NationStates Jolt Archive

What do you most admire about Cuba?, one of the world's last Socialist nations and as a result of these policies has been the most successful country in Latin America at improving the living standards of their people. You can find out more about Cuba at: http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm.

I admire Cuba for many reasons and I voted for the way the economy is run. In a capitalist society the majority of the wealth created is concentrated in the hands of a few business owners and never benefits the majority of the population. While Cuba is not perfect, the wealth is fairly evenly distributed and used to improve the lives of the people. That is why, despite the US sanctions which are more extreme than those against North Korea, Cuba has a similar life expectancy and infant mortality rate to the USA and according to a UN report has been the most efficient country in the world at reducing poverty.

I admire how Castro deals with political dissent!

They make some decent cigars and play baseball.

I love watching Castro falling down Castro falling down (http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2653309?ifilmp=99&htv=12)

The hookers are cheap as well. Also they are good at making parts for their 57 Chevys.

mojiitos.

I love watching Castro falling down Castro falling down (http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2653309?ifilmp=99&htv=12)


Thats was so funny. I saw it on the news and started laughing so hard I cried.

They suck. I hate cuba, and they hate my country. And your pole is so moronic. At least add a "Dont like them" option.

I love that Cuba is small, bankrupt, and about to face the music and become a real country instead of a backward totalitarian state with its own miniature gulag, summary executions and outlawed dissent.
It will be a bright day in the Western hemisphere when Castro dies.

I love Castro's sexy mustache.

I love that Cuba is small, bankrupt, and about to face the music and become a real country instead of a backward totalitarian state with its own miniature gulag, summary executions and outlawed dissent.
It will be a bright day in the Western hemisphere when Castro dies.

Complete nonsense. Cuba is one of the most democratic countries in the world and everyone over the age of 16 can vote in free elections to choose their representatives who are directly selected by the people and not by any political party (see the website I posted). There are no gulags in Cuba and there are much less people in prison in proportion to the population than in the USA. Dissent is not outlawed and all the so-called dissidents that have been jailed are actually working for the CIA in an attempt to overthrow Cuban democracy. There are also no summary executions and Cuba has only executed three people in five years and not because of their political activities.

Oh yes, a great country Cuba is. Where an old man who promises freedom from a dictator and instead becomes a worse one rules. Europaland, you are delusional.

Complete nonsense. Cuba is one of the most democratic countries in the world and everyone over the age of 16 can vote in free elections to choose their representatives who are directly selected by the people and not by any political party (see the website I posted). There are no gulags in Cuba and there are much less people in prison in proportion to the population than in the USA. Dissent is not outlawed and all the so-called dissidents that have been jailed are actually working for the CIA in an attempt to overthrow Cuban democracy. There are also no summary executions and Cuba has only executed three people in five years and not because of their political activities.
Democratic? Fidel Castro is a dictator! Good God, you're judt..mad. Have you been to Cuba?

Complete nonsense. Cuba is one of the most democratic countries in the world and everyone over the age of 16 can vote in free elections to choose their representatives who are directly selected by the people and not by any political party (see the website I posted). There are no gulags in Cuba and there are much less people in prison in proportion to the population than in the USA. Dissent is not outlawed and all the so-called dissidents that have been jailed are actually working for the CIA in an attempt to overthrow Cuban democracy. There are also no summary executions and Cuba has only executed three people in five years and not because of their political activities.
This is so staggeringly false as to be humorous. Are you serious? Really? You think that voting makes an ounce of difference? Perhaps you think that Brezhnev, Krushchev, and Gorbachev were "elected" too. Overthrow Cuban "democracy"? Where librarians are jailed for supporting dissident literature? Where opposing the government in any form can get you arrested? If you are not joking, I am going to laugh or throw up.

Complete nonsense. Cuba is one of the most democratic countries in the world and everyone over the age of 16 can vote in free elections to choose their representatives who are directly selected by the people and not by any political party (see the website I posted). There are no gulags in Cuba and there are much less people in prison in proportion to the population than in the USA. Dissent is not outlawed and all the so-called dissidents that have been jailed are actually working for the CIA in an attempt to overthrow Cuban democracy. There are also no summary executions and Cuba has only executed three people in five years and not because of their political activities.


Then why are there so many diffections, and why so many people escapeing on rickity rafts, risking death to get out of there. Why do they protest so much when the government says they have to go back because of failed immagration status.

Sounds like a place I'd like to go, where the people would rather drown then live under the current government.

And I'll add this to those american haters, they actually look forward to life in America compared to Cuba, damn, its got to be bad down there.

They have damn good cigars.

Oh yes, a great country Cuba is. Where an old man who promises freedom from a dictator and instead becomes a worse one rules. Europaland, you are delusional.

Are you trying to say that Fidel is worse than Batista? That is absurd and you are the one being delusional. Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations. Since the revolution Cuba has almost completely eradicated poverty, starvation, ill health, racism, women's oppression and illiteracy. Cuba now has a life expectancy of 77, up from less than 50 in 1959, the literacy rate is around 97%, up from less than 50% in 1959 and the infant mortality rate is now similar to that of the USA. No other 3rd world country has ever achieved social progress on this scale. Cuba is also much more democratic under Castro than under the dictatorship of Batista and the population now genuinely has a say in how the country is run (see http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm).

Nobody is defending Batista. We are just saying Castro is a dictator and that Cuba is still a cruelly opressive nation. That site you posted is the most partisan hack job I have ever seen. It's worse than hearing Nixon talk about himself.

What do I love about Cuba?
The cigars!
:D

They do have an impressive medical system compared to other, similar nations.

But they're still a horrible dictatorship.

Cuba is communist, not socialist. There's a difference, you know.

Americans arent the only Imperial country, Japan and Germany are also buying major car companys from other countries, yeah, its not just Ford and GM! And England just recently bought out a very famous Polish Candy manufacturing thing.......

Ok, bad England arguement, but America is not the only Imperial country.

Are you trying to say that Fidel is worse than Batista? That is absurd and you are the one being delusional. Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations. Since the revolution Cuba has almost completely eradicated poverty, starvation, ill health, racism, women's oppression and illiteracy. Cuba now has a life expectancy of 77, up from less than 50 in 1959, the literacy rate is around 97%, up from less than 50% in 1959 and the infant mortality rate is now similar to that of the USA. No other 3rd world country has ever achieved social progress on this scale. Cuba is also much more democratic under Castro than under the dictatorship of Batista and the population now genuinely has a say in how the country is run (see http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm).
Ah, first of all, there is nothing to prove the literacy rates, as no independent inspectors were allowed in. And besides, what good is the ability to read if all you can read is what the government lets you? As for poverty--NO! Why do you think so many risk thyeri lives to go to america? Ill health, no, Cuba's disease rates are the same as any nation in its economic status. Alright, let us replace "Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations." with "Fidel isan evil, corrupt, Communist dictator who oppresses the people of Cuba in the interests of Russian governments and himself." Honestly, I see little difference. And Castro is even worse, because he betrayed the Cuban people. He had their support in the revolution, but then turned around after gaining power and became a Communist dicator. At least Batsista never offered such false hope.

