It is
not 1955, and
Joseph McCarthy is
not the US Senator from Wisconsin. Nevertheless, the federal government is making Cuban ballpayers take what is essentially a
loyalty oath (swearing off membership in the Communist Party) under the new regulations covering free agents from The Castro Family Prison Island. Don't get us wrong, we're all for the Cuban people—ballplayers or not—being able to flee the squalid 'Socialist Paradise' ninety miles from Miami. But, a loyalty oath? Is this really a necessary part of
President Obama's "normalization" of relations with Cuba? Here's part of the oath:
"I have taken up permanent residence outside of Cuba. In addition, I hereby state that I do not intend to, nor would I be welcome to, return to Cuba. Further, I hereby state that I am not a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba...and am not a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party." Come on, just play ball!
