• To those of you who have no side on Cuba; If you are a freedom loving person then you may read all the lies about Cuba and believed them. I would ask that you please don't. I have visited the Island several times. There I found what the nature of freedom is: You can't have the freedom "to" if you don't have the freedom "from". You want to do whatever, say whatever, and explore whatever you want. But it's hard to do that if you're not free from hunger, disease, injury and ignorance (continued.)
• ...Thats is one of the goals of socialism. To take the value created by industries in any given nation and put to collective use for all in said same nation such as food rationing, free medical care, and free schools (at all levels). For if a person is homeless, hungry, injured, contracted pneumonia, and is uneducated then what good is the freedom "to"? This is exactly what Cuba is trying to achieve. The problem is the embargo. It's putting the building of socialism through a hindered pace.
Fidel is not a dictator. Dictators don't teach the poor literacy. Dictators don't arm the people from the threat of invasion. Dictators don't provide free medical care. Dictators don't ration the food products among the people. Dictators don't cut off diplomatic ties with Israel over the mistreatment of Palestinians. Dictators don't organize teams of doctors to go and provide free medical care to the poor in third world countries. If Castro is a Dictator then he is the strangest one there is.
This is a great video I would be interested in chatting with the person who posted it. Lets not forget that Reagan and Bush put an embargo on Sandinista Nicaragua in the 80s as well as backed a terrible civil war. In that situation they weren't even rigid Marxists like perhaps Castro is, so to advance our interests it seems we've had a sort of slash and burn mentality towards countries who don't play along with what we want. What does the person who posted this think of the change in Latin Amer?
um hello they are fucking commie's 2 learn about oyur own country btw its going down the shitter so maybe you should of did the right thing not broken the embargo and spent those dollar's here in the usa you know sense our economy is so great you advocate maken cuba money and not the usa idea pack a fucken bag get on your boat and go become cuban should be ashamed of yourself get some fucking country pride btw im a cuban but wait i love the usa next you will say im racist again im cuban
When in Cuba get away from the hotels and restaurants and away from the tourist area and you will see the real Cuba, search for "panfilo jama " and you will see the real struggle of the Cubans inside Cuba, Panfilo was sentenced to two years in prison for asking for food! ThisFAT DOG WILL DIE OF HUNGER IN CUBA!
I hope she tipped workers at the hotels and tourist areas with the asprin, bandages and food they so desperately need. I hope she knows her every move was watched, her telephone bugged and that only extranjeros can have access to the internet.
For you who don't know Cuban-american politics, please do not believe the Nay-sayers. They lie about the revolution because many of them are desendant of the deposed batista ruling class. The thing you need to know about Cuba is that, right now, it is the only place in the world where socialism actually does work. Fidel is not a dictator; dicators don't teach 90% of the people how to read; or set up free healthcare; or give the majority weapons; or provide free colleges for all.
That is a huge lie! all you have to do is look at the economic statistics of cuba befroe the revolution and they were the leaders in latin America. In fact they had color TV stations before the USA. All castro has done is bring Cuba to its knees.
@rednemesis88 and i am sure, that we cuban, dont need to much to be happy,,, we need only a little bit,, that is all,,, and i wish that someday cuban and usa, really a good relationship have,,, because we cuban we have a lot to teach.. is not the only way of healthacare or education,,, there is alot more inside cuba,, education, healthcare, sport, music, spirituality, etc, but more important thins smiling that we have a lot in cuba poor people but we stronger strenght for enjoing life and love
I'm from California...where this woman is from. I agree, life in America is not all that great either and it is just as hard to live in all parts of the world. At least I see a lot more smiling faces in Cuba and less McDs fast food restaurants. It seems the more you have the less happy you are, especially in los angeles where I haven't seen a smiling face around in years.
@203207ab I agree with you,, I am cuban women, I was born in cuba, i went to the school in cuba, and my family is in cuba, we have in cuba alot of problem is truth,,,, but we have something that many country they have forgotten,, its loving our neighbor as ourself... and that we have in cuba. cuban people are poor people but very humble, they still know what feeling mean,, as loving our neighbor ourselft, i am sorry my english is not so good
The U.S. uses the Monroe Doctrine to keep a tight grip on Latin America, taking advantage of these overseas investments in order to make themselves richer without any care for the people living there. It is why they have performed coups or invaded Chile, Guatemala, Cuba, Grenada, Nicaragua, etc. They have shown a consistent inability to coexist with any leftist leaning government, despite the many flaws in their own. They think they are the only kind that matters.
You fat bitch, do you have any ideas how many people are dead becouse of that regime??? you are a nasty person, please! go back to Mc Donalds were you belong to eat and to clean other good people's tables, YOU ARE A PIG.
American's could freely travel to the Soviet Union, Americans could freely travel to Apartheid South Africa, Americans could freely travel to Nazi Germany in the 1930's, Americans can travel to North Korea and Saudi Arabia to this day --- yet an American in Ft Lauderdale can't travel on a 1hr flight south to the beautiful beaches of Cuba.
(INSANE) - but then again that's the Mafia Gusano 5th column for ya
I've traveled to Cuba a few times and have seen how Castro's 50 year old inept dictatorial government has brought that once thriving nation into third world status. There is no incentive to work in Cuba today. One thriving industry, however, which gets a lot of business from tourists, is prostitution. One of Castro's legacies.
There should also be a report about the murderers in Miami. Cuban exile TERRORISTS like Luis Posada Carilles ("South America's Bin Laden" who blew up Cubana Flight 455 in 1976), Orlando Bosch (his partner in crime), Felix Rodriguez (point man for Oliver North in Iran/Contra, trained central American death squads), Alpha 66 (Gusano = Al Qaeda), Brigade 2506, etc -- Just go to Versailles restaurant in Miami where these assassins will be sitting up front.
Listen Dave985033. Im cuban,30 years old and I don't Know whish cuba are you talking about?
MEDICINE FREE? First you need to find vwhere buy it,and after pay like everywhere,no free. The only diferent is that in my country there is medicine for turist alot,and not for cuban in any farmacy. Im think you need 2 Go 2 see the cuba 4 CUBAN and STOP going 2 the cuba 4 Turist. Just 2 know the the truth of the truth, and then talk.
She is from California...a place with over 10 percent
unemployment...and crime and no respect is rampant.
Cuba got rid of its casinos and have free health care and try to have equality and education with women and have the highest rate of babies with the best care in birth giving and survival. So who is living the better life. The people in Cuba obviously. An island paradise.
they also JUST (i repeat JUST) got the freedom to enter tourist hotels and own cell phones. I met a Cuban who had never seen CHEESE until he moved to the USA. As a Cuban-American that is saddening. I don't see that as progress. I am sure you also know that Castro executed two journalist in 2003 for writing anti-revolutionary articles? PARADISE??? FOOL!
You think Cuba really tells the world how many people they execute annually? How about those shot on sight in open waters fleeing the island? In '03, Cuba had a population of 10,000,000 and the US 295,000,000. By "your numbers" if in 2003 Cuba executed 2 (that were reported) and the US 65, then Cuba & the US were about even on executions per capita. Also, US executions have dropped since 2003 (42 in '07 and 37 in '08). I like how you choose your statistical numbers. Think again, my friend.
Another correction to "your numbers." Cuba executed 3 in 2003 (not 2) that were reported on the world stage because they attempted to hijack a boat to Florida. So, per capita, Cuba had more executions that year than the US. Think again, my friend.
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Yes, I do think Cuba tells the public how many the execute. Doesn't the US too ?
The Cuban executions in 2003 took place to warn off any other US/CIA operatives from further acts of terrorism. Read about the history of US influenced terrorism.
Understand that Cuba placed a moratorium on Capital Punishment in 2001 and since the 2003 executions Cuba has not executed ANY prisoners. US has executed 336 from 2003-present.
Dont doubt that Cuba is a progressive society and one which we must defend
go where you want, who cares what any government says. you live on this planet too. and if you boil it down...the gov works for you, so screw'em. greedy bastards. long live true freedom.
There is only one reason why Cubans want to hop ona boat risk their lives and come to the US. The Cuba adjustment Act. y are garanteed green card, and they can take the citizenship test in spanish too. IF this didn´t exist, not too many would be taking that risk. Haitans have more of reason to do something liek this and they don´t do it becuase they know they risk repatriation in the end. And yes, she is right, to many people have romantic imges about the us.
I'm so called "liberal" but not the like you think.. Because U.S media has distorted that word so much it means to you a hippy smoking weed.
I believe in freedom of speach/freedom of religon/freedom for everything/I don't believe that covernment should be saying me what to do. Thou I believe there should be united laws to guide us. I'm econimicly conservative, but when it comes to social issues I'm all for it.
You think I want to reculate your life in some way but I don't.
