To the editors:
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Admittedly the article was short and not a long analytical piece enabling Miner to explore the subject more deeply, but such practicalities do not excuse allotting over four full paragraphs to the views of Ms. Marlen Vilas Roth, spokesperson for the right-wing Cuban American National Foundation, while giving Maria Torres, who represents a more moderate view, only one line and not bothering at all to search out views of the many other Cubans who support the City’s decision to invite Aragon. If he had spent a little time to ask a few questions, he would have found some important facts.
Do Cubans suffer as a result? Yes. Cuban Americans would substantially benefit from improved relations: normal telephone and mail service would mean that they could more easily communicate with their relatives in Cuba; normal travel services would increase the number of flights between Miami and Havana enabling more Cubans (and the waiting list is very long) to book reservations to visit relatives in Cuba. President Carter had opened the way for such improvements, but Reagan with the urging of the Foundation, shut the door again. Why should the Foundation oppose steps which lead toward improved communication? Because any thaw would diminish their political clout and give voice to divergent views within the Cuban community.
I do not object to the presentation of Ms. Roth’s side of the issue, but the other side is all but ignored. Thus, Miner becomes an accomplice to censorship of the voices of reason and helps further the Foundation’s campaign to maintain control over not only information about Cuba, but also the debate over the direction of U.S. policy toward Cuba.
Chicago
