This Is Useless Campaign Schtick

President Bush has begun courting the Cubans of South Florida by annnouncing a tightening of the rules regarding travel to Cuba. His plan basically makes it illegal to leave from any port, not just Miami, to head off to Havana.

The media is, as to be expected, blathering on about how this is going to further strain relations between the US and Cuba. They also go on and on about different issues that, on the surface, appear to be contributing to the deterioration.

What they don't realize is that the travel restrictions only stop those who don't really want to go. Anyone with half a brain who wants to visit Havana is already going through Nassau, Caracas, or El Salvador. The boaters are simply going to change their plan and instead of sailing straight from Ft. Lauderdale or Key West to Havana, they'll instead make a detour through the Bahamas on the way. The travel restrictions serve absolutely no practical purpose.

As for the deterioration in relations, well how can they really deteriorate much further than they are already are? Is Cuba going to invade South Florida? Are they going go to the UN to complain? Will they slap a trade embargo on us?

This has got to be about the most transparent political gambit ever undertaken. There is no practical effect to it (other than to get the media in some sort of Castro loving frenzy). It won't end travel to the island. It won't put any more pressure on Castro's regime. Nothing changes.

I'm not even sure how this is going to play among the Cuban-Americans of South Florida. They are not a slow people. I can see this being taken as patronization, but I can also see it being taken as a great statement, so what do I know?

I wish that the President would do something meaningful again. It just seems like he's been marking time for a while now. Maybe that's part of lying in wait for his foe. But it just feels like it is time for him to go back on the offensive, to do something worthwhile.

A transparent sop to one group is less than inspiring.