We are totally talking about different issues.. You think I'm saying capitalism doesn't work. It's yes and no. You think I'm saying Communism/sosialism is competing with capitalism when it's not a competion. Capitalism is finance system and Sosialism is a wellfare system for better life standards.
those two have nothing to compete about. It's like competition between Icegream and tv.. The only reason why this has come a huge debate was because Soviet tried to be military power..
Soviet union was distroyed because their own stupidity.. They could have let U.S be the alpha male and let U.S act as child trying to act tough and just keep improving their country.. But they wanted to be a military power instead of real socialist nation.
Best economical/social systems are found in Scandinavia.. Why? because they aren't so simple minded about running countries. Their world views aren't so black and white. they have best overall school systems. it takes care all kids equally. So no kid is left behind or doesn't get same education as your nabour. That's why they don't have dumb people at the same scale as U.S does and I mean really dumb.. people can't point their country from a map and they don't believe in evolution.
I thought we were talking economics, not "world-views". The reason our education system sucks is because it is run by liberals and the Teachers Union. As for evolution, it is nothing more than a religion for godless people.
liberals nice ok now you officially don't know what you are talking about.
U.S media has distorted the word liberal so much that you guys have no fucking clue what you guys are talking about.
Seriosly the reason why U.S education sucks is because idiots teach christianity in schools and lack of normal biology, geography, historial, politics, and they replays that stuff with christian views of the world. 97% americans believe in somekind of god or higher being. That's the problem's not liberals
The Cuban govt allowed nuclear weapons onto their soil that were aimed at the USA. Unless and until that pathetic old senile Castro and his anti-American cohorts continue their despotic rule, I see no reason to lift the embargo.
I hope this lady smiled into the hidden cameras in her hotel room. Also, the tourist money coming into Cuba DO NOT go to the Cuban people. The Cuban people must love to have overweight Americans telling them what a fab country and gov't they have.
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Cuba is a self-declared communist country and you can change that status quo as much in their elections as you can change the capitalist/pro-Israel status quo in US elections. Your idea of democracy is one that can oust Communism, a bit like the only democracy allowed in the Middle East is one that rubber stamps your genocidal claims over the region.
They are a representative democracy - far from perfect - but hey you are living in a glass house and should not throw stones.
I wouldnt disagree with that but you Americans have funny way of dumbing things down so Uncle Sam can make a quick buck out of the dignity of a people.
The whole Cuba thing has its roots in their revolution, 50 years ago. The US (in cold war paroxysm of paranoia) and in its usual support of the elites (who fled and settled in Miami) gave Castro little choice but to welcome Communist support. So like ancient, running '57 chevies, ancient attitudes attract the curious.
I'd say the majority are proud to have the revolutionary gov't they have, but would like more freedoms in their personal life.
I don't want to say it's all our fault, but if Fidel hadn't gotten all paranoid and shut down the society the way he did, do we really think he or his gov't would still be around? Hell no. The US leaves 2 options. Our way, or hell.
There is no room for difference or anything that does not contribute to our wellbeing. Where would Cuba be had we rspctd them from the start?
I agree that it's a shame that people will hop on a not sea-worthy boat and try to get to FL, but there are tens and hundreds of places people want to flee from for one reason or another, without the benefit of education and healthcare. Poverty, hunger, and want are a fact of capitalist, socialist and communist life everywhere.
Plus, the UN named Cuba one of the only sustainable models in the world. Something has to change, and we all are going to have to have less...
japh: It is impossible to tell for what reason Cubans want to flee Cuba. Is it the embargo, or the lack of "self-determination" that gets them? They are mostly not hungry, get free med care, and are educated. I think they want to be upwardly mobile, which goes against the Communist ideal.
i wish tourists would stop going places for a week or two and then act as spokespeople for all people who live in the country they are visiting, especially one as complex as cuba.
fuck the americans. we dont want your kind here. we have equal access to healthcare, free university and many other things. fix your own God Damn Country~!
Denise Borges, your Constitutional rights, as an American citizen, only apply in America. Do you think Cuba is America? You should have spent your tourist dollars trying to salvage your Constitutional rights back home, that were being trampled while you selfishly visited Cuba.
I really think that lifting the embargo would be the key to bringing down the Communists at last. With the embargo lifted, the Communists could no longer shield Cubans from outside influences, and the rest of the world can then come in and steamroll the Castro regime.
are you serious? the communists arent shielding cubans... cuba has peaceful diplomatic and/or economic relationships with most of the countries in the WORLD. the only country with especially harsh relations with cuba is the US , and even that is just one-way - where the us is being shielded and not so much cuba- as a huge portion of cuban medicine comes from the US.
lnkan: It's possible that we could make the same old mistakes by trying to create problems for the Cuban gov't, but why do it? If we did, we'd be trampling on a sovereign gov't. It would create tremendous problems for us. The key to Cuban success is tourism, which creates more jobs and prosperity for Cubans, if handled properly by the regime. Nothing wrong with that in my book.
I like that she defied the embargo, but i'm not certain she fully understands certain things. Of course American tourist dollars would be of great benefit to the Cubans, it's the reason Americans are not allowed. Canadians, Europeans, ect, travel freely to and from Cuba without incident.
I wouldn't put Venezuela in the same category as China or Saudia Arabia.The current (venezuelan) government is actually trying to reverse years of oppression.
I just remember the prez of Venezuela saying a lot of real bad things about the usa, yet we still do business with them... But we will not do Business with Cuba who said bad things about the USA... If Cuba had Oil, we would open up talks.
I don't even know how long the embargo has been for, but quite honestly, I know that it's been long enough that any gains that would have been achieved politically by such a maneuver would have happened already. Pretty sure at this point it's just a childish grudge.
I never liked calling the country "America" myself, as that name is supposed to refer to the two continents. I try to use "US" or "United States" instead.
I've never heard anyone except Americans call themselves Americans. Never heard a Canadian, a Mexican, a Colombian, etc. call themselves "American". Maybe South American, but never American. Even people from other countries call Americans Americans. Nobody says "United States of Americans". It's shortened to Americans, just like the name of our country. It's not a big deal, and how is it insulting? I'm sure Amerigo Vespucci did not go to every country in South America, so is that insulting too?
Both governments are to blame. They are like children. Fidel like most Cubans at the time wanted the American corporations out of Cuba. Cubans wanted to own Cuba. He defied the U.S. and they put sanctions on Cuba. Fidel could not trade with his closest neighbor so then he started trading with the Soviets. When the USSR collapsed, Cuba fell with it due to lack of trade. U.S. imperialism was affecting much of Latin America at the time of the revolution. Cuba was the only country who beat the U.S.
Poor Cuba, theyre current condition is all because of America, their Embargos aand all that trash have hindered Cubas revolution. Theyre support of Cuban exhiles who commit terrorism in Cuba is also just as bad. Its sad that they cant have dialogue with Cuba but they support some of the worst dictators in the world. Mobutu, amongst many. Its really sad.
lnkan: When is a scapegoat not a scapegoat? That is, if the embargo were dropped and Cuba's situation then greatly improved, could you use the word "scapegoat," or could you say that, in fact, the embargo was largely to blame for Cuba's troubles?? Some people in the U.S. are afraid that Cuba will be too successful without an embargo and that Communism will "look good." It's silly, but I believe that is part of the problem.
lnkan: Nope, you sure haven't. But it's a reasonable supposition. You gotta realize how phobic are some people in the gov't about Communism - it's a big deal to them. The other problem is the leftover Cuban community in Florida who are still as mad as ever at Fidel - he ruined their lives, made them start over in the U.S. They would listen to Fidel's speeches on the radio and scream and shake their fists at the radio. Some are like 80 years old and still mad as hell. And they vote!!
Being "phobic" about Communism doesn't seem any more unreasonable than, say, being "phobic" of Fascism. I salute the Miami Cuban community's dedication to their cause. But I do feel that they should change their mind about the embargo and instead see the lifting of it as the way to destroy the Castro regime.
lnkan: Being phobic about communism is unreasonable in my opinion. We should let ehe cubans run their deal however they want to run it. But I agree we need to lift the embargo, but I see no need to destroy the castro regime, just my opinion.
Cubans do not currently run their own deal because the Communists only allow them to run it their way or no way. Let Cubans have free elections to take control of their deal, that's what I mean by "destroying" the Castro regime. Presumably they will vote to maintain their healthcare and literacy systems if they really are as good as people purport.
well I don't know what you are debating about.. I support free choices of those people. If they want to end "a regime" then sure.. what ever makes them happy..
and about their "healthcare and literacy" it's as good as you can get without outside support from nabours. Cuba is poor country they have much better healthcare system then what U.S has. It might not give as good HC if you are rich but it give better HC for normal people. They probably want to improve. To get better equitment and knowledge with in those categories.
