Obama's Address to Cuba by Matthew Homsher 9th

Summary: President Barack Obama is the first American President since Calvin Coolidge to set foot on Cuban soil in 88 years. Obama spoke about the purpose of his trip, in which he said, “I have come to bury the last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas.” He brought up America’s imperialistic past, the Cuban revolution, and the Cold War isolation that had divided the two countries. When Calvin Coolidge went to Cuba he said, rather ironically now, “I have come here to extend the hand of friendship to the Cuban people.” Despite the similar attitude of their addresses, Obama focused on the importance of his visit. “I want you to know I believe my visit here demonstrates that you do not need to fear a threat from the United States.” He also suggested that Raul Castro embrace the voice of his people and, in return, promised he would lift the embargo. Obama expressed hope for a better future, quoting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and saying to the new generation that they invoke the “fierce urgency of now.”

Synopsis: Obama hopes for a lasting relationship with Cuba and he brought several American businesses to prove his commitment to tear down the trade embargo. However, his positive move towards closing the gap would have to be continued by his successor in order to have any merit. Obama’s choice of words also sent different messages. Notice how he said he was burying the remnant of the Cold War in the Americas. He did not say he was burying the last remnant of the Cold War, which has some interesting implications. Hopefully, his visit at least convinced Raul to trust America and started the beginning of a new diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/23/world/americas/obama-cuba.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FCuba&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=collection&_r=0