President Obama’s Responses to Yoani Sanchez’s Questions
President Barack Obama: Thank you for this opportunity to exchange views with you and your readers in Cuba and around the world and congratulations on receiving the Maria Moore Cabot Prize award from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism for coverage of Latin America that furthers inter-American understanding. You richly deserve the award. I was disappointed you were denied the ability to travel to receive the award in person.
Your blog provides the world a unique window into the realities of daily life in Cuba. It is telling that the Internet has provided you and other courageous Cuban bloggers with an outlet to express yourself so freely, and I applaud your collective efforts to empower fellow Cubans to express themselves through the use of technology. The government and people of the United States join all of you in looking forward to the day all Cubans can freely express themselves in public without fear and without reprisals.
Yoani Sánchez: QUESTION #1. FOR YEARS, CUBA HAS BEEN A U.S. FOREIGN POLICY ISSUE AS WELL AS A DOMESTIC ONE, IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE OF THE LARGE CUBAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, IN WHICH OF THE TWO CATEGORIES SHOULD THE CUBAN ISSUE FIT?
All foreign policy issues involve domestic components, especially issues concerning neighbors like Cuba from which the United States has a large immigrant population and with which we have a long history of relations. Our commitment to protect and support free speech, human rights, and democratic governance at home and around the world also cuts across the foreign policy/domestic policy divide. Also, many of the challenges shared by our two countries, including migration, drug trafficking, and economic issues, involve traditional domestic and foreign policy concerns. Thus, U.S. relations with Cuba are rightly seen in both a foreign and domestic policy context.
QUESTION 2: SHOULD YOUR ADMINISTRATION BE WILLING TO PUT AN END TO THIS DISPUTE, WOULD IT RECOGNIZE THE LEGITIMACY OF THE RAUL CASTRO GOVERNMENT AS THE ONLY VALID INTERLOCUTOR IN THE EVENTUAL TALKS?
As I have said before, I am prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a range of issues of mutual interest as we have already done in the migration and direct mail talks. It is also my intent to facilitate greater contact with the Cuban people, especially among divided Cuban families, which I have done by removing U.S. restrictions on family visits and remittances.
We seek to engage with Cubans outside of government as we do elsewhere around the world, as the government, of course, is not the only voice that matters in Cuba. We take every opportunity to interact with the full range of Cuban society and look forward to the day when the government reflects the freely expressed will of the Cuban people.
QUESTION 3: HAS THE U.S. GOVERNMENT RENOUNCED THE USE OF MILITARY FORCE AS THE WAY TO END THE DISPUTE?
The United States has no intention of using military force in Cuba. The United States supports increased respect for human rights and for political and economic freedoms in Cuba, and hopes that the Cuban government will respond to the desire of the Cuban people to enjoy the benefits of democracy and be able to freely determine Cuba’s future. Only the Cuban people can bring about positive change in Cuba and it is our hope that they will soon be able to exercise their full potential.
QUESTION 4: RAUL CASTRO HAS SAID PUBLICALLY THAT HE IS OPEN TO DISCUSS ANY TOPIC WITH THE U.S. PROVIDED THERE IS MUTUAL RESPECT AND A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. IS RAUL ASKING TOO MUCH?
For years, I have said that it is time to pursue direct diplomacy, without preconditions, with friends and foes alike. I am not interested, however, in talking for the sake of talking. In the case of Cuba, such diplomacy should create opportunities to advance the interests of the United States and the cause of freedom for the Cuban people.
We have already initiated a dialogue on areas of mutual concern – safe, legal, and orderly migration, and reestablishing direct mail service. These are small steps, but an important part of a process to move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new and more positive, direction. Achieving a more normal relationship, however, will require action by the Cuban government.
QUESTION 5: IN A HYPOTHETICAL U.S.-CUBA DIALOGUE, WOULD YOU ENTERTAIN PARTICIPATION FROM THE CUBAN EXILE COMMUNITY, THE CUBA-BASED OPPOSITION GROUPS AND NASCENT CUBAN CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS?
When considering any policy decision, it is critical to listen to as many diverse voices as possible. When it comes to Cuba, we do exactly that. The U.S. government regularly talks with groups and individuals inside and outside of Cuba that have an interest in our relations. Many do not always agree with the Cuban government; many do not always agree with the United States government; and many do not agree with each other. What we should all be able to agree on moving forward is the need to listen to the concerns of Cubans who live on the island. This is why everything you are doing to project your voice is so important – not just for the advancement of the freedom of expression itself, but also for people outside of Cuba to gain a better understanding of the life, struggles, joys, and dreams of Cubans on the island.
QUESTION 6: YOU STRONGLY SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. BUT, CUBANS CONTINUE TO HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO THE INTERNET. HOW MUCH OF THIS IS DUE TO THE U.S. EMBARGO AND HOW MUCH OF IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT?
My administration has taken important steps to promote the free flow of information to and from the Cuban people particularly through new technologies. We have made possible greater telecommunications links to advance interaction between Cuban citizens and the outside world. This will increase the means through which Cubans on the island can communicate with each other and with persons outside of Cuba, for example, by expanding opportunities for fiber optic and satellite transmissions to and from Cuba. This will not happen overnight. Nor will it have its full effect without positive actions by the Cuban government. I understand the Cuban government has announced a plan to provide Cubans greater access to the Internet at post offices. I am following this development with interest and urge the government to allow its people to enjoy unrestricted access to the internet and to information. In addition, we welcome suggestions regarding areas in which we can further support the free flow of information within, from, and to Cuba.
QUESTION 7: WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TRAVEL TO OUR COUNTRY?
I would never rule out a course of action that could advance the interests of the United States and advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people. At the same time, diplomatic tools should only be used after careful preparation and as part of a clear strategy. I look forward to visit a Cuba in which all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens in the hemisphere.
Diciembre 18th, 2009 at 15:26
the truths is in the history,blood for blood,is what this way,have.
Diciembre 18th, 2009 at 15:20
key west naval air station,US southern command,shot down american aircraft 1996,killing four US citizens…..??
Diciembre 18th, 2009 at 15:09
wikipedia.org/cuban five
Diciembre 18th, 2009 at 13:01
Reply to #262/Albert:
I am touched by the sincerity you express and your qualities of good manner.
The terms and conditions that brought the Cuban Five to Miami were based on personal decision made in each case; a sense of patriotism and duty to act to protect their Patria and the people of Cuba. They accepted this assignment on a purely voluntary basis. They stand by the work they came to achieve. They are innocent of all the charges against them except for not having registered as “foreign agents” upon arrival. Do our litany of espionage network operatives (US)pronounce their arrival status to nations when on assignment?
I believe if you continue to dig deep you will arrive at some new truths.
Best wishes,
Jenifer
Diciembre 17th, 2009 at 11:52
yes raul.that way is the right,but is not good for peaple whit money,in the republican party and cuba to, they wants keeps the embargo because is the way to make money.and this money is evil. God now that trust.
Diciembre 16th, 2009 at 17:59
Truth is the embargo gives fuel to the Castro brothers and makes the USA look as what Fidel and Raul often say: the evil one.
Could someone explain to me why the US has relations with Russia and not Cuba?
Could someone explain to me why the US has relations with China and not Cuba?
Could someone explain to me why the US has relations with Viet-Nam and not Cuba?
Could someone explain to me why the US has relations with Korea and not Cuba?
I could keep on listing countries that are under a communist regime just like Cuba is, but why my time.
All I see as I read most of these comments are people that continue to live in the past, as prior to Fidel, and to all of those people I can only say wake up!
We live in the richest and most powerful country in this world and yet you seem to be afraid of a small island 90 miles south of Key West.
You only have one thing to fear and that is fear itself, so let’s open our minds, live in the PRESENT and think what a great advantage it would be for most if not all of us to open those doors that are presently close due to the embargo.
President Obama is willing to take that step but are Fidel and Raul?
I doubt it as if they do they know that they would be exposed to all the people of Cuba and they would realize that for the last 50 plus years they have been lied to.
The only way to make Fidel and Raul look bad is by making THEM the evil ones, not this great United States.