Because they have better healthcare system then what U.S has doesn't mean they don't want improve..
lnkan: The problem is, Cuba is a sovereign country. We can't just decide what is best for Cuba. We need to lift the embargo and stay out of Cuba's business, IMO. Tourism will then cause Cuba to look successful under a Castro regime. To which, I say, "I don't care if it makes that regime look successful."
I'm not convinced that tourism will have that effect. And while I would support anything like an invasion, completely staying out of another country's business seems too extreme either. For instance, do we let Myanmar just go on living in its military tyranny, or Sudan flatten Darfur? Neither intervention extreme is wise.
While I would not support anything like an invasion, completely staying out of another country's business seems too extreme either. I apologize, I wrote that too hastily.
Miami Cubans are all too happy to sell out their Cuban brothers for the sake of their own battered prides. Their cause is not as altruistic as they claim it to be.
They are not respected in the Latin world and for good cause.
Having grown up with them, I say they are. I do not agree with all their tactics, but I applaud their perserverence in standing up to dictatorship. If they are not respected, then that is an injustice.
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I dont care if you f*cking live with them, Im Latin - they are Spanish descendants riled by their lost social standing from decades or corruption and ineffective governance.
You blast Cuba today but completely forget about the dire state it was in at the hands of such people.
Having said that Cuba is an island in tradition and has a long way to go.
But you said that you're part Spanish yourself. Shouldn't you be bashing yourself for being a Spanish descendent then?...And I'm Peruvian, born in Lima to Limean and Arequipan parents. I don't know what my ancestry is; probably both Inka and Spanish, maybe a little bit of Iraqi/Jordanian and Chinese. But I'm glad to be Peruvian.
I love Peru, its sad that you have come from such a great history and have sold yourself out in such a way.
Im Spanish so that especially gives me the right to criticise them, I dont understand your point. I know you Americans equate criticism of self with anti-Americanism and self-hating but certainly my thinking is a bit more advanced than yours.
You realise you are paying for Posada's protection in Miami and he is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Latinos, Spaniards and Portuguese of terrorist acts across Latin America.
I wont even discuss the recent bi-lateral free trade agreements between the USA and Latin America - Im sure you can be rehabilitated so dont want to embarrass you any further.
Yes, I'm Peruvian born. Again, what does that have to do with Posada, who's Cuban born and wanted in Venezuela and Cuba. I never said I supported Posada's protection. He should be treated the same way that BinLaden should be treated, as Posada has killed civilians.
You sounded VERY evil when you used the word "rehabilitated". You sounded exactly like the Khmer Rouge madmen who tried to "rehabilitate" people in their death camps. I reject the fascism that you embrace as "rehabilitation".
Brasil have also tried to extradite him so dont turn this into a Cuba/Venezuela thing. And you wonder why the majority of Cubans in Miami are treated with absolute disdain when they petition your crappy government to continue to protect Latin America's biggest terrorist.
You're a fool - yes I sound like the Khmer Rouge, YAWN! Idiot.
Quit telling people you're Peruvian because I dont want you to embarrass a country and people I love. You're American!
Say what? I wasn't turning this into any Cuba/Venezuela thing. I said that I support his extradition. I neither like Castro nor Chavez, but that's not a reason to prevent his facing justice. He can face charges in Brazil as well.
You failed to mention Brasil but happily use the two countries that your silly President charges to be ruthlessly Communist.
You say you dont like the protection your country affords to Latin America's biggest terrorist but you do nothing about it. In fact many Cubans in Miami are absolutely proactive in ensuring this guy is kept safe.
Fine, I yawn back at your "idiot" insults, reminding you how stupid you sound every time you make those juvenile swipes.
I'm Peruvian and I'm U.S. citizen. Who the Hell do you think you are telling me what I can call myself? I'm sure the country of Peru would most prefer that an idiot like you stay away from it.
No, I have been to Peru a few times and I am quite popular.
Oh yes I am sure Peru loves you too - you vote and pay for a government that protects the biggest terrorist of the Latin world! The people of Peru love you as much as that crappy free trade agreement with your country!
An island in "transition" (I think that's what you meant). Give me a break! It's the Eternal Revolution. Now more than 50 years old. It hasn't worked, and only gets worse with each passing year. And please, spare me the "it's the US embargo's fault" tired excuse. I am Spanish and live in Barcelona. I have many Cuban exile friends here. They are some of the most educated, successful people I know. Your disdain for the Cuban exile says volumes about you.
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Yes I can see why you might think the Cuban Revolution has failed, it only has the highest education rate in all of Latin America and the lowest rate in infant mortality! A complete failure!
Again, little sympathy for elite Cubans of Spanish descent living in Barcelona who want us to care about them now, when they showed no regard for their fellow countrymen when they were in power.
None of my Cuban friends in Barcelona were part of the "elite Cubans" you have so much contempt for. Quite the opposite. One was a writer who asked for political assylum in Spain 5 years ago. You quote the usual "successes" of the revolution, education, health care, infant mortality. Yes, education for all, but you must read only state approved literature, and study the career chosen for you by the state. If you're a writer, be careful what you write. Wow, what a success!
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Where are you from? Your education curriculum also has "state approved literature". And the state chooses your career?? I know many Cuban rappers and I can tell you now that Castro did not tell them to be rappers.
Certainly the revolution has many human rights tragedies, but I would prefer Cuba over Haiti or El Salvador. Perhaps a failure when you look at Western Europe, but Cuba is in Central America.
Yes, but in my country you can go to any corner bookstore and get uncensored books from all over the world with different points of view. Books that condemn our government, promote all sorts of ideas, etc., and allow the individual to decide what they want to believe. Cubans don't have that luxury. In Cuba, bookstores and their contents are also state sanctioned . What good is litiracy without freedom of expression?
I think you missed my point. I'm free to read and write whatever I want. In Cuba, the state dictates what can be written and sold in bookstores. I can also travel the world freely (which I do every year) and move to any country I want . Imagine not being able to freely leave your country and move somewhere else. If I don't like the US, I can move to Africa, or Costa Rica, etc. Cubans can't do that. They're captive on the island.
I have met many Cuban scholars and theorists who did not seem starved of worldly knowledge as your comment suggests.
Cuban people can leave the island. I know many cubans living abroad who are pro-revolution and pro-raul
You can probably travel freely because you are a wealthy capitalist ! Cuban society operates differently and remember that Cuba is still a third world country.
The revolutionary spirit lives ... it can not be defeated by your vague ideas about freedom and democracy
You got one thing right, Cuba is a 3rd world country thanks to the failed Castro brothers. Once more, you make erroneous statements. Cubans cannot travel freely. And, sorry to burst your bubble, but a great percentage of the Cuban youth is fed up with the revolution. They'd rather have iPods and current CD's than march in obligatory anti-US demonstrations. Even little bro Raul is caving in, allowing cell phones and private business, and slowly capitalizing the island. Get used to it old man.
If Cuba did not have a revolution it would be like Haiti. No infrastructure -being raped and invaded by the US Govt and Corps.
The Cuban youth are fed up with revolution? I think you have been reading too much Yoni Sanchez blogs!!
Raul allowing more consumerist goods is a procedure of easing the restrictions put in place during the Special Period and allowing electricity consumption since the 2006 energy revolution.
As for low infant mortality and health care. There's good health care for basic ailments, but don't get a serious disease, or you're screwed. Why not mention the other successes of the revolution. Prostitution is rampant in Cuba . The people have no incentive to work. The black market is thriving. There is no freedom of speech. Cubans are held captive on the island, they cannnot travel freely abroad. I wonder why that is?...hmm..let me think... ah yes, half the island would leave if they could.
Paulo your argument is tired, lets talk about all the failures and false promises of the revolution. Hey, I heard little brother Raul now allows cell phones on the island. The problem is, only the tourists can afford them. I agree with Aguahoja, the "eternal revolution" that keeps the Castro Brothers employed has failed. Time for free elections, let the people choose their leaders.
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Fool, you think the problems facing Cuba are exclusive to the island. What about those Latin American states that have the support of the West with human rights and standard of livings that are below the Cuban par?
My dearest Paulo, lets not resort to name calling. I know you are a much better person than that. I don't know where you get your current Cuban standard of living statistics. Maybe you've been reading Granma, or Juventud Revelde (their 2 state published propaganda rags). The standard of living in Cuba today is deplorable. And I know, "it's because of the US embargo" has nothing to do with their broken government...yeah, right. When was the last time you visited Cuba?
I made a regional comparison, I would certainly prefer to live in Cuba than Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, San Salvador and Haiti! I certainly never said Cuban standard of living is ideal but it surpasses its American-allied neighbours
It's far from ideal, it's pretty bad. I saw a sadness in their faces when I told them how easily I travel from South America to other parts of the world (something they cannot do). Have you visited Cuba? If so, where have you gone? We were mostly in Havana and Matanzas (that's where Varadero Beach is).
