Cuba - Travelling Toward Change

by Adrean Rothkopf

The U.S. relationship with Cuba is about to begin a long-overdue thaw. With Fidel Castro now on the sidelines and his elderly brother likely assuming the leadership for only a brief period, the Obama Administration and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are beginning to show signs that they are willing, gradually, to embrace changes in U.S. policy.   And with some luck, that might one day lead to undoing a 50-year old policy that will almost certainly be remembered as one of the least effective in American history.

As a sign of these changes, today Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) announced the introduction of S. 428, the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, at a Capitol Hill press conference.

Senators Dorgan and Enzi should be applauded for taking the first step recognizing the significance of the changes set in motion by the effective departure of Cuba’s long time jefe máximo. But as Myron Brilliant, Senior Vice President of International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber, said as he joined the Senators at their news conference, "Easing the restrictions that bar U.S. citizens from traveling to the island is a critical next step toward a policy more likely to bring real change to Cuba. But ultimately what we would like to see is an end to the trade embargo as well."

The key is that we not stop with these changes but that we build on them. The embargo was implemented to try to bring freedom to Cuba, but it made a martyr out of a dictator and actually has helped prop up the regime. Cuba’s poverty is the direct result of a half century of Marxist mismanagement, but the embargo allows the regime to blame it on the U.S. 

We hope that more is in store soon, especially given President Obama’s commitment to engagement with some of our most difficult adversaries worldwide.  After all, commerce has the power to transform societies. Without a doubt, getting it right matters.

Comments

[Corita CloverFox]

Buenos Amigos! I recently stayed in Cuba for 2 months, and learned a great deal about the country, and by far, travel to Cuba ... it is the Caribbean's only Treasure Island ... a golden paradise. It is important to learn as much as you can before traveling there, especially for first-time explorers, so that you don't experience "Culture Shock" as it is different, yet without a doubt exceptionally splendid and intriguing. Consider travel to Cuba, before the less positive influences of the United States infiltrate their culture, and be in the midst of some of the most loving, generous, resourceful, and interesting people in this world. I know the "ins" and "outs" of travel to/in Cuba, and if I can assist your visit, please contact me.
Gracias, y saludos: La Tramposa Zorro del Trebol
www.cubacharters.net