Are you trying to say that Fidel is worse than Batista? That is absurd and you are the one being delusional. Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations. Since the revolution Cuba has almost completely eradicated poverty, starvation, ill health, racism, women's oppression and illiteracy. Cuba now has a life expectancy of 77, up from less than 50 in 1959, the literacy rate is around 97%, up from less than 50% in 1959 and the infant mortality rate is now similar to that of the USA. No other 3rd world country has ever achieved social progress on this scale. Cuba is also much more democratic under Castro than under the dictatorship of Batista and the population now genuinely has a say in how the country is run (see http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm).

Things can't change that fast unless they are forced to by someone.

Are you trying to say that Fidel is worse than Batista? That is absurd and you are the one being delusional. Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations. Since the revolution Cuba has almost completely eradicated poverty, starvation, ill health, racism, women's oppression and illiteracy. Cuba now has a life expectancy of 77, up from less than 50 in 1959, the literacy rate is around 97%, up from less than 50% in 1959 and the infant mortality rate is now similar to that of the USA. No other 3rd world country has ever achieved social progress on this scale. Cuba is also much more democratic under Castro than under the dictatorship of Batista and the population now genuinely has a say in how the country is run (see http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm).

That isnt such an impressive literacy rate, the US along with dozens of other countries in western Europe, even places like Turkmenistan have literacy rates = to or greater than 97%

Complete nonsense. Cuba is one of the most democratic countries in the world and everyone over the age of 16 can vote in free elections to choose their representatives who are directly selected by the people and not by any political party (see the website I posted). There are no gulags in Cuba and there are much less people in prison in proportion to the population than in the USA. Dissent is not outlawed and all the so-called dissidents that have been jailed are actually working for the CIA in an attempt to overthrow Cuban democracy. There are also no summary executions and Cuba has only executed three people in five years and not because of their political activities.

Europa land, you've gone off the deep end, do you realise that Fidel Castro has been Dictator there for (looks at watch) quite some time! Do you think he gets elected? No, do you think they ride those shifty rafts through shark infested stormy waters for sport? No. Do you think they enjoy having to use 56 Studebakers that keep breaking down only to be fixed with the lesser engines? No, well, unless there into classics.

The life of a Cuban is not a happy one, did you notice how many people moved to the US in the 70's?

This is so staggeringly false as to be humorous. Are you serious? Really? You think that voting makes an ounce of difference? Perhaps you think that Brezhnev, Krushchev, and Gorbachev were "elected" too. Overthrow Cuban "democracy"? Where librarians are jailed for supporting dissident literature? Where opposing the government in any form can get you arrested? If you are not joking, I am going to laugh or throw up.

I will laugh, throw up at the same time, choke to death and tell Jimi Hendrix not to worry, he is not the only one.

What do you most admire about Cuba?

Cuban cigars! I'd have to go to Canada to find them. :(

Are you trying to say that Fidel is worse than Batista? That is absurd and you are the one being delusional. Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations. Since the revolution Cuba has almost completely eradicated poverty, starvation, ill health, racism, women's oppression and illiteracy. Cuba now has a life expectancy of 77, up from less than 50 in 1959, the literacy rate is around 97%, up from less than 50% in 1959 and the infant mortality rate is now similar to that of the USA. No other 3rd world country has ever achieved social progress on this scale. Cuba is also much more democratic under Castro than under the dictatorship of Batista and the population now genuinely has a say in how the country is run (see http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm).

I know what your problem is, you had probably just discovered these stats, thought, wow! I was wrong about Cuba! Showed us thinking you were so right, forgot that all that was fake, realised you had made a horrible mistake now dont want to admit it. Or something within .1% of that, now am I right? Am I psykick? Its ok, admit your mistake.

No, I think he's just a socialist crazy enthralled with a Communist state so near the US that he loathes. One of those guys who still can't understand why the USSR collapsed.

No, I think he's just a socialist crazy enthralled with a Communist state so near the US that he loathes. One of those guys who still can't understand why the USSR collapsed.

He understands why it collapsed, he just thinks it was the US's fault.

Cuba is communist, not socialist. There's a difference, you know.

Cuba has never actually claimed to be Communist and they have said they are Socialists who are working towards Communism.

Ah, first of all, there is nothing to prove the literacy rates, as no independent inspectors were allowed in. And besides, what good is the ability to read if all you can read is what the government lets you? As for poverty--NO! Why do you think so many risk thyeri lives to go to america? Ill health, no, Cuba's disease rates are the same as any nation in its economic status.

The figures I am giving are from the CIA factbook! so you can hardly call them Cuban propaganda (see http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cu.html). The Cuban people have many books to read and I don't see any difference between state run companies choosing what books to publish and private companies doing the same in capitalist countries. You are wrong to say Cuba has a similar disease rate to other third world countries as they have a very good health service and an extensive programme of free vaccinations which has resulted in no cases of tetanus in 2004 for the first year ever.

Alright, let us replace "Batista was an evil, corrupt, fascist dictator who oppressed the people of Cuba in the interests of US corporations." with "Fidel isan evil, corrupt, Communist dictator who oppresses the people of Cuba in the interests of Russian governments and himself." Honestly, I see little difference. And Castro is even worse, because he betrayed the Cuban people. He had their support in the revolution, but then turned around after gaining power and became a Communist dicator. At least Batsista never offered such false hope.

The fact is that you would be wrong to say that about Castro. He is not evil or corrupt or even a dictator as you would know if you have read any unbiased information about the Cuban political system. Castro has not betrayed his people who overwhelingly support their government which has massively improved their lives in every way over the last 45 years.

Cuba has never actually claimed to be Communist and they have said they are Socialists who are working towards Communism.



The figures I am giving are from the CIA factbook! so you can hardly call them Cuban propaganda (see http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cu.html). The Cuban people have many books to read and I don't see any difference between state run companies choosing what books to publish and private companies doing the same in capitalist countries. You are wrong to say Cuba has a similar disease rate to other third world countries as they have a very good health service and an extensive programme of free vaccinations which has resulted in no cases of tetanus in 2004 for the first year ever.



The fact is that you would be wrong to say that about Castro. He is not evil or corrupt or even a dictator as you would know if you have read any unbiased information about the Cuban political system. Castro has not betrayed his people who overwhelingly support their government which has massively improved their lives in every way over the last 45 years.
They are. Full government control, almost no private indutry. And the CIA factbook doesn't analyze anything, it takes what governments give 'em. The difference between the government choosing what you read and a corporation doing it is simple---the corporation will selll what the people want, or it will go out of business. The government sells what it wants, and thus books become tools of propaganda. And no, the health care system issue is actually pure propaganda. The government simply doesn't have the money to do it, as it is fauirly bankrupt. Castro is a dictator! Notice how he is always "elected" with almost 100% of the population's suppport? Just like Saddam Hussein "won" 99% of the vote! Castro betrayed his people because he promised democracy and never uttered a word about socialism before going into power, and now he rules with an iron fist. Political dissidents are tossed into jail, etc.

