John Block Reports from Washington

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by the Renewable Fuels Association, Wal-Mart Stores, Monsanto, and John Deere. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you.

And now for today's commentary--

President Barack Obama has promised change. Some of that change may prove to be good and some perhaps not so good. However, one change that I hope he initiates will surely be positive. We need to establish full commercial and diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Fifty years ago, President Obama wasn't even born yet when President Eisenhower imposed the first sanctions against Cuba. Throughout all of these years, we have boycotted trade with Cuba. No tourism. We have had a radio station (Radio Marti) broadcasting our propaganda aimed at Cuba.

Over that timeframe, President Nixon went to China. And now, we have full diplomatic relations with China. We helped bring them into the World Trade Organization. We fought a war with Viet Nam, but now have an Ambassador in that country and an impressive trading relationship.

What is wrong with Cuba only 90 miles from the coast of Florida? Did we think that by boycotting Cuba they would change and Fidel Castro would be overthrown? No -- that hasn't worked.

Do we believe that Communist Cuba is a major threat to the U.S.? I don't think so!

Our refusal to establish relations with Cuba has all been politics. Over the years, the Cuban population of Florida has wanted to punish Castro. That feeling is changing with the younger generation in Florida taking a more pragmatic view.

We did open some trade with Cuba in 2000 in food and ag products -- close to $400 million dollars worth of sales. However, in 2004, most of that was shut down again.

The time has come to take a new look at Cuba. They need our rice and farm equipment. They are too close to continue to ignore them. We are the only country in the world without reasonable relations with Cuba. What does that say about us?

I will be going to Cuba in March with an agricultural delegation. I'll report to you that I find.

Until next week, I am John Block from Washington.