Obama wants to establish relations with Cuba

Does normalizing relations with Cuba sound like a good idea?  It seems to me that it would boost the whole economy of the Caribbean, and help Cuban-Americans feel that they are more accepted in their home country as well as in their adopted country.  There were secret talks even with Pope Francis!

Read this text and be prepared to speak about it with your English Teacher.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ap-sources-us-cuba-seek-to-normalize-relations/ar-BBgUJV0?ocid=ansnewsap11

Key Terms
 re-establishment
outdated 
approach
 historic shift
enmity
profound differences
 in a civilized manner
clandestine
spied
accompanied 
imprisoned 
sweeping
economic ties
easing restrictions
unilaterally end
abrupt use
 overcoming
major obstacle
lawmakers
long-standing ban
annual cap
remittances
five decades
Sen. = Senator
 hailed as heroes
convicted
conspiracy
subcontractor
bypassed local censorship



Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla  
Senator Marco Rubio - Republican Senator from Florida
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev  - 
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Democratic Senator from Nevada 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ap-sources-us-cuba-seek-to-normalize-relations/ar-BBgUJV0?ocid=ansnewsap11


Questions
What do you know about this subject before reading the text?
How will normalizing relations between Cuba and the USA help them?
What will be the restrictions even with the new relations?
What will help Cuban residents the most?
Who would be the first tourists to Cuba?
Does your country have normal relations with Cuba?  Why or why not?
Did the economic embargo affect the United States?  Cuba?
Would you want to visit Cuba?
How can the Cuban government improve Human Rights?
Do you think that Cuban should be on the "supporters of terrorism list?"
What other steps need to be taken now?
Do you think that the United States should try to change Cuba's political system?






Lesson Plan by Rachael Alice Orbach - Professional English Teacher