As a follow-up to Andy Pesky of Protravel International [Letters: "The U.S. government should state clearly all rules for travel to Cuba," Feb. 27], it is time for the government to stop giving in to ultra-right-wing Cuba lobbyists and open travel to Cuba.
In the Cold War era, it was proven that contact between citizens of the free world and the citizens of very restricted countries proved to be effective in creating [a desire for freedom] among the restricted populations. This has been proven again and again in such countries as Russia, Hungary, Vietnam, Libya, Egypt, to name a few.
By allowing Americans access to a massive new market only 90 miles from the closest U.S. shores, our corporations will be able to compete with European, Latin American, Canadian and Mexican entities in creating better infrastructure in Cuba, a better flow of person-to-person understanding and cooperation, eventually leading the people of Cuba to become more open-minded to live side by side with us Americans.
Who knows: Could such efforts bring changes to the Marxist regime in Cuba?
The exiled right-wing Cuban lobbyists have managed to undermine open trade with Cuba, while we watch our neighbors clean the table.
As a travel professional, I want to be free to sell travel to any part of the world, wherever my clients wish to go. That should not be restricted by politics.
Being able to travel and experience foreign cultures should be a God-given right, just like freedom of speech and religion. It furthers the social media movement in helping to create wake-up calls in restricted nations.
Tor Jensen, president
Jensen World Travel
Wilmette, Ill.
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