I received the following e-mail from a Virginia who is outraged at George Allen's attempts to harm Virginia apple growers.
Virginia apple growers are always looking for new export markets and, under Governor Warner, they became the leading U.S. exporter of apples to Cuba, providing 80% of the U.S. apples sent to Cuba.No thanks to Senator Allen. Nosiree, macaca. George Allen, who supposedly is all for "free trade," supported the Bush Administration's efforts to further restrict trade with Cuba:
Senator Allen opposed legislation (S. 328) cosponsored by 30 members of the Senate that would have allowed for increased exports of Virginia apples to Cuba. Instead, he cosponsored legislation (S. 3769) favored by Cuban exile groups in Miami that would provide funding to Cuban dissident groups.
Why would Senator Allen act against the interests of Virginia apple growers? For the money of course. Allen has raise over $250,000 from Florida Republicans, including prominent Cuban exiles like Jose Fanjul, who oppose any relaxation of the embargo on Cuba. Allen has also received $1,000 from the leading Cuban exile PAC, the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC.
Very interesting, eh? Or, to put it another way, "how about THEM apples?" Ha.
Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.