Diciembre 14th, 2009 at 12:42
Yoani, tu no me conoces personalmente pero la lucha que tienes tu entre mano la pase yo mismo hace mas de cincuenta anos con la juventud de esa epoca muchos de ellos perdieron la vida peleando por esa desgracia por la cual ha pasado el pueblo de cuba en los ultimos anos. Nosostros los que peleamos por el derecho de todos uds nos seentimos traicionados por la revolucion y todos estamos en apoyo de lo que estan haciedo uds para restorar los derechos humanos que todos hemos perdido.
Yo se que por tu edad tu no conociste a la Cuba de antes un pais libre de expresion donde se podia llegar a lo maximo si esos eran tus deseos. Yo he tenido la suerte de viajar por todas las islas del caribe por cuestiones de trabjo y siempre pienso en lo que hubiese podido pasar si las cosas fueran distintas por alla, en un tiempo estuve residiendo en la Cuidad de Mexico dondo se vende todas las viandas como sobrante de la reorma agraria de Cuba y hablando con mis padres alla me pude dar cuenta de el engano por el cual todo el pueblo cubano estaba pasando por estas acciones.
Saludos desde Miami
Diciembre 8th, 2009 at 08:31
I have been waiting to recieve my Cuban passport that has been in process since June 2009. I don’t understand if the fee was recieved and that was proceesed why it would then take so long to recieve the passport. I have called on several occasions to inquire about it and was told on the only occasion that they answered the phone that “It is in Process”. If its a united states citizen born in the united states they would not recieve this kind of treatment. They only treat Cuban born citizen in this form. All i want is to be able to go see my parents that i have not seen in almost 16 years.
Thanks
Diciembre 6th, 2009 at 01:58
Obama lies. He is a smooth-talker who will not fix anything. He talked of change and yet has done nothing but talk.
Diciembre 2nd, 2009 at 20:16
“The government and people of the United States join all of you in looking forward to the day all Cubans can freely express themselves in public without fear and without reprisals.”
English version
I was surprised to see Pres. Obama openly admit that Cuba lacks “freedom of expression” since some liberal thinking people around the world and even here in the United States believe and claim that Cuba and its government offers its people “the best” of everything on earth. These people, who believe socialism and communism must thrive in order for all people to receive their fair share, fail to realize the horrors and misery which accompany such ideological beliefs. The truth stares us straight in the face sometimes and yet we CHOOSE not to see it. The “free flow of information” Obama speaks of in his letter may, just may, create a gateway for the people on the island to communicate to the Blind World the realities the Cuban people face everyday.
(En espanol, perdone la grammatica)
Me sorprendio leer que el Obama admitio que cuba sufre de “libertad de expression” ya que algunas personas que piensa liberalmente en el mundo y aqui en los estatos unidos creen que cuba y su govierno le ofrece a su gente lo mejor de la tiera. Etas personas que piensan que el socialismo y communismo tiene que exsistir para que todos reciben lo mismo, dejan de entender los horrores y sufrimientos que van mano en mano con esta ideologia. La verdad la tenemos delante aveces pero decidimos no verla. Obama escribe en su calta de la necesidad de information libre en Cuba puede ser que creer un manera para los cubanos en la isla que le communiquen a a Mundo Ciego la realidad que viven en la isla.
Diciembre 2nd, 2009 at 15:07
I wish Obama would respond to this blog. With billions of bail out dollars going into foreign hands I am now convinced the ruling elite’s goal is to eliminate the middle class.
I have been trying for 8 years to get my wife a legal resident or citizen status. INS seems to have LOST my APPROVRD I-130 form in the mailing process, even though I made repeated attempts to obtain the approved document, informing the INS of my address many times. I never received it. I made repeated attempts to contact INS and they even sent a letter to confirm they had received my new address. So why did they not send my approved i-130?
After years of struggling through the slow process of INS, a friend of my wife told her to ask the NVC for an appointment at the U.S. embassy in Honduras. My wife went to Honduras July 9, 2008 for an interview. Later that month I accompanied her to the meeting. She was then denied a visa and denied entry back into the USA. I then submitted an i-601 form (hardship waiver). First I was told it would be 6 months, then 8, then 10. Finally they contacted me after a year of waiting, to inform me that I have been denied and that my clinical depression, financial ruin and the destruction of my marriage were NOT considered a hardship. Attorneys I have spoken with said most US embassies only take a few months and were at a loss for words when I told them of my hardships. The facts be known she should not have had to leave: our i-130 form was approved and INS dropped the ball and now I must pay the price and suffer the consequences.
Because of my frequent travel to help my wife I am now unemployed and denied any form of unemployment after 26 years of working in my industry. I am sure a double income, with the help from my wife working, would really help during this government caused recession. HELLO, government, I am sinking and all you do is add water in my boat – HELP!!!!
Unemployed, I made a move to Honduras to try and make it and be with my wife. Our small business only makes enough for us to eat. I am now living in poverty. El Progresso is a dirty place to live. I don’t think people realize that there is a not a distribution of wealth here – there is no middle class. I miss grass (everything is dirt and mud here), I miss hot water (sometimes we don’t even have water), I miss washer and dryer connections, I miss air conditioning and HOT water. I could go on and on——–I want to go home (to the USA) and bring my wife with me. Why is it I have been a witness to an illegal alien being awarded citizenship and bringing their gangster family members over as approved citizens? I am not asking for anything illegal – only justice. There is no ground for my denial, except government officials refuse to admit any mistakes. I know there is someone out there that can help right the wrongs.
I have been diligently trying to do this the right way, but I also believe this great country has a moral obligation to preserve the family by keeping them together. Now that I am older I have a different perspective on marriage. It is not a contractual agreement; a contract between two people, no, it is to be understood as a covenant relation. My wife is my life partner.
With the political unrest, poverty, high crime, earthquakes and poor health care here in Honduras I wonder about our survival. Many family and friends have died or been murdered here in Honduras in the past two years.
And a note to US citizens – if your spouse is an illegal alien - you will not receive ANY tax relief or stimulus money.
Diciembre 1st, 2009 at 11:18
#260
I am still confused … arbitrary & ruthless judicial conditions?
I am missing on the idea that a spy, an agent of another country executing his/her mission on orders of his/her country is innocent since spying for another country is still illegal right?
The fivehey are incarecerated: have 3 squares; medical care & access to the media & they were represented in the courts; in the same circumstances the treatment say … in Cuba or in any comparable regime’s jail things are very … very different.
So yes, perhaps there were errors, perhaps there were tecnicalities … nevertheless they are agents of representing another country, they entered this country under false pretenses & with the specific purpose of deception & spying.
Like I said, I do much respect your idealistic position; to a point I would agree with you in so far as this people were used by their goverment, their sole rsponsability maybe of making the choice they made to follow their orders.
It can be argued that we don’t know under what conditions their choice was made, perhaps under duress?
Still any cause can be defended for as long as the defence is legitimate & since you belive it to be so: I honestly respect your commitment and the strength of your convictions & no, there is no irony intended … I do appreciate your original comment @#257.
Diciembre 1st, 2009 at 06:40
Yes definitely racism is very noticeable in cuba. The answers provided by the President are really accurate and to the point.
Diciembre 1st, 2009 at 03:51
To Albert:
I agree with you — you are confused. I wish you many leaps and bounds in your endeavors to reach a greater understanding; it is apparent you have given these matters some serious examination.
Best to you,
Jenifer Smith
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 13:33
#254
Ed:
I am a little confused … giving up sovereignty, pride, education, sweat & sacrifice?
Where is that stated?
Perhaps to wish for a representative goverment elected freely by the people is not that bad but: I am unable to understand how (if freedom existed) all sacrifices and advances would be lost.
Perhaps you belive that the blocade is the reason for all this disturbances …
Is there another point of view allowed in your view? perhaps you follow what you are told with grate care and it is good for you however each and everyone is a different individual and an agreement is forced … is no longer an agreement but a dictatum …
I am confused …
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 12:56
#257
I guess a case can be made about the innocence of the red wasps; putting aside the coded secret transmitions “attention” coded numbers, one time pads etc, the infiltration of different organizations, the use of false identification and some other things does not constitute a violation of any law of the US or perhaps other countries..
