Trump moves U.S. backward on Cuba relations

Donald Trump, our vituperative and piranha president, has once again isolated himself from the views of a majority of American citizens (“Trump Cancels Some Obama Deals With Cuba: Maze of New Rules to Severely Curtail Tourist Traveling,” June 17). A broad spectrum of our society from the academic, corporate, cultural, preservationist, minority, environmental, sports and student communities have developed ongoing partnerships with the people and institutions of Cuba. Congressional leaders of his own Republican Party and the vote of over 191 members of the United Nations have all made it clear that the U.S. travel ban and economic embargo of Cuba must end!

If the Republican leadership in the Senate and House would allow legislation that has been introduced and has broad bipartisan support to move forward, we can end this nightmare againstthe people of Cuba.

I serve as president of the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership ( cubasipgh.org), and we will continue to demand that our country respect the sovereignty of Cuba. We will lobby more aggressively for repeal of all federal laws or regulations restricting travel to Cuba. The immoral and draconian trade embargo violates the right of private businesses and workers in our own country who would benefit from increased economic activity in Cuba. In a reciprocal fashion Cuba deserves the right to market its unique products, technology, pharmaceuticals and cultural assets right here in our own backyard.

JIM FERLO Highland Park

Our only hope is that when the nefarious health care actions being taken by those who furiously scurry around in darkness are exposed to sunlight, the revised American Health Care Act bill will shrivel up and die. Let’s hope it’s not too late. EILEEN QUIGLEY

Friendship

I am in favor of changing the way election districts are done in Pennsylvania (“Get Rid of Gerrymandered Congressional Districts, Lawsuit Demands,” June 16). The process needs to be depoliticized and put in the hands of a fair and neutral body to ensure that every vote is given a real voice. M. CECILIA ROTHSCHILD

Squirrel Hill

Congratulations to the Penguins! Way to go!

The Pittsburgh organization has been outstanding as a molder of young men.

I think especially of how Sidney Crosby was mentored by Mario Lemieux when he came to Pittsburgh. I think this should be a model to other Pittsburgh sports teams as they recruit young athletes.

With money and fame guiding these young men, a mentor with a strong moral compass is needed so these athletes will be successful in their sports and community. Way to go Pens! SUSAN SLAUTTERBACK

Franklin, Pa.

We welcome your opinion

The June 9 article “McKeesport Getting More Money for Sewage System” reported that McKeesport will receive $162 million — more than expected — from the sale of the city sewage system to Pennsylvania American Water Co.

Other council business reported in the article is the promise to demolish more houses. Let’s hope they also do some street paving. Streets here are in deplorable condition. We’ve had no meaningful street repairs for many years.

Since the city has been broke for so many years, that’s probably why we were promised a greater city during the last mayoral election. Maybe this will be it. WARREN MacLAREN

McKeesport