The fact is that you would be wrong to say that about Castro. He is not evil or corrupt or even a dictator as you would know if you have read any unbiased information about the Cuban political system. Castro has not betrayed his people who overwhelingly support their government which has massively improved their lives in every way over the last 45 years.Again, you are so misled, it makes me want to vomit and laugh at the same time. (I am hoping I don't. My computer would never recover, not to mention my lungs) I guess propaganda works after all, you are living proof.

Actually I'm quite curious how does Cuba acheive that much for so long. Being a communist country, their economy would have basketcased up long time ago, unless they have rich resources or like other nations such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong they specialised in manufacturing, ports and service industry.

Does anyone have anymore info on Cuba's economy? They survive on black market I'm guessing? (Thinking about all the shows where the bad guy usually hide their money in Cuba :p)

I don't like Cuba and especially it's government. And your poll assumes we all love something about the country, which many may not, including myself.

They make some decent cigars and play baseball.
Can't complain about them playing baseball!

I don't like Cuba and especially it's government. And your poll assumes we all love something about the country, which many may not, including myself.
I sure hope this whole thing is just a joke. But you never know with those Europeans...;)

I sure hope this whole thing is just a joke. But you never know with those Europeans...;)


They are a tricky bunch to understand sometimes :D.

Castro betrayed his people because he promised democracy and never uttered a word about socialism before going into power, and now he rules with an iron fist. Political dissidents are tossed into jail, etc.
However, government-run economies are a great way to lose weight! The periodic famine diet plan is guaranteed to work!

I like everything Cuban, the music, the lifestyles, the people.
But their political system is not really perfect yet. I wouldn't mind more democracy and less of political prisoners on the island and by that I also mean the prisoners of Guantanamo. And Fidel has had too much power much too long now.

Otherwise I admire their struggle against american imperialism.
The main reason for that the revolution has turned a bit sour is because of USA
and the plots to end Cuban independency.

I have a few questions for the loon that started this thread....

Why do so many cubans swim 90 miles through shark infested waters with their whole families to get to Miami? And then when they get here and finally have freedom of speach why do they totally contradict all of the stupid crap you spewed about a socialist paradise? And totally devote their lives to overthrowing Castro's regime by political pressure? Hmmmmmmm.....

Please answer....

I have a few questions for the loon that started this thread....

Why do so many cubans swim 90 miles through shark infested waters with their whole families to get to Miami? And then when they get here and finally have freedom of speach why do they totally contradict all of the stupid crap you spewed about a socialist paradise? And totally devote their lives to overthrowing Castro's regime by political pressure? Hmmmmmmm.....

Please answer....



Exaclty, Miami is full of Cubans, which begs the question if Cuba is so perfect, why do so many live in the enemies land?

http://www.canf.org/2005/principal-ingles.htm

1) The revolution. Batista, though not a fascist, was a notorious and vicious U.S.-backed oppressor. Castro, who was not a communist yet, led the July 26 movement, promising national independence and democracy. After the success of the revolution, with overwhelmingly popular success, the Cubans found themselves faced with a U.S.-orchestrated campaign to sabotage every effort at success, including an extraterritorially applied economic blockade; lynching volunteers who went into the countryside to teach peasants how to read; numerous terrorist acts including blowing up a French merchant ship, several hotel bombings, and the bombing of a civilian airliner--this over the course of 40-odd years; the organization of bandit gangs to attack the government; mercenary invasions including the invasion at Playa Giron; and efforts to bribe the Cubans into submission. Oh, not to mention the repeated use of biological weapons against Cuba. Castro, like millions of other Cubans, became a communist as a result of living through the revolution, and realizing that communism was the only way he could fulfill his democratic promises.

2) The accomplishments. Despite being on the receiving end of the most sustained Cold War in history, Cuba has the lowest HIV infection rate in the world. It has eliminated 6 diseases that are worldwide epidemics, including measles, which is currently ravaging the UK. It has eliminated starvation and homelessness. It eliminated prostitution for about 20 years, although this has returned in the last decade or so because of the extreme economic pressures on Cuba. Its infant mortality rate is lower than the U.S.'s. Cuba's literacy rate is the 4th-highest in the Americas--that is, not as high as the U.S.'s; but today Cuba brooks comparison with the U.S. and Canada, and not with Pakistan and Rwanda. Cuba also has a proud internationalist record in foreign policy that is historically without compare. Cuba gives a greater percentage of its GDP in foreign humanitarian aid than any other country, and Cuban volunteer doctors are serving in dozens of poor countries around the world.

3) Dissent in Cuba. According to American propaganda, every terrorist, not to mention every common criminal, in Cuba is a "dissident." The fact is that it is a common saying in Cuba that "criticizing the government is the national pastime." No one goes to jail for it. Period. When Tomas Alea Gutierrez, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker of Strawberry and Chocolate, which is extremely critical of the government of Cuba, came to the U.S. to receive his award, he said he was glad to live in Cuba where he was free to say what he wanted.

4) Elections in Cuba. Castro is not the sovereign of Cuba. Sovereign political power in Cuba is in the hands of the National Assembly of People's Power, which commonly votes down proposals made by Castro. Castro is not directly elected by the people of Cuba. Rather, he is a member of the National Assembly, elected from his own district, and the National Assembly elects him. This is the same way Tony Blair is elected. Castro is serving his 6th term as president, and was last reelected in 2002. He gets a high share of the vote from the voters in his district because he's running in his own neighborhood in Havana, which is a center of support for him--plus, in the words of Ed Sullivan, he's the "George Washington of Cuba." (Washington, by the way, was also elected with 100% of the vote, just like Saddam Hussein, twice.)

5) Civil rights and repression. Cubans have many rights that are unique in the world, such as the right of farmers not to be foreclosed on--but I suppose that doesn't matter to good liberals. So what about a free press, abortion on demand, and a rifle with ammunition and several grenades distributed to all adult citizens? That said, yes, there is some repression in Cuba. Unauthorized demonstrations are banned. Only one political party is legal (although all elections are non-partisan and it is common for non-party members to be elected to offices, including the National Assembly). And Cuba has an extensive secret police force. Ideally, this wouldn't be the case. However, Cuba has been in a constant state of emergency for decades, as the richest country in the history of the world has devoted vast resources to overthrowing the Cuban government--in fact, this has been the most constant feature of U.S. politics since 1959, and the most unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the U.S., which is facing much less of a threat, also has an extensive police force; it DOES imprison dissidents (not to mention the 5 Cuban citizens it has in jail for trying to keep tabs on U.S.-backed terrorist groups); and it runs concentration camps and tortures prisoners. Yet CASTRO is the bad guy? Oh, and we all know what happens to leaders like Allende or Aristide who accept the U.S.'s standards of democracy.

