Cuban Travel and Trade

In recent news, President Obama passed a new $410 billion spending bill which, pork barrel aside, will allow Cuban-Americans to visit Cuba once a year, and spend up to $170 when they are visiting the island. I was surprised to read this news, because I was not aware that there are restrictions on Cuban-American travel. Once again, the audacity of the United States government shocks me. Before this bill was passed, Cuban-Americans could only visit Cuba every three years, and were allowed to spend a paltry $50 dollars during their visit. Where, fellow patriots, can freedom be found? Your government has not the right to tell you where you may travel to, how frequently you may travel there, and how much of your hard-earned money you may spend.

As far as trade with Cuba goes, I am for it. The United States is not at war with Cuba. Therefore, the act of trade with Cuba by business owners and consumers should not be considered illegal, or treasonous. A consumer has a right to take his business where he chooses.

The U.S. Treasury's Office of International Affairs claims that it, in part, "protects and supports economic prosperity at home by encouraging financial stability and sound economic policies abroad (Treasury's Office of International Affairs)". If this is the case, then trade with Cuba should be re-established at once.