stength would be unquestionable. But I doubt they dare. They are too afraid.”

The Government is well aware of Lopez Hernandez’ opinions and protests. This April and June the government charged her and another person with the crime of “attack” for attempting to demonstrate publicly. She filed a complaint against the three officers for injuries during those arrests, but so far there has been no results of her complaints, demonstrating the submission of Cuban justice to State Security.[2]

============================

[1] ‘Allow a counter-march. If they overtake us there, their strength will have no objections,’ Diario de Cuba (Dec. 21, 2024)

[2] ‘Abusiveness, cynicism and cowardice’: Criminal Proceedings against Alina Barbara Lopez prove the submission of Cuban justice, Diario de Cuba (Nov. 15, 2024).

Cuba’s Combatant March of December 20

On December 20, Cuba’s Combatant March of more than 500,000 Cubans, representing the people of the entire nation, flooded the Malecón in Havana [in front of the U.S. Embassy]. . . to send a message across the ocean to the United States government to protest against the blockade and to ensure that Cuba no longer remains on the list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism.[1]

Diaz-Canel, the President of Cuba and the leader of its Communist Party, delivered the following lengthy speech at the end of the march:

“The current US administration, which today has exactly one month left in the White House, has done nothing to move away from the line of reinforced blockade and economic suffocation of Cuba that was left as a legacy by the Republican administration that returns to the Oval Office in January.”
“By implementing the 243 additional measures and keeping Cuba on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, Biden has cruelly and disciplinedly complied with the policy that Trump approved during his term in office.”
“In recent weeks and days, there have been numerous statements by personalities from the United States and other parts of the world demanding that Biden use his power to at least remove from that spurious list the name of a nation that should never have been on it.”
“To point to Cuba as a state that supposedly sponsors terrorism is at the very least false and immoral, no matter where the accusation comes from, but it is doubly so when the accusation comes from US territory, where paramilitary groups are currently training to organize, promote and finance terrorist actions against social and economic structures in Cuba.”
“They are based in South Florida and do not hide away to train. They do it publicly, in plain sight and with the protection of local authorities, even violating their own laws and international treaties.”
“This is how they have acted for many years, sheltering in their territory confessed terrorists from this continent, such as Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, masterminds of the abominable crime in Barbados who, however, died peacefully in the United States without ever paying for their crimes.”
“Knowing such antecedents, no American ruler can classify Cuba as a terrorist state.”
“The current government of that country knows this well. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged this last May when he told the media that there was no justification for Cuba to remain on that list.”
“They acknowledge this but do not act, because US policy towards Cuba was hijacked more than six decades ago by a mafia stronghold of the Batista regime, based in South Florida, and against which they have shown weakness when it comes to acting coherently towards our country.”
“Cuba’s continued presence on that list and the intensification of the blockade policy are ruthless actions towards the Cuban people that must cease now!”
“When our international trade is persecuted and financial transactions are prevented, the Cuban people are being denied food, medicine, fuel, goods, supplies and merchandise essential to their survival.”
“When obstacles are placed in the way of our exports or when relations with our companies are persecuted and penalized, the country is being deprived of the currency that is essential for our development and for financing our project of social justice.”
“When onlineservices are prevented or academic and scientific exchanges are restricted, a blow is dealt to a nation that seeks to develop and move forward with its own talent and efforts, in the midst of an increasingly interconnected world.”
“When a people are denied medical oxygen in the midst of a pandemic, and even other countries or foreign companies that can do so are intimidated, this is criminal action.”
“This is the day-to-day life in which Cuba, its people and its government struggle to make their way.”
“The United States’ attempt to undermine the dignity of this people by means of the club has been destroyed today with this rally and combat march, which demonstrates how high the honor of our country still is!”
“Since we launched the call for this march, the prophets of anti-Cuban hatred have been hysterically shouting that it would be a failure, calling for a boycott and lying about their motivations.”
“How little they know about the Cuban people! How much they still underestimate our patriotic and revolutionary convictions!”
“Other spokesmen for the US government and the anti-Cuban mafia in South Florida insisted on poisoning the networks with the false idea that this was an anti-American march.”
“We do not profess the slightest feeling of hatred or animosity towards the American people. Towards the noble citizens of that country we have all our respect, and our hand is always extended to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between the two peoples.”
“It is the same hand that we have extended to all governments of the United States, from the triumph of the Revolution until today, always based on a serious, respectful relationship on equal terms.”
“But if the United States persists in its efforts to undermine our sovereignty, our independence, our socialism, it will only encounter rebellion and intransigence!.”
“Every administration that has tried has outlived the Cuban Revolution, and will continue to do so.”
“This will be a march, yes, a very anti-imperialist one! Against American imperialism and its attempt to impose itself in Cuba by force or seduction, we will march now and always!”
“We are marching now to tell the United States Government: Let the Cuban people live in peace!”
“Down with interference! (Shouts of ‘Down!”)

