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Bringing balance to Cuba debate

Cuba has a way of bringing out the worst in Florida's congressional delegation. That's why Sen. Mel Martinez gets noticed for talking sense on Cuba policy. When dictator Fidel Castro offered to send 1,100 Cuban physicians and 26 tons of medical supplies to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Martinez did not grandstand, lecture or castigate, as many fellow legislators did. He graciously acknowledged the offer.

"If we need doctors and Cuba offers them and they provide a good service, then of course we should accept them," Martinez said. "We're grateful for that offer."

As a Republican who fled Cuba as a teen, Martinez has the standing to put the frosty relationship between the two countries on more reasonable footing. There is only so much a member of Congress can do to shift the nation's diplomatic course. Martinez's story, though, is powerful symbolism, and the tone and words he chooses already has helped elevate the nasty Cuba debate. While graceful about Cuba's offer, he also pointed out that the island had medical needs of its own. His response was a measured way of censuring the communists without putting politics ahead of Americans' suffering.

Less than a year in office does not a statesman make. But Martinez has shown a comfort and vision for dealing with Latin America. He supported a suggestion that the United States shut down its prison camp at Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba. He has chided the Bush administration, in which he served, for paying inadequate attention to Latin America. Martinez's voice of reason has helped counterbalance the vitriol that South Florida's Cuban-American community hurls regularly at Castro.

By elevating relations with Cuba above personal attacks, Martinez is preparing the United States to deal with a post-Castro government. A strategy for dealing with the neighbor 90 miles to the south is long overdue. Martinez should keep the dialogue open and constructive. Pragmatism toward Cuba will eventually win out.

[Last modified September 14, 2005, 02:15:34]