Perhaps the fault lies on the technicalities beyond which the intent still remains the same to act in a clandestine fashion to the detriment of the US.
I would agree that one’s heroes can be someonelse’s terrorists, I’l agree as well that in the nature of that particular line of work the risks are to say the least grave.
So they got caught end the consecuences of their choices are bearing on their lives.
Its not their leaders the ones in trouble, is them … the wasps.
Yes from the human point of view is sad that they are incarcerated … from the legal point technicallities aside … unless my memory serves me wrong … their condition of incarecration are a great deal better than if this were the other way around …
Not to make a wrong a right … I think the circumstances are very different than what it is perhaps the real truth.
In my perception, the chose to accept the mission, they knew what the mission was, they were aware of the risks …
The problem is that they are being used by the Cubans in power, by the media and by all the different political interests.
On the other hand, like in other countries, they could have been executed, trhown in a cell after torture an left to rot, the could have suffered every indignity of which totalitarian regimes are well known for or they could just have disapeared …
Like I always say: the bell swings both ways … it is easy to be creatical when freedom exist & allows it to be heard … but if it was the other way around ?
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 12:15
THE CASE OF THE CUBAN FIVE REMAINS UNDER “GAG ORDER”
Foremost, I am curious to know why our president has given such an audience to this one young lady from Cuba and her “blog” yet has refused to so much as acknowledge receipt of the many thousands of postcards that were mailed to the White House from all corners of the world, expressing solidarity and demands for freedom for the five Cuban heroes unjustly imprisoned in our country under arbitrary and ruthless conditions of excessive judicial strangulation.
The international solidarity campaign to Free the Cuban Five has not gone quietly into that good night. We are not daunted by your “wall of silence,” Mr. President. By some odd twist of fate, this miss Y has been granted a platform that serves to elevate her standing among the “diehard exile community” that Obama is so fond of kissing all over on, while at the same time contributing to her narcissistic neuroticism that she will most likely outgrow, given time.
To Miss Y: If you really believe you are restricted to access of the truth in your country, the nation of Cuba, my dear, I will tell you, “the USA has got you beat out more than you could ever know. “ If this were not the case, we would not know you very well at all, but, the country would know about and have learned the true unjust nature in the case against the Cuban Five; and I will mention, they are much easier to love and embrace, than you are.
Jenifer Smith
Las Cruces New Mexico
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 07:50
caracol … you ar to kind & your comments are so insightful, about the children, about the armed forces …
I like to think that these armed forces will lay down their arms not out of cowardice but out of being tired of the use & abuse the castro have subjected them to.
The children … I have no words to express my outrage & sorrow for what they are going thru …
Great points … thanks for the reminder …
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 23:24
“Freedom of expression, freedom to travel to other countries,” What else Yoainis Maria Sancho, what else? you are willing to change the sovereignty, pride, our education and sweat and sacrifice of many who have given everything to you and your family go to college and a house you could see “no income” and a hospital “without paying sure “that more are you prepared to change all this?
Do you do to positively change our relidad on the island without giving up everything we have achieved. I do think that non-blocking and all that do not work on the island are made suit and produce better anger us, we ask U.S. to remove the stupid us, however, that ultimately makes your the 11 million Cubans do not have to eat today. Lift your head of Cuban and defended and supported your government.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 23:22
“Freedom of expression, freedom to travel to other countries,” What else Yoainis Maria Sancho, what else? you are willing to change the sovereignty, pride, our education and sweat and sacrifiso of many who have given everything to you and your family go to college and a house you could see “no income” and a hospital “without paying sure “that more are you prepared to change all this?
Do you do to positively change our relidad on the island without giving up everything we have achieved. I do think that non-blocking and all that do not work on the island are made suit and produce better anger us, we ask U.S. to remove the stupid us, however, that ultimately makes your the 11 million Cubans do not have to eat today. Lift your head of Cuban and defended and supported your government.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 22:08
NOV 28
EN QUE NOS ESTAMOS CONVIRTIENDO? PARECEMOS ANIMALES PUES LOS ANIMALES NO TIENEN ALMA
PENSAR QUE ENTRO EN ESTE SITE PAR FLICITAR A UNA JOVEN VALEROSA Y LO ENCUENTRO LLENO DE ARTICULOS INFLAMANTES Y DESACERTADOS ……..DIOS LOS CRIA Y ELLOS SE JUNTAN…. SIGUE ADELANTE JOANIS OJALA YO TUVIERA TUS PANTALONES!!!!!
PATRICIA
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:10
BUENAS TARDES YOANY; FIDEL CASTRO AND HIS BROTHER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR A AMERICAN INVASION IN CUBA FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS THEY HAVE MILITARY EXERCISES EVERY NOW IN THEN JUST TO KEEP THE POOR CUBAN PEOPLE IN THEIR TOES AND DISTRACTED OF DOING ANY WRONG THAT WILL AFFECT THE REVOLUCION.THE UNITED STATES MUST PUT MAXIMUN PRESSURE TO THIS VAMPIRE GOVERMENT ON THE ISLAND OF CUBA WHERE THE CASTROS BROTHERS ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT GET TO SUCK THE BLOOD OF ALL THE THINGS THAT HAS TO DO INTERNALY.THE CUBAN SOLDIERS KNOW THAT IF THERE IS A REAL INVASION CUBA CAN EASILY BE WIPED OFF THE MAP WHEN THE MOMENT COMES EVERY ONE IS GOING TO HIDE FOR COVER. THIS SOLDIERS ARE TRAINED LIKE THE IRAQUIS.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 12:08
First of all, we must realize that what has happened here - the President of the United States responding to Yoani Sanchez’s blog from Cuba is unprecidented. We may feel disappointed that the political winds don’t appear to move fast enough because Cuba continues to be an slaved nation. However we must recognize that technology coupled with compassion towards basic human rights - prohibited to regular Cuban - is making strides at last. Our hopes and prayers will be answered and then the words of Pope John Paul II will ring true - Que Cuba se abra al mundo y que el mundo se abra a Cuba.
Yes - there are Cubans in Los Angeles, California
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 18:59
IM HOPING THAT OBAMA TAKES CONTROL VERY SERIOUSLY AND BE VERY AGRESSIVE ON THE CUBA CITUATION.I THINK IT IS BEEN ENOUGH AND ENOUGH CUBAN FAMILIES HAVE BEEN SPLIT UP THE CUBAN PEOPLE INSIDE THE ISLAND ARE DEALING WITH THE EVERY DAY REPRESSION AND NOTHING GETS ANY BETTER, CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL WITHOUT BREAKFAST,BROKEN SHOES AND NO FUTURE IN THEIR MINDS.I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT THE FIRST THING THAT CASTRO TEACHES THE CHILDREN WHEN THEY FIRST START SCHOOL IS TO TEACH HOW TO HATE THE AMERICANS AND THE IMPERIALISM AND THE YANQUIS.THIS IS BEEN GOING ON FOR 50 YEARS NOW HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE CASTROS BROTHERS STILL EXIST AND THEY GETTING AWAY WITH ALL THIS ACTION ON THEIR OWN PEOPLE.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 18:33
ALBERT; THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO READ MY COMMENT AND OYUR OPINION,. ALL STORIES HAVE TWO SIDES.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 15:42
Once again, if I want to criticize Obama, I am going to do it. And there is nothing you can do about it, so just accept it, and save the lectures for your kids or someone else who might care. It is that simple.
I have viewed some of the entries on the front page, and it is apparent to me that you like to dialogue and argue with others. I am not interested, so save it for someone wgas. I don’t.
I support the struggle of those who wish to be free of this repressive regime in Cuba. I condemn those who support it. I see the type of people who support it right here in the US, meaning we have our own communists and socialists here who would love to have a similar system in place here. I am willing to respect their opinion here until and unless it becomes a shooting civil war. But I expect and demand the same treatment. When I don’t get it, you’ll be hearing from me. Otherwise, I am returning to my position of reading the entries, posting an occasional comment, and moving on. Adios, coullion! I hope you get the choo rouge! :)
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 13:14
patricio:
were you called racist by whom?
were you belittled how?
were you ridiculed where?
your opinion is respected … even if you have to use insults to try & prove a point which I don’t know what it is.
