Granted, the Obama Administration has a lot on its domestic-agenda plate right now. An unprecedented, historic amount.
So, it’s understandable that, except for Iraq, Afghanistan/Pakistan and Secretary of State Clinton’s sortie to the Orient and the president’s Canadian cameo, foreign policy is a lesser priority than it would otherwise be.
Latin America, for one, largely remains ignored.
Cuba, specifically, is being addressed gingerly, even though that island represents the administration’s best opportunity for early, high-upside success. As in economic and geopolitical benefits. As in humane considerations.
Legislation is now coursing through Congress that will essentially undo what President George W. Bush did to tighten travel restrictions to Cuba – for those of Cuban descent. It’s thought that the move likely presages others later in the year that would involve broader travel opportunities and some easing of the economic embargo.
Here’s hoping Gov. Charlie Crist takes off his Cuba blinders and finally grasps the significance of ending that 47-year-old Cold War relic. He needs to apply his well-honed opportunism skills and fully leverage his support for the administration’s stimulus package. The cause is worth it: the Florida economy.
Here’s what he can do. Tell lame duck Sen. Mel Martinez to take an early hike. Then “the people’s governor” needs to align himself with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s top Republican, Richard Lugar. The Indiana senator wants to rethink the Cuban embargo.
The timing would be propitious for the Sunshine State.
According to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an end to the Cuban embargo would be worth at least $1.2 billion in U.S. exports, a sizable chunk of which would accrue to Florida. And not incidentally, to the Port of Tampa.
Among those who would really appreciate some leadership from Crist on Cuba: local Tampa officials. The Tampa Port Authority, which includes Mayor Pam Iorio, awaits a green light from Washington to get aggressive about trade possibilities with Havana.
The embargo is going to end sooner or later. And sooner makes much more sense during a brutalizing recession.
Locals need political cover, and Crist is in position to help provide it. And it wouldn’t hurt if some members (or at least one) of this state’s Congressional delegation would finally show some guts and jump on board. Why should the Obama administration hurry to do the right thing and end the counterproductive embargo when Florida’s own politicians still act as if they’re intimidated by the grievance-clinging, clout-diminished Cuban exile community? That’s not even “smart,” self-serving politics any more “Insane,” is how Port Authority Commissioner Carl Lindell described U.S.-Cuba policy.
Indeed, now more than ever.
All that’s at stake are jobs, Americans’ right to travel freely and the opportunity for America’s standing in the world to be immediately improved.