U.S.-Cuba Baseball

“Baseball, Music Bridge U.S.-Cuba Gap” (March 29) gives the impression that if there were only more of these exchanges tensions between the two countries could somehow be transcended. This is false. The article notes the Cuban government’s sharp rejection of President Clinton’s January measures, which, rather than ease Washington’s embargo, focus on financially supporting foes of the government. Havana, as it opposed the U.S. war in Iraq, rejects NATO’s assaults on Yugoslavia. And Cuba’s spokespersons have been on a campaign to promote the “globalization of solidarity” in response to the mounting crisis of the capitalist system, which devastates economies worldwide in the name of profit and austerity.

When so many governments are prostrate before such conditions, Cuba’s example, despite the economic difficulties it faces, and its refusal to either sell its principles or privatize its national patrimony, explains why no amount of baseball or music will reduce U.S. hostility.

The genuine warmth Cubans show their guests should cause millions more in the U.S. to be outraged that Washington now makes it harder than ever for those who aren’t ballplayers or rock stars to enjoy such nearby hospitality, unless we risk jail, fines or both. And Washington talks about Cuban violation of human rights!

JON HILLSON

Los Angeles

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On March 28 in Havana’s sports arena, Fidel Castro stood solemnly while “The Star-Spangled Banner” was being played. In a land where slogans such as “Down With Capitalism” and “Socialism or Death” are emblazoned everywhere, Uncle Sam’s archenemy was showing his respect. Meanwhile, back in the U.S., high school students do not have to get up during the Pledge of Allegiance. Invariably, these same students do not show respect for their teachers, other students or school rules.

Last week a student, a junior, screamed at me: “Get off my face!” when I asked her to sit down. I called for security to escort her out of the classroom. While security was at the door, another student yelled at me: “What’s with you. Were you sexually molested when you were a kid?” He also was escorted from the classroom. The students were back to class before the end of the period.

THELMA D. QUINN

Long Beach