Libertarian Chairman Thinks Obama's New Cuba Policy Doesn't Go Far Enough

Mark Hinkle, the chairman of the Libertarian Party, offered lukewarm praise for President Barack Obama easing travel and financial restrictions on Cuba.

The president has shown less-than-tremendous courage here, said Hinkle on Tuesday. I suppose it's a tiny positive step that our government will permit Americans to send $500 to a Cuban every three months. And churches will be allowed to arrange trips to Cuba, as long as they jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops first.

"However, it's such a small improvement in such an awful policy that I'm not sure the president really deserves a compliment, added Hinkle. "It's absurd that the U.S. government prohibits travel and trade with Cuba. In addition to being an unjust violation of Americans' rights, it's bone-headed policy. If the goal was to topple the Castro regime, then the policy has been a spectacular failure. The embargo has probably strengthened, not weakened, the Castro dictatorship.

"Libertarians call for unrestricted access to travel to Cuba and complete freedom for Americans to engage in economic activity there, continued Hinkle. "Unrestricted access to the world markets will help Cubans lift themselves out of their disastrous socialist economy. Libertarians know that free trade and free travel are a fast-track ticket to prosperity.

"Next time, Mr. President, try to do something a little more impressive," said Hinkle in conclusion.