6) The emigrants. The first emigrants from Cuba were hated Batista-era government officials, or rich people fleeing with their looted fortunes. These families form the backbone of the Miami anti-Cuban movement, which would have gone to the dogs a long time ago if not for the billions in CIA financing it gets. Today, Cubans come for economic reasons. "But this proves that Cuba is poor," you say. Yes, Cuba, like the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, is poor, after centuries of colonial and semi-colonial exploitation. Cubans are much better off today than in 1959, but Cuba hasn't caught up with the U.S.--which enjoys the benefits of the systematic plunder of the third world--overnight. Now, if the U.S. were to offer automatic legal residency to every Mexican who came here illegally, not to mention the opportunity to become a millionaire overnight by becoming a CIA mercenary, Mexico would be depopulated within a week. What is surprising is not that some people choose to leave Cuba, but that many choose to stay. As it is, 400 Mexicans die trying to get to the U.S. every year, as opposed to 70 Cubans--although it is much more dangerous to travel from Cuba, and the incentives for Cubans to come are much greater. More astounding still, about 1/4 of Cuban-American immigrants eventually return to live in Cuba. And when Fidel Castro visited Harlem in 1995, more Cuban-Americans turned out for pro-Castro demonstrations than anti-Castro demonstrations. Also, the U.S. is obligated by a treaty it has with Cuba to issue 20,000 visas to would-be legal immigrants every year, but it has never issued more than 3,000. Because they can't get visas, they will be turned away if they come on a plane or ship, and only given residency if they come on an inner tube or raft--you see, this looks good for the TV cameras. But doesn't the fact that they are willing to risk the ocean crossing prove that they are desparate? Sure, if you grant the fact that the thousands of people who flee every year from Haiti or the Dominican Republic TO Cuba are equally desparate.

Anti-Cuban propagandists make it sound as though, if not for communism, Cubans would live like Americans. This is nonsense. Americans can live like they do because Haitians, Jamaicans, and Indonesians live like they do. The Cuban revolution was a big step toward changing this state of affairs, but Rome wasn't built in a day.

What do you most admire about Cuba?, one of the world's last Socialist nations and as a result of these policies has been the most successful country in Latin America at improving the living standards of their people. You can find out more about Cuba at: http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq.htm.

What do I like about Cuba? It's geographically positioned so it looks like the U.S. is pissing on it with a giant wang (Florida).

1) The revolution. Batista, though not a fascist, was a notorious and vicious U.S.-backed oppressor. Castro, who was not a communist yet, led the July 26 movement, promising national independence and democracy. After the success of the revolution, with overwhelmingly popular success, the Cubans found themselves faced with a U.S.-orchestrated campaign to sabotage every effort at success, including an extraterritorially applied economic blockade; lynching volunteers who went into the countryside to teach peasants how to read; numerous terrorist acts including blowing up a French merchant ship, several hotel bombings, and the bombing of a civilian airliner--this over the course of 40-odd years; the organization of bandit gangs to attack the government; mercenary invasions including the invasion at Playa Giron; and efforts to bribe the Cubans into submission. Oh, not to mention the repeated use of biological weapons against Cuba. Castro, like millions of other Cubans, became a communist as a result of living through the revolution, and realizing that communism was the only way he could fulfill his democratic promises.

2) The accomplishments. Despite being on the receiving end of the most sustained Cold War in history, Cuba has the lowest HIV infection rate in the world. It has eliminated 6 diseases that are worldwide epidemics, including measles, which is currently ravaging the UK. It has eliminated starvation and homelessness. It eliminated prostitution for about 20 years, although this has returned in the last decade or so because of the extreme economic pressures on Cuba. Its infant mortality rate is lower than the U.S.'s. Cuba's literacy rate is the 4th-highest in the Americas--that is, not as high as the U.S.'s; but today Cuba brooks comparison with the U.S. and Canada, and not with Pakistan and Rwanda. Cuba also has a proud internationalist record in foreign policy that is historically without compare. Cuba gives a greater percentage of its GDP in foreign humanitarian aid than any other country, and Cuban volunteer doctors are serving in dozens of poor countries around the world.

3) Dissent in Cuba. According to American propaganda, every terrorist, not to mention every common criminal, in Cuba is a "dissident." The fact is that it is a common saying in Cuba that "criticizing the government is the national pastime." No one goes to jail for it. Period. When Tomas Alea Gutierrez, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker of Strawberry and Chocolate, which is extremely critical of the government of Cuba, came to the U.S. to receive his award, he said he was glad to live in Cuba where he was free to say what he wanted.

4) Elections in Cuba. Castro is not the sovereign of Cuba. Sovereign political power in Cuba is in the hands of the National Assembly of People's Power, which commonly votes down proposals made by Castro. Castro is not directly elected by the people of Cuba. Rather, he is a member of the National Assembly, elected from his own district, and the National Assembly elects him. This is the same way Tony Blair is elected. Castro is serving his 6th term as president, and was last reelected in 2002. He gets a high share of the vote from the voters in his district because he's running in his own neighborhood in Havana, which is a center of support for him--plus, in the words of Ed Sullivan, he's the "George Washington of Cuba." (Washington, by the way, was also elected with 100% of the vote, just like Saddam Hussein, twice.)

5) Civil rights and repression. Cubans have many rights that are unique in the world, such as the right of farmers not to be foreclosed on--but I suppose that doesn't matter to good liberals. So what about a free press, abortion on demand, and a rifle with ammunition and several grenades distributed to all adult citizens? That said, yes, there is some repression in Cuba. Unauthorized demonstrations are banned. Only one political party is legal (although all elections are non-partisan and it is common for non-party members to be elected to offices, including the National Assembly). And Cuba has an extensive secret police force. Ideally, this wouldn't be the case. However, Cuba has been in a constant state of emergency for decades, as the richest country in the history of the world has devoted vast resources to overthrowing the Cuban government--in fact, this has been the most constant feature of U.S. politics since 1959, and the most unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the U.S., which is facing much less of a threat, also has an extensive police force; it DOES imprison dissidents (not to mention the 5 Cuban citizens it has in jail for trying to keep tabs on U.S.-backed terrorist groups); and it runs concentration camps and tortures prisoners. Yet CASTRO is the bad guy? Oh, and we all know what happens to leaders like Allende or Aristide who accept the U.S.'s standards of democracy.

