WPLG Editorial: 'Vamos a Cuba' Should Be Discussed, Not Removed ( 6/10/06)

David Boylan, VP and General Manager of WPLG

General Manager David Boylan

A children's book about Cuba remains in school libraries for now. And we support that recommendation from a Miami-Dade school review panel, however difficult it is to stomach. Any other decision might be flirting with censorship.

The little book called "Vamos a Cuba" - or "Let's Go To Cuba", is one in a series of books that introduce countries and cultures to students who are just learning to read. It's benign and simplistic by design.

"Vamos a Cuba" omits mention of Fidel Castro's brutal regime, its failures, and the dismal conditions Cuban citizens endure. Similarly, the series' books about China and Vietnam make no mention of communism. And the book about Colombia leaves out rebel kidnappings and drug cartels.

Many in our community find a cheery presentation of life in Cuba hurtful and dishonest. But banning any books with debatable content creates a slippery slope.

Local 10 suggests, "Vamos a Cuba," along with other materials about Cuba in school libraries, provides a good launching point for valuable conversations with students on every level.

That's our take on things. Let us know what you think.

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