Never been there. But I'd like to be free to go.

I went a couple of years ago for a nursing conference. What a beautiful place. It’s incredible. I can understand why it was our country’s playground for so many years. I stayed in a hotel that was located in the old Jewish section of Old Havana. The hotel used to be a bank. It was like a four star hotel in the U.S., with marble columns and floors. It had an open floor plan in the center, which allowed the light from the stain glass roof to reach the lobby.

The people were very friendly and helpful. I felt very safe, even while I walked the streets alone at 2 am. There are many streets in the U.S. that I would not travel alone at night. I saw young women walking alone (not women of the night), returning from performances or late school sessions. A people tried to get me to buy one or all of three things…rum, cigars, our women. Once someone found out I was American, they would ask me things about America, or state they would like to go, but never asked me to take something to family or ask for money. However one man did ask me to buy milk for his family, and I did.

The history there is truly remarkable. So many old buildings there, dating back to the 15th century. I could go on and on. And the music goes without saying. I went to The Tropicana Club one night. I bought a cigar after the show, and saved for my balcony at the hotel. I took three puffs and got sick as a dog.

I thought it was odd not to see any monuments erected for Mr. Castro, or any anti-American slogans plastered throughout the city. Their capital building is built in the likeness of one of the buildings located in our capital (I forgot which one). And across the street is a park that has a tree that our country had given them. Also there was a bust of Abraham Lincoln in that park. It had something to do with his freeing of the slaves, as we did the same for the Cubans with Spain.

I’m trying to keep this short, so I will wrap it up by saying; I hope this mess between our two countries ends soon, because we are both suffering from the lack of exchange between the two. My time there was way too short, and I am pissed that the powers that be are trying to keep us apart.

It is imperative to repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966. This law provides for almost automatic residency for any Cuban once he reaches US soil. This put enormous pressure on both the American people as well as the Cuban. No people wants to feel that anyone from another country can arrive and move in at will. In regard to immigration, Cuba must be treated on the same footing as any other nation.

I was stationed at Guantanamo Bay for a year in 1973 it was very nice there, great weather, great swimming and diving.

My father was in the military. My whole family lived in Guantanamo for three years.
We were there during the missile crisis, evacuated, then returned in time for Christmas that
year. We were still living there a year or so later when Castro cut off the fresh water
supply to the base. Nevertheless, we loved the place. The base is large, about 40 square
miles, with rocky beaches, horse stables for riding, swimming pools, outdoor movie theaters,
active school, church and social programs sponsored by the various servicemen's clubs.