6) The emigrants. The first emigrants from Cuba were hated Batista-era government officials, or rich people fleeing with their looted fortunes. These families form the backbone of the Miami anti-Cuban movement, which would have gone to the dogs a long time ago if not for the billions in CIA financing it gets. Today, Cubans come for economic reasons. "But this proves that Cuba is poor," you say. Yes, Cuba, like the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, is poor, after centuries of colonial and semi-colonial exploitation. Cubans are much better off today than in 1959, but Cuba hasn't caught up with the U.S.--which enjoys the benefits of the systematic plunder of the third world--overnight. Now, if the U.S. were to offer automatic legal residency to every Mexican who came here illegally, not to mention the opportunity to become a millionaire overnight by becoming a CIA mercenary, Mexico would be depopulated within a week. What is surprising is not that some people choose to leave Cuba, but that many choose to stay. As it is, 400 Mexicans die trying to get to the U.S. every year, as opposed to 70 Cubans--although it is much more dangerous to travel from Cuba, and the incentives for Cubans to come are much greater. More astounding still, about 1/4 of Cuban-American immigrants eventually return to live in Cuba. And when Fidel Castro visited Harlem in 1995, more Cuban-Americans turned out for pro-Castro demonstrations than anti-Castro demonstrations. Also, the U.S. is obligated by a treaty it has with Cuba to issue 20,000 visas to would-be legal immigrants every year, but it has never issued more than 3,000. Because they can't get visas, they will be turned away if they come on a plane or ship, and only given residency if they come on an inner tube or raft--you see, this looks good for the TV cameras. But doesn't the fact that they are willing to risk the ocean crossing prove that they are desparate? Sure, if you grant the fact that the thousands of people who flee every year from Haiti or the Dominican Republic TO Cuba are equally desparate.

Anti-Cuban propagandists make it sound as though, if not for communism, Cubans would live like Americans. This is nonsense. Americans can live like they do because Haitians, Jamaicans, and Indonesians live like they do. The Cuban revolution was a big step toward changing this state of affairs, but Rome wasn't built in a day.

Cubie goood amerika baaaad ok me see u wrighte me beleeve u OOOpsie meee peppeee

A young boy Pepito asks his father, a government official, how society is organized under socialism. The father answers that it is organized just like their household: the father is the party; the mother is justice; the maid is the working class; Pepito himself is the people and his little brother is the future. The next day, the boy tells his father that he now understands what he meant: "Last night, daddy, the party was scr*w*ng the working class, while justice slept, the people was neglected, and the future was all covered in sh*t."

A young boy Pepito asks his father, a government official, how society is organized under socialism. The father answers that it is organized just like their household: the father is the party; the mother is justice; the maid is the working class; Pepito himself is the people and his little brother is the future. The next day, the boy tells his father that he now understands what he meant: "Last night, daddy, the party was scr*w*ng the working class, while justice slept, the people was neglected, and the future was all covered in sh*t."
LMAO

Lots of Cuba bashing around here. But I think too many people have fallen for age old American Cold War propaganda which says Communists eat babies. McCarthy rules your country beyond the grave!

Fact: Cuba's health system rivals that of America. No other American country can claim to be even close (bar Canada, which is evil anyway according to Southpark).

Fact: No Child Left Behind in Cuba. Whilst Shrub is screwing schools and teachers by setting high demands and not giving them more resources, illiteracy in Cuba is at an all time low. How he does it I don't know, but if I where the boss of my country I'd ask Castro for his secret.

Fact: Castro broke the cycle of dictatorial regimes prostituting Cuba to the USA. Cuba would have been the 51st state today if Castro had not screwed American investors out of their money.

Fact: Cuba's resources belong to Cuba now, and no one else!

Fact: There was support for Castro's revolution in America, but when he privatized companies and cheated Americans out of their money, they screamed "Commie Pinko! Nazi Scum! Tyrant!" without basing any on their insults on truth.

Fact: America drove Cuba into the arms of the USSR themselves by demonizing and not trading with Cuba anymore just because they lost some money because Cubans wanted their country back.

Fact: America's embargo is the biggest reason for Cuba's problems.

Fact: Cubans in the USA don't support the strict policies and embargo against Cuba.

Fact: You're still just sore over the Bay of Pigs defeat.

It might be true that freedom is not something Cuba is famous for. We don't know because it's hard to look between the Commie Pinko Propaganda. But if the Cubans wanted Castro gone, don't you think we'd have noticed by now? There is no revolutionary army or coup attempt like before 1960. There is support for his government even abroad from both Cubans and sympathizers. There is no dissent in Cuba. Even the most micro-managing and oppressive regimes cannot claim they have totally no opposition. And Castro does not seem powerful enough to strike down revolts like Saddam Hussein, the Chinese Communist Party, North Korea's Ill dynasty, the Saud Royal house and the Iranese Theocracy do.

The US is wasting its time with Cuba. Ever since the Cuba Crisis they have no been a threat, and even then it was the USSR who was the actual danger. Castro has no ability to attack the US. Why Cuba is under embargo and Sudan, China, Russia, Israel and Saudi Arabia are not is only explained by the fact the government is selfish, corrupt and ready to accept bloody money. Tolerating cruelty in those countries is perfectly acceptable because they're friends. But Cuba, which is not the scene of mass-murders, genocide, oppression of minorties, government lies, corruption and international blackmail gets the boot just because they ticked off America. For that reason, I hope they'll last for a long time and survive the USA.

But it invade if you really need to. Disarm their deadly cigars before one is launched at the US. But know that Iraq is a dreamland compared to an occupied Cuba.

-snip-

My thoughts exactly

You are a mindless MKULTRA drone. Castro beamed this propaganda into your brain from his spaceship, cartman was driving, they stopped on the way to take sally struthers back to mars.

As a result of these policies has been the most successful country in Latin America at improving the living standards of their people.
What good is a living standard if you have few civil/political liberties?

I like Cuba's literacy rates. They don't have the best healthcare in the world (best in Latin America tho) and you must be joking if you think it's a democracy. The voters have a choice between Castro socialism or... Castro socialism. I don't call that democracy.

Cuba is communist, not socialist. There's a difference, you
know.
No, technically it's socialist and technically communism has never been implemented anywhere due to the fact that it's impossible in reality.

What good is a living standard if you have few civil/political liberties?
I'm not supporting Castro, but let's face it, if you had freedom of speech but you were dying of starvation, would you not be prepared to give up that freedom for food? I would.

If I have to choose between life and freedom I'll take life.

Ive been in Cuba twice and i can say that Cuba is not perfect at all , but from all the poor country's in the world i would choose cuba to live in. Castro maybe a dictator but he's got the people in mind. The US has put cuba on the list of "evil country's" wich is sad really really sad. Cuba could hurt a tree.
And don't get me started on the blockade wich i even worse!

Ive been in Cuba twice and i can say that Cuba is not perfect at all , but from all the poor country's in the world i would choose cuba to live in. Castro maybe a dictator but he's got the people in mind. The US has put cuba on the list of "evil country's" wich is sad really really sad. Cuba could hurt a tree.
And don't get me started on the blockade wich i even worse!

The funny thing is that before the Revolution, Cuba wasn't a poor country!

