Biz letter

To the U.S. State Department, Hello my name is Zack Farrell and I am a Junior at High Tech High International in San Diego. I am writing to you becuase I wish to express my concern over the trade embargo that has been imposed on Cuba. I can't say I have a particularly high opinion of Fidel Castro ( nor Fulgencio Batista before him) however, I believe that this embargo must be lifted as soon as possible. I also understand that many Cuban-Americans are anti-Castro and are staunch suporters of the embargo, giving Washington little incentive to lift the embargo. Cuba could be a hotbed for investment if only it was legal for American businesses. The travel ban prevents thousands of potential American tourists from visiting the beautiful island. Although tourism is now Cuba's top industry, a surge of American tourists could help the Cuban economy catch up with the rest of the world. Since Fidel Castro stepped down from office a few months ago, his brother Raul has made economic and political progress. A few of the reforms he has made include, allowing Cuban citizens to buy cell phones and computers, as well as to purchase government owned agricultural land, all previously illegal. Because of these reforms the U.S. government should lift the embargo on Cuba and open a dialogue with the Cuban government becuase this age-old economic standoff has done little for the Cuban people. Let us not be bound to the mistakes of the past, but open to the promises of the future.