John Bolton, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently addressed a Miami audience via Skype in which he described the experience of visiting Cuba in 1998 when Fidel Castro was in power. He discussed his impression of “Comandante” Castro and his description as “the enemy” of the United States.
Bolton’s visit came at a time when the hostility between the U.S. and Cuba was still palpable. It was a time of much-publicized skirmishes between the two countries, and Cuba’s economy was in decline due to a lack of support from the United States.
The Cuban leader had a powerful presence, and while the U.S. ambassador found the Cuban people to be friendly, he felt that Castro was standoffish. Over dinner, Castro exempted himself from the friendly conversation, and Bolton found himself uncomfortable with the silence.
In what can only be described as a bold move, the Cuban leader invited the U.S. ambassador to address his countrymen in a room full of officials. Bolton agreed to make the speech. He was aware that his words were being closely monitored and recorded.
In his speech, Bolton described the strained relationship between the United States and Cuba, noting that in the near future, he felt the two countries could get along better. He also hailed Castro as a proud Cuban leader and labeled the U.S. as “the enemy.” Despite his warning not to provoke the crowd, a few people in attendance vocally disagreed with the Ambassador’s assessment of their leader.
It is uncertain if Bolton’s speech will have any long-term impact on the tenuous relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, but it did ignite a spark in the audience. It is remarkable that the comments of a single individual can influence an entire nation.
The speech given by Ambassador John Bolton serves as a reminder of the power words can have on a nation. It is a reminder that diplomacy should be used carefully and that respectful dialogue can be used to bridge differences rather than start fights. An open mind and an open ear can help foster understanding and tolerance, regardless of who is in power.
