Cubana-Be, Cubana-Bop

That's the title of a once-famous Dizzy Gillespie recording featuring the Cuban drummer Chano Pozo. We're listening to it today (while sipping coffee from our Obama "Hope" mug) in recognition of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. High marks to Stephen Harper and his Ottawa team for facilitating the coming together thru low-radar talks, possibly in the 24 Sussex Drive man-cave.  And, of course, to the estimable Pope Francis for pressing Obama and Castro to get together. ("Hey, guys--it's fifty years. Peace and goodwill.")

Florida Republicans Jeb ("My daddy was President and my brother was President, and now, by damn,  it's my turn") Bush and Marco (the road company Ricky Ricardo) Rubio quickly condemned the move, to the surprise of all those who thought they'd say, "Golly, Barack--good job!"

The current lack of wisdom is that Obama has not brought off the miracles he was expected to, and while it is true that he was unable to change the toxic environment in Congress, due to the intransigence of the other team, he has accomplished two things that were beyond the capability of former chief executives: the introduction of affordable health care, and now a return to friendly relations with Cuba. (He also told people to forget Kim Jong-Un and go to the movies, for which Seth Rogen and James Franco will be thanking him.)

There are those who complain of the problems in getting what his critics call Obamacare off the ground, but hey, think it was smooth sailing for T.C. Douglas when he brought his health care plan to Saskatchewan?

Back to "Cubana-Be, Cubana-Bop," which sounds like Stravinsky and his Firebird in Havana, and a last word from Manny Goodman of the Jazzmanian Devils: "Can't wait to see Obama sitting with Raul smoking some honkin' big Havana stogie."