-Markreich

Do you know who Queensryche is? Vote here!! : http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=389278

Ive been in Cuba twice and i can say that Cuba is not perfect at all , but from all the poor country's in the world i would choose cuba to live in. Castro maybe a dictator but he's got the people in mind. The US has put cuba on the list of "evil country's" wich is sad really really sad. Cuba could hurt a tree.
And don't get me started on the blockade wich i even worse!
Are you an example of the "literate" Cubans? I certainly don't believe that Cuba or Castro is Evil but they are not exactly saints either.
He gets a high share of the vote from the voters in his district because he's running in his own neighborhood in Havana, which is a center of support for him--plus, in the words of Ed Sullivan, he's the "George Washington of Cuba." (Washington, by the way, was also elected with 100% of the vote, just like Saddam Hussein, twice.)As a Canadian even I can't stand by and let you compare Washington to an A** like Hussein. Washington fought for his people and then stepped aside when the time came. Hussein like Castro has had a core group that use(d) fear tactics to keep dissidents in line. Yeah they can say what they want but when your next meal and family's lives depend on you not acting on what you say then you don't tend to do much. Hussein actually only had the support of a little less than a quarter of the country but it took an outside force to go in and remove him. Despite that there had actually been 3, thats right, THREE revolts, not counting the constant war with the Kurds. How many of those did you ever hear about? There have been those fighting the Castro gov't since moment 1 and, surprise, they don't all work for the yanks! The major income for the Cuban gov't has been the drug lordds hiding there. As for the rest of the economy, well when you don't really have to worry about supplying your people with computers, new cars (newer than 1975), or much of an infrastructure then you don't have to put out a lot of money; therego your economy can survive on a lot less. I by no means believe half of what the yanks say about the Cubans but I do believe first hand knowledge of those who have fled the country. Hey, guess what? They weren't a bunch of rich folk that have plundered the Cuban economy and run for a richer country. It is funny reading a bunch of retoric from the yanks and an obvious Cuban plant or two. Not even an indoctinated foreigners would spout the B.S. coming from ya'll. So tell me, how is it you have managed to wipe out measels that are experienced the world over, in one form or another, and yet you still have contact with the rest of the world. Or do you kill anyone that has contact with a foreigner? Measels stays in the system for the rest of your life, this is a major part of the reason for so many Native Americian deaths from this disease when Europeans first arrived here! Don't try selling B.S. to the Bull, or Ice to an Inuit it doesn't fly, boyo!

But doesn't the fact that they are willing to risk the ocean crossing prove that they are desparate? Sure, if you grant the fact that the thousands of people who flee every year from Haiti or the Dominican Republic TO Cuba are equally desparate.
So explain why they have a -1.58/1000 or -17,867 pop growth in 2004 alone due to these rich immigrants leaving on makeshift rafts. And that isn't even taking into account the fact those numbers are supplied by the Cubans.

I like Cuba's literacy rates. They don't have the best healthcare in the world (best in Latin America tho) and you must be joking if you think it's a democracy. The voters have a choice between Castro socialism or... Castro socialism. I don't call that democracy.
No, technically it's socialist and technically communism has never been implemented anywhere due to the fact that it's impossible in reality.
Too true, finally someone who knows something about true Communism vs the so-caled communist countries.

3) Dissent in Cuba. According to American propaganda, every terrorist, not to mention every common criminal, in Cuba is a "dissident." The fact is that it is a common saying in Cuba that "criticizing the government is the national pastime." No one goes to jail for it. Period. When Tomas Alea Gutierrez, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker of Strawberry and Chocolate, which is extremely critical of the government of Cuba, came to the U.S. to receive his award, he said he was glad to live in Cuba where he was free to say what he wanted.
You're wrong. Unless Amnesty International is America propoganda :
It has been one year since Cuban authorities arrested scores of independent reporters, opposition party members and democracy activists for the peaceful expression of their beliefs. While some were subsequently released, 75 were subjected to hasty and manifestly unfair trials and sentenced to long prison terms.

4) Elections in Cuba. Castro is not the sovereign of Cuba. Sovereign political power in Cuba is in the hands of the National Assembly of People's Power, which commonly votes down proposals made by Castro. Castro is not directly elected by the people of Cuba. Rather, he is a member of the National Assembly, elected from his own district, and the National Assembly elects him. This is the same way Tony Blair is elected. Castro is serving his 6th term as president, and was last reelected in 2002. He gets a high share of the vote from the voters in his district because he's running in his own neighborhood in Havana, which is a center of support for him--plus, in the words of Ed Sullivan, he's the "George Washington of Cuba." (Washington, by the way, was also elected with 100% of the vote, just like Saddam Hussein, twice.)

George Washington was NOT elected with 100% of the vote!

1789 Electoral College:
TOTALS: 138 votes
George Washington 69 votes (50%!)
John Adams 34 votes (24.63%)
John Jay 9 votes
Robert H. Harrison 6 votes
John Rutledge 6 votes
John Hancock 4 votes
George Clinton 3 votes
Samuel Huntington 2 votes
John Milton 2 votes
James Armstrong 1 vote
Edward Telfair 1 vote
Benjamin Lincoln 1 vote
http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/presidency/electoral.html

"Each of the 69 electors who carried out their duties cast two votes, one of which had to be for a candidate from outside the voter's state. Therefore Washington, who garnered 69 electoral votes was a unanimous choice, and remains the only person ever to be elected president unanimously (which feat he duplicated in 1792). As runner up with 34 votes, John Adams became vice-president elect. "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

1792? Same story!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._presidential_election%2C_1792
264 Votes
George Washington 132 (50%!)
John Adams 77
George Clinton 50
Thomas Jefferson 4
Aaron Burr 1

So: unanimous? Yes. 100% of the vote? No!

-Markreich

Do you know who Queensryche is? Vote here!! : http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=389278

George Clinton 3 votes
George Clinton 50



Wow, he was alive back then? I guess this was before Parliament Funkadelic! (http://www.dvdisc.co.uk/acatalog/george_clinton.jpg)

I admire cuba because I am from cuba. And also wikll admire cuba when Castro dies.

You're wrong. Unless Amnesty International is America propoganda
Yes, Amnesty is right as usual. Though I must note that this is the first time I have ever seen a Bush supporter reference them!

Wow, he was alive back then? I guess this was before Parliament Funkadelic! (http://www.dvdisc.co.uk/acatalog/george_clinton.jpg)

Yeah, but back then, he couldn't get his funk up!! :D

-Markreich

Do you know who Queensryche is? Vote here!! : http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=389278

I'm not supporting Castro, but let's face it, if you had freedom of speech but you were dying of starvation, would you not be prepared to give up that freedom for food? I would.

If I have to choose between life and freedom I'll take life.
"Give me liberty or give me death!"
What good is life without the choice on how to run it?

I live in Cuba for three months back in '99, teaching english and learning spanish. Never before have I lived among such a cheerful, friendly, selfless, entertaining populace. You don't go to prison for not liking the government. They're like Canada in that respect, almost. Good food, and everyone gets enough. Sure, you can't get your McDonalds, but it's inarguably healthier that way. a beautiful countryside, and cities where people know how to make things last. Where in North America we'll be done with a car after a mere decade, these people own and maintain cars from the fifties. Smart, creative, passionate people. I taught them to play hockey and swear in english, and they taught me how to take better care of things. And to ride a donkey.