Your statistic is wrong. The US has a population of 304,000,000 and 1,540,805 federal or state prisoners. That's not 1 in every 31 resident (the US population is NOT 47,764,955 as your math suggests). Get your numbers right, my friend. Also, many of the prisoners are illegal aliens who flock to the US and commit crimes. If the US is so terrible (and "unfree") why do so many from around the world keep coming? I don't see people flocking to Cuba, North Korea, or Venezuela. Think again, my friend.
Great point! We don't hear of thousands of people trying to sneak into countries like Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, or even Canada! Seems like the US is constantly battling with its immigration problem. Wow, amazing how so many people want to live in such oppressive, crime-filled conditions like the US has. Some are even willing to risk their lives for it. Weird, huh?
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try living in Bogota or Tijuana- you might understand why people try to escape. Most US companies make goods in Mexico and pay people $1 a day. Exploitation leads to desperation.
Of course, it 's all uncle sam's fault. It has nothing to do with the corrupt governments of those Latin American governments why the people want to leave. Hey, and even if US companies are paying $1 a day (which is another one of your made up numbers, like you keep posting on here), at least they're providing jobs, which is more than their own governments are doing. Keep the laughs coming. You are very entertaining!
Corrupt Latin American Govts - which would those be? Do I smell racism?
Oh right, maybe some of the ones the US Govts installed themselves? ;)
Youre right ! The US do provide jobs ! Just like when they sell those Coca Cola recipes to Colombia where thousands of
Union reps get murdered! Building the Brand Abroad! Or using child labor to make GAP sweatshirts for sale in the US economy! Or the consumers funding the drugs war from Mexico and Colombia!
Racism...ha, ha, ha. I'm actually of Indian ancestry living in London. I'm not even an American. It's just that your blame America for everything responses are pathetic. I travel all over Latin America, and have been to Cuba twice. I don't need to read anything for my views, I've seen things first hand. And yes, a lot of the Cuban youth I've met are tired of the "eternal revolution." They do want iPods.
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Just because your of 'Indian ancestry' does not mean you can not be racist. Sorry ! I don't blame the US (btw Cuba is America too) for 'everything'- I blame it for what it has done.
You think that observation is the only form of understanding and research? study more - there is plenty more to be understood.
IPods? That just shows how little you know about consumerism/materialism and its relation to Cuba.
If you want to talk more send me a msg - i can give you my email.
The Cubans do want "capitalist" products, especially the youth. When I visited Cuba 2 years ago, I was surprised with the black market of american music CD's, US jeans, etc... you name it. I was also surprised at how prevalent prostitution was in certain areas (night clubs, hotel lobbies, etc.). A lot of the youth seem disillusioned. They're willing to sell their bodies to buy a pair of jeans. A very sad side of the island you don't see in these travel videos.
Hi there. Sure- we all want materialist products. However we have to realize that materialism and wealth constitute a big problem in societies as they can increase relative wealth gaps- cause rifts.
Socialism aims to defeat these.sure, a black market exists, but this is not symbolic of much. Remember - Cuba has an economic blockade to fight around and certain anti social people see it fit to introduce black market goods.
The US is too a sad place... but far less progressive socially
The economic blockade does not prevent Cuba from doing business with Mexico, all of South America, and of course, the rest of the world. So stop blaming the US embargo for all of Cuba's economic woes. Before Castro, Cuba produced 80% of its own food and imported only 20% from abroad. Now, those numbers are flipped. And Cuba is not socialist, it is communist. What I saw in Cuba when I was there was a lot of disillusion with the system, and a growing desire for free enterprise.
• To those of you who have no side on Cuba; If you are a freedom loving person then you may read all the lies about Cuba and believed them. I would ask that you please don't. I have visited the Island several times. There I found what the nature of freedom is: You can't have the freedom "to" if you don't have the freedom "from". You want to do whatever, say whatever, and explore whatever you want. But it's hard to do that if you're not free from hunger, disease, injury and ignorance (continued.)
rednemesis88 7 months ago
• ...Thats is one of the goals of socialism. To take the value created by industries in any given nation and put to collective use for all in said same nation such as food rationing, free medical care, and free schools (at all levels). For if a person is homeless, hungry, injured, contracted pneumonia, and is uneducated then what good is the freedom "to"? This is exactly what Cuba is trying to achieve. The problem is the embargo. It's putting the building of socialism through a hindered pace.
rednemesis88 7 months ago
Fidel is not a dictator. Dictators don't teach the poor literacy. Dictators don't arm the people from the threat of invasion. Dictators don't provide free medical care. Dictators don't ration the food products among the people. Dictators don't cut off diplomatic ties with Israel over the mistreatment of Palestinians. Dictators don't organize teams of doctors to go and provide free medical care to the poor in third world countries. If Castro is a Dictator then he is the strangest one there is.
rednemesis88 7 months ago
This is a great video I would be interested in chatting with the person who posted it. Lets not forget that Reagan and Bush put an embargo on Sandinista Nicaragua in the 80s as well as backed a terrible civil war. In that situation they weren't even rigid Marxists like perhaps Castro is, so to advance our interests it seems we've had a sort of slash and burn mentality towards countries who don't play along with what we want. What does the person who posted this think of the change in Latin Amer?
roberts11000 1 year ago
um hello they are fucking commie's 2 learn about oyur own country btw its going down the shitter so maybe you should of did the right thing not broken the embargo and spent those dollar's here in the usa you know sense our economy is so great you advocate maken cuba money and not the usa idea pack a fucken bag get on your boat and go become cuban should be ashamed of yourself get some fucking country pride btw im a cuban but wait i love the usa next you will say im racist again im cuban
dloc231 1 year ago
VISIT THE FANGUITO
ViticoMr11 1 year ago
Break the embargo! With an axe and a sledgehammer if needed. No government has the right to restrict your travel, NONE. So go to Cuba and enjoy.
Cubatraveler 2 years ago 4
@Cubatraveler The funny thing is the Cuban government doesn't allow people to leave :p you need an exit visa, only fucked up countries do that.
sanshoukid 1 year ago
When in Cuba get away from the hotels and restaurants and away from the tourist area and you will see the real Cuba, search for "panfilo jama " and you will see the real struggle of the Cubans inside Cuba, Panfilo was sentenced to two years in prison for asking for food! ThisFAT DOG WILL DIE OF HUNGER IN CUBA!
yourvette 2 years ago 2
I hope she tipped workers at the hotels and tourist areas with the asprin, bandages and food they so desperately need. I hope she knows her every move was watched, her telephone bugged and that only extranjeros can have access to the internet.
kfrb1 2 years ago
My every move is watched and my phone bugged and that's my everyday life in the USA
undeadpresident 2 years ago 8
Yes, you are correct this same repugnant behavior has become the norm here. Freedom is a rare and precious gift that we have failed to protect.
kfrb1 2 years ago 3
For you who don't know Cuban-american politics, please do not believe the Nay-sayers. They lie about the revolution because many of them are desendant of the deposed batista ruling class. The thing you need to know about Cuba is that, right now, it is the only place in the world where socialism actually does work. Fidel is not a dictator; dicators don't teach 90% of the people how to read; or set up free healthcare; or give the majority weapons; or provide free colleges for all.
rednemesis88 2 years ago 6
That is a huge lie! all you have to do is look at the economic statistics of cuba befroe the revolution and they were the leaders in latin America. In fact they had color TV stations before the USA. All castro has done is bring Cuba to its knees.
TheFarnos 1 year ago
@rednemesis88 I am agree with you
keikaa1 1 year ago
Comment removed
keikaa1 1 year ago
@rednemesis88 and i am sure, that we cuban, dont need to much to be happy,,, we need only a little bit,, that is all,,, and i wish that someday cuban and usa, really a good relationship have,,, because we cuban we have a lot to teach.. is not the only way of healthacare or education,,, there is alot more inside cuba,, education, healthcare, sport, music, spirituality, etc, but more important thins smiling that we have a lot in cuba poor people but we stronger strenght for enjoing life and love
keikaa1 1 year ago
I'm from California...where this woman is from. I agree, life in America is not all that great either and it is just as hard to live in all parts of the world. At least I see a lot more smiling faces in Cuba and less McDs fast food restaurants. It seems the more you have the less happy you are, especially in los angeles where I haven't seen a smiling face around in years.
203207ab 2 years ago 4
@203207ab I agree with you,, I am cuban women, I was born in cuba, i went to the school in cuba, and my family is in cuba, we have in cuba alot of problem is truth,,,, but we have something that many country they have forgotten,, its loving our neighbor as ourself... and that we have in cuba. cuban people are poor people but very humble, they still know what feeling mean,, as loving our neighbor ourselft, i am sorry my english is not so good
keikaa1 1 year ago
@keikaa1 Thank you! Gracias !!!
203207ab 1 year ago
Viva Fidel.
Viva Raul.
