For the 21st time, Pastors for Peace has successfully broken the US blockade of Cuba! More than a hundred PfP volunteers crossed the border at McAllen, Texas on July 21st with hundreds of tons of school, medical and building supplies for the people of Cuba. Despite openly declaring their intention to break the blockade, the group faced no resistance from US border patrol. It seems the agents in charge of enforcing the blockade agree that our Cuba policy it is not only immoral, but too embarrassing to stand by.
Folks in the Twin Ports donated 20 large boxes of building supplies to the effort, and raised over $1000 to support the caravan when it stopped in Duluth on July 6. NAWC gives a special shout-out to the Central Labor Body and Peace Church for helping collect donations; to Carmody Irish Pub, Andrew Turpening, Yazmin and Bruce Bowers, and members of 2one8 for making a successful benefit concert; to Roxanne Johnson and the folks at Loaves & Fishes for cooking up a great soul food meal for the Pastors; and to the speakers who helped welcome Pastors for Peace to Duluth at a July 6 press conference: Rev. Brooks Anderson, Mayor Don Ness, Sister Jean Maher, and Brent Mavick from Congressman Oberstar's office.
Congressman Oberstar took the opportunity of the Pastors for Peace visit to Duluth to sign on as a co-sponsor to the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, which would allow free travel to Cuba and relax the trade embargo. The bill passed the House's Agriculture Committee in June, and is expected to pass both the House and Senate by year's end.
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