Obama: Cuba

Dear President Obama,

I write to echo the sentiment of gratitude expressed by the Latin America Working Group. Thank you for delivering on your campaign promise of engaging with Cuba. I think the lifting of travel sanctions is long overdue and I am happy that you are taking such forward-thinking steps.

I hope that you will continue to take a more nuanced view towards Cuba in the future. While there are certainly human rights concerns in Cuba, as there are in many of the Latin American countries we currently regard as allies, we cannot disregard that country’s positive contributions to the region, particularly as it relates to their excellent health care system. I urge your continued support for normalized relations with Cuba.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Schakowsky: Giffords, Shooting

Dear Representative Schakowsky,

I was shocked and saddened to hear this Saturday of the shooting rampage and attempted assassination of Congresswoman Giffords as well as the death Christina Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, Gabriel Zimmerman and the Honorable John Roll as well as the numerous injured bystanders. This kind of violence defies explanation and is an injury to our nation and our entire society.

Please express my sympathies to Representative Giffords’ family, friends and staff and let them know that they and the victims of this attack are in my prayers.

Thank you for your service,

-Helder Weil