Over the past couple of months I questioned the United States' position banning Cuba's baseball team from playing in the World Baseball Classic tournament in Puerto Rico in March. Per a recent post, the U.S. has reversed their decision.

When this issue first hit the mainstream press late last year, I petitioned my Congresswoman Doris Matsui, encouraging her to work to get this situation resolved. It gives me great pleasure to share with you a letter that I received today from Congresswoman Matsui on the Cuban embargo topic. Very seldom will I push a political issue in the Sacramento Executive forum. But in this case, because Matsui is a local Sacramento Congresswoman, I feel it is appropriate to communicate in this forum her view on Cuba. I recognize that this may be an opinion not shared by the majority of U.S. citizens, but it is extremely valuable to hear the dissenting opinion once in a while.

Dear Pierre:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the World Baseball Classic and U.S. policy towards Cuba. I appreciate the time you have taken to inform me of your views on this important issue.

As you may know, the Bush administration recently reversed its original decision to bar Cuba from participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Cubans will now be allowed to send a team to play in this first-ever international tournament. This is a positive development, and I believe that the time is right to expand our relationship with Cuba. Often, policies such as our approach towards Cuba are legislated through amendments to the annual appropriations bills. This year was no exception, and I voted for several amendments that would have eased the hard-line positions towards Cuba that were put in place during the Cold War and have been strengthened by the current Bush administration.

Specifically, I supported amendments that would have ended the outdated economic embargo, would have made it easier to send humanitarian aid, and would have eased the current travel restrictions. Unfortunately, all of these amendments were defeated. Please be assured that I will continue to monitor the situation, and will keep your comments in mind should any further legislation concerning Cuba come to the floor of the House of Representatives.

Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this matter. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui
Member of Congress

Just maybe, Congresswoman Matsui will help me fulfill my life long dream - to be able to own a grand old house in Havana.

Pierre Cutler
The Sacramento Executive