To influence Cuba, we must engage

On Feb. 21, 1972, Richard Nixon, a staunch anti-Communist, make a historic trip to communist China and forever changed relations between our two countries. I applaud President Obama for taking the historic step to open relations with Cuba for the first time in 50 years.

Those opposed to the president's decision argue that we should not have taken this step until Cuba has open and free elections and becomes a democracy. We are the only country in the world that has an embargo in place against the island, and nothing has changed in half a century.

If we truly want to influence Cuba's future, we need to be able to influence Cuba's present. This move will also be good for Illinois and American companies, and in this way perhaps we can influence and work with Cuba's future leaders, as the Castro brothers will soon be gone from the scene.

Dean Starr

Libertyville