Free travel to Cuba

Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) advocate the removal of restrictions on travel by Americans to Cuba. (See the 'Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act', S. 428.) Now is a good time for ending not only the ban on travel but also the remaining embargo against Cuba.

Renewing the freedoms of travel and trade would benefit both Cuba and the United States.

Laws prohibiting commerce with and travel to the island did not end the regime of Fidel Castro. Many policymakers in the United States had hoped they would: American attempts to isolate the country and create hardships for the people of Cuba were aimed at creating among Cubans disaffection with their leaders. Supporters of the plan figured that the disaffection would lead to unrest that would destabilize and eventually bring down the communist government. The plan did not work. It only hurt the people of Cuba and may even have strengthened the Cuban government at times by fueling its rhetorical campaigns against the United States.

Presently, Americans cannot freely and legally travel to Cuba, but they can travel to Iran and North Korea--countries that many authorities believe pose far greater threats to regional stability and to the interests of the United States than Cuba does.

Communism is not on the rise in the world. The discredited economic philosophy no longer attracts many supporters. The dominant view is that in the long run free trade, with a view toward making profits, promotes material improvements in the lives of all involved, and that equitable commercial relationships among nations tend to foster peace.

American engagement with Cuba would be the best way for encouraging desirable political developments in that country. Making Cuba a partner in travel and trade will help to win good will for the United States. But most importantly, it will let American consumers enjoy the full range of products from Cuba and let American businesses serve the considerable needs of the Cuban people. Both sides will gain from improved--normal--relations.