Cui bono? The embargo as ideology for rip offs

[Say_What]

Posted in the IN THE UNITED STATES section of Radio Progresso. http://www.rprogreso.com/

<clips>

OPINION: “U.S. law forbids Americans to travel to Cuba for pleasure. That law is on the books and it must be enforced. We allow travel for limited reasons, including visit to a family, to bring humanitarian aid, or to conduct research. Those exceptions are too often used as cover for illegal business travel and tourism, or to skirt the restrictions on carrying cash into Cuba. We’re cracking down on this deception.”
-- G. W. Bush, October 10, 2003

FACT: Administrative regulations don’t prohibit Americans from traveling, but from spending money in Cuba, unless licensed to do so for research, media reporting, or family visits.

“Freedom of movement is the very essence of our free society, setting us apart…it often makes all other rights meaningful.”
-- Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, (concurring) Aptheker v. Secretary of State, 378 U.S. 500, 520 (1964)

For more than four decades, I’ve read false, stupid and downright zany reports about the U.S. embargo and travel ban on Cuba. On October 10, when President Bush announced his new and tougher measures against Fidel Castro’s regime in order to “hasten the arrival of a new, free, democratic Cuba,” I almost laughed.

These steps are “only the beginning,” Bush said, “of a more robust effort to break through to the Cuban people.” Had he forgotten the last forty-four years and ten months of other presidents’ robust efforts? Enough, I said. It’s time to offer my own observations on the subject.

The objective of the pro-embargo advocates has no relation to foreign or domestic policy or fostering change in Cuba. Rather, a small group of rich and extreme right wing Cubans – some who have clear connections to terrorism – use anti-Castroism to control U.S. policy and thereby increase their own power and fortunes.

[Wwagsthedog]

1. Don't forget the sugar lobby!

n/t

[Say_What]

2. Stand up for your rights! Contact Members of the Conference Committee

Contacting Members of the Conference Committee

Action: Contact the members of the conference committee to let them know that the American people expect the Cuba travel provisions to survive the conference committee process. The Democrats on the committee must feel pressure to stand up to the Republicans and fight for these amendments. Meanwhile, the Republicans need to know that the American people are watching this conference and will raise a MAJOR fuss if they act undemocratically. IF YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS ISN'T ON THIS LIST, SOLICIT ANY FRIENDS OR FAMILY WHO LIVE IN THESE DISTRICTS/STATES TO CONTACT CONGRESS.

Dear ______________

For the first time, the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have both adopted legislation to lift the ban on travel by Americans to Cuba (as part of the Treasury-Transportation Appropriations bill).

I urge you to stand up to the Congressional leadership and refuse to let them drop the Cuba travel language from the final bill that is sent by Congress to President Bush. Because the House and Senate passed identical language, dropping the language would be contravening the will and the rules of Congress.

U.S. policy of isolating Cuba, economically and diplomatically, has been a failure for decades. The ban on travel by Americans to Cuba restricts our constitutional right to travel where we wish, and it limits very important contacts and opportunities for commerce between Americans and Cubans.

I urge you to stand strong, to support freedom for Americans and Cubans, and to fight to preserve the language permitting travel by Americans to Cuba. Please report to the House and Senate members our expression of support.

Sincerely,

Name
Address


<http://www.lawg.org/pages/new%20pages/countries/Cuba/travel_calls_conf.htm>