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Bush's Initiative for a New Cuba Draws Cheers and Jeers,
May 23, 2002
In speeches in Miami and Washington, D.C. on May 20, 2002, the 100th anniversary of Cuban independence, President Bush outlined his Cuban policy saying that the economic embargo will not be lifted. Bush chastised Fidel Castro's policies and said the embargo will not be eased until there are democratic reforms, including free elections and the release of political prisoners. The President's statements were received with great enthusiasm from the Cuban exile community, many of whom have offered unwavering political support to the Bush brothers. Some members of Congress and the business community, however, criticized the policy statements as being antiquated; they claim that the best way to bring freedom to the Cuban people is through tourism and trade. Bush, whose brother Jeb is up for reelection in November, was in Miami to raise around $2 million for the gubernatorial campaign and Republican Party.
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