Malek earns a Tribune CHEER

In his recent Cheers & Jeers column, Opinion Editor Marty Trillhaase of the Lewiston Tribune gives a CHEER to state Rep. Luke Malek, R-CdA, and and Mat Erpelding, D-Boise:

At a time when the Trump administration is pandering to the anti-Castro enclave of Little Miami, Fla., these two Idahoans are offering a bipartisan, united voice toward opening up trade with Cuba.

That puts them in sync with Otter, who has led several trade delegations to Cuba and is chairman of the Idaho State Council of Engage Cuba.

Credit this group with having a clear-eyed view. The Kennedy-era trade embargo has not toppled the communist regime - far from it. Lifting it would enable Idaho farmers to tap into the country’s $2 billion market. Robust trade might even speed the day when Cubans enjoy more freedoms.

Write Malek and Erpelding: “We wholeheartedly believe that working with Cuba, rather than shutting it out, is the right thing to do.”

Good for them. Full Cheers & Jeers column here.