ACTION ALERT: Biden’s Last Chance to Leave a Legacy of Peace and Justice

December 1st, 2024 - by CodePink

ACTION ALERT: Joe Biden’s Last Chance
To Secure Five Major Government Reforms
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(November 30, 2024) — As President Biden’s term comes to a close, the stakes for US foreign policy have never been higher. With a Donald Trump White House approaching and Senator Marco Rubio poised to become our next Secretary of State, a continued legacy of violence and imperialism awaits. Rubio’s foreign policy is callous, reckless, and devoid of diplomacy. We know what this kind of approach means for Cuba, Palestine and beyond. We must act before it’s too late.

In Latin America, US or US-backed coups and sanctions have impoverished communities and torn families apart. In Palestine, US-backed genocide and occupation have been fatal for countless families and communities. These policies don’t just sow violence and suffering, they perpetuate a cycle of devastation that impacts millions. Bold action is urgently needed to break this cycle. President Biden still has the opportunity to act before his term ends. The least he can do to counter his legacy as “Genocider in Chief” is to put up the safeguards now to prevent further devastation and set the course towards peace and accountability. 

ACT NOW: Sign the petition below to add your name to our list of demands for Biden in the remainder of his term. Once the signature goal is reached, we’ll mail the petition straight to the White House! 

We, the undersigned, are calling on you to meet the demands listed below before your term as president ends. With a Donald Trump White House approaching and Senator Marco Rubio poised to become our next Secretary of State, we are concerned that a continued legacy of violence and imperialism awaits. Rubio’s foreign policy is callous, reckless, and devoid of diplomacy. We know what this kind of approach means for Cuba, Palestine and beyond. You must act before it’s too late.

In Latin America, US or US-backed coups and sanctions have impoverished communities and torn families apart. In Palestine, US-backed genocide and occupation have been fatal for countless families and communities. These policies don’t just sow violence and suffering, they perpetuate a cycle of devastation that impacts millions. Your bold action is urgently needed to break this cycle.

We urge you to meet these five
demands before your term ends: 

  • Remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list and lift sanctions that have economically crippled Cuba and infringed on the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
  • Enforce the Leahy Law to prevent US arms from being sent to Israel to commit human rights violations, and impose a complete arms embargo on Israel. Reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ensure aid reaches the millions of people starving in Gaza.
  • Re-engage with Iran diplomacy and lift sanctions on Iran to reduce the risk of further escalation in the region.
  • Increase diplomacy with China by cooperating on climate change efforts. This would set a necessary international precedent to save our planet as well as nurture the US’s relationship with China.
  • End weapons to Ukraine and push for a diplomatic solution to the war.

President Biden, you still have the opportunity to act before your term ends. Put up the safeguards now to prevent further devastation and set the course towards peace and accountability or risk being cemented in history as the US “Genocider-in-Chief.”

Justice for Cuba
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As President Biden’s term comes to a close, the urgency to act on Cuba has never been greater. We’ve created a list of immediate actions President Biden can take before the end of his term. One key priority is removing Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism (SSOT) list. Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with Senator Marco Rubio poised to become Secretary of State, threatens to cement a dangerous legacy of isolation and aggression toward Cuba. Rubio’s long-standing, hardline policies have inflicted severe harm on Cuban families, promoted migration to the US and fueled regional instability.

Sign our petition to President Biden outlining our call for the remainder of his presidency, and we’ll ensure it reaches the White House. One key demand is for him to fulfill his promise and remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list before his term ends.

In 2021, the Trump administration identified Cuba as a state sponsor of terror because Cuba refused to extradite individuals of Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN). But the Cuban government was merely adhering to the terms of the Peace Accords. President Petro of Colombia ultimately rescinded the extradition request as part of his ‘total peace’ campaign, yet Biden continues to keep Cuba on the list.

Another justification used by the Trump administration was that Cuba supposedly provides a safe haven for those escaping the US justice system. However, none of the US citizens living in Cuba for the past three decades have been proven guilty of international terrorist offenses.

ACTION:  Urge President Biden to act now: Remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list before it’s too late.

Senator Rubio has proudly boasted about crafting the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Cuba. This approach included the de facto closure of the US Embassy in Havana, severe restrictions on travel and remittances, the creation of the State Department’s Restricted Entities List, and the designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

These policies have not only crippled Cuba’s economy but also disrupted remittance flows, harmed Cuban families, devastated small businesses, exacerbated the largest wave of Cuban migration in history, and ignored the will of most Americans who favor diplomacy over isolation. Rubio’s legislative agenda—framed as a fight for democracy and human rights—has consistently resulted in more suffering for the Cuban people. His measures to impose sweeping sanctions disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, stymie economic opportunity, and hinder US-Cuba cooperation on critical issues like migration, climate change, and public health.

The responsibility for removing Cuba from the SSOT list lies squarely on President Biden. The process requires only 45 days. The clock is ticking and swift action is necessary to ensure this unjust designation is reversed before the end of his term.

ACTION:  Tell President Biden to honor his promise by removing Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list nowThe United Nations has overwhelmingly called for an end to the embargo, and the global community is watching.

As an even more hawkish administration takes power in January, with Marco Rubio spearheading its international agenda, our mission to promote peace, justice, and solidarity has never been more urgent. Please donate today to support our efforts in 2025 to stand with Cuban families and advance true diplomacy.