“Down with the blockade!”(Shouts of “Down!”)

“Down with unilateral coercive measures against Cuba!” (Shouts of ‘Down!”)

“Down with Cuba’s continued presence on the list of state sponsors of terrorism!.”” (Shouts of: “Down!”)

“Down with the genocide against the Cuban people!“ (Shouts of: “Down!’)

“Socialism or Death!”

“Homeland or Death!”

“We will win!”(Exclamations of: “We will win!”)

Reactions

Although this blogger wants as soon as possible to see the end of the U.S. Cuba embargo (blockade) and designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, this march was not a reason for that opinion.

[1] ‘Allow a counter-march. If they overtake us there, their strength will have no objections,’ Diario de Cuba (December 21, 2024); On the march to victory, and with the foot in the stirrup, Granma (Dec. 21, 2024); Against the attempt to impose itself in Cuba by force or seduction, we will march now and forever! Granma (Dec. 20, 2024); A march that was, yes, very anti-imperialist!, Granma (Dec. 20, 2024).

Cuban Government Reiterates the Purported Reasons for the March of the Combatants

On December 19, the Cuban government reiterated the stated reasons for the next day’s March of the Combatants. Here is what it said:

“Yes, there is a blockade, the blockade has been intensified, there is an economic war, they despise us, they vulgarly, obscenely and hatefully poison us on social media, said the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, at the Plenary Session of the party organization, last Friday.”
He said that “in response to this design of an increased hostile policy, we call from this Plenum on the heroic Cuban people to a combative march on December 20, at the conclusion of the Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power.”
“The Head of State said that “we will express in front of the United States Embassy in Havana, as we have so often accompanied the Commander in Chief, the strongest and most forceful condemnation of the criminal blockade of the United States Government and the permanence of Cuba on the illegitimate list of countries supposedly sponsoring terrorism that causes terrible harm to all the people.”

The next morning (before the start of the March later that afternoon), President Diaz-Balart spoke at the closing of an ordinary session of the National Assembly of People’s Power and asserted that the White House in the last four years had “bet on the collapse of the Revolution” while focusing on the “ruthless application of the system of coercive measures established by its predecessor to reinforce the economic blockade. It did not even have the decency to ease its economic aggression in the hardest moments of Covid-19 or when we have faced natural or other disasters.”

This blockade, he claimed, was “the culprit of the economic problems that the regime he presides over has worsened. . . . The blockade, its walls, have no expiration date. It is the style of empires to impose punishments and extend them over time. . . . The new hawks talk about peace through force. They deeply despise diplomacy that promotes understanding with nations that they do not consider their equals, which they despise.”

“As revolutionaries, Marxists, followers of Martí and Fidel, we will not tire of fighting against the imperialists, fascists, warmongers, exclusionists, predators who threaten our species.”

====================

Today, March of the Combatant People, Granma (Dec. 19, 2024); Diaz-Canel: Biden administration ‘bet on the collapse of the Revolution,’ Diario de Cuba (Dec. 20, 2024).

Senator Welch and Four Other Senators Add Support for Ending US Designation of Cuba as Sponsor of Terrorism

On December 18, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (Dem., VT) sent a letter to President Biden adding support for U.S. ending designation of Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism. His letter was also signed by Senators Jeffrey Merkley (Ore., Dem.), Bernie Sanders (VT, Ind.), Ron Wyden (Ore., Dem) and Chris Van Hollen (Md, Dem.). [1] The letter stated the following:

“We urge you, in your remaining days in office, to restore two key aspects of the policy of the Obama-Biden Administration towards Cuba: (1) remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism; and (2) restore the right of Americans to travel freely to Cuba as they can to every other country except North Korea, and end the Trump era “Cuba prohibition lists” that restrict where Americans can stay, where they can eat, and what they can buy and bring home.”

“The Obama-Biden policy of positive engagement was squarely in the national interest when it was adopted ten years ago today, and it was praised by a wide range of constituencies throughout this country. For two years, the approach you took with President Obama advanced U.S. security and enhanced the lives of the Cuban people.

