AP Poll: Views on Fidel Castro and Cuba

-- Some thoughts on Cuba, Cuban leader Fidel Castro and U.S.-Cuba policy.

___

"His human rights record is atrocious, and I just don't believe you can support someone who suppresses his people in that manner." _ John Bard, a high school history teacher from Houston, Texas.

___

"I think we should end the trade embargo. It would open the eyes of all of the people of the country to see exactly what they've been missing. If we had free access back and forth, that could become another Virgin Island paradise." _ Shawn Corey, a building contractor from Banner Elk, N.C.

___

"I feel like if his brother (Raul) that's in charge right now takes over, I feel like he'll probably be the same." _ Patty Byrd, a high school secretary in Mount Gilead, N.C.

___

"There's a lot of dictators that actually help their people and (Castro) hasn't done anything to actually help his people. To me, he's always been about himself and to be in power for himself." _ Lyle Cox, a photographer from Bend, Ore.

___

"They definitely would be better off without (Castro) if the U.S. would open up trade relations with Cuba." _ Tom Martin, a businessman from Springfield, Ore.