Republicans Rip Normalizing Relations with Cuba

Of course republicans would be against normal relations with Cuba. The GOP is so predictable and stodgy. They are the party of most resistance. Their argument doesn't even hold up because we have normal relations with many countries that have a history of human rights abuses.
See more about the delegation to Cuba who met with Raul Castro and Fidel Castro here.

CNN: A pair of Republican congressmen ripped Congressional Black Caucus members for ignoring Cuba's "myriad gross human rights abuses" Thursday, saying this week's caucus trip to the island nation ignored the plight of political prisoners under the Castro regime.

Democratic Reps. Mel Watt, left, and Barbara Lee, speak during a breefing in Havana, Cuba, April 6.

They also urged the Obama administration to refrain from easing trade embargo or travel restrictions until the Cuban government releases all "prisoners of conscience," shows greater respect for freedom of religion and speech, and holds "free and fair" elections.

The call from Reps. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, and Frank Wolf, R-Virginia, came three days after the administration signaled that new rules on family travel and remittances to Cuba may be announced before President Obama goes to the Summit of the Americas on April 17.

It also followed statements from several Black Caucus members Tuesday arguing for consideration of an end to the trade embargo and other diplomatic restrictions placed on Cuba for five decades.

"Yes, we have history -- we have good history and not-so-good history," said Rep. Laura Richardson, D-California. "But the point is it's history, and we need to move forward."

Cuban exiles are in favor of normal relations with Cuba:

MIAMI — The leading organization for Cuban exiles here is calling on the White House to expand relations with Cuba’s government, and funnel much more public and private American money to the Cuban people.

A 14-page proposal from the group, the Cuban American National Foundation, lays out what the document calls “a break from the past” that would “chart a new direction for U.S.-Cuba policy.”

It is the basis of an ongoing discussion with the Obama administration, White House and foundation officials said, and it amounts to the group’s most significant rejection of a national approach to Cuba that it helped shape and that has been defined by hostility and limited contact with the island. NYT

Read the Cuban American National Foundation's report here.

Obama Adds Three Superdelegates Today

today, rep. andre carson of indiana, rep. mel watt, north carolina, and rep. david price of north carolina endorsed obama. that makes 226 supers for obama to hillary's 249, according to demconwatch. obama's been gaining supers, while hillary's are defecting.

Indianapolis – U.S. Congressman André Carson today announced his support for Senator Barack Obama for president, citing Senator Obama’s ability to unite the country and bring needed change for Hoosier families.

“I am proud to support Barack Obama for President because he represents the kind of bold leadership and change that our country desperately needs. I know Senator Obama, like me, is committed to ending the war in Iraq, bringing down gas prices, and creating good jobs here in Indiana, and he has the judgment and courage to solve these problems,” Congressman Carson said. “Senator Obama is a fighter for working families, and part of a new generation of leadership that will bring needed change for our country and I am proud to endorse him for president.”

“I thank Congressman Andre Carson for his support, and I look forward to working with him to help strengthen our economy, bring the war in Iraq to an end, and ensure all Hoosiers and Americans have access to the affordable health care they deserve,” said Barack Obama.

André Carson was elected this year to represent Indiana’s 7th Congressional District in the 110th Congress.

charlotte observer: Reps. Watt, Price are endorsing Obama

Two N.C. superdelegates will endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president Wednesday.

Reps. Mel Watt and David Price planned a conference call to announce their decision to endorse Obama over Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.

The entire N.C .delegation had endorsed former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, and until now only one had announced an endorsement of either of the two remaining candidates. Rep. G.K. Butterfield also endorsed Obama.

Price and Watt are two of the state's most influential representatives in Washington. Price, a former Duke political scientist, is a Democrat from Chapel Hill first elected to Congress in 1986. He is the most senior Democratic congressman from North Carolina and he chairs an appropriations subcommittee.