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Libertarian Party Release: U.S. Embargo on Cuba
The Libertarian Party ^ | May 21, 2002 | Libertarian Party

Posted on 05/21/2002 12:19:30 PM PDT by tdadams

Continuing embargo on Cuba does more harm to American freedom than to Castro, Libertarians say

WASHINGTON, DC -- By continuing to support the U.S. embargo on Cuba, President Bush is undermining the freedom of the American people, Libertarians say.

"The U.S. government has no business ordering Americans not to trade with or travel to Cuba or any other nation," said LP Executive Director Steve Dasbach. "By stubbornly refusing to repeal this failed, 40-year- old law, Bush is punishing the American people for the crimes of Fidel Castro."

In an appearance in Miami's "Little Havana" on Monday, Bush called for democratic reforms in Cuba and reaffirmed U.S. support for the trade embargo imposed on dictator Fidel Castro in 1962.

But by focusing on removing Castro from power, Bush has ignored the fact that the embargo is undermining two fundamental American freedoms, Libertarians say: the freedom to trade and the freedom to travel. Federal law imposing sanctions on Cuba makes it illegal for U.S. firms to trade directly with that nation, and travel restrictions created in 1963 impose fines of up to $50,000 on Americans who are caught traveling there.

"The trade ban violates the economic freedom of every American," Dasbach said. "Individuals and businesses in a free country should be able to buy and sell goods freely to whomever they like, without getting government approval.

"According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. firms lose between $600 million and $1.2 billion worth of business per year by not being able to trade with Cuba. Why should American businesses and consumers be punished because Cuba is a communist state?

"And why should American workers be deprived of jobs simply because their government has singled out one particular tyrant for punishment? After all, the United States trades with or gives foreign aid to other dictatorial states like Jordan, Egypt, and China.

"The Cuban embargo has, in effect, created a list of 'government- approved dictators,' like those in Jordan, Egypt, and China, and 'unapproved dictators' like Fidel Castro," he said. "U.S. politicians should abolish this arbitrary list and let American people and businesses decide for themselves which governments should be punished with a trade cutoff.

"The travel ban is reminiscent of authoritarian regimes like the former Soviet Union, East Germany, and yes, Cuba," Dasbach said. "The freedom to come and go as you please is a fundamental human right. Politicians have no business ordering Americans not to visit 'unapproved' countries, then fining and interrogating them when they return."

And the travel ban is enforced, Dasbach noted. The Treasury Department estimates that 50,000 Americans visit Cuba illegally every year, and an estimated 800 are prosecuted.

One example: Two years ago, Marilyn Meister, a retired, 73-year-old Wisconsin school teacher, went on a Canadian-organized bicycle trip to Cuba. When she returned, she told The Washington Post, she was confronted by a U.S. Customs agent who "flew into a rage and made me feel like the most horrible of criminals." Meister was charged with violating the travel ban and ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.

"What kind of government feels threatened by a 73-year-old school teacher riding a bicycle in Cuba?" Dasbach asked. "Ours does. But when government bureaucrats have the power to berate ordinary Americans for going on vacation - then extort an exorbitant fine - it's time to repeal that law."

That's why the U.S. embargo on Cuba must be eliminated, Dasbach said.

"If Bush really wants to send a pro-liberty message to Fidel Castro, he can do it by ending the embargo on American freedom."


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: cuba; tradeban; travelban
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To: tdadams
I have yet to hear a cogent argument why America gives most favored nation trading status to China, an oppressive Communist dictatorship, but prohibits any trade or travel with Cuba, also an oppressive Communist dictatorship.

It's just blatant hypocrisy and double-standards. Cuba poses as much of a threat to the U.S. as Rhode Island does.

21 posted on 05/21/2002 1:16:28 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
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To: afuturegovernor
And I still believe the Republican Party clearly holds the moral high ground over the Democrats and Libertarians.

Some moral ground. Ever hear of the Log-Cabin Republicans?

I don't believe in abortion

Neither does most Libertarians. There are many pro-life Libertarians such as Ron Paul and Carla Howell. We just believe that it should never had become a federal issue. By the way, about a third of all Republicans are pro-choice (baby killing).

withdraw from world politics

Not necessarily from the world, just from the globalist organizations who keep taking our hard-earned tax dollars to prop up their tin-pot regimes.

22 posted on 05/21/2002 1:21:58 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
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To: A Vast RightWing Conspirator
Carrot---China...

Cuba---stick!

