Cuba must give a little to get a lot from U.S.

Surveys show that most Americans support more open relations with Cuba. A growing group in Congress is pushing that idea. Already, Congress has allowed sales of food and medicine to Cuba. Agricultural products are being sold too. There is even a proposed bill that would allow private U.S. financing of American goods sold to Cuba.

How fast the United States should move on ending its 40-year-old embargo of Cuba is the cause of much debate. Good cases are being made on both sides. But the Bush administration is resisting quick change, perhaps for good reason.

Article 88 of the Cuban constitution requires that a proposed law be put to a public vote if 10,000 citizens sign a petition supporting it. The Varela Project is a massive petition drive that has already collected more than 10,000 signatures for new laws that would ensure freedom of speech and assembly, provide amnesty for political prisoners, legalize private business and clean up Cuban elections.

More trade with Cuba, particularly if it is backed by U.S. dollars, must not be given away. The promise of restored relations may be the only lever the United States has to move Castro -- and his successors -- to acknowledge the Varela Project's constitutional claims.