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May 17, 2026
Respecting each country’s ability to make their own sovereign independent decisions is a principle of international law enshrined in the UN Charter. Since January 2026, Trump’s anarchic agenda to interfere in the internal affairs of the Cuban government is an extension of his eagerness to violate the sovereignty of Canada, Gaza, Venezuela, Mexico, Iran, Greenland, and Denmark. It must be repudiated by every means possible. Violation of another nation’s sovereignty during peacetime destroys goodwill and leads to mistrust between governments. Now Trump’s fascist policy aims to steal the November 2026 mid-term election.
The rights of immigrant workers were violated until 100,000 Minnesotans rose up to protest ICE domestic terrorism resulting in the death of two U.S. citizens. As people experience betrayal of democratic ideals on a daily basis, they look for purpose to find meaning in their lives beyond domestic borders. The disconnect of the Republican administration becomes more apparent every day as Wall Street profits soar and US workers flip the bill for the Iran war. When voters face ballot suppression, birth certificate, passport and other ID requirements to “validate” vote purges that encourage ICE interference in individual State electoral systems, how can anyone rationalize such illegality without losing credibility?
To build opposition to Trumpism, we must take a clue from our Cuban neighbor. Cindy Domingo (Puget Alliance of Retired Americans) has written about the importance of solidarity to overcome anti-immigrant hysteria fomented by U.S. domination of international trade relations in the global South. While the rest of the world suffers corporate owned media, pharmaceutical conglomerates, the medical insurance industry and Big Oil could not be happier. Their paychecks are signed by the White House occupant.
The relationship between Cuba and the United States is long and complex. I would like to share some thoughts on the threat to socialist democracy posed by U.S. State Department officials. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio poisons the atmosphere with nonsense like “failed State and necessary regime change”, Cuba has credibility in the eyes of the world. Such adventurist suggestions have no place in a world more interdependent and interconnected through science, technological advance and environmental challenges. The old-world order is outdated and unworkable.
The scope of imperial arrogance is magnified by a complacent Congress unaccountable to their constituents. Groveling before a convicted felon twice impeached by his political peers is a risky proposition for the vast majority of workers who expect fair play and demand equal opportunity in their workplace. Donald Trump has proven time after time he is incapable to carry out the duties of his office and provide leadership for the benefit of the 99%.
For many years, the Cuban people have extended their hospitality and generosity to all visitors without conditions attached. Yet, because they chose their own independent political path, the U.S. government imposed illegal, criminal blockade sanctions for more than 65 years as punishment and a warning to other nations to keep their distance. Instead, their country offers its hands in peace and friendship to discuss differences in a diplomatic setting in an open manner.
At this moment in history solidarity with the Cuban people is more necessary than ever. Cubans are at peace with the world; they are not a threat to U.S. national security. Creative resistance, unity of action, revolutionary patience and collective security enable the Cuban people to survive, endure and overcome difficulties against all odds. However, the energy blockade puts their right to self-determination at risk.
As Cuban president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, asserted, “It is not in the concept of revolutionaries to surrender.” The best option to resolve differences appears to resume diplomatic negotiations on equal footing rather than exchanging hostility. Cuba’s medical program offers professional healthcare services to needy countries when invited by other governments that lack adequate infrastructure. Their hurricane preparedness model and national anti-drug policy are acknowledged worldwide. We have an opportunity to learn from each other. The possibility to open doors shuttered by stereotypes and isolation can dispel misunderstanding due to fear and ignorance. Cuba is not the enemy.
The American people have a vital role to play during this critical period. There is not one single model of democracy that fits all needs. What will be remembered is who initiated the conversation first by holding out their hand in friendship. The surest way to save our freedom is to fight to preserve our right to vote. Call, write or email Congress to lift the U.S. blockade of Cuba and overturn the phony U.S. designation of Cuba as State sponsor of terrorism. A better world is possible.
Richard Grassl writes from Pasco, Washington
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