23 posted on 05/21/2002 1:22:55 PM PDT by f.Christian
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
It's just blatant hypocrisy and double-standards. Cuba poses as much of a threat to the U.S. as Rhode Island does.

But not as much as Vermont. I've gots to know. I've been there.

24 posted on 05/21/2002 1:27:17 PM PDT by A Vast RightWing Conspirator
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To: Havisham
I'm in favor of the embargo but I noticed the Miami crowd was lukewarm to Bush's tired rhetoric and strained delivery.

Lukewarm? You must have been watching a different speech than I. Even Tom Brokaw commented on NBC nightly news on the excitement in the crowd.

25 posted on 05/21/2002 1:34:21 PM PDT by afuturegovernor
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To: Havisham
I'm in favor of the embargo but I noticed the Miami crowd was lukewarm to Bush's tired rhetoric and strained delivery

I heard W's speech on radio...I guess the WILD APPLAUSE AND APPROVAL I heard was canned???

26 posted on 05/21/2002 1:36:52 PM PDT by E=MC<sup>2</sup>
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
Every four years the GOP debates and wrangles over the exact wording of its pro-life platform since it was first put in by Judge Charles Pickering in 1976. The exact words to used to promote a prolife agenda is carefully crafted.

Yet, the libetarians want a pass on way they have a pro-choice platform. A double standard for sure by the people who fume about the GOP not agreeing with them on every single issue.

27 posted on 05/21/2002 1:42:35 PM PDT by afuturegovernor
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To: tdadams
I believe in free trade, but it must be reciprocal or it is not "free trade." So, I say we open up and allow Americans to go to Cuba anytime we want ... just as soon as Castro allows Cubans to visit the US anytime they want.

As Americans, we can travel just about anywhere we want, whenever we want, except for places that are mostly hellholes ruled by despots. A few Cubans (politicians, baseball players, musicians, etc) are not allowed to leave the island except under very limited and VERY CONTOLLED circumstances, and the rest are not allowed to leave at all. If they want to leave the island, THEY HAVE TO ESCAPE.

Now tell me -- between Cubans and Americans -- which ones have freedom and which ones are in bondage?

28 posted on 05/21/2002 1:46:59 PM PDT by RedWhiteBlue
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To: tdadams
The exiles in Miami would lose most of the tourist dollars to a more beautiful, much cheaper vacation destination. This is the Real reason.

But we dare not admit this openly, for the phenomenon of mass denial has become our very own sacred cow. Don't touch it. Don't question it. Just do it

29 posted on 05/21/2002 1:55:01 PM PDT by miamimark
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To: justshutupandtakeit
One of the things I think people are forgetting here is that Castro is a known supporter of terrorism. He believes in the communist revolution and has a history of trying to support leftist rebel groups in other countries through weapons and finance and logistics support. Because he no longer has they resources, he is not longer able to prop up and support these groups in their bid to overthrow there governments. Any influx of capital to Cuba would allow castro the oppurtunity to again attempt the start the revolution in Latin America. He directly attempts to undermine and destablize his neighbors governments. The state department has held this positions under both liberals, conservatives and moderate presidents. Carter didn't exactley disagree when he was president, and Reagan saw it first hand. Even Clinton knew it. We must continue the embargo.
30 posted on 05/21/2002 2:13:32 PM PDT by Sonny M
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To: Redleg Duke
Have a little respect for the dog, please!

OK, OK. I don't believe a dog has ever run me out of a room before. But my cats (especially after a heavy meal)? Peeeeewwwww ...

31 posted on 05/21/2002 2:19:23 PM PDT by strela
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To: r9etb
Why should American businesses and consumers be punished because Cuba is a communist state?

This is the sort of nonsense that results when a party defines itself and its moral underpinnings solely in terms of sales

We don't define ourselves that way; free minds and free markets are flip sides of the same coin. What is moral about depriving people of the choice to buy or sell with whom they choose? What makes it wrong for Castro to do that to his people but OK for our government to do it to us?

32 posted on 05/21/2002 2:25:37 PM PDT by seanc623
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To: Sonny M
Castro would not have the resources to export terror as he did when the Rooskies gave him all he needed.

If we can deal with China (which provides far more dangerous weapons to equally dangerous people) we can deal with this pimple on God's ass.

He is no threat and the sooner people start interacting with the Cubean people the quicker reconciliation will take place when he finally dies.

This embargo makes us look worse than a bully, it makes us look like a stupid bully.

