On Wednesday’s broadcast of NewsNation’s “The Hill,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) said that he doesn’t think military action in Cuba will be needed to remove the Castro regime from power because the Cuban people will rise up, but we will. This piece expands on that stance, laying out why a measured, firm American policy that empowers Cubans and holds tyrants accountable is the right move. The focus here is on practical support, moral clarity, and the limits of military intervention. The article assumes a Republican viewpoint that favors strength in purpose and restraint in force.
Sen. Rick Scott’s comment reflects a confidence many conservatives share in the power of people fighting for freedom. History shows that authoritarian systems can be brittle when citizens are determined to reclaim their rights. That does not mean the United States sits back passively. It means we prepare prudent, targeted measures to amplify the Cuban people’s voice.
First, the U.S. should keep economic pressure where it hurts the regime while protecting ordinary Cubans. Sanctions targeted at regime elites, combined with enforcement against those who help them evade rules, send a clear message. At the same time, humanitarian channels and remittance flows should remain open to keep support flowing to families and activists on the island.
Second, diplomatic isolation matters. We must deny legitimacy to dictators who crush dissent and reward those who back them. Working with allies in the region and beyond, the U.S. can tighten the noose around corrupt networks without igniting a military confrontation. That approach leverages global pressure in a sustained way that empowers internal change.
Support for dissidents should be practical and discreet, not flashy. Communications tools, secure funding for civil society, and asylum pathways for threatened activists save lives and preserve leadership capacity. These are the kinds of actions that help a grassroots movement survive repression and outlast regime churn. They are the smart alternatives to costly, risky invasions.
We also need a clear message to the Cuban people that America stands with their aspirations for freedom and prosperity. Words matter, especially when broadcast into closed societies where hope can be a powerful spark. Promises must be backed by policy, not vague statements. Consistent policy builds credibility and reassures those who risk everything for change.
There is a role for the U.S. military even if boots on the ground are not the plan. Military assets can provide deterrence, evacuation options, and logistical support if crises escalate or foreign powers intervene. That presence should be discreet and defensive, designed to prevent wider conflict rather than to impose a political outcome. Preparedness protects both American interests and vulnerable civilians.
Critics on the left often argue that interventionist rhetoric provokes instability, and they are right to worry about reckless action. Those concerns do not justify appeasement or moral relativism toward brutal regimes. The conservative stance is about striking a balance: be ready, be strong, but let the people shape their own destiny. That stance respects sovereignty while opposing tyranny.
Cuban exiles and diaspora communities are vital partners in any strategy that hopes to succeed. Their knowledge, networks, and moral commitment provide authentic channels of support. Policymakers should listen to their experiences and ensure their voices are central to planning. A strategy that sidelines them risks being out of touch and ineffective.
Finally, America must act with patience and resolve. Change in closed societies rarely follows a timetable. But steady pressure, targeted support for civil society, and the moral clarity to stand with freedom fighters create the best conditions for a peaceful transition. This approach honors American values and protects national interests while minimizing the human and financial costs of hasty military adventures.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.