203207ab 2 years ago
This people want to exercise their freedom by going to a place were those freedom are not permitted to the nationals. This is a travesty of freedom!
hardmonday 2 years ago
sad
eventvisionsinc 2 years ago
and this fat stupid college californian bitch would die there withour her McDonalds ...:-)
napajedlacek 2 years ago
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sad but true
theoriginalmcsquare 2 years ago
@napajedlacek Lol
swiv2d 2 years ago
Why we have a embargo ?
what about pressure from jewish mafia ,the biggest mafia in the USA ...?
they used to own all that casinos and bothels in Cuba under Batista !..
so Castro made them mad !!
and they will never forget...thats why we have a embargo
or is just American ego to have a communist country 90 miles from US border.?
after what they all do in latin america.
for example Colombia - Colombia is own by jewish narco trade !its not about Pablo Escobar..he was what zionist jewish media .
napajedlacek 2 years ago 3
zionist media wants you to believe ....
no no no ...its all about ZIonism ..and Castro is not jewish ..and he punched them in the face..
thats why
napajedlacek 2 years ago 4
The U.S. uses the Monroe Doctrine to keep a tight grip on Latin America, taking advantage of these overseas investments in order to make themselves richer without any care for the people living there. It is why they have performed coups or invaded Chile, Guatemala, Cuba, Grenada, Nicaragua, etc. They have shown a consistent inability to coexist with any leftist leaning government, despite the many flaws in their own. They think they are the only kind that matters.
Frogstomp121 2 years ago 4
You fat bitch, do you have any ideas how many people are dead becouse of that regime??? you are a nasty person, please! go back to Mc Donalds were you belong to eat and to clean other good people's tables, YOU ARE A PIG.
hombreanfibio 2 years ago
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preguntales a los cubanos que es
DIVERSIONISMO IDEOLOGICO
DIVERSIONISMO IDEOLOGICO
DIVERSIONISMO IDEOLOGICO
DIVERSIONISMO IDEOLOGICO
Sikitraqui 2 years ago
fuck the U.S.
cuajonpr 2 years ago
American's could freely travel to the Soviet Union, Americans could freely travel to Apartheid South Africa, Americans could freely travel to Nazi Germany in the 1930's, Americans can travel to North Korea and Saudi Arabia to this day --- yet an American in Ft Lauderdale can't travel on a 1hr flight south to the beautiful beaches of Cuba.
(INSANE) - but then again that's the Mafia Gusano 5th column for ya
4Barbudos 2 years ago
I've traveled to Cuba a few times and have seen how Castro's 50 year old inept dictatorial government has brought that once thriving nation into third world status. There is no incentive to work in Cuba today. One thriving industry, however, which gets a lot of business from tourists, is prostitution. One of Castro's legacies.
mospheric 2 years ago 11
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There should also be a report about the murderers in Miami. Cuban exile TERRORISTS like Luis Posada Carilles ("South America's Bin Laden" who blew up Cubana Flight 455 in 1976), Orlando Bosch (his partner in crime), Felix Rodriguez (point man for Oliver North in Iran/Contra, trained central American death squads), Alpha 66 (Gusano = Al Qaeda), Brigade 2506, etc -- Just go to Versailles restaurant in Miami where these assassins will be sitting up front.
4Barbudos 2 years ago
Listen Dave985033. Im cuban,30 years old and I don't Know whish cuba are you talking about?
MEDICINE FREE? First you need to find vwhere buy it,and after pay like everywhere,no free. The only diferent is that in my country there is medicine for turist alot,and not for cuban in any farmacy. Im think you need 2 Go 2 see the cuba 4 CUBAN and STOP going 2 the cuba 4 Turist. Just 2 know the the truth of the truth, and then talk.
mrhuevolospaisanos 2 years ago 5
Why doesnt the US Liberate Cuba? :DD
hahahahahaa
Darusdei 3 years ago
She is from California...a place with over 10 percent
unemployment...and crime and no respect is rampant.
Cuba got rid of its casinos and have free health care and try to have equality and education with women and have the highest rate of babies with the best care in birth giving and survival. So who is living the better life. The people in Cuba obviously. An island paradise.
Dave985033 3 years ago
they also JUST (i repeat JUST) got the freedom to enter tourist hotels and own cell phones. I met a Cuban who had never seen CHEESE until he moved to the USA. As a Cuban-American that is saddening. I don't see that as progress. I am sure you also know that Castro executed two journalist in 2003 for writing anti-revolutionary articles? PARADISE??? FOOL!
dmm531 2 years ago 2
As I recall, cheese is bad for your heart and causes calcium buildup in the arteries which eventually leads to heart attacks...who is the fool now?
Dave985033 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
you need to go and read the actual facts about these executions and cases. dont just read tabloid papers and watch CNN
the US executed 65 people in 2003. and MORe in other years (98 in 1999)
Cuba has executed 2 in 2003 - and very few in the recent 20 yrs
Think again my friend
-a
mrchips 2 years ago
You think Cuba really tells the world how many people they execute annually? How about those shot on sight in open waters fleeing the island? In '03, Cuba had a population of 10,000,000 and the US 295,000,000. By "your numbers" if in 2003 Cuba executed 2 (that were reported) and the US 65, then Cuba & the US were about even on executions per capita. Also, US executions have dropped since 2003 (42 in '07 and 37 in '08). I like how you choose your statistical numbers. Think again, my friend.
aguahoja 2 years ago 7
Another correction to "your numbers." Cuba executed 3 in 2003 (not 2) that were reported on the world stage because they attempted to hijack a boat to Florida. So, per capita, Cuba had more executions that year than the US. Think again, my friend.
aguahoja 2 years ago 2
Hey mrchips, cat got your tongue? Or, did you think again?
aguahoja 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Yes, I do think Cuba tells the public how many the execute. Doesn't the US too ?
The Cuban executions in 2003 took place to warn off any other US/CIA operatives from further acts of terrorism. Read about the history of US influenced terrorism.
Understand that Cuba placed a moratorium on Capital Punishment in 2001 and since the 2003 executions Cuba has not executed ANY prisoners. US has executed 336 from 2003-present.
Dont doubt that Cuba is a progressive society and one which we must defend
mrchips 2 years ago
Man, you are stupid!
Tutunum 2 years ago 3
she's right 100% who's suffering? the people
of cuba,not fidel castro.
torovavan 3 years ago
i agree with her
LWSamlan 3 years ago
I wonder if she was able to pay for her expenses in Cuba with US $ FRN
SovereignCurtis 3 years ago
go where you want, who cares what any government says. you live on this planet too. and if you boil it down...the gov works for you, so screw'em. greedy bastards. long live true freedom.
jlaprise 3 years ago 5
well they can allways shout you , ...or make so you desappear ...
they they own every thing , so actually they have us working for them ... look at Taxes as Rent ...
HK379 3 years ago
I know....it just felt good to say!
Pray for Peace,
Johnny
jlaprise 3 years ago
There is only one reason why Cubans want to hop ona boat risk their lives and come to the US. The Cuba adjustment Act. y are garanteed green card, and they can take the citizenship test in spanish too. IF this didn´t exist, not too many would be taking that risk. Haitans have more of reason to do something liek this and they don´t do it becuase they know they risk repatriation in the end. And yes, she is right, to many people have romantic imges about the us.
mrshutter77 3 years ago 4
You go Denise!
jusaliltree 3 years ago 4
Thank you for the video. I wish I was there.
guajiroamericano 3 years ago
I'm so called "liberal" but not the like you think.. Because U.S media has distorted that word so much it means to you a hippy smoking weed.
I believe in freedom of speach/freedom of religon/freedom for everything/I don't believe that covernment should be saying me what to do. Thou I believe there should be united laws to guide us. I'm econimicly conservative, but when it comes to social issues I'm all for it.
You think I want to reculate your life in some way but I don't.
tkstka 3 years ago
We are totally talking about different issues.. You think I'm saying capitalism doesn't work. It's yes and no. You think I'm saying Communism/sosialism is competing with capitalism when it's not a competion. Capitalism is finance system and Sosialism is a wellfare system for better life standards.
those two have nothing to compete about. It's like competition between Icegream and tv.. The only reason why this has come a huge debate was because Soviet tried to be military power..
tkstka 3 years ago
Soviet union was distroyed because their own stupidity.. They could have let U.S be the alpha male and let U.S act as child trying to act tough and just keep improving their country.. But they wanted to be a military power instead of real socialist nation.
tkstka 3 years ago
Best economical/social systems are found in Scandinavia.. Why? because they aren't so simple minded about running countries. Their world views aren't so black and white. they have best overall school systems. it takes care all kids equally. So no kid is left behind or doesn't get same education as your nabour. That's why they don't have dumb people at the same scale as U.S does and I mean really dumb.. people can't point their country from a map and they don't believe in evolution.
tkstka 3 years ago 3
I thought we were talking economics, not "world-views". The reason our education system sucks is because it is run by liberals and the Teachers Union. As for evolution, it is nothing more than a religion for godless people.
