They are currently in the first year of a four-year testing period of an AIDS vaccine. Cuba provides these vaccines around the world free of charge. The Cuban medical care system treats 14,000 children, victims of Chernobyl, on the island free of charge and has recently volunteered to treat children who are victims of the volcano eruption on Monsterrat. I can only imagine what the dedicated Cuban scientists and researchers might accomplish given the same access to information, tools, techniques, medicines and equipment that the rest of the world has. It is my contention that belief in a system makes one secure within the belief system.
Tolerance is proof of conviction.
While speaking to delegates in Cuba, a young US Communist told me that her experience and understanding of Communism gained from her participation in the festival convinced her to re-evaluate and dismiss her own Communist and far left ideas. By denying each side access to the other, the US-Cuba embargo prevents the mediation of opposites and limits each country's ability to be their best in arriving at a solution thus too long perpetuating a crisis that need not be. Millions of people will greet the Pope and take part in the mass. Perhaps, thousands, even tens of thousands, will come from the United States. On August 17, the New York Times reported that the Clinton administration is considering doing away with the embargo for the duration of the Pope's visits.