This letter was suggested by participant Rita Lucey, and also by the American Civil Liberties Union, and written by Pat Murphy. It goes to the President, Vice President, and both houses of Congress.

To: The President, The Vice President, Your Senators, Your Representatives

Dear _________________:

It is incredible that the United States Government continues to violate the Constitution by placing unnecessary restrictions on the right of Americans to travel to Cuba.

Recently Congress took a hesitant step toward allowing American producers to sell their goods to Cuba, although even that was so hedged with restrictions that its effectiveness is questionable. But travel was, if anything, made even more difficult.

The Cold War is long ended. Cuba is no threat to anyone in the U.S. or the hemisphere. Travel restrictions impede the flow of ideas of democracy and freedom. They not only have not succeeded in weakening the popular support of the Castro government, they have strengthened it. Cubans, like many Americans, view the U.S. Government's undignified efforts to weaken Castro as clumsy, punitive, and unworthy of a great power that likes to refer to itself as democratic.

Blessedly, there is new hope that Congress may act to ease the futile, undemocratic travel restrictions. Sens. Christopher Dodd and Patrick Leahy have introduced the "Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2000" (S. 1919), and Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC) has introduced a similar bill (H.R. 4471) in the House.

Americans want relief and action. Congress must pass these two bills and restore to Americans their freedom to travel.

Sincerely yours

Your name and optional address

This letter was released on 07/09/2000.
Retire date is 08/31/2000.

Topics for this letter:
Civil Rights
Human Rights
Peace
International Politics
Domestic Politics