Travel restrictions, a relic of the Cold War confrontation with the island, tightly limit access. The policy is supposed to isolate Havana and encourage reform.

Rep. Kathy Castor is right that a more open approach may bring more success. The Tampa Democrat is so far the only member of Congress from Florida to support a bill to allow free travel to Cuba.

Florida's influential Cuban-American lobby has long lobbied hard against any softening in policy. But the bill is getting broad support elsewhere, including backing from Republicans in 11 states.

Opening travel is a good idea, we think, for many reasons. It would be economically beneficial to many states, including Florida and especially Tampa.

More contact with more U.S. citizens would build support there for freer political and economic systems.

The change also would add to the freedom of U.S. citizens to go where they please. Cuba is easily accessible from Mexico, Canada and most other countries.

U.S. charter flights to Cuba are now allowed to depart only from Miami, Los Angeles and New York. Under the change, it would be possible to allow flights from Tampa. Regular scheduled service might follow, and many travelers likely would find Tampa more convenient than Miami.

"The Port of Tampa, Tampa International Airport, area businesses and our neighbors are well positioned for new economic opportunities," Castor said in announcing her support for the bill.

Those opportunities could include cruises to Havana.

The United States is alone in banging its drum for separation. The beat is off tempo with the rest of the world, which sees hypocrisy in that our drum is tagged, "Made in China."