Today\’s quote comes to us from a source I don\’t usually cite for positive reasons: Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
But Mr. Menendez, who knows first-hand about who and what the Cuban regime is, has issued a statement about President Obama\’s “trade” of Alan Gross for three convicted Cuban spies, and his apparent determination to use this as a springboard for normalizing relations with Castro & Co. that rings so true, he wins Quote Of The Day honors hands-down.
Here is Mr. Menendez\’s statement in its entirety:
“Thisis a moment of profound relief for Alan Gross and his family. Mr.Gross\’ physical and mental health has declined severely as a resultof his five-year imprisonment under difficult conditions. He shouldhave been released immediately and unconditionally five years ago. Hecommitted no crime and was simply working to provide internet accessto Cuba\’s small Jewish community. His imprisonment was cruel andarbitrary, but consistent with the behavior of the Cuban regime.
“Let\’sbe clear, this was not a “humanitarian” act by the Castroregime. It was a swap of convicted spies for an innocent American.
“PresidentObama\’s actions have vindicated the brutal behavior of the Cubangovernment. There is no equivalence between an international aidworker and convicted spies who were found guilty of conspiracy tocommit espionage against our nation. One spy was also convicted ofconspiracy to murder for his role in the 1996 tragedy in which theCuban military shot down two U.S. civilian planes, killing severalAmerican citizens. My heart goes out to the American families thatlost love ones on that fateful day.
“TradingMr. Gross for three convicted criminals sets an extremely dangerousprecedent. It invites dictatorial and rogue regimes to use Americansserving overseas as bargaining chips. I fear that today’s actionswill put at risk the thousands of Americans that work overseas tosupport civil society, advocate for access to information, providehumanitarian services, and promote democratic reforms.
“Thisasymmetrical trade will invite further belligerence toward Cuba\’sopposition movement and the hardening of the government\’sdictatorial hold on its people. Let us all remind ourselves that anuntold number of ordinary people yearning for democracy remainimprisoned by the exact same tormentors that have punished Alan Grossand they, along with all Cubans, deserve a free and liberated Cuba.”
To which I reply, yes. Exactly. 100% correct.
Thank you, Senator Menendez, for speaking the truth, even though it is to the leader of your own party: a man who appears to have little understanding of what truth is.
May many of your Democrat counterparts follow suit.