If it is that, you’re right you are free to say what you want.
Reminder:
your freedoms end where the freedom’s of another start … and there IS responsibility and accountability in the exercise of freedom.
Read again & more carefully next time … passion seems to rule your thoughts.
Be well … bro
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 12:35
Albert, don’t lecture me about my home state and do not presume to know anything about my role in it. You have no idea, and you never will. And I will not respond to anyone’s questions about it when such questions are put forth in a manner designed solely to get into some sort of argument that has the sole purpose of belittling a poster on this board. So, just stay focused on the discussion here and do not inhibit anyone’s right to express themselves about a particular matter. Make your point and move on. Don’t get into internet fights with people. If you want to argue, go stand on your local street corner and start yelling. Let’s see who gives a damn.
When someone calls me a racist or tries to cajole and ridicule me to the point that I am not allowed to express myself, this is the kind of response you will always get. I don’t know where you live, but I can assure you that people in New Orleans do not put up with it.
If I want to say that Obama sucks, I will say that Obama sucks, and there ain’t the first damn thing you are going to do about it. Besides, I laid out my reasons below, but instead of dealing with that, you’d obviously prefer to just argue on the “internets.” You and your boy slowmoe are what we commonly refer to up here as couillons.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 11:58
A thought to the Cubans (and others) working for the regime, monitoring this media for reasons of “the cuban national security & the protection of the revolution”
Have you considered that what you are doing: the spying on your fellow citizens, intruding in other people’s life, represing and more is a two way street?
Have you considered how little a value your life & principles have?
For what? some creature conforts, some perks, a little bit of power?
The two way streets is the lack of guarantees you have (even if you don’t think so)that the regime is not monitoring you, perhaps what you said at home is repeated by your children at school or anywhere …
By how you must be careful of what & when you say what you say … always on guard, you have no impunity, you always are looking over your shoulder, little by little you are mor isolated.
Perhaps you are really convinced that what you are doing is for the better of your patria, for as long as what you are doing it benefits you for a few miserable crumbs of life.
Consider your value, consider what you have become, consider yourself used, consider others as you consider yourself … as nothing?
Truth is not absolute, no one owns it, consider your life, always beholden to someone else.
The control you have is not even yours to keep, there is someone telling you how to go on with your life, you have to “pay” for your crumbs with your pride.
Please look at yourself, look at what you are giving your children, look at your legacy.
Servitude, your convictions twisted, you concience pulling at you … no respite … no place to hide from yourself … no way out … you put yourself there & there is no help.
But if he crumbs are suficient … go ahead … stay the course …
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 11:39
Caracol:
while I agree w/some of your statements I think you are selling short the inteligence of Cubans in general.
The vote (if given to that candidate) is not in the basis of a free Cuba.
There are other items in the selection; I do not think Cuban freedom is in a vacuum,
I rather think is one matter among many.
Nevertheless; I agree w/you to the extend that demagogery (I hope I spelled right) is a part of politics.
No it should not be present but it is & we should be able to see thru it.
It is funny as well about Panama and Noriega … good point.
I have no answer for that because my passion gets in the way of my thinking …
Thanks for your thoughts … they are good!
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 10:19
yoany buenos dias gracias por tu valentia y tu deciciones saludos a tu esposo por portarse como los hombres que no temen el miedo y por defender sus derechos.el problema de cuba es de los cubanos de aqui y de alla pase lo que pase.que tengas un prospero fin de semana.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 10:13
el secretario de la o.e.a. manuel miguel insulza es un mentiroso y un descarado y un vendido el reclama que en honduras lo de zelaya fue un golpe de estado.y tambien dijo que felicitaba a fidel por haberse mantenido en el poder por 50 anos,pero parece que se le olvido que fidel tomo el poder por la fuerza y que fue un golpe de estado este viejo es amigo de la delincuensia de los castros y lo chavez.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 10:07
it is embarrasing that only 90 miles away from the shores of the united states we have a dictator, a form of a mafia controlling a whole island in the middle of the caribbean where all human are suffering of hunger, health human rigths,people getting beat up because they dont have freedom of speech etc.etc. my point is how the u.s.a. goes to panama and pulls noriega out of a house by force because of drug trafficking and they cant not go to cuba and do the same thing to the castros brothers where they not just drug traffickers they are killers.i dont know who is worst saddam hussein or the castros brothers.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 09:48
for all of those people that are confused with the u.s. politics towards cuba.im going to explain how the system has worked for the past 50 years.the politics of the u.s. towards cuba has been nothing but dirty every president before the elections goes to miami and promises all cuban american in exile that if he becomes elected cuba will be free well guest what its a lie this has been going on for years and years finally is catching up they been using the cuban american vote as a tool.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 07:08
#237 II
Patricio:
was the castro regime voted into office? does that presidential office have legitimacy?
Perhaps you can use that passion and commitment to freedom (to the point of death)
To be involved in how to improve the poverty, corruption of your own state of residence?
Perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me of your efforts to change the way things are in Louisiana.
Perhaps you can tell me how you are honestly helping to the betterment of your state, as I understand one of the poorest in the nation … even after all the “help” it deservedly gets; is it because of the people of Louisiana or is it because the “way things are” and the powers that be are more greedy than honest?
Please tell me, I admit not to know the real answer … but it looks like you do (between fotball games).
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 06:02
#237
Patricio:
you are right, rant to your heart’s content but, dont’ loose sight of the responsibilities you like all of us have when exercising your freedom
Keep in mind: freedom of expression usedin the form of abuse, is not an entitlement.
Regardless of who is POTUS in the US, he/she was elected by the people in a free election.
I don’t remember a free election in any communist country do you?
And by the way … when you give someone the finger, please notice: there are three fingers of your own hand … pointing at you … & your own thumb may be in the way
Have a nice day … bro! :-)
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 01:38
slowmoe, you epitomize the problem of political correctness in this country. I criticize Obama and you immediately call me a racist. I am tired of this bullshit, and my response to people like you is FUCK YOU. I am free to criticize anybody I want, and if you don’t like it, you can go fuck yourself.
Albert, Obama represents the current course of action that US/Cuban relations will take, at least from the US side. So deal with it. Beyond that, one could argue that the people of Cuba owe a duty of respect towards the Cuban office of the President as well. Look where that has gotten him? I am not sitting in the oval office needing to be professional with Obama or his staff-persons. This is an internet board. This is how it rolls. When Bush was POTUS, he was absolutely crucified with the most vile stuff. People like you and slowmoe were probably a part of that. I never tried to stop anyone from criticizing that bastard, yet here you people are…acting just like the fucking communists in cuba. Well fuck you all. Live free or die! I am free. If there is one lesson that I would hope the Cuban people can take from my rant is exactly that … that I am free to rant about a political subject. Fortunately, people like the both of yous (lol) cannot shut me down. Middle finger, bro! And the Saints are 10-0, so bite me!
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 01:31
Many congrats to you, Yoani, on this. Now for my response:
Obama says: The government and people of the United States join all of you in looking forward to the day all Cubans can freely express themselves in public without fear and without reprisals.
Response: we cannot freely express ourselves here in this country (USA). Sure, we have substantially more freedoms than the people of Cuba, but we have this little problem, which isn’t so little anymore, called Political Correctness. Of course, you will recognize this yourself. You have to watch what you say around here, because if you don’t, you can have real consequences. Namely, you could lose your job over something you might say, or you might be labeled by the so-called “mainstream news media,” or you might even end up being charged with a crime, which would require the Defendant to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars trying to get out of. So I am not impressed with Obama’s statement which tends to have the effect of a condescending tone. If not towards Cubans, that at least towards some of us here in the USA.
Obama says: Our commitment to protect and support free speech, human rights, and democratic governance at home and around the world
Response: He is not so committed. He is blowing smoke. All you have to do is look at him, Pelosi, and Reid, among others from the committed left in government, and the Bills they have introduced in Congress. What Obama speaks is a farce. And I actually find the guy to be likeable.