Also, I highly recommend studying there for a little while. Three words: Swedish Exchange Students. I dated girls from Sweden and Denmark while I was there.
Also, visit El Nicho and go waterfall diving.

Look, I have no disrespect for the Cuban people. They are a great, joyous people. But, their government only harms and drains them.

Look, I have no disrespect for the Cuban people. They are a great, joyous people. But, their government only harms and drains them.


Exactly, I find Latin Americans very friendly generally (including Cubans) but what I am against is how the government is run.

Weel, I personally have some issues with Mexicans and some South American nations, but generally Latin Americans are a great people who have horrible governments.

Then why are there so many diffections, and why so many people escapeing on rickity rafts, risking death to get out of there. Why do they protest so much when the government says they have to go back because of failed immagration status.

Sounds like a place I'd like to go, where the people would rather drown then live under the current government.

And I'll add this to those american haters, they actually look forward to life in America compared to Cuba, damn, its got to be bad down there.
I always love this argument...

There are people in every country in the world who want desperately to leave in order to make a 'better life' in a different country. That include Americans who emigrate. You have people from Central America walking/hitching/walking again thousands of kilometres to get to the U.S, but I don't hear you using that as an example of 'how bad their governments are'. The majority of people who want to move to the U.S can't afford to go through the expensive immigration process and are not considered 'desireable' immigrants anyway. Hence, illegal immigration.

Don't judge a country solely by the people who wish to leave it (as I do not judge your country by the deserters who continue to cross the border into Canada).

I always love this argument...

There are people in every country in the world who want desperately to leave in order to make a 'better life' in a different country. That include Americans who emigrate. You have people from Central America walking/hitching/walking again thousands of kilometres to get to the U.S, but I don't hear you using that as an example of 'how bad their governments are'. The majority of people who want to move to the U.S can't afford to go through the expensive immigration process and are not considered 'desireable' immigrants anyway. Hence, illegal immigration.

Don't judge a country solely by the people who wish to leave it (as I do not judge your country by the deserters who continue to cross the border into Canada).
HEHEHEHEHEHE!!!!!!! Go Canucks!!!! :D ;)

I have never been to Cuba and no nothin about it except for the cuban missile crisis, bay of pigs, castro and che. Oh, and they speak spanish.

The food. :D

Honestly, I'm not intimately acquainted with other aspects of Cuban culture (or politics).... but I know that there are some awesome Cuban dishes!

Romeo y Julietas, Montecristos, Cohibas, etc.
Good music.

World’s best health service
Very democratic political system
One of the world’s highest literacy rates
The Socialist policies of the government
Economy run to benefit society instead of big business
The eradication of racism since the revolution
Their heroic defiance against the American imperialists

http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/images/smilies/laughing/laughing-smiley-014.gif

http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/images/smilies/cool/party-smiley-021.gif http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/images/smilies/confused/action-smiley-061.gif http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/images/smilies/cheeky/cheeky-smiley-024.gif


1) The revolution. Batista, though not a fascist, was a notorious and vicious U.S.-backed oppressor. Castro, who was not a communist yet, led the July 26 movement, promising national independence and democracy. After the success of the revolution, with overwhelmingly popular success, the Cubans found themselves faced with a U.S.-orchestrated campaign to sabotage every effort at success, including an extraterritorially applied economic blockade; lynching volunteers who went into the countryside to teach peasants how to read; numerous terrorist acts including blowing up a French merchant ship, several hotel bombings, and the bombing of a civilian airliner--this over the course of 40-odd years; the organization of bandit gangs to attack the government; mercenary invasions including the invasion at Playa Giron; and efforts to bribe the Cubans into submission. Oh, not to mention the repeated use of biological weapons against Cuba. Castro, like millions of other Cubans, became a communist as a result of living through the revolution, and realizing that communism was the only way he could fulfill his democratic promises.

2) The accomplishments. Despite being on the receiving end of the most sustained Cold War in history, Cuba has the lowest HIV infection rate in the world. It has eliminated 6 diseases that are worldwide epidemics, including measles, which is currently ravaging the UK. It has eliminated starvation and homelessness. It eliminated prostitution for about 20 years, although this has returned in the last decade or so because of the extreme economic pressures on Cuba. Its infant mortality rate is lower than the U.S.'s. Cuba's literacy rate is the 4th-highest in the Americas--that is, not as high as the U.S.'s; but today Cuba brooks comparison with the U.S. and Canada, and not with Pakistan and Rwanda. Cuba also has a proud internationalist record in foreign policy that is historically without compare. Cuba gives a greater percentage of its GDP in foreign humanitarian aid than any other country, and Cuban volunteer doctors are serving in dozens of poor countries around the world.

3) Dissent in Cuba. According to American propaganda, every terrorist, not to mention every common criminal, in Cuba is a "dissident." The fact is that it is a common saying in Cuba that "criticizing the government is the national pastime." No one goes to jail for it. Period. When Tomas Alea Gutierrez, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker of Strawberry and Chocolate, which is extremely critical of the government of Cuba, came to the U.S. to receive his award, he said he was glad to live in Cuba where he was free to say what he wanted.

4) Elections in Cuba. Castro is not the sovereign of Cuba. Sovereign political power in Cuba is in the hands of the National Assembly of People's Power, which commonly votes down proposals made by Castro. Castro is not directly elected by the people of Cuba. Rather, he is a member of the National Assembly, elected from his own district, and the National Assembly elects him. This is the same way Tony Blair is elected. Castro is serving his 6th term as president, and was last reelected in 2002. He gets a high share of the vote from the voters in his district because he's running in his own neighborhood in Havana, which is a center of support for him--plus, in the words of Ed Sullivan, he's the "George Washington of Cuba." (Washington, by the way, was also elected with 100% of the vote, just like Saddam Hussein, twice.)

5) Civil rights and repression. Cubans have many rights that are unique in the world, such as the right of farmers not to be foreclosed on--but I suppose that doesn't matter to good liberals. So what about a free press, abortion on demand, and a rifle with ammunition and several grenades distributed to all adult citizens? That said, yes, there is some repression in Cuba. Unauthorized demonstrations are banned. Only one political party is legal (although all elections are non-partisan and it is common for non-party members to be elected to offices, including the National Assembly). And Cuba has an extensive secret police force. Ideally, this wouldn't be the case. However, Cuba has been in a constant state of emergency for decades, as the richest country in the history of the world has devoted vast resources to overthrowing the Cuban government--in fact, this has been the most constant feature of U.S. politics since 1959, and the most unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the U.S., which is facing much less of a threat, also has an extensive police force; it DOES imprison dissidents (not to mention the 5 Cuban citizens it has in jail for trying to keep tabs on U.S.-backed terrorist groups); and it runs concentration camps and tortures prisoners. Yet CASTRO is the bad guy? Oh, and we all know what happens to leaders like Allende or Aristide who accept the U.S.'s standards of democracy.

