Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 20:03:31 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <200201160103.UAA29439@mattababy.mit.edu>
From: belmonte@mit.edu (Matthew Belmonte)
To: senator@kennedy.senate.gov
Subject: thanks for your support of the Bridges to the Cuban People Act

Dear Senator Kennedy

In 2000 I wrote to ask for your support of Christopher Dodd's proposed
amendment which would have eliminated funding for enforcement of the current
ban on travel from the United States to Cuba.  Although that amendment was in 
the end not adopted, I was glad to learn of your vote against tabling it.
2002 gives us another chance to eliminate this Cold War relic: I'm glad to see
that you're a sponsor of S.1017, the Bridges to the Cuban People Act of 2001,
which would lift the travel ban, ease restrictions on trade in food and
medicines, and provide for educational aid to the people of Cuba.  As recent
events elsewhere in the world have demonstrated, marginalising entire nations
only fosters ill will towards the United States.  I hope for passage of this
important legislation, and I thank you for your efforts on its behalf.

Sincerely,
Matthew Belmonte