Obama says: We seek to engage with Cubans outside of government as we do elsewhere around the world
Response: another lie. Obama just came back from China. He didn’t speak with any non-governmental officials, dissidents, or subjects involving human rights and democracy. He got on TV to do a question-and-answer with some Chinese “students.” This was to be aired throughout the country in its entirety. Questions were to come from the students in the audience as well as those emailed through the White House website. Well, the Chinese made sure that the TV broadcast was only available locally and that the audience was packed with cadres and future cadres of the Communist Party. The whole thing was a farce. Obama and the United States has lost it’s backbone. Let’s just hope this is a temporary situation.
Obama says: I am not interested, however, in talking for the sake of talking
Response: I am not trying to cheap shot the guy, but that’s all he ever does. You should have asked him if he planned to bow to Raul or Fidel Castro upon his visit to Cuba.
Obama says: When considering any policy decision, it is critical to listen to as many diverse voices as possible.
Response: LIE. See above regarding the China situation. Do you really think the Cuban government is going to allow Obama unfettered access to the opposition when Obama couldn’t get that in China, and probably didn’t even ask for it? This goes to your question of mutual respect. The current Cuban regime would find it disrespectful if Obama wanted to speak with these groups. Again, Obama has shown weakness and opened a new precedent - a bad one.
Obama says: I am following this development with interest and urge the government to allow its people to enjoy unrestricted access to the internet and to information.
Response: But he wouldn’t make that demand of China. Why do we think he is going to follow up upon it with Cuba? And when Bush made the statement prior to the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing, he was crucified for it. Again, Obama is weak.
Obama says: I would never rule out a course of action that could advance the interests of the United States and advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people. At the same time, diplomatic tools should only be used after careful preparation and as part of a clear strategy. I look forward to visit a Cuba in which all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens in the hemisphere.
Response: That’s not what he said in the campaign.
At any rate, I am sure you have really pissed off the Communist Party cadres in Cuba, so job well done! But I am wondering what you think of his answers. Sounds like we need une Refleccion de Yoani on this one. Thanks!
Noviembre 25th, 2009 at 22:10
ME QUITO EL SOMBRERO ANTE LA VALENTIA Y RIESGOS QUE JOHANIS SE TOMA EN LA INTERNET
OJALA MAS CUBANOS LO MISMO DE LA ISLA QUE LOS DE LA DIASPORA TUVIERAN SU “CORAJE”
YO DESAFORTUNADAMENTE SALI UNA CASI NINA DE MI QUERIDA CUBA Y LLEVO 50 ANOS EN EL EXILIO, 48 DE ELLOS EN PUERTO RICO . NUNCA MAS HE REGRESADO Y ME GUSTARIA VISITAR LA ISLA CUANDO SEA LIBRE Y SOBERANA . COMO LA SONO MARTI…..PERO NO ANTES
PIENSO MUCHO AHORA QUE SOY MAYOR,EN CUBA Y EN LA HABANA DE DONDE SOY ORIUNDA.QUIERA DIOS QUE PRONTO SE ME DE ESE SUENO PUES YA TENGO 72 ANOS Y ME FUI DE 23 CON MI MARIDO Y MIS TRES PRIMEROS HIJOS. SE AFIXIABA UNO EN MI PATRIA Y MI ESPOSO ESTABA A PUNTO DE SER METIDO A LA CABANA. AYUDO A MUCHOS COMPANEROS DE UNIVERSIDAD COMO OSMEL FRANCIS Y RENE ANILLO Y LUEGO NO TUVIERON NI LA MAS LEVE CORTESIA DE RECIBIRLO CUANDO EL LOS FUE A VISITAR YA TRIUNFADA LA REVOLUCION. EL ERA COMPANERO Y MUY AMIGO DE JOSE ANTONIO ECHEVARRIA (MANZANITA ) ALMORZABA CASI TODOS LOS DIAS EN CASA DEL ABUELO DE MI ESPOSO EN L Y 23 LA CASA DEL GENERAL HERRERA FRANCHI
SUERTE Y QUE DIOS TE CUIDE Y TE BENDIGA
Noviembre 25th, 2009 at 11:22
I wish President Obama were movimg faster to change our policies with Cuba. But there are problems with movimg faster. First, he was left holdimg a pretty heavy bag from the previous administration - wars, economy, etc. Second, he is thoughtful. He listens and makes measured decisions. He is not a cowboy leader. So, for now I’ll be patiemt and believe that he will make the changes needed in a timeframe that is based on successful outcomes for our country, not for his political future. Until then, I’ll continue to envision a free Cuba!! http://talkingcuba.wordpress.com/
Noviembre 25th, 2009 at 06:45
#231 & #232
It is not about Obama & Cuba, its about the US & Cuba.
We owe respect to the Office of the President, we elected him/her for a term of four years in office.
If he/she does not represent what we hoped and/or wanted we have the chance to vote him/her to be replaced.
That is the way (I belive) a democracy works.
It extends its benefits into the disagreements and differences of opinions but: it does not justify or need the use of harsh words or name calling.
Sice we have the right to disagree and the freedom to debate the issues … why don’t we do it in a civilized fashion, with tolerance & understanding.For the discussion to go forth there should be an intent to solve, to understand and/or to agree to disagree.
We must show what democracy is in practice, with deeds not just words.
Just a thought …
Noviembre 24th, 2009 at 15:36
Patricio,the question was not about your racist and radical views about Obama, you would hate him no matter what. It’s about Obama and Cuba. It’s too bad if you still think that Bush was the best liar of all times but your republicans thoughts don’t interest anyone.
———–
As to Cuba and obama, he opened the door and left the castro gov. quite embarrassed by throwing the ball in their camp. That made us see very well that the castro gov. doesn’t want the embargo to be totally removed but only to be able to freely move their money.
Imagine what the castro gov will do with all those advertising boards all over Cuba, blaming the embargo for the failure of the castro’s gov in many aspect of the Cuban society. Who would they blame it on if there was no more embargo ? the fruits and vegetables would not grow any faster with the embargo OFF and the workers won’t work any faster in a communist and unequal environment.
The Cuban gov is very rapid for taking the remittances that we send every month,that work quite nicely despite the embargo BUT when it’s time to communicate with our loved ones, we get ripped off with outrageous phone fees and NO E=MAILS or INTERNET available and the mail is almost nonexistent,half of the letters are lost, must be because of the embargo again . They are just interested in getting the money but the hell with the rest. Their overloaded and inefficient e-mail centers is designed to limit the access to the e-mails. Raul is not talking so much anymore because he simply run out of lies for false hopes. Just like me, most of the Cuban have lost all hope and are waiting for God to do what’s will happen anyway.
Noviembre 24th, 2009 at 14:24
Nice piece. I’ll comment more later, but I can tell you that Obama sucks as POTUS. It’s too bad you guys look up to him. He is a figure head for a bunch of uptight socialist Whiteys running around up here trying to give everything away to anybody they can to buy their votes. Obama would definitely be a step up for Cuba, but that really isn’t saying much for us. Still, I enjoyed this entry.
Noviembre 24th, 2009 at 12:48
George… I’m going to “move” this question about the UN up the most recent post (”looks like 1980″ or whatever it’s called) as it’s an important topic and no one is going to find it here.
Noviembre 23rd, 2009 at 23:41
Andy,
Here’s something about South Africa: “United Nations Security Council Resolution 191, adopted on June 18, 1964, after reiterating its previous requests of the Republic of South Africa and again condemning apartheid……”.
And it was Great Britain that forced South Africa to eliminate the apartheid or face trade sanctions. Where does United Nations stand today when it comes to Cuba? All I can say is that Cuban people are caught between hammer and anvil. Embargo or no embargo. I know it is very controversial and everyone has the right to express his/her own views.
Noviembre 23rd, 2009 at 18:14
George, I am not a perfect historian on this but… a lot of the measures against South Africa came from “the bottom up” — they were not government initiatives. I remember students at universities holding sit ins at the Regents’ meetings (or whatever the governing board of the particular university was called) and demanding that the schools not invest their endowment funds in South African companies. I remember shareholders of major companies insisting the companies not do business in South Africa.
