Bill would drop travel restrictions to Cuba

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

While most of the nation focused on the stimulus bill winding through Congress, nine representatives introduced a bill calling for an end to the 46-year-old ban on travel to Cuba.

The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 4 would allow American citizens unrestricted travel to Cuba for the first time since 1963. The bill by Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., and eight co-sponsors would also lift limits on travel by Cuban exiles living in the United States. The president would not be able to regulate travel to the island unless an armed conflict or armed danger arises.

The bill has gone too far, said Francisco "Pepe" Hernandez, president of the Cuban American National Foundation. Cuban exiles should visit their families whenever they want, but tourists shouldn't spend money in resorts that Cubans are barred from. "It's improper and should not be allowed until the Cuban government makes some reforms," he said.

That's not the case for Jose Lopez, president of the Broward County Latin Chamber of Commerce and a staunch supporter of the trade embargo.

"It's a betrayal and it's not going to resolve anything," said Lopez, who left Cuba in 1961.

Tourism dollars spent in Cuba will inject more oxygen into the dying Castro regime, he said. Lopez also thinks Cuban exiles who want to return to the island whenever they please are abusing their refugee privilege.

Many expect President Barack Obama to back a change in the policy. As a candidate for the presidency, Obama spoke in favor of reducing restrictions on remittances and travel to the island.

Co-sponsors to the bill include representatives Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., Sam Farr, D-Calif., and Ron Paul, R- Texas.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/cub...0,4639522.story

[Ban Hammer 13,641]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

[Jasman0717 9]

Oh goodie, gambling is back for Havana. Where are the Sopranos

[Uncle Wally 2]

about fvcking time...

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Basically, the embargo was always a failure--as US couldn't exactly shut-off all trade with countries (including BOTH its neighbours) who don't have such embargoes in place.

[Peikko 1,575]

They could have got rid of the regime a lot quicker if instead of preventing travel between the two countries, they had encouraged it. Once all those Cubans came home with stories of the wonderful McDonalds and other US delights, they would have risen up and overthrown their dictator and Cuba would have all the comforts of home.

[almaty 19]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

same here... i am ready for a great romeo & julieta....el presidente size

[Bub 0]

I have been to Cuba a dozen times, all without a license from the Treasury. Cuba is an amazing country and I always learn something new there. I am sure of one thing, that lifting the travel ban will bring about change in that country faster than waiting for the embargo to do it. We kept Fidel in power just as much as his charisma and historical conquest. He went the way of all dictators--CRAZY! Absolute power, absolutely corrupts. So many Cubans hope for the day when we can have better relations. There are a lot of educated Cubans and they do the best they can with the severe limitations on their lives--like little to no internet access, only state-sponsored newspapers and news programs, no travel permits, plus severe economic hardships. Personally, I am in love with a Cuban, which I swore I would never do, but since the circumstances are so hard--I am currently filing for a Dominican husband, I cannot easily or cheaply call Cuba, I'm not supposed to even be in Cuba, I am trying to forget about him and focus on making my marriage work. It is not easy and I don't know how my heart can love both men--but I try to just move forward. I do know that if the travel restrictions are lifted, there is a chance that I could make things work with the Cuban. Obviously, I am a feeling pretty lost within myself. But let's hope for an end to the embargo for the Cuban people first and foremost!

[Jasman0717 9]

My wife is part Cuban. He grandfather immigrated to the Philippines from Cuba.

[annelizabeth 1]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

What??? you can't get Cuban cigars now?

[Ban Hammer 13,641]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

What??? you can't get Cuban cigars now?

not unless i went to brazil or europe again

[Saddle Bronc 124]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

What??? you can't get Cuban cigars now?

Not legally importable directly into US, and also CBP officials can "stock up" off you if they find them when you return from a trip to a country (such as Canada) where they ARE legally importable and available.

(so, those who want good Cuban cigars also need to be tops at hiding them)

Edited February 13, 2009 by CherryXS

[Otto 83]

No desire to go - impoverished, dictator-run, hurricane blasted tropical islands aren't on the top of my travel "Places to go" list.

[Ban Hammer 13,641]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

What??? you can't get Cuban cigars now?

Not legally importable directly into US, and also CBP officials can "stock up" off you if they find them when you return from a trip to a country (such as Canada) where they ARE legally importable and available.

(so, those who want good Cuban cigars also need to be tops at hiding them)

just have monica lewinsky fly back with some

[Saddle Bronc 124]

as long as i get some cuban cigars, i'll support it

What??? you can't get Cuban cigars now?

Not legally importable directly into US, and also CBP officials can "stock up" off you if they find them when you return from a trip to a country (such as Canada) where they ARE legally importable and available.

(so, those who want good Cuban cigars also need to be tops at hiding them)

just have monica lewinsky fly back with some

Or, have someone with experience in bringing back stuff (such as medications OTC outside US but prescription in US) bring them back for an agreed-on fee.