Vermont Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca says the United States has made great strides in opening relations with Cuba – but still has a long way to go.
Vilaseca was born in Cuba. He recently led a trip to the Caribbean nation as part of a Burlington College graduate level course for teachers.
"They’re not a threat to us in any way. If we truly believe that capitalism and democracy will survive and thrive in Cuba, we need to change our policy and it doesn’t make any sense," Vilaseca said.
Vilaseca applauds moves by President Obama that opened travel for Cuban-Americans, as well as education, medical and humanitarian missions to Cuba. But he added he also favors lifting the embargo of Cuba that has been in place for more than 60 years. He says he sees a need for greater contact between Washington and Havana.