“Today, after nearly eight years of unilateral sanctions and isolation, the national interest in restoring the Obama-Biden policy is even more urgent and compelling:”

“The decades-long policy of economic, trade, and travel sanctions and restrictions has produced no benefits, achieving none of our policy objectives. Cuba is no closer to becoming a democracy today than it was in 1961, and the human rights situation is worse than it was in 2017, especially since the crackdown of July 2021. And, with extreme shortages of food, medicines, fuel, and electricity, the Cuban people are now suffering their worst humanitarian crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union.”
“Our sanctions against Cuba are a glaring contradiction to the Administration’s policy of addressing the “root causes” of migration. The past eight years have been catastrophic for the Cuban people. Since 2021, the standard of living of average Cubans has plummeted, resulting in extreme hardship and causing over 1.5 million desperate people to flee the island—more than half of whom have come to the United States. This mass exodus of irregular migrants is unprecedented in Cuban history.””
“Our sanctions against Cuba have provided an opening for our adversaries. Cuba has significant reserves of strategic minerals. Our adversaries, particularly Russia and China, have significantly expanded their influence with Havana since 2017.”
“Our sanctions have impeded U.S.-Cuba cooperation on important issues of mutual interest, from migration and maritime security to narcotics interdiction, disaster response, environmental protection, and public health.”
“Our sanctions have infringed on Americans’ rights and hurt our economic interests. Sanctions against Cuba have prevented Americans from traveling to the island, and have stopped U.S. agriculture, construction, biotechnology, and other companies from competing in the Cuban market.”
“Our policy of sanctions has put us at odds with allies and partners in this hemisphere and Europe, none of whom support it and who deeply resent its extraterritorial reach.”

“There is no justifiable or practical reason to continue a policy of sanctions against a country whose government poses no threat to the United States, and whose leaders have long profited by blaming our sanctions to deflect domestic criticism of their own repressive and bankrupt policies.”

“Indeed, the United States routinely engages diplomatically and economically with authoritarian governments with which we have profound disagreements. As you have noted many times, we do so not as a favor to those regimes but because a pragmatic approach best serves U.S. national interests and is far more likely to benefit the people of those countries. Cuba is no different. In fact, Americans have far more in common with the Cuban people than with those of many countries that are ru led by autocratic regimes, some of which are U.S. partners.”

“We recognize that given the limited time remaining in your presidency it is unrealistic to restore the Obama-Biden policy in its entirety. We therefore urge you to take these two critically important steps:

“Remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba’s presence on the list has no factual or legal basis, as a comprehensive national security review conducted during the Obama-Biden administration established. Beyond depreciating the credibility of the list and U.S. efforts to fight actual terrorism, Cuba’s status on the list compromises the private sector’s ability to conduct basic commercial transactions, hinders the ability of Cubans to import much needed medical equipment, and impedes humanitarian efforts to address the current crisis of deprivation in Cuba.”
“Restore the right of Americans to travel freely to Cuba as they can to every other country except North Korea, and end the Trump era “Cuba prohibition lists” that restrict where Americans can stay, where they can eat, and what they can buy and bring home.”

“We recognize that only Congress can repeal the embargo against Cuba. But as the Obama-Biden Administration demonstrated, you have the executive authority to change U.S. policy in ways that would materially benefit the people of both countries and serve our national interests.”

“We will actively endorse and support you in this endeavor.”

Reactions

This blogger endorses this letter and the suggested actions for President Biden.

==========================

[1] Senator Welch, Letter to President Biden (Dec. 17, 2024); Senator Welch, Press Release: On 10-Year Anniversary of Normalization Agreement with Cuba, Welch Urges President Biden to Take Immediate Actions to Bolster Relationship (Dec/ 18, 2024); US senator sees ‘no justifiable reasons’ for designating Havana a sponsor of terrorism, Diario de Cuba (Dec. 20, 2024).

Catholic Bishops of Cuba Invite Cubans To Live As Brothers

In their Christmas Message, “The Sun that Rises from Above Will Visit Us,” the Catholic Bishops of the island said, ” Aware of the difficult realities that our people face, we invite our entire Church and Cuban people to continue praying for Cuba and to allow themselves to be found by Jesus.” Their message also said the following:

“On April 15, the Bishops of Cuba invited you to pray, to pray for our people at the end of all Masses, during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, on a personal and community level. We now renew this call, being aware that prayer has the power to transform hearts, the realities of death, and to turn us back to God.”
“Let us persevere in praying for Cuba, and let us not stop praying for anything.Prayer is the most effective and proper service that the Church can offer to our people, together with all the charitable and supportive initiatives that generate hope in the midst of the difficulties we face.”
“Every human being hopes. In our hearts there is a deep longing for love and peace, for forgiveness and reconciliation, for truth and justice, for freedom and prosperity.To fulfill these desires, the Church, also in Cuba, invites all men to allow themselves to be found by Jesus Christ, ‘our hope’, and to work together seeking the good of all, thus building a Nation where we all live as brothers,”
The bishops also reaffirmed their intention to “send Cuban families a message of closeness and encouragement in the face of the difficult realities that too many of them have to face every day.”
“May the Holy Virgin and her husband Saint Joseph, who gave us the Child Jesus on the first Christmas in history, help us to live these holy days authentically, so that all the situations of darkness and gloom that weigh on our people and all of humanity may open to the hope that springs forth.”

===========================

The Christmas message of the Catholic Bishops of Cuba invites us to build ‘a nation where we all live as brothers,’ Diario de Cuba (Dec. 19, 2024).