4951WEDDEL 3 years ago
liberals nice ok now you officially don't know what you are talking about.
U.S media has distorted the word liberal so much that you guys have no fucking clue what you guys are talking about.
Seriosly the reason why U.S education sucks is because idiots teach christianity in schools and lack of normal biology, geography, historial, politics, and they replays that stuff with christian views of the world. 97% americans believe in somekind of god or higher being. That's the problem's not liberals
tkstka 3 years ago
The Cuban govt allowed nuclear weapons onto their soil that were aimed at the USA. Unless and until that pathetic old senile Castro and his anti-American cohorts continue their despotic rule, I see no reason to lift the embargo.
Phana24JeffG 3 years ago
I hope this lady smiled into the hidden cameras in her hotel room. Also, the tourist money coming into Cuba DO NOT go to the Cuban people. The Cuban people must love to have overweight Americans telling them what a fab country and gov't they have.
RobGoth100 3 years ago
Having been to Cuba many times I can attest to the fact that American tourists are commonplace.
Whether you're a Communist supporter or not you cannot deny that Cubans have a far better standard of living than most of their neighbours.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
Sure, better standard of living: It's all right to embrace dictatorship if the dictator makes the trains run on time...
Inkan1969 3 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Cuba is a self-declared communist country and you can change that status quo as much in their elections as you can change the capitalist/pro-Israel status quo in US elections. Your idea of democracy is one that can oust Communism, a bit like the only democracy allowed in the Middle East is one that rubber stamps your genocidal claims over the region.
They are a representative democracy - far from perfect - but hey you are living in a glass house and should not throw stones.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
If they're far from perfect, let's make it better then.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
I wouldnt disagree with that but you Americans have funny way of dumbing things down so Uncle Sam can make a quick buck out of the dignity of a people.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
Good for her.
PinkoPapist89 3 years ago 2
The whole Cuba thing has its roots in their revolution, 50 years ago. The US (in cold war paroxysm of paranoia) and in its usual support of the elites (who fled and settled in Miami) gave Castro little choice but to welcome Communist support. So like ancient, running '57 chevies, ancient attitudes attract the curious.
akadad1950 3 years ago
I'd say the majority are proud to have the revolutionary gov't they have, but would like more freedoms in their personal life.
I don't want to say it's all our fault, but if Fidel hadn't gotten all paranoid and shut down the society the way he did, do we really think he or his gov't would still be around? Hell no. The US leaves 2 options. Our way, or hell.
There is no room for difference or anything that does not contribute to our wellbeing. Where would Cuba be had we rspctd them from the start?
JaphletBA 3 years ago
I agree that it's a shame that people will hop on a not sea-worthy boat and try to get to FL, but there are tens and hundreds of places people want to flee from for one reason or another, without the benefit of education and healthcare. Poverty, hunger, and want are a fact of capitalist, socialist and communist life everywhere.
Plus, the UN named Cuba one of the only sustainable models in the world. Something has to change, and we all are going to have to have less...
JaphletBA 3 years ago
japh: It is impossible to tell for what reason Cubans want to flee Cuba. Is it the embargo, or the lack of "self-determination" that gets them? They are mostly not hungry, get free med care, and are educated. I think they want to be upwardly mobile, which goes against the Communist ideal.
nicholas9999 3 years ago
i wish tourists would stop going places for a week or two and then act as spokespeople for all people who live in the country they are visiting, especially one as complex as cuba.
crispylittletown 3 years ago
way to go......my tourist dollar would go farther in Cuba than at DisneyWorld.
TO CUBA!!
VoiceOFnatioN 3 years ago
fuck the americans. we dont want your kind here. we have equal access to healthcare, free university and many other things. fix your own God Damn Country~!
PresidentOfTheBlacks 3 years ago
aren't you from Georgia? I suspect Cuba would allow you to move there. why doncha?
DarkDennis1961 3 years ago
Cuba, I need to go there.
Fuck the embargo, fuck theism.
XVX for life, R.A.S.H. 'til death.
aquamammal 3 years ago 2
We send a lot of our torture business down there.
Oh...I guess that doesn't benefit Cubans though.....
or anyone else.....
not even us.
never mind
HEYBUDD 3 years ago
NO MORE EMBARGO!
t123n5 3 years ago 3
i would like to visit cuba very interesting!
flipflop1234567890 3 years ago 3
Denise Borges, your Constitutional rights, as an American citizen, only apply in America. Do you think Cuba is America? You should have spent your tourist dollars trying to salvage your Constitutional rights back home, that were being trampled while you selfishly visited Cuba.
Downfacingdog 3 years ago
The embargo is so stupid.
DarkDennis1961 3 years ago 4
I really think that lifting the embargo would be the key to bringing down the Communists at last. With the embargo lifted, the Communists could no longer shield Cubans from outside influences, and the rest of the world can then come in and steamroll the Castro regime.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
well in that case your an idiot and it would be better if you stop giving appinment
VoiceOFnatioN 3 years ago
What exactly is "appinment"?...
Inkan1969 3 years ago
are you serious? the communists arent shielding cubans... cuba has peaceful diplomatic and/or economic relationships with most of the countries in the WORLD. the only country with especially harsh relations with cuba is the US , and even that is just one-way - where the us is being shielded and not so much cuba- as a huge portion of cuban medicine comes from the US.
crispylittletown 3 years ago
How free are Cubans to travel to other parts of the world?
Inkan1969 3 years ago
lnkan: It's possible that we could make the same old mistakes by trying to create problems for the Cuban gov't, but why do it? If we did, we'd be trampling on a sovereign gov't. It would create tremendous problems for us. The key to Cuban success is tourism, which creates more jobs and prosperity for Cubans, if handled properly by the regime. Nothing wrong with that in my book.
nicholas9999 3 years ago 2
I like that she defied the embargo, but i'm not certain she fully understands certain things. Of course American tourist dollars would be of great benefit to the Cubans, it's the reason Americans are not allowed. Canadians, Europeans, ect, travel freely to and from Cuba without incident.
2300SKIDOO 3 years ago 2
The ban on Cuba is just plain silly and after 40 years its completely ineffective. The loosers that make up our elected officals..
Lets see we will not do business with Cuba, yet we do tons of business with China, Saudi Arabia, and Venesella. People this is Nuts
btigtime2 3 years ago 4
I wouldn't put Venezuela in the same category as China or Saudia Arabia.The current (venezuelan) government is actually trying to reverse years of oppression.
Jada54 3 years ago
I just remember the prez of Venezuela saying a lot of real bad things about the usa, yet we still do business with them... But we will not do Business with Cuba who said bad things about the USA... If Cuba had Oil, we would open up talks.
btigtime2 3 years ago
What phony. The only reason why she wouldn't get in trouble is because she is "small fry". Feh.
dswynne 3 years ago
the embargo is bull shit, good for her.
sheepwshotguns 3 years ago 7
I don't even know how long the embargo has been for, but quite honestly, I know that it's been long enough that any gains that would have been achieved politically by such a maneuver would have happened already. Pretty sure at this point it's just a childish grudge.
SomeCynicalGuy 3 years ago 5
If she says "America" one more time i will scream. Its called the United States. Cuba is America too.
zanawench 3 years ago
It's not called the United States, it's called the United States of America. If you can shorten the name, so can she.
thebuddhamonkey 3 years ago
Referring to the USA as "America" is insulting to the rest of the Americas. Amerigo Vespucci never even reached North America!
zanawench 3 years ago
I never liked calling the country "America" myself, as that name is supposed to refer to the two continents. I try to use "US" or "United States" instead.
Inkan1969 3 years ago 2
I've never heard anyone except Americans call themselves Americans. Never heard a Canadian, a Mexican, a Colombian, etc. call themselves "American". Maybe South American, but never American. Even people from other countries call Americans Americans. Nobody says "United States of Americans". It's shortened to Americans, just like the name of our country. It's not a big deal, and how is it insulting? I'm sure Amerigo Vespucci did not go to every country in South America, so is that insulting too?
thebuddhamonkey 3 years ago
Both governments are to blame. They are like children. Fidel like most Cubans at the time wanted the American corporations out of Cuba. Cubans wanted to own Cuba. He defied the U.S. and they put sanctions on Cuba. Fidel could not trade with his closest neighbor so then he started trading with the Soviets. When the USSR collapsed, Cuba fell with it due to lack of trade. U.S. imperialism was affecting much of Latin America at the time of the revolution. Cuba was the only country who beat the U.S.
