In a decision ending decades of irrationality and brining the United States squarely into the 21st century, President Obama has wisely decided to recognize Cuba. The fact that Cuba is a mere 90 miles from the U.S. mainland attests to how silly this non-recognition policy has been ever since the 1960s. Of course, we had to punish Fidel Castro for his rebel-led rebellion that thwarted the best efforts of the CIA back in the ’50s, when that agency was overthrowing legitimately elected governments all over Latin America. Surely you didn’t think CIA torture program was the agency’s only mishap, did you? Try reading “The Brothers” by New York Times reporter Stephen Kinzer for a grim and revealing look at the CIA’s work with the enthusiastic backing of the government back in the ’50s and early ’60s.

But back to Cuba. The President’s action is being hailed by everyone with some common sense, which of course excludes the anti-Castro community in South florida, Which has held this country’s policy hostage for five depressing decades. Representative of that is Florida Rep. Marco Rubio, who, sounding like a Cold War relic, warns of how this decision will threaten America’s national security (a Cuban military invasion of Key West?). Rubio, naturally, is just spouting politics; he wants to secure the electoral votes of Florida for his 2016 presidential bid. Ironically and entertainingly, incoming Senate President Mitch McConnell says his thoughts about Cuba are whatever Marco Rubio thinks “because he’s the expert.” So much for Mitch’s intellectual chops; whatever someone else thinks works fine for him. Keeps him from having to think very much, which apparently is both painful and too often comes up empty.

Anyhow, re-establishing relations with Cuba will prove a boon to the Cuban people our policy has professed to help but which has in actuality only hurt economically. Of course Cubans are happy about it along with the prospect of an end of lessening of the fault-ridden and unsuccessful boycott. It will ultimately prove good for U.S. businesses and tourists. It already is having a positive impact on U.S. relations with the rest of the continent. Think about that, Mitch.

Of course a lot of Republicans will oppose this. After all, it comes from President Obama, who is the Satan of America. Maybe, just maybe, common sense will win out. It’s long overdue.