So no — the United States did not particularly care about racism in South Africa or anywhere else…
Communism is another matter. Why is it so different? Well who was afraid racism would spread to the United States? How could it. It was already here. But communism? I could write volumes on all the reasons the U.S. has been so virulently anti-communism.
Unfortunately arguments about economic systems obscure the issue of human rights. The U.S. has a nice ‘capitalist’ partner in China now… So who cares that it is still a totalitarian state that oppresses its people?!
Noviembre 23rd, 2009 at 14:05
This Blogger that goes by the “peluca” Walter Lippman is a VOCERO for the Cuban Regime. Its Cuba who oppresses its people. Its Cuba who denied Yoani travel to secure here prize in New York. Its Cuba who took in millions in donations from past storms and SOLD it to its people. Its Cuba who does not want change and looking to seat the Castro family in Power for more years to come. Fidel Castro has personally done with CUBA as he pleased. That is why Cuba today is a mess. Yoani , the world is with you and supports your vision of LIBERTY and Justice.
Noviembre 23rd, 2009 at 13:49
Who says Cubans can’t travel????? Juan Formel from Los VAN VAN is currently in Miami, to do some shopping…. Not everyone in Cuba is Poor.
Noviembre 23rd, 2009 at 01:19
Andy,
Romania
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 23:46
My point is that racism in Cuba is SOO APPARENT just by looking at those in the highest level of power and the lowest level in poverty and that never comes out in most discussions. The issue of the embargo is mute, we need to dismantle it bit by bit but with the other “bits” coming from the Cuban Goverment in the form of 1. Releasing Political Prisoners 2. Freedom of Internet and access to Internet 3. others will follow. Get the point?
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 23:22
George — thanks for your perspective. I’m curious what country you lived in, ifyour’e willing to share that information.
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 23:01
Humberto,
Yes, racism is very noticeable in Cuba. South Africa, unlike Cuba, had a worldwide embargo. How come U.S. does not pressure other countries to stop doing business with Cuba, as was the case with South Africa? Apparently, racism was more concern for the whole world than communist Cuba. Or South Africa was too rich to be ignored. It doesnt seem like U.S. care too much about Cuba being communist. I know that the embargo is a very controversial issue. But for fifty years has produced nothing. How many more generations have to be sacrificed. The Castro brothers will be gone one day, but the damage has already been done. I’m just expressing my opinion. It’s just that many years ago I was in the same situation as most cubans are today. It has to go one way or another. Worldwide embargo or no embargo.
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 22:08
HOW CAN THE US HAVE OPEN RELATIONS WITH ALL MOST EVERY COMMUNIST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD BUT NOT CUBA?
IS IS FAR EASIER TO LIBERATE 11 MILLION CUBANS THAN 1 BILLION CHINESE.
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 21:37
George,
Cuba in an island, surrouned by WATER! Like a MOAT! like a 200 miles of wire fence with sharks!! You cannot compare the Cuba situation with ANY OTHER in the world physically. If anyone can, I will be corrected. Why should Cuba be different than South Africa? Little by little, the pressure can make change. The embargo against South Africa was only lifted after they dismanteled aparteid.
Read this and all of you skeptics too!
Cuba and Racism
“The European Union recently dispatched anthropologists to study racism in Cuba. Their findings were shocking: Not only was racism alive and well in the workers’ paradise, but it was systemic and institutional. Blacks were systematically excluded from positions that involved coming in contact with foreign tourists (where they could earn tips in hard currencies), they were relegated to poor housing, complained of the longest waits for healthcare, were excluded from managerial positions, received the lowest remittances from relatives abroad, and were five times more likely to be imprisoned.”
http://news.newamericamedia.or.....d170243f0f
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 20:02
Lift the embargo and the change will come. Myself, I lived in a comunist country and the only people affected by some sort of trade restrictions were the ordinary people. The elite had everything they wanted anyway. When more restrictions were imposed on my country we were cheering about it, thinking that that will isolate our government. Wrong. It made us suffer even more. I don’t know how much does the U.S. want to change Cuba. Just think about it. Cuba is not a threat to U.S. Cuba does a good job a keeping drugs out. Imagine an increase of flow of goods, the traffic it will create between Miami and Havana. It will be another nightmare for U.S. same as the bordering Mexico. Also what are they going to do thousands of cubans that will invade Florida. A big issue for the Immigration Servises. I believe it should start with lifting the embargo and change will come.
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 19:13
Walter Lippmann: you are a dog, you should live in Cuba.
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 17:48
Andy,
Not talking about lifting the embargo totally! Fidel and Raul want the embargo lifted because of history (they beat the big bad US and it took 50 years), but the US ONLY lifts the travel ban and by increments rather than all at once. By making it renuable every 4 years to coincide with each presidential term. They get something the US gets something and we are not accused of intrasigence. The ball is in their court! If they release the political president quota things move slowly but with more chances of internal changes. Please Fidel is dead, and I think Yoani alluded to the increase of funerals in Cuban TV, they are preparing for THE BIG FUNERAL COMING SOON!
Humberto Capir
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 17:04
Humberto… in my humble opinion - and I really mean the humility part because the part I am proud of is that it is impossible for me to think like these psychopaths…
IMHO… Obama lifts the embargo and there will be a big fight between Raul and Fidel. Raul will be desperate to make that first billion dollar purchase –on credit– of food to feed Cuba and keep the lid on things for one more year… while he desperately tries to figure out what next and prays for a miracle.
Fidel will want to react in some way so brutal that the US Congress will have a knee jerk reaction and replace the embargo and maybe circle its warships around the island (Fidel can only dream of such a glorious outcome!)…
Maybe both… get the food on credit and as soon as it is delivered… take the brutal action(s).
What can WE do? Pray daily for the acceleration of the “biological solution”!
Noviembre 22nd, 2009 at 14:01
This is a game of chess, Obama makes a move with a pawn (unlimited travel for cuban americans) and he waits for a positive move from The Castros, their move (beating of Yoani and her husband). Obama makes another move with a rook (maybe lifting trave ban for all americans for 4 years with option to renew and asks for 50% of political prisoners to be released along with more access to internet), The Castros move is what?
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 23:12
The most effective way to disrupt the strangle hold the Cuban Communist Party has on the Cuban people is to bankrupt the regime. And the most effective way to do this is to flood the island with US dollar notes thru lifting the embargo, give every Cuban exile currently sending money to the island 10000 dollars to send home each month. In order to obtain these dollars the regime will have to print money (local currency) to buy them for its own use and that will cause runaway inflation as the people will exact a higher and higher price for their dollars. Soon the people will revolt against the system that is impovershing them. The regime would find itself between a rock and a hard place and will have no choice but to lift restrictions and allow the people to fend for themselves since the state would be seen to be bankrupt. In that way Cubans would gain some economic freedom which inevitably leads to political freedom.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 22:12
As Ronald Reagan said to Gorbachev on June 12, 1987 “tear down this wall.” Yoani, who will stand up and say this to not only Raul Castro but also to President Obama? If the U.S. wants freedom for the citizens of Cuba how is it going to promote freedom through travel and trade restrictions?
I understand the well meaning intentions of President Kennedy when he initiated the trade restrictions with Cuba in 1960 and the travel restrictions in 1963 but the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. If President Obama is the agent of hope and change that he says he is then shouldn’t he have the audacity to tear down this wall that the U.S. itself has imposed?
The U.S. needs to get the cojones to recognize the imprudent legislation they enacted against Cuba in the Kennedy era and open up all trade and travel to Cuba. Only then will there be a channel opened up which will allow the free exchange of ideas and spirit necessary to end this totalitarian regime.
May God bless you, Yoani. That you have the ear of the President of the United States should give either pause from the communists of Cuba in silencing you or else more of a reason to silence you I don’t know which. But you are truly a formidable voice for freedom. Your courage is an inspiration. I pray for you. You represent the future of Cuba.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 19:35
#211: With all due respect, I discourage my university students from using Wiki for any serious arguments. That said, I am very familiar with Godwin’s Law, but, if we are to always avoid Nazism as a 20th century reminder of what can go wrong when nations fail to stand firm - simply because some use it as an inappropriate trope under wrong situations - then should we not discard all references to historical missteps altogether? As a historian, I always start my first-year students with Santayana’s maxim that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 18:22
#209, we both agree on the need for democracy and civil liberties in Cuba.
