It's unfortunate that alot of people do not realize this. Prior to coming to this website, I saw no reason why our government should restrict our people from traveling anywhere. After reading what really goes on in Cuba, I think it's right that the American people aren't allowed to travel to Cuba. We can't support a government that continues to oppress it's people, and fool the world that it isn't doing that.

As for family however, I do believe that every 3 years is a little too harsh, especially if a relative suddenly falls ill, or God forbids, dies. To be fair, and still send a message to the Castros, the restriction should be once a year. I don't know how most Cuban-Americans feel about this.

Does anyone know about Pepe Cohen's situation? I knew him and lost touch - he was one of those that was seperated from his family after he escaped. Used to make the rounds on TV but haven't seen him in ages. He once worked for Cuban Intelligence thus the bitterness the gov't held towards him and his wife and daughters.

Jose Cohen's family is still held hostage in Cuba. I met him a couple of years ago, and nothing has changed. Here you have two powerful examples of how brutal and hypocritical the Cuban regime is, yet, where is the MSM? Where are those miserable bastards who 8 years ago were so supportive of Castro and sending Elian back to his dad, no questions asked and with a lot of fanfare. You know where they are? Probably gearing up for when their boy Obama drops all sanctions and kisses up to the dictatorship..yea, they'll be there to chill for Obama and convince everyone that it's the right thing to do, no questions asked. The MSM will view Cohen and Albart and judge them as minor distractions that shouldn't reach the general public, because it could hurt their boy and his 'enlightened' policies. These cases are tragic, and deserve to be broadcast loudly.

Exactly Mambi, and that's the main purpose of the post. The MSM will never publish these stories, so it's up to us to do so.

Mambi, thanks for the update. No way they should drop travel restrictions for these worthless ingrates without reuniting families that Raul promised would be travel outside the country. Doesn't anyone remember that was one of his promises? No exit visas.

"I have to ask why anyone would want to visit a country that treats its citizens like this"

The answer is very simple:

Because they're hypocrites. They don't really give a shit about human rights, certainly not those of Cubans. They only care (or act like they care) about FASHIONABLE human rights, like those of apartheid-era black South Africans. When THAT situation was going on, no amount of sanctions, boycotts, and attempts to destabilize and topple the South African government was considered enough. Nothing was too much. The world was bound and determined that the situation HAD to end, and sure enough, it did.

But Cuba? No way. Whenever Cuban exiles call for anything even remotely resembling what was done to help South African blacks, all the "progressive" types scream bloody murder, one way or another. Again, it's not about human rights, it's about fashion and image. If you don't believe me, ask any amoral asshole who's STILL raking in the bucks by selling that damned Korda picture of "Che" on some sort of merchandise.

T h e t i m e i s n o w.
W e c a n c h a n g e

Read my thoughts... Sueños from my father:
http://tinyurl.com/5eozhd

Cindy you want change? Move to Cuba for a few years then get back to us. In the meantime, save your kool-aid rhetoric for those stupid enough to believe it.

Ziva,
I have the right to have an opinion and express it. I'm not sure what you mean by "save your kool-aid rhetoric." If you disagree with anything that I wrote on my blog, fine. But don't you think it would be helpful if you explained what it is you disagree with?
Otherwise it's just a meaningless verbal slap. And it only reflects poorly on you.
Engage. We have lived in a culture that has accepted this kind of behavior for too long. As humans, we need to rise above that.
Thanks for reading. And I would love to hear more about what you really think.
Cindy

The American middle class are now oppressed people? Please, like I said, spare me the kool-aid rhetoric. If you want to know what I think, feel free to use our search feature and read.