Inspire America, Inspiring Democracy in Cuba

CUBAN AMERICAN LEADERS

Jorge Mas Canosa passed away on November, 1997, but his legacy continues. The self made millionaire, was responsible for most of the US laws and policies towards the regime that are in place today, including Radio and TV Marti. The day of his death hundreds of thousands of Cuban Americans marched the streets in his honor.

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Prior to 1959 more Americans migrated to Cuba than Cubans migrated to America. The Cubans from the "republic" built in Cuba, an economy that while imperfect, enjoyed income levels that were higher than those of Italy, Spain and Portugal. In the same time that the Regime has made the same country, one of the poorest in world, Cuban Americans, came to the US and created one of the most successful cities on earth -Miami- the #1 international banking center in the US, gateway to the Americas and the undisputed center of style -not very different from the attributes of the Havana they left behind. The tale of these two cities vividly demonstrates an old saying stamped by Jose Marti: Men are divided into two groups, those who love and build, and those who hate and destroy".
Today, Miami is a melting pot, with contributions from many others, but the Cuban exiles who started it all and their Cuban American children, always remember that it was built with hard work, a belief in freedom and the greatness of America.
Below is a profile of the Cuban American figures most likely to have a role in the coming years. It is a partial list of a work in progress. The names of some of the most influential, but non-public figures are omitted.

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Marco Rubio

As leading candidate to the 2016 Presidency of the United States, Senator Rubio made all Cubans, proud -not just Cuban Americans. His commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy in Cuba and around the world has made him perhaps the most internationally influential voice on the topic today. He will certainly play a defining role in the future of Cuba.

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Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ileana Ros Lehtinen was first Cuban American and first Hispanic woman ever elected to congress. As the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs committee, Ileana Ros Lehtinen has earned the support and admiration of pro democracy leaders from around the world. As one of the most senior members of congress, her influence continues to shape US policy on Cuba and on other dictatorships.

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Bob Menendez

Senator Bob Menendez from New Jersey, is one of strongest critics of the Obama policy on Cuba. As a leading member of the Democratic party, Senator Menendez ensures that Cuba's freedom is seen as a bi-partisan cause in Congress. His leadership has led him to be one of the top targets of the regime's intelligence apparatus.

Ted Cruz

Senator Ted Cruz is one of the most serious contenders for a US Presidential bid in 2020. Some members of his family faced persecution by the Castro regime. His influence on US politics in general and his direct connection and knowledge of Cuba, make him a key player in any CUba policy debate in the coming years.

Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Lincoln Diaz-Balart was a member of the US House of Representatives, from 1993 until 2011, during which time he led as the most vocal proponent of pro democracy initiatives by the US government and its allies. He retired in 2011, without ever losing an election and despite his absence from public life, he continues to be loved in Miami and in the Cuban American community in particular.

Mario Diaz-Balart

Mario Diaz-Balart, the younger brother of LBD, Mario has served in the US Congress since 2002. Like his brother, he has been an integral part of the pro democracy in Cuba movement in Congress. His common sense approach to problem solving and his ability to raise money for other candidates has made him a very influential member of congress.

Remedios Diaz-Oliver

Miami's Margaret Thatcher, Remedios Diaz Oliver and her husband built a business and political empire. She is the co-founder of the US Cuba Democracy PAC, the largest one-issue foreign policy PAC in the US.

Gus Machado

Gus Machado is one Miami's most iconic names as a self-made entrepreneur. Machado is the co-founder and treasurer of the US Cuba Democracy PAC, the largest one-issue foreign policy PAC in the US.

Leopoldo Fernandez-Pujals

Leopoldo Fernandez Pujals, is a former Marine, and leading entrepreneur. He works closely with many groups and quietly though significantly, funds a number of projects.

Carlos Curbelo

Carlos Curbelo is a member of congress and represents the new generation of Cuban Americans, who may have been born in the US, and are Americans, but whose family history makes them uniquely qualified to understand what it means to have freedom. Mr. Curbelo has proposed legislation to modify the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Al Sires

Al Sires is a democratic Member of Congress from New Jersey, and along with Senator Menendez, they provide the base to make Cuba a bi-partisan cause in the US Congress. As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and as a Cuban-born congressman, he is very influential on formulating US policy toward Cuba.

Mauricio Claver-Carone

As the man on the ground for the US Cuba Democracy PAC, Mauricio Claver-Carone is the face of the Cuba lobby in Washington. He has skillfully used his knowledge and connections to launch the successful Capitol Hill Cubans blog, which is often quoted by the media. His access and reputation in Washington DC make him a key player in the Cuba debate and policy making.