6) The emigrants. The first emigrants from Cuba were hated Batista-era government officials, or rich people fleeing with their looted fortunes. These families form the backbone of the Miami anti-Cuban movement, which would have gone to the dogs a long time ago if not for the billions in CIA financing it gets. Today, Cubans come for economic reasons. "But this proves that Cuba is poor," you say. Yes, Cuba, like the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, is poor, after centuries of colonial and semi-colonial exploitation. Cubans are much better off today than in 1959, but Cuba hasn't caught up with the U.S.--which enjoys the benefits of the systematic plunder of the third world--overnight. Now, if the U.S. were to offer automatic legal residency to every Mexican who came here illegally, not to mention the opportunity to become a millionaire overnight by becoming a CIA mercenary, Mexico would be depopulated within a week. What is surprising is not that some people choose to leave Cuba, but that many choose to stay. As it is, 400 Mexicans die trying to get to the U.S. every year, as opposed to 70 Cubans--although it is much more dangerous to travel from Cuba, and the incentives for Cubans to come are much greater. More astounding still, about 1/4 of Cuban-American immigrants eventually return to live in Cuba. And when Fidel Castro visited Harlem in 1995, more Cuban-Americans turned out for pro-Castro demonstrations than anti-Castro demonstrations. Also, the U.S. is obligated by a treaty it has with Cuba to issue 20,000 visas to would-be legal immigrants every year, but it has never issued more than 3,000. Because they can't get visas, they will be turned away if they come on a plane or ship, and only given residency if they come on an inner tube or raft--you see, this looks good for the TV cameras. But doesn't the fact that they are willing to risk the ocean crossing prove that they are desparate? Sure, if you grant the fact that the thousands of people who flee every year from Haiti or the Dominican Republic TO Cuba are equally desparate.

Anti-Cuban propagandists make it sound as though, if not for communism, Cubans would live like Americans. This is nonsense. Americans can live like they do because Haitians, Jamaicans, and Indonesians live like they do. The Cuban revolution was a big step toward changing this state of affairs, but Rome wasn't built in a day.


Somewhat better, but still seriously deluded.

HRW's 2005 Report (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/01/13/cuba9848.htm)
Cuba

World Report 2005: Index

The Cuban government systematically denies its citizens basic rights to free expression, association, assembly, movement, and a fair trial. A one-party state, Cuba restricts nearly all avenues of political dissent. Tactics for enforcing political conformity include police warnings, surveillance, short term-detentions, house arrests, travel restrictions, criminal prosecutions, and politically-motivated dismissals from employment.

In April 2003, authorities sentenced seventy-five dissidents to prison terms ranging from six to twenty-eight years, and all but fourteen—released in 2004 for humanitarian reasons—remain incarcerated at this writing. Raul Rivero, a poet and journalist, and Marta Beatriz Roque, a prominent independent economist—and the only woman sent to prison during the crackdown—were among the fourteen who were released.

Legal and Institutional Failings
Cuba’s legal and institutional structures are at the root of rights violations. The rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, movement, and the press are strictly limited under Cuban law. By criminalizing enemy propaganda, the spreading of “unauthorized news,” and insult to patriotic symbols, the government curbs freedom of speech under the guise of protecting state security. The government also imprisons or orders the surveillance of individuals who have committed no illegal act, relying upon laws penalizing “dangerousness” (estado peligroso) and allowing for “official warning” (advertencia oficial).

The government-controlled courts undermine the right to fair trial by restricting the right to a defense, and frequently fail to observe the few due process rights available to defendants under domestic law.

Trials and Releases of Political Dissidents
The first major political trial since the 2003 crackdown was held in April 2004 in the central Cuban city of Ciego de Ávila. The trial involved ten defendants, among them Juan Carlos González Leiva, a blind lawyer who is the president of the Cuban Foundation for Human Rights (Fundación Cubana de Derechos Humanos). González Leiva was sentenced to four years of house arrest on charges of disrespect for authority, public disorder, disobedience, and resisting arrest. Several other defendants, including Virgilio Mantilla Arango, received prison sentences of up to seven years. The prosecution was based on a political protest that they held at a provincial hospital in March 2002.

In September 2004, Rene Montes de Oca Martija, the leader of Cuba’s Pro Human Rights Party (Partido Pro Derechos Humanos de Cuba), was sentenced to eight months in prison for the crime of “contempt of authority.”

Fourteen incarcerated dissidents were granted provisional release in 2004, ostensibly for humanitarian reasons. In addition to Raul Rivero, fifty-nine, and Marta Beatriz Roque, fifty-nine, they included librarian Roberto de Miranda, sixty-two, who suffered from serious health problems in prison, and independent journalist Manuel Vasquez Portal, fifty-two.

Prison Conditions
Prisoners are generally kept in abusive conditions, often in overcrowded cells. Prisoners typically lose weight during incarceration, and some receive inadequate medical care. Some also endure physical and sexual abuse, typically by other inmates with the acquiescence of guards. In October 2004, human rights advocate Luis Enrique Ferrer Garcia was reportedly stripped and beaten by police and prison officials in the Youth Prison of Santa Clara. The following month, dissident Juan Carlos Herrera Acosta was reportedly beaten to unconsciousness by prisoners who called him “traitor, worm, coward.” Other incarcerated dissidents report receiving death threats and being subjected to other forms of harassment.

Political prisoners who denounce poor conditions of imprisonment or who otherwise fail to observe prison rules are frequently punished by long periods in punitive isolation cells, restrictions on visits, or denial of medical treatment. Dissident Oscar Elias Biscet was frequently punished in this fashion. These abusive conditions are particularly hard on older dissidents, some of whom are in their sixties and in poor health.

Death Penalty
Under Cuban law the death penalty is possible for a broad range of crimes. Because Cuba does not release information regarding its use of the penalty, it is difficult to ascertain the frequency with which it is employed. As far as is known, however, there have been no executions since April 2003.


More:
Cuba: Trial Violates Dissidents’ Right to Free Expression (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/04/22/cuba8480.htm)
Crackdown Against Dissidents in Cuba (http://www.hrw.org/press/2003/04/hcirtestimony041603.htm)
Cuba: Unfair Trials of Nonviolent Dissidents (http://hrw.org/press/2003/04/cuba040303.htm)
Cuba Silences Dissent with Abuses, Oppressive Laws (http://hrw.org/english/docs/1999/07/23/cuba947.htm)
HRW's 1999 Report: "Human Rights Forty Years After the Revolution" (http://www.hrw.org/reports/1999/cuba/)
HRW's 2001 Report (http://www.hrw.org/wr2k1/americas/cuba.html)
Cuba: One Year After the Crackdown: A Joint Statement by Freedom House, Human Rights First, Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations on the first anniversary of the crackdown on peaceful dissent in Cuba (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/03/17/cuba8126.htm)