B Y: K E V I N W R I G H TS O U R C E : T I M E M A G A Z I N E

TRYING TO BE FRIENDS

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY

Who: President Obama, Raul Castro, Pope FrancisWhat: United States and Cuba trying to get alongWhere: The White House and Cuba and congressWhen: NowWhy: President Obama wants to change the way we get along with Cuba

SUMMARY

President Obama wants the United States to be able to talk to Cuba all the time, he would also like to open up travel and trade. President Obama said that as long as he has lived we have not been friends with Cuba. We haven’t traded with them in over 50 years, and it hasn’t done anything to make Cuba change. Cuba remains a very poor country and the people aren't free. Americans are not allowed to enjoy the beaches of Cuba. We can’t buy cigars or other things from Cuba. Cuban’s don’t have the freedom to travel and don’t have freedom of speech.

THE FLIP SIDE

Many older Cuban Americans hate the Castro’s and are not in support of Obama’s plan because they fear the Castro’s will get even more powerful. Younger Cubans don’t feel as strong about it, but many congress people are planing to try to limit the changes president Obama is talking about.

MY OPINION

I think Obama should stop doing what he is doing. I think this because the changes he’s making will only make Raul Castro and his government richer and even more powerful. Wait till Castro dies then try to do the same thing with the next president.

OTHER PERSPECTIVE

I think Obama should keep doing what he is doing. If we start talking with and trading with Cuba it would make there country richer and give us a chance to push there government to make Cuba a better place to live and a better neighbor.