http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/17/fact-sheet-charting-new-course-cuba
Attached is the summary of what the President has authorized so far. The highlights
Establishing diplomatic relations. This need not be a partisan issue. It is in the best interest of both sides to have dialogue and the cost and risk is low.
Fewer travel restrictions. There has been no change to who can travel, only fewer hurdles for those that were previously allowed to travel.
Remittances by US persons to Cuban persons. The amount is increased from $500 to $2,000 per quarter. This puts money directly into the hands of the people that need it, sent by the people who have a direct interest. This is a good thing
Licensed U.S. travelers to Cuba will be authorized to import $400 worth of goods from Cuba, of which no more than $100 can consist of tobacco products and alcohol combined. In theory, this is a reduction of the embargo but the de minimis amounts will not have any real impact on the GNP of Cuba as a whole.
The one area I disagree with is in relation to Cuba being removed from the terror list. I am in no rush to have their designation changed. I think this discussion can easily be incorporated into the overall discussion of what to do with the embargo.
When the time comes, there can be a national discussion for what is the mechanism and requirement for reducing or removing the embargo. I don't have a plan myself, but in broad strokes, any easing of the restrictions goes hand in hand with social and economic reforms. Let's hope this is the start of something good.
Attached is the summary of what the President has authorized so far. The highlights
Establishing diplomatic relations. This need not be a partisan issue. It is in the best interest of both sides to have dialogue and the cost and risk is low.
Fewer travel restrictions. There has been no change to who can travel, only fewer hurdles for those that were previously allowed to travel.
Remittances by US persons to Cuban persons. The amount is increased from $500 to $2,000 per quarter. This puts money directly into the hands of the people that need it, sent by the people who have a direct interest. This is a good thing
Licensed U.S. travelers to Cuba will be authorized to import $400 worth of goods from Cuba, of which no more than $100 can consist of tobacco products and alcohol combined. In theory, this is a reduction of the embargo but the de minimis amounts will not have any real impact on the GNP of Cuba as a whole.
The one area I disagree with is in relation to Cuba being removed from the terror list. I am in no rush to have their designation changed. I think this discussion can easily be incorporated into the overall discussion of what to do with the embargo.
When the time comes, there can be a national discussion for what is the mechanism and requirement for reducing or removing the embargo. I don't have a plan myself, but in broad strokes, any easing of the restrictions goes hand in hand with social and economic reforms. Let's hope this is the start of something good.
