Baucus says 'democracy will take root and flourish' under changes

By TRACEY EATON / The Dallas Morning News

HAVANA – When a U.S. senator journeyed to Cuba over the weekend, he took an unusual approach, at least for a visiting dignitary: He urged that the island
adopt Western-style democracy – just what his socialist hosts want to avoid.

Yet it was all hugs and handshakes during Max Baucus' visit because he supports other ideas with which the Cuban government agrees. He wants an end to the
longtime ban on U.S. trade with Cuba, and he supports the sale of American food and produce to the island.

On Sunday, the Democratic senator announced that Cuba planned to buy up to $10 million in food from Montana. A law passed in 2000 allows American
producers to sell to Cuba on a cash-only basis. Cuba has since purchased more than $500 million in products.

Mr. Baucus led a 28-member delegation that included U.S. Rep. Dennis Rehberg, D-Mont., political aides and businesspeople from Montana. The senator leads a
push in the Senate to take the teeth out of laws preventing American tourists from visiting the island.

The House voted this month to ease travel restrictions. The Senate is expected to vote on a similar version of the bill this fall. President Bush vows he'll veto it if it
passes. He and others say that trading with Cuba will only prolong the rule of Fidel Castro.

But Mr. Baucus says normal relations will cause the socialist government to fall.

"If America allowed the Cuban gates to open, the flood of American travelers would follow," he said. "And that would be just the beginning. With increased travel
comes increased economic activity, increased spread of ideas, and increased hope that democracy will take root and flourish."

Mr. Baucus met with Oswaldo Payá, a leading Cuban dissident, and with the wives of three political prisoners sentenced in April to 25-year terms.

"I have talked to many Cuban people," the senator said. "One of the most telling descriptions came from a man I talked to yesterday who was selling crafts in the
market. When I said I was from America, his eyes lit up and he said, 'Ah, Americans, our lovely enemies.' I look forward to the day, when the response is, 'Ah,
Americans, lovely friends.' "