But before we go any further, I would encourage you to research Godwin’s Law. Wikipedia has a good entry. Is it really necessary to drag Neville Chamberlain and Nazi appeasement analogies into the debate over the travel ban?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 16:57
#194,that’s really gay…
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 16:34
#207, I agree with you 90%. My point is, if the US were to demand a quid pro quo, the Cuban regime would certainly not accept such restrictions - and the world would see plainly that it is not interested in bilateral openness. Von Bismark said that “politics is the art of the possible”; It does not behoove the US to unilaterally concede benefits to our antagonists - just ask the Poles or the Czechs what benfit they derived from Obama’s unilateral cancellation of the missile shields in their territories. Also, history shows us that appeasement for the sake of appeasement never works - think Neville Chamberlain, the poster boy for the failure of such weak diplomacy.
I, for one, have been denied a travel visa by the Cuban government (not the US government) in spite of the fact that I am Cuban by birth. The reason? My father was an anti-Batista revolutionary who turned against the communist regime and was jailed for a decade as a counter-revolutionary. So, are we to let the Cuban government dictate who is welcome and who isn’t?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 16:08
http://bit.ly/5YUg9v se vee bien pero no se entende lo que pasa: si era una manif de apopio al regimen o una manif de oposicion que fue subvertida por provocadores a mando de Raul. Quien encuentra lo video en Youtube y no conosce la estoria… se queda con una manif popular pro-regime. Pero que interesa se es asi?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 15:28
#206, if I really believed that the Castro regime had any interest whatsoever in negotiating free travel for Cubans in exchange for Americans being allowed to travel to Cuba, I’d be at the head of the line supporting that strategy. But where is the evidence that the Castro regime has any interest in such a quid pro quo? Some months ago, the Obama Administration lifted restrictions on telecommunications links (including internet) to Cuba. Ever since, the Castro regime is putting obstacles in the way of US companies that wish to provide these services.
I’m also not going to disagree with your characterization of most tourists. I know most Canadian tourists like to escape our long, cold winters and are somewhat indifferent as to their destination as long as its tropical and a good bargain. Having said that, I have family members and friends who’ve ventured outside the all inclusive resorts in Cuba, and were shocked at how run down Cuba looked and how poor its people were even in comparison to other Caribbean warm weather destinations.
But one of the problems with the US travel ban is how useless it is. So-called Cuban solidarity tours violate it on a continual basis by transiting via third countries like Canada and Mexico, thumbing their noses at the US government and daring them to penalize or sanction them. Of course, the US authorities never bother enforcing their own useless law.
Meanwhile, more sensible American citizens are barred from traveling to Cuba. How stupid is that?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 14:18
While I agree that US Citizens should have the right to travel freely, let us not kid ourselves by ascribing some high-minded reason for most Americans’ desire to travel to Cuba. The vast majority are only interested in soaking up the sun on a Vardero beach, drinking mojitos, dancing “el son” (badly), smoking cigars and perhaps enjoying the “charms” of a young mulata or two.
Additionally, Yoani Sanchez’s assertion, in her letter to Rep. Howard Berman, that “Cuban citizens, for our part, would benefit from the injection of material resources and money that these tourists from the north would spend in alternative services networks”, is overly optimistic. While the Cuban exiles who left the island as “gusanos” in the 1960s, only to be welcomed back as “mariposas” in the late 1970s, could and did make an ideoligical and material impact on their family and friends, there is no such guarantee that American tourists will do likewise.
Most US tourists will not patronize “alternative services networks”; rather, they will prefer to stay at one of the 4 and 5 star hotels that the military-run “private” enterprises have built throughout the island. Typically, these establishments employ only what Yoani herself designates as “first class citizens”, who are carefully filtered for their ideological loyalty to the regime.
I, for one, would prefer to see the Obama administration and/or congress negotiate the lifting of travel restrictions based on a quid pro quo: the Cuban government would be required to lift all travel restrictions on their citizens as well.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 13:24
John Two,
I agree with you. I think the travel ban should be lifted and so should the embargo. I understand that there are good arguments to keep these things in place. But isn’t it time for a change?
What I genuinely do not understand is, What is it about people who don’t see the brutality of the Castro regime and how utterly wrong it is? How could anyone possibly be in favor of having one person lead a country for 50 years? What psychology could lead anyone to be an apologist for such a thing? I am genuinely perplexed by this. Really, I just don’t get it. We all come from a mother and a father; we all have families and know the difference between good and bad. Aren’t we all in favor of the basic human rights that Yubano listed in #119?
Freedom of expression
Freedom to associate
Freedom to travel, inside and outside the country
The right to own property
The right to start a business
The right to belong to independent unions
Freedom to access alternate sources of information
Freedom to disseminate information
Why is it that people who live among us would want to find ways to justify the Castro dictatorship and do it with a conviction that, to me, means they really believe it?
Walter, when are you going to answer the question that has been posed to you?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 10:30
I think our friend Walter’s commentary is actually a good argument for the US unilaterally lifting the remaining travel restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba. Takes away one more argument from the Castro apologists, though I have little doubt they’ll find others.
And Walter, when are you going to answer the question I’ve repeatedly asked, most recently in #167?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 07:58
Jesus Mosqueda says he’d like to go to Cuba.
He can legally go to Cuba any time these days.
Most people from the US don’t have that right.
Actually, it’s a privilege, which is denied to
most people from the United States.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 07:24
What’s your point, Walter?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 06:59
Yoani Sanchez says:
If restrictions on coming to Cuba are lifted, Americans would again enjoy a right that has been infringed in recent years - that of traveling freely to any latitude without penalty. Cuban citizens, for our part, would benefit from the injection of material resources and money that these tourists from the north would spend in alternative services networks.
http://www.miamiherald.com/new.....42595.html
Dear Jesus M Mosqueda -
You are Cuban-American. This means you can legally go to Cuba any time you want, because Barack Obama kept his campaign promise to allow Cuban-Americans to do that.
You can’t run for President of Cuba though, since you aren’t a Cuban citizen.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 06:41
Yoani Sánchez,
If there is anything I can do in passing your information please let me know.
I can read Spanish fluently but my writing is horrible, go figure.
Willing to pass your word.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 06:35
I am American born Cuban and read your horrific trifles. It’s ashamed that Raul is not trying to mend things with the US. My country wanted changed and we chose Obama!
My question is what in the world Long Live the Revolution is? What Revolution are the Cubans talking about? This is more of a Tribalism way of thinking; brain washing.
I feel sad how corrupt Cuban officials pray on the non-educated hard working Cuban citizens.
I would love for someday in my life to visit my part of the family I have never met.
If I were ever elected as President of Cuba, I would definitely mend relationships with the US. Why, because we are neighbors and this nonsense has gone to far and to long.
PS
As for the Gov’t officials who took you by force and hit you, shame on them once for beating up a woman and shame on them twice for the Gov’t not doing anything.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 05:47
Reinaldo and Claudia have both posted accounts of the day.
Reinaldo’s is called “To begin to forgive”. At the end of the post he tells us Father Jose Conrado (remember him… he wrote a very moving letter to Raul… put him in the search function of this blog and you’ll see what Yoani has written about him)… Father Conrado is at Yoani and Reinaldo’s house and he tells Reinaldo, “Forgive them.”
http://www.desdecuba.com/reinaldoescobar_en/?p=258
Claudia, dear sweet Claudia, beats HERSELF up for not being BRAVER in the face of the raging mob, out for blood. It’s also very moving in a different way.
http://octavocercoen.blogspot......error.html
The faces of the citizen-repressors are frightening.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 05:31
CONTACT LIST FOR THE FOLLOWING HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS, THEY WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
http://www.rsf.org/Contact-us.html
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
http://www.hrw.org/en/contact-us
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 05:08
CUBAN BLOGGER CLAUDIA CADELO AND OTHER ATTACKED IN HAVANA! PASS THE INFORMATION!
