Kudos for backing US-Cuba reset

I’d like to offer support to Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) in his continuous efforts to maintain the United States’ growing relationship with Cuba (“Moving forward, not back: The U.S.- Cuba relationship,” June 15). The American public must thank him for upholding policies that have fostered this relationship and created countless benefits for both American companies and American workers.

President Trump’s recent shift in policy toward Cuba has fueled an ongoing discussion among the nation. Although some of the existing policies will continue, the administration’s decision is a concern, and continuing down this path will have a negative impact on our economy.

{mosads}In 2014, the decision to reestablish the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba opened opportunities for American companies and investors looking to enter a market that had been closed off for years. Opening the relationship between the two countries has proven beneficial for America’s economy, adding jobs through expanded trade with our island neighbor.

Poe is a tried and true supporter of this relationship, which has allowed multiple sectors of our economy to grow. The majority of Americans also believe that these policies should continue. Farmers supporting America’s agriculture industry, which adds millions of dollars to their annual revenue, will be negatively affected by these changes. By imposing more restrictions on Cuba, many Americans are now limited to explore further investment and trade opportunities.

We applaud Poe for constantly supporting the U.S.-Cuba relationship and for upholding the value of American jobs, workers and beliefs. We hope that the current administration takes the necessary steps to keep improving our economy, and that the new policy will not pose a threat for our nation or our economy.

From Sara Croom, Arlington, Va.

Let’s make voting more accessible

It is promising to see bipartisan opposition over the latest efforts to investigate unfounded claims of voter fraud in the 2016 presidential election. Voter data, which includes birth dates, party affiliation and voting history, is not something to be shared willingly without explicit consent and justification.

Where I hope this bipartisan unity takes us is toward a greater conversation about voting in the United States. In many states across the country, we continue to see low voter registration and voter turnout rates, particularly among communities of color.

In California, home to the largest Latino population in the country, the state has seen large voting disparities in registration and turnout between whites and Latinos. This is a product of multiple factors, but not limited to education, mobilization and language.

Now that the topic of voting has captured the attention of policymakers, let’s also discuss eliminating barriers to the ballot box and work towards strengthening our democracy for all people.

From Christian Arana, policy director, Latino Community Foundation, San Francisco

Political sleight of hand in Congress

One political party accuses the other of “pushing Grandma off a cliff” or says their health plan “will kill people.”  While this is going on, Congress simply ignores that when a newborn takes their first breath, he or she already owes of government over $61,000. 

Why do we allow such analogies while ignoring the real damage we have been inflicting on our own kids for decades? Take your best shot at answering that, but I think the only answer is that we have legislated so much for ourselves without the common decency to get out of our own way.  

From Tom Tyschper, Gilbert, Ariz.