REQUIREMENT: Hatred

One of the first rules of diplomacy calls for continued discourse no matter how bitterly opposed two countries, organizations, or people are. They simply agree that despite the fact they can find nothing to agree upon, they will continue to talk. This continues indefinitely in hopes of finding something, anything that both can find agreement upon because when there is one agreement, there is opportunity for more. That is, after all, the way we turn enemies into friends. Hatred is a learned behavior. Whether it is about race, color, creed, economics, trends or any number of differences, the process of hating another person is learned either by being taught or by emulation of a parent or some other significant person or organization that has captured the interest and admiration of the person learning to hate.

Fortunately, none of these things are absolutes. People can learn not to hate, they can learn to listen carefully and express their disagreements in a way the listener might reconsider their point of view or at least understand the disagreements so they can both better appreciate those differences. Many religions embrace the concept of forgiveness, despite differences and to actually love each other as well as accept and appreciate these same differences. We live in a society in which most religions preach the need for love and understanding, yet so few actually do and in many cases the religion is simply a “mask” to be worn to gain the approval of ones peers without serious intention or practice.

We are currently observing a pivotal point in time where our country has gone out on a limb to take talk into significant action. We are, of course, speaking of our new relationship with Cuba and the President’s trip next month to further extend the hand of friendship and continue building upon a new relationship. This isn’t to say we or they fully agree with each other, but we are continuing to try and there have been some agreements that point the way for even more in the future.

Sad is the fact that several of our Presidential candidates remain steadfast against this new relationship and refuse to consider the positive aspects. Much of that country’s political machines are growing old and won’t be here much longer, but they have the wisdom to see the future and apparently want to put their country on the path of an improved economy and better relationships. Ted Cruz & Marco Rubio strongly criticize the President for his actions, yet neither is able to give a better approach to the future. ILeana Ros=Lehtinen, a Cuban-American Republican Congresswoman states "Pitiful that Obama rewards Castro's with visit to Cuba while conditions for the Cuban people are getting worse". Considering the number of young people that have come out for the new relationship and the influx of American companies and new opportunities, where is the pity?

A President’s obligation is not to his party or the other party. It is to the American people. Turning a long standing enemy into a potential friend, particularly in the eyes of his critiques, strikes me as something done for the betterment of the American people. Watching a Congress that folds their arms and refuses to change decades-old embargo’s is simple obstructionism and shows a lack of mature, diplomatic statesmanship that these people are expected to have or at least to have learned.

No matter who’s idea it is, no matter who gets the credit, the idea and practice of converting enemies into potential friends is very much a part of the mission of leading and promoting a free world. Those that do not choose to participate have that right, but in the meantime we Americans would appreciate it if they would simply get out of the way and allow the rest of us to build bridges rather than put up more useless walls.