Yesterday saw the first commercial flight from Key West to Havana in more than half a century. That so much time had elapsed between flights is a testimony to the idiocy of America’s foreign policy towards Cuba. Neither Cuba nor America has benefitted in any tangible way from this economic and cultural isolation. Havana is closer to Key West than Miami, and the two locales should be part of a cohesive economic zone.
Cuba and Key West have a long and interwoven history. Before the 1959 revolution, there was regular flight and ferry service to the island. Residents could fly to Havana for lunch and be back in Key West in time for dinner.
Our country’s New Year’s resolution should be to completely normalize relations with Cuba in 2014. It’s now more than 50 years since the missile crisis. Can we get this done?