TheBigHo111 3 years ago 4
Learn more about Latin America, watch my video:
Latin America - A Crash Course
watch?v=Y7gEax58ePQ
TheBigHo111 3 years ago
Poor Cuba, theyre current condition is all because of America, their Embargos aand all that trash have hindered Cubas revolution. Theyre support of Cuban exhiles who commit terrorism in Cuba is also just as bad. Its sad that they cant have dialogue with Cuba but they support some of the worst dictators in the world. Mobutu, amongst many. Its really sad.
jabzulani 3 years ago
No, the Embargo has propped up the revolution, by giving the Communists a scapegoat on which to blame all of Cuba's troubles.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
lnkan: When is a scapegoat not a scapegoat? That is, if the embargo were dropped and Cuba's situation then greatly improved, could you use the word "scapegoat," or could you say that, in fact, the embargo was largely to blame for Cuba's troubles?? Some people in the U.S. are afraid that Cuba will be too successful without an embargo and that Communism will "look good." It's silly, but I believe that is part of the problem.
nicholas9999 3 years ago 4
I've never heard of any people saying they were afraid of Cuba being too successful without an embargo.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
lnkan: Nope, you sure haven't. But it's a reasonable supposition. You gotta realize how phobic are some people in the gov't about Communism - it's a big deal to them. The other problem is the leftover Cuban community in Florida who are still as mad as ever at Fidel - he ruined their lives, made them start over in the U.S. They would listen to Fidel's speeches on the radio and scream and shake their fists at the radio. Some are like 80 years old and still mad as hell. And they vote!!
nicholas9999 3 years ago 3
Being "phobic" about Communism doesn't seem any more unreasonable than, say, being "phobic" of Fascism. I salute the Miami Cuban community's dedication to their cause. But I do feel that they should change their mind about the embargo and instead see the lifting of it as the way to destroy the Castro regime.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
lnkan: Being phobic about communism is unreasonable in my opinion. We should let ehe cubans run their deal however they want to run it. But I agree we need to lift the embargo, but I see no need to destroy the castro regime, just my opinion.
nicholas9999 3 years ago 5
Cubans do not currently run their own deal because the Communists only allow them to run it their way or no way. Let Cubans have free elections to take control of their deal, that's what I mean by "destroying" the Castro regime. Presumably they will vote to maintain their healthcare and literacy systems if they really are as good as people purport.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
well I don't know what you are debating about.. I support free choices of those people. If they want to end "a regime" then sure.. what ever makes them happy..
tkstka 3 years ago
and about their "healthcare and literacy" it's as good as you can get without outside support from nabours. Cuba is poor country they have much better healthcare system then what U.S has. It might not give as good HC if you are rich but it give better HC for normal people. They probably want to improve. To get better equitment and knowledge with in those categories.
Because they have better healthcare system then what U.S has doesn't mean they don't want improve..
tkstka 3 years ago
lnkan: The problem is, Cuba is a sovereign country. We can't just decide what is best for Cuba. We need to lift the embargo and stay out of Cuba's business, IMO. Tourism will then cause Cuba to look successful under a Castro regime. To which, I say, "I don't care if it makes that regime look successful."
nicholas9999 3 years ago 3
I'm not convinced that tourism will have that effect. And while I would support anything like an invasion, completely staying out of another country's business seems too extreme either. For instance, do we let Myanmar just go on living in its military tyranny, or Sudan flatten Darfur? Neither intervention extreme is wise.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
I do agree somewhat, there is no such thing as a problem with borders today. We all live in the same planet.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago 3
While I would not support anything like an invasion, completely staying out of another country's business seems too extreme either. I apologize, I wrote that too hastily.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
Miami Cubans are all too happy to sell out their Cuban brothers for the sake of their own battered prides. Their cause is not as altruistic as they claim it to be.
They are not respected in the Latin world and for good cause.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
Having grown up with them, I say they are. I do not agree with all their tactics, but I applaud their perserverence in standing up to dictatorship. If they are not respected, then that is an injustice.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
I agree fully..
tkstka 3 years ago
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I dont care if you f*cking live with them, Im Latin - they are Spanish descendants riled by their lost social standing from decades or corruption and ineffective governance.
You blast Cuba today but completely forget about the dire state it was in at the hands of such people.
Having said that Cuba is an island in tradition and has a long way to go.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
But you said that you're part Spanish yourself. Shouldn't you be bashing yourself for being a Spanish descendent then?...And I'm Peruvian, born in Lima to Limean and Arequipan parents. I don't know what my ancestry is; probably both Inka and Spanish, maybe a little bit of Iraqi/Jordanian and Chinese. But I'm glad to be Peruvian.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
I love Peru, its sad that you have come from such a great history and have sold yourself out in such a way.
Im Spanish so that especially gives me the right to criticise them, I dont understand your point. I know you Americans equate criticism of self with anti-Americanism and self-hating but certainly my thinking is a bit more advanced than yours.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
It would be sad if I had actually "sold out". But as this selling out only exists in your messed up mind, there's nothing to be sad about.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
So has your country extradited Luis Posada yet? He is Latin Americans biggest terrorist and is happily living in Miami.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
What does Luis Posada have to do with me "selling out"?
Inkan1969 3 years ago
Thought you said you were of Peruvian descent?
You realise you are paying for Posada's protection in Miami and he is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Latinos, Spaniards and Portuguese of terrorist acts across Latin America.
I wont even discuss the recent bi-lateral free trade agreements between the USA and Latin America - Im sure you can be rehabilitated so dont want to embarrass you any further.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
Yes, I'm Peruvian born. Again, what does that have to do with Posada, who's Cuban born and wanted in Venezuela and Cuba. I never said I supported Posada's protection. He should be treated the same way that BinLaden should be treated, as Posada has killed civilians.
You sounded VERY evil when you used the word "rehabilitated". You sounded exactly like the Khmer Rouge madmen who tried to "rehabilitate" people in their death camps. I reject the fascism that you embrace as "rehabilitation".
Inkan1969 3 years ago
Brasil have also tried to extradite him so dont turn this into a Cuba/Venezuela thing. And you wonder why the majority of Cubans in Miami are treated with absolute disdain when they petition your crappy government to continue to protect Latin America's biggest terrorist.
You're a fool - yes I sound like the Khmer Rouge, YAWN! Idiot.
Quit telling people you're Peruvian because I dont want you to embarrass a country and people I love. You're American!
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
Say what? I wasn't turning this into any Cuba/Venezuela thing. I said that I support his extradition. I neither like Castro nor Chavez, but that's not a reason to prevent his facing justice. He can face charges in Brazil as well.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
You failed to mention Brasil but happily use the two countries that your silly President charges to be ruthlessly Communist.
You say you dont like the protection your country affords to Latin America's biggest terrorist but you do nothing about it. In fact many Cubans in Miami are absolutely proactive in ensuring this guy is kept safe.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
Fine, I yawn back at your "idiot" insults, reminding you how stupid you sound every time you make those juvenile swipes.
I'm Peruvian and I'm U.S. citizen. Who the Hell do you think you are telling me what I can call myself? I'm sure the country of Peru would most prefer that an idiot like you stay away from it.
Inkan1969 3 years ago 2
No, I have been to Peru a few times and I am quite popular.
Oh yes I am sure Peru loves you too - you vote and pay for a government that protects the biggest terrorist of the Latin world! The people of Peru love you as much as that crappy free trade agreement with your country!
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
My relatives who live in Peru can attest that my family is loved.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
Its great you have family in Peru, such a shame you do so little for your home country.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
None of my family members say we do little.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
And I feel sorry for Portugal. Portugal deserves better than for a bigoted and juvenile clown to try to represent it.
Inkan1969 3 years ago 2
I hold no official position as a representative of Portugal, we have a PM and his position on Cuba is the same as mine.
Again if you want to talk about me write to me direct, otherwise lets stay on the topic of stupid Americans in Cuba.
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
And they're as much Latin as you are. They're probably more Latin than you because they're from Latin America while you're from Europe.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
So the American purports to know my family tree?
PauloGVieira 3 years ago
You've mentioned being part Spanish one zillion times.
Inkan1969 3 years ago
An island in "transition" (I think that's what you meant). Give me a break! It's the Eternal Revolution. Now more than 50 years old. It hasn't worked, and only gets worse with each passing year. And please, spare me the "it's the US embargo's fault" tired excuse. I am Spanish and live in Barcelona. I have many Cuban exile friends here. They are some of the most educated, successful people I know. Your disdain for the Cuban exile says volumes about you.
aguahoja 2 years ago 8
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Yes I can see why you might think the Cuban Revolution has failed, it only has the highest education rate in all of Latin America and the lowest rate in infant mortality! A complete failure!
Again, little sympathy for elite Cubans of Spanish descent living in Barcelona who want us to care about them now, when they showed no regard for their fellow countrymen when they were in power.
