Cuba Lobby Book Reviews: What Politicians are Saying

With a contentious history going back five decades, it's no surprise the relationship between Cuba and the United States has inspired several books. Some of these focus on American policy regarding Cuba, others simply recount the events that have transpired, and others are written by members of the Cuba Lobby themselves. Their thoughts are particularly relevant given U.S. President Barack Obama's recent efforts to normalize relations with Cuba by initiating negotiations and removing the country from the U.S. government's list of governments that sponsor terrorism.

The following quotes demonstrate what politicians have to say about the U.S. policy toward Cuba.

Vote Now: Should the US End the Embargo Against Cuba?

One of the most recent books on the list is "American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone," by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, is one of the most well-known members of the Cuba Lobby and one of the harshest critics toward President Obama's recent overtures toward Cuba. In his book, released in 2015, Rubio takes on everything from Social Security to immigration. Politico quoted Rubio as writing in his book that it's crucial that the U.S. address international issues as well as domestic concerns, saying: "Once again, America finds itself with some leaders who believe we can ignore the world without consequences here at home. Apparently they're oblivious to the reality that we are less insulated from global events than ever before."

In 2014, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton addressed the U.S. policy toward Cuba in her book "Hard Choices." In the book, noted National Public Radio (NPR), Clinton wrote that the embargo gave Cuban President Fidel Castro "a foil to blame for Cuba's economic woes." She added: "It wasn't achieving its goals and it was holding back our broader agenda across Latin America." In a subsequent interview with NPR, Clinton said "in my opinion, the Castros do not want the embargo lifted. It's their best friend." She further commented, "They can look as though they are standing up against America. They can blame every problem in Cuba on the embargo."

Vote Here: Is the US Trade Embargo With Cuba Good or Bad?

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