Why is the U.S. interested in "freedom and democracy" in Cuba?

It used to be a pawn, they revolted. Instilling freedom and democracy would mean being a US pawn again, in their eyes. Dictators are fine if they play ball. We have put many of them in power, but then aren't they are pawns?Fidel is gone, he is almost dead, I think it will bring change to Cuba and hopefully the US, but the people of Cuba have to do this themselves.