Recent comments: Michelle Obama "could make a world of difference"

Havana sunrise

Thanks for these recent comments on the petition to send Michelle Obama to Cuba as a goodwill visitor:

Sandy Waters -- I believe your presence as the 1st Black First Lady visiting Cuba will be an historic moment with countless opportunities to begin the dismantling of the old & outdated policy the US has had on Cuba since the beginning of this country's history. The international respect and admiration that Michelle Obama has can truly make a difference.

Naima Major -- I truly believe this could make a world of difference! My granny still remmebers the other great FLOTUS, Eleanor Roosevelt for her brave stand on issues of human rights and social policy!

Jesus Perez Caro -- GO! it will do wonders!

Rev. Juan Felipe -- As a Cuban American who has been out of Cuba for the past 40 years, I believe that there should be something done, for there is no other country in this world that has gone or is going through what the Cuban people has and is going through, specially of not being able to be, share or help the family. Therefore Someone in this Great Country of ours, someone should step up and do something to stop the abuse of keeping the families apart for years and years as my case has beeen, and if I could be of any help please feel free to contact me by e-mail. Thank you...

Norman Pearlmutter -- Upon return home, urge President to restore pre-2004 non-tourist travel, and full support of legislation to lift all travel restrictions..

Mr. Waldo Parravicini -- The people of LatinAmerica and the Caribbean would love you even more if you visit Cuba, and also the great mayority of your American followers would remember you forever.

Steven R Russo -- please reach out, Michele

Jose Moreno -- The first lady will play a much better role than Hilary Clinton

Venetia Vlastos Moreno -- It's way past the time to end this punishment of Cuba and its people.

R.J. Hayes -- It's Way overdue. Michelle Obama could really make a difference in US-Latin American relations.

Priscilla Felia -- Please go see for yourself what a wonderful country Cuba is - they have universal health coverage and universal free education up to college, things we don't yet have here. You'll realize how immature and hurtful the blockade is to both countries.

PETER VOLPE -- Great Idea...good luck!

Freedom to travel proposal is gaining support

A beautiful gazebo at Emiliano Zapata Park along Quinta Avenida in Havana

The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, also known as H.R. 874., now has more than 150 cosponsors, its supporters said this week.
U.S. Reps. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., and Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., introduced the proposal. Flake said:

After nearly 50 years, it’s time to concede that our current policy toward Cuba has failed. If we’re serious about hastening democratic reforms in Cuba, we need to try a new approach.

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-Conn., also supports the initiative. She said:

Even though our policy toward Cuba has yielded no progress on human rights or democratization, we continue to restrict travel there. This policy is illogical and must be changed. Only by engaging with the Cuban government and Cuban society will we have the platform or the leverage to seriously address our concerns without having them brushed aside.