BELOW ARE YOANI AND CLAUDIAS TWITTER LINKS:
YOANI SANCHEZ ON TWITTER (Cuban independent blogger) http://twitter.com/yoanisanchez CLAUDIA CADELO ON TWITTER (Cuban independent blogger)http://twitter.com/ClaudiaCadelo
RAUL, FIDEL Y LOS OTROS CULPABLE DE LA VIOLENCIA!COBARDES!!
RAUL, FIDEL AND THE OTHERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VIOLENCE! COWARDS!!
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 02:25
OMG!! Walter just emailed me…. I replied promtly and sent some pictures of myself at his request….
Members of this forum…. Walter Lippmann confessed to me that his real name is indeed Michael Moore. But guys this is bi…. I don’t know how to tell you this … but “Miguelina” as he know wants to be called is falling for me.
He wanted private and I gave it to him…. her?… He loved Yoani’s blond wig.So at his request since he does not how to twit..I’m twitting to Yoani not just requesting her wig but also her mini skirt, the sexy glasses and high heels shoes.
Now Miguelina doest not need a hat to hide his bold head. Any requests of pictures of my new patner.. Please ….MIGUELINA_BIG LIPPS@”HOT”mail.com
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 01:16
Ok Mr Lippmann now my Cuban temper is UP!
Hank last name is Frank, so he is Mr Hank the Frank
Yours is Walter the LIAR
Mine is Concubino Cuba comes First..
Now, if you want to take this really PRIVATE you can write me at concubino1@gmail.com
I can provide my pictures …. NAKED and UP!!
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 01:15
Walter…Walter,
You just don’t get it, do you. Go Away!
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 01:14
YOANI;TE FELICITO POR TU FORMIDABLE LABOR EN BENEFICIO DEL PUEBLO CUBANO. TIENES UNA GRAN CAPACIDAD PARA EXPRESAR TUS IDEAS DE UNA MANERA CLARA Y PRECISA. ESTOY PENSANDO EN VIAJAR A CUBA PUES ME FUI EN 1960 CUANDO SOLO TENIA 17 ANOS Y SALIA PENSANDO EN REGRESAR AL ANO SIGUIENTE. NUNCA ME IMAGINE QUE SIENDO CUBA UN PAIS MUY AVANZADO ECONOMICA Y SOCIALMENTE PASARA DE CAPITALISTA A COMUNISTA. YO ESTUDIE EN LA HABANA EN EL COLEGIO BELEN(DONDE TAMBIEN ESTUDIO FIDEL CASTRO),ERA UN COLEGIO PRIVADO Y JESUITA Y LA HABANA DE LOS ANOS CINCUENTA ERA MAS AVANZADA QUE EL MIAMI DE AHORA.MIS HERMANOS MAYORES ESTUDIARON EN LA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA HABANA Y EN LA UNIVERSIDAD DE VILLANUEVA, QUE FUE LUEGO CONFISCADA CUANDO EL GOBIERNO COMUNISTA ELIMINO LA PROPIEDAD PRIVADA. AUNQUE YA TENGO 66 ANOS, ME MANTENGO BASTANTE BIEN Y ESPERO AHORA QUE ME VOY A RETIRAR VIAJAR A LA HABANA PARA PODER SALUDARTE Y CONVERSAR CONTIGO. GOD BLESS YOU.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 01:11
It it weird talking to people who won’t give their full name as I do. Concubino, have you a real name? On the Internet, people can and do make up names. It’s up to you if you want to say who you really are. I can’t make you tell who you really are.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 01:10
It it weird talking to people who won’t give their full name as I do. Concubino, have you a real name? On the Internet, people can and do make up names. It’s up to you if you want to say who you really are. I can’t make you tell who you really are.
Better to focus on whether or not to agree with Yoani Sanchez on the need to end the travel ban on people from the United States, and things like that.
It’s a waste of time to be personally abusive. Let’s focus on real issues.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 01:01
Mr Lippmann,
I know Hank last name… I know also your real last name…I can provide my last name if you like.. Do you want to know?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:54
Walter Lippmann is my name. It’s on all my paperwork.
http://www.walterlippmann.com/.....er-wl.html
What did you say your last name was Hank?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:49
Oh, and by the way, Walter, you are a fake. If you want to take on the name of someone, take on your own.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Lippmann
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:41
Thanks, Hank. What did you say your last name was?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:32
If you have read my prior post in this blog
you will see that I am for the elimination of the travel ban and also for the elimination of the embargo.
I think both of them are mostly symbolic and they should be eliminated. Because there is no function to it.
Plus I have expose more reasons so please read on prior posts.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:31
Walter,
I read English. I understand it, I speak it and I write it. You, my friend, write in double-speak, which is a tool used to deceive. And we see right through you. Nothing you say or write makes any sense at all.
Feel free to pollute this space with your blather. The people who host your rants understand that allowing you to voice whatever random thoughts you may have only strengthens us. You, and the people you represent, never seem to get it, do you? Do you really think that writing in the way that you do convinces anyone? The more you rant, the more you incoherently rave, the stronger we become. So please, Walter, keep talking, we want to hear more from you.
I say again, keep it up Walter. You are the quintessential tool. We want to hear more from you. Keep it coming so we can all see what absolute morons you really are.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:20
Most Cuban-Americans today agree with Yoani Sanchez that the US travel ban on people from the US being free to visit Cuba if they want to should be abolished.
Cuban-Americans can now freely go to Cuba if they want to, and tens of thousands are going back legally. But the majority of the people from the US are denied this right.
Do you agree with Yoani, or with Ileana, Mario and Lincoln on the right of people in the United States to travel to Cuban.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:20
No Walter
People have freedom in this great country
and I think I give you sufficient proof about the nullity of your argument by asking you where are the protest of support to the Cuban regime by economical Cuban immigrants?
The Cuban government will like people to believe what you mentioned
Is call propaganda.
It the same thing use by Nazis and other totalitarian regimes that like to twist information to their advantage.
Bending the truth.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:18
Walter/Michael Moore-of-the-same!
You bet! I think travel ban should be removed immediatly as long as The Castros release their 200 political prisoners. Since Cuba does hold so many of our debt in their coffers we should not be so timid about HUMAN RIGHTS!! DO I HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN!! GETTING CARPLE WHATEVER THEY CALL IT!
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH REPORT ON CUBA 11/18/09:Cuba: RaĂşl Castro Imprisons Critics, Crushes Dissent
“Washington, DC) - RaĂşl Castro’s government has locked up scores of people for exercising their fundamental freedoms and allowed scores more political prisoners arrested during Fidel Castro’s rule to languish in detention, Human Rights Watch says in a report released today. Rather than dismantle Cuba’s repressive machinery, RaĂşl Castro has kept it firmly in place and fully active, the report says.”
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/200.....es-dissent
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:15
Ok Walter I will not be so quick as to rule that “Most for economic reasons, because they hope to be able to make more money elsewhere.”
The thing is even assuming there was an economic reason you must agree with me that the economic reason is derive from a political one since the regime’s economy is not able to sustain normal living conditions and is not able to do that because the command economy system use by the Cuban regime. Therefore any economic reason must also be a political reason.
I do not see any of this majority of economic immigrant protesting against the suppose minority of political immigrants in the streets of Miami. Do you see them?
If they were only economical immigrants without a political part then they will still be with Fidel Castro right?
How come we do not see them manifesting in the streets here in the US?
Is it because they do not have that freedom?
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:03
Dear Julio -
People leave Cuba for many reasons. Some for political reasons, because they don’t like the system. Most for economic reasons, because they hope to be able to make more money elsewhere.
Mexicans and Haitians and Dominicans also try to leave their countries, mostly not because of the political system, but in hopes of making more money here in La Yuma.
But Cubans have an advantage over the others: with the Cuban Adjustment Act, they all get to stay here in the US, while other undocumented immigrants are deported.
Noviembre 21st, 2009 at 00:00
Humberto: do you agree with Yoani that the travel ban on people from the US should be ended and the people from the US should be free to go to if they want to visit?
Yoani said this yesterday:
If restrictions on coming to Cuba are lifted, Americans would again enjoy a right that has been infