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For Challenging the U.S. Travel Ban to Cuba, Michael Morrill Wins BuzzFlash's Wings of Justice Award

Submitted by christine on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 8:18am.

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WINGS OF JUSTICE

Michael Morrill

Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there as an activist and let the chips fall where they may. That's exactly what Michael Morrill has done by heading to Cuba even though he is not related to anyone there -- just to force the issue. The Obama Administration has relaxed travel and spending rules for family members only. Morrill wants the trade and travel embargo ended -- period.

Morrill announced Sunday that he "is intentionally traveling without permission to push the Obama Administration to lift the ban on travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens. 'I challenge the Obama Administration to either arrest me, or to live up to its promise to end this failed policy of limiting contact between Cuba and the United States.'"

His first blog entry posted Tuesday indicates he is on his way, is routed through Cancun, Mexico, and is scheduled to return May 6.

Morrill's trip is a gesture of support for passage of "The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act" (HR 874, S 428) that would repeal all travel restrictions against the rights of all Americans to travel to Cuba. Among the groups supporting the bill are:

Human Rights Watch

Amnesty International

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

National Council of the Churches of Christ

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The Center for Democracy in the Americas

Emergency Network of Cuban American Scholars and Artists

Michael Morrill knows that when he comes home he could face a 10-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000. He went anyway. For willingly taking on those risks to further a cause he ardently believes in, he merits this week's BuzzFlash Wings of Justice Award.

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Nominated by BuzzFlash staff. To see a full list of past Wings of Justice honorees, click here.

WINGS OF JUSTICE

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The dumbest of the dumb

Submitted by vtjozef on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 3:32pm.
You want know what a dumb law in the USA is? You want to know what an oxymoron in the USA is? Well then, get this: It is ILLEGAL for ANY U.S. citizen to buy and smoke a Cuban cigar ANYWHERE in the world. Or buy and sip its espresso. So, if you're on vacation in Montreal and you buy and smoke a Romeo y Julietta, or have a cup of Turquino, you can upon return to the USA, be arrested. So, where are the Freepers? I'll tell you where they are. They are smuggling Cuban cigars for themselves while advocating arresting your behind for smoking a Habanos. I went to Cuba to attend the XIV Festival of Youth and Students in 1997. They are wonderful people and we should stop putting our droppings on their doorstep. Cuba has as much right to self-determination as the US does. I served in the US Navy in the early 70s. I was stationed in occupied Cuba, GTMO. And when I was discharged I discovered that I, a "free man", living in the USA was not allowed to travel to Cuba. Isn't it about time this farce called the embargo, which really is a blockade, an act of war, comes to an end, Come on, Mr. Obama. Go to la Habana. You will be greeted by the kindest people. It's time. Isn't it.
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justice for all

Submitted by godistwaddle on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 10:02am.
I'd like to know why I, scion of a family that landed in Connecticut in 1634, cannot travel to Cuba while some Jose come Lately who happens to have family there can. I mean I wanna kick back with a Cuba Libre where it means something. I wanna smoke a Cuban stogie in the place itself.
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