PauloGVieira 2 years ago
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None of my Cuban friends in Barcelona were part of the "elite Cubans" you have so much contempt for. Quite the opposite. One was a writer who asked for political assylum in Spain 5 years ago. You quote the usual "successes" of the revolution, education, health care, infant mortality. Yes, education for all, but you must read only state approved literature, and study the career chosen for you by the state. If you're a writer, be careful what you write. Wow, what a success!
aguahoja 2 years ago 14
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Where are you from? Your education curriculum also has "state approved literature". And the state chooses your career?? I know many Cuban rappers and I can tell you now that Castro did not tell them to be rappers.
Certainly the revolution has many human rights tragedies, but I would prefer Cuba over Haiti or El Salvador. Perhaps a failure when you look at Western Europe, but Cuba is in Central America.
PauloGVieira 2 years ago
Yes, but in my country you can go to any corner bookstore and get uncensored books from all over the world with different points of view. Books that condemn our government, promote all sorts of ideas, etc., and allow the individual to decide what they want to believe. Cubans don't have that luxury. In Cuba, bookstores and their contents are also state sanctioned . What good is litiracy without freedom of expression?
oceannamic 2 years ago 7
do you think it makes you free cos you can go to a book store?
you have a big disillusion my friend - think again.
mrchips 2 years ago
I think you missed my point. I'm free to read and write whatever I want. In Cuba, the state dictates what can be written and sold in bookstores. I can also travel the world freely (which I do every year) and move to any country I want . Imagine not being able to freely leave your country and move somewhere else. If I don't like the US, I can move to Africa, or Costa Rica, etc. Cubans can't do that. They're captive on the island.
oceannamic 2 years ago 6
I have met many Cuban scholars and theorists who did not seem starved of worldly knowledge as your comment suggests.
Cuban people can leave the island. I know many cubans living abroad who are pro-revolution and pro-raul
You can probably travel freely because you are a wealthy capitalist ! Cuban society operates differently and remember that Cuba is still a third world country.
The revolutionary spirit lives ... it can not be defeated by your vague ideas about freedom and democracy
mrchips 2 years ago
You got one thing right, Cuba is a 3rd world country thanks to the failed Castro brothers. Once more, you make erroneous statements. Cubans cannot travel freely. And, sorry to burst your bubble, but a great percentage of the Cuban youth is fed up with the revolution. They'd rather have iPods and current CD's than march in obligatory anti-US demonstrations. Even little bro Raul is caving in, allowing cell phones and private business, and slowly capitalizing the island. Get used to it old man.
oceannamic 2 years ago 3
You so reactionary.
If Cuba did not have a revolution it would be like Haiti. No infrastructure -being raped and invaded by the US Govt and Corps.
The Cuban youth are fed up with revolution? I think you have been reading too much Yoni Sanchez blogs!!
Raul allowing more consumerist goods is a procedure of easing the restrictions put in place during the Special Period and allowing electricity consumption since the 2006 energy revolution.
Revolution... never stops...
mrchips 2 years ago
As for low infant mortality and health care. There's good health care for basic ailments, but don't get a serious disease, or you're screwed. Why not mention the other successes of the revolution. Prostitution is rampant in Cuba . The people have no incentive to work. The black market is thriving. There is no freedom of speech. Cubans are held captive on the island, they cannnot travel freely abroad. I wonder why that is?...hmm..let me think... ah yes, half the island would leave if they could.
aguahoja 2 years ago 11
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Yes, but is Cuba the exception in Latin America? This is not a Castro/Communism problem but one for the region.
PauloGVieira 2 years ago
Paulo your argument is tired, lets talk about all the failures and false promises of the revolution. Hey, I heard little brother Raul now allows cell phones on the island. The problem is, only the tourists can afford them. I agree with Aguahoja, the "eternal revolution" that keeps the Castro Brothers employed has failed. Time for free elections, let the people choose their leaders.
oceannamic 2 years ago 6
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Fool, you think the problems facing Cuba are exclusive to the island. What about those Latin American states that have the support of the West with human rights and standard of livings that are below the Cuban par?
PauloGVieira 2 years ago
My dearest Paulo, lets not resort to name calling. I know you are a much better person than that. I don't know where you get your current Cuban standard of living statistics. Maybe you've been reading Granma, or Juventud Revelde (their 2 state published propaganda rags). The standard of living in Cuba today is deplorable. And I know, "it's because of the US embargo" has nothing to do with their broken government...yeah, right. When was the last time you visited Cuba?
aguahoja 2 years ago 5
I made a regional comparison, I would certainly prefer to live in Cuba than Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, San Salvador and Haiti! I certainly never said Cuban standard of living is ideal but it surpasses its American-allied neighbours
PauloGVieira 2 years ago
It's far from ideal, it's pretty bad. I saw a sadness in their faces when I told them how easily I travel from South America to other parts of the world (something they cannot do). Have you visited Cuba? If so, where have you gone? We were mostly in Havana and Matanzas (that's where Varadero Beach is).
mshydro 2 years ago 5
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the US has 1 in every 31 people in prison
3.1 % of the population
the highest in the world
how symbolic that is of your free system.
think again my friend.
-a
mrchips 2 years ago
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Your statistic is wrong. The US has a population of 304,000,000 and 1,540,805 federal or state prisoners. That's not 1 in every 31 resident (the US population is NOT 47,764,955 as your math suggests). Get your numbers right, my friend. Also, many of the prisoners are illegal aliens who flock to the US and commit crimes. If the US is so terrible (and "unfree") why do so many from around the world keep coming? I don't see people flocking to Cuba, North Korea, or Venezuela. Think again, my friend.
oceannamic 2 years ago 10
Great point! We don't hear of thousands of people trying to sneak into countries like Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, or even Canada! Seems like the US is constantly battling with its immigration problem. Wow, amazing how so many people want to live in such oppressive, crime-filled conditions like the US has. Some are even willing to risk their lives for it. Weird, huh?
mospheric 2 years ago 7
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try living in Bogota or Tijuana- you might understand why people try to escape. Most US companies make goods in Mexico and pay people $1 a day. Exploitation leads to desperation.
mrchips 2 years ago
Of course, it 's all uncle sam's fault. It has nothing to do with the corrupt governments of those Latin American governments why the people want to leave. Hey, and even if US companies are paying $1 a day (which is another one of your made up numbers, like you keep posting on here), at least they're providing jobs, which is more than their own governments are doing. Keep the laughs coming. You are very entertaining!
quantumat 2 years ago 6
Corrupt Latin American Govts - which would those be? Do I smell racism?
Oh right, maybe some of the ones the US Govts installed themselves? ;)
Youre right ! The US do provide jobs ! Just like when they sell those Coca Cola recipes to Colombia where thousands of
Union reps get murdered! Building the Brand Abroad! Or using child labor to make GAP sweatshirts for sale in the US economy! Or the consumers funding the drugs war from Mexico and Colombia!
Oh boy im just full of lies and laughs !
mrchips 2 years ago
Racism...ha, ha, ha. I'm actually of Indian ancestry living in London. I'm not even an American. It's just that your blame America for everything responses are pathetic. I travel all over Latin America, and have been to Cuba twice. I don't need to read anything for my views, I've seen things first hand. And yes, a lot of the Cuban youth I've met are tired of the "eternal revolution." They do want iPods.
quantumat 2 years ago 3
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Just because your of 'Indian ancestry' does not mean you can not be racist. Sorry ! I don't blame the US (btw Cuba is America too) for 'everything'- I blame it for what it has done.
You think that observation is the only form of understanding and research? study more - there is plenty more to be understood.
IPods? That just shows how little you know about consumerism/materialism and its relation to Cuba.
If you want to talk more send me a msg - i can give you my email.
-a
mrchips 2 years ago
The Cubans do want "capitalist" products, especially the youth. When I visited Cuba 2 years ago, I was surprised with the black market of american music CD's, US jeans, etc... you name it. I was also surprised at how prevalent prostitution was in certain areas (night clubs, hotel lobbies, etc.). A lot of the youth seem disillusioned. They're willing to sell their bodies to buy a pair of jeans. A very sad side of the island you don't see in these travel videos.
locustlimb 2 years ago 3
Hi there. Sure- we all want materialist products. However we have to realize that materialism and wealth constitute a big problem in societies as they can increase relative wealth gaps- cause rifts.
Socialism aims to defeat these.sure, a black market exists, but this is not symbolic of much. Remember - Cuba has an economic blockade to fight around and certain anti social people see it fit to introduce black market goods.
The US is too a sad place... but far less progressive socially
mrchips 2 years ago
The economic blockade does not prevent Cuba from doing business with Mexico, all of South America, and of course, the rest of the world. So stop blaming the US embargo for all of Cuba's economic woes. Before Castro, Cuba produced 80% of its own food and imported only 20% from abroad. Now, those numbers are flipped. And Cuba is not socialist, it is communist. What I saw in Cuba when I was there was a lot of disillusion with the system, and a growing desire for free enterprise.
locustlimb 2 years ago 4