Castro’s Cuba and Custody Case

Re “The Two-Faced Mirror of Human Rights,” Commentary, April 14: Arianna Huffington quotes Sen. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) as saying that in Cuba there is “no freedom to worship God; no freedom to choose one’s livelihood; no freedom to read or speak the truth.” As a recent visitor to Cuba, I challenge those statements.

If there is not freedom to worship God in Cuba, why was I able to attend a Roman Catholic vigil mass there, and why were Protestant members of our group able to attend a Protestant church? The Jewish members of our group felt that the synagogue was too far from the Habana Libre Hotel and chose not to attend.

The Cuban government finances all education. Therefore if a student makes all Ds and Fs in the sciences, the Cuban government will not finance medical school for the student. I guess you could call this denying the individual the right to choose his livelihood.

Cuban citizens had the opportunity to speak the truth to the members of our group who rented cars. These individuals drove all over Havana, Veradera Beach and Trinidad with only maps to guide them. They met and talked with many Cubans. Most spoke about the hardships brought on by the ongoing embargo. However, none spoke Mack’s version of the “truth.”

People need to visit Cuba and see it for themselves.

COREEN FIELDS

Carson

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This Elian Gonzalez thing makes me sick. It is both a tragedy for an innocent child and a debacle for any thinking American. How a group of rabble can throw this nation into total confusion and inaction is beyond me. Janet Reno, go home!

DAVID FIEDLER

Laguna Hills

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Janet Reno has to be the lousiest attorney general we have ever had. That little Cuban boy should have been sent back to Cuba months ago. Who needs her?

DON SPAAN

Torrance

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If the people in Miami prefer the United States over Cuba, then why are they all waving Cuban flags?

ROBERT RAMSAY

Lomita