33 posted on 05/21/2002 2:35:50 PM PDT by justshutupandtakeit
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To: tdadams
I have yet to hear a cogent argument why America gives most favored nation trading status to China, an oppressive Communist dictatorship, but prohibits any trade or travel with Cuba, also an oppressive Communist dictatorship.

Well let me give you one.

When Castro overthrew the Batista Government in Cuba many Americans were heavily invested in Cuba. Cuba had after all been a part of the United States. China has never been part of the USA. Cuba had become United States territory as a result of the Spanish American war. We had later granted it the status of an independant nation. The USA had several territories. Cuba, the Philipines, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Virgin Islands to name a few.

We kept Hawaii and Alaska as territories but we granted Cuba and the Philipines independance because their people wanted it. But for years both were American territories, just as Hawaii and Alaska were. At one time everything west Virgina and Georgia was a territory. So americans buying property in territories was nothing new or different.

When we granted Cuba independance as a nation. Americans were not forced to sell their property in Cuba. Like many territories America had gained in the past, Americans were encouraged to invest in cuba. They were encouraged to invest in Hawaii and Alaska too. Many continued to invest in Cuba after its independance from the United States. A long line of pro American Cuban governments welcomed American investments in Cuba. When Castro conquered Cuba it had the most viable economy in Central Amercian by far.

Americans owned sugar plantations, factories. American hotel chains like Hilton and several others, owned resorts and hotels. Many Americans owned winter homes in our former territory. They had bank accounts, cars, winter homes, and businesses there.

When Castro took over he confiscated all American property and ejected all Americans. They got to leave with the shirts on their backs. That was it. Castro refused to return Americans property. He refused to pay for it, too. In response we instituted sanctions. We have never been paid for our stolen property and the sanctions continue.

The Chinese never stole Americans property. Castro did.

You are living proof that if a dictator steals from Americans and gives us the finger long enough some stupid ignorant American will think that poor little dictator has been abused... boo hoo boo hoo.

If you got out a hisory book and read it. Or even surfed the web trying to find out what happened in Cuba, you would know. For some reason Libertarians never do that.

Perhaps the reason is, those that do research, cease to be Libertarians.


34 posted on 05/21/2002 2:39:13 PM PDT by Common Tator
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To: tdadams
It is amazing to me that republicans or democrats still believe that a FEDERAL Government can control the moral highground of its sovereign states though it is implicitly denied them in the 10th item in the Bill of Rights.

The FEDERAL governement does not have the right to stop anyone from trading with Cuba unless we are in a declared war in which it would be treason.

The abortion issue is another escape goat of overbearing control freaks. I am a Libertarian and will soon likely be a candidate for US House of Representatives. Abortion is murder. I will push and support my state enacting a criminal punishment that fits the crime. However, it is, and constitutionally CAN NOT be a FEDERAL issue. That is the point nearly all Libertarians
35 posted on 05/21/2002 2:39:14 PM PDT by borntodiefree
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To: seanc623
So then, I guess there would be no problem trading with Nazi Germany during the 30's, if you are a Libertarian.
36 posted on 05/21/2002 2:40:35 PM PDT by Dat
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To: tdadams
Libertarians: Uncle Fidel's useful idiots in the Marxist-Gramscian revolution.
37 posted on 05/21/2002 2:42:28 PM PDT by Kevin Curry
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To: justshutupandtakeit
This embargo makes us look worse than a bully, it makes us look like a stupid bully.

Only to socialists and libertarians. I wonder why that is?

38 posted on 05/21/2002 2:45:27 PM PDT by Kevin Curry
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To: Common Tator
You seem confused. No one is condoning the history of what happened in Cuba. I am a Libertarian and am aware of it. We have and had two choices.

1) Go to war with them and take it over and take the property back
2)Forget about it

Please show me in the consitution where the FEDERAL government may put on "sanctions" on a foreign country? We are either at war or not. In addition, Americans assets are not "generally" protected by the FEDERAL government when they are on foreign soil. However, if the FEDERAL government agreed with the many people in groups that they were wronged and it was right for the FEDERAL government to get it back, then as I stated before, that is what war is for.
39 posted on 05/21/2002 2:46:57 PM PDT by borntodiefree
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To: gdani
Almost a dozen posts and no one has answered your question.

I don't believe either nation should have MFN status. Does that satisfy you?

40 posted on 05/21/2002 2:48:14 PM PDT by Kevin Curry
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