US Opinion and Commentary

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Cuba: Beyond Béisbol, Beyond Castro

Posted March 22nd, 2016 at 4:22 pm (UTC-4)
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As ping-pong diplomacy helped pave the way for a relationship with communist China, baseball may help ease the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba. The final score won’t matter in an exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team.

What will matter is the symbolism of the United States and Cuba sharing their national pastimes with a Cuban defector playing for the American team—and other Cuban-born major league players being cheered as returning heroes in Havana.

President Barack Obama said in Tuesday’s speech he came to Havana “to bury the last remnants of the Cold War.”

56 years of enmity cannot be erased in a two-and-a-half day presidential visit. Or a nine-inning baseball game. But it is a start.

Cracks in Catholic Doctrine Debated as U.S. Faithful Await Historic Visit of Pope Francis

Posted September 22nd, 2015 at 4:54 pm (UTC-4)
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The American president who made “Hope” a campaign slogan greeted the man who embodies hope for millions of those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing cleansing, renewal, love — and hope. In the two years since his election, Pope Francis’ tolerant tone has created the space for debate over rigid church doctrine. And for American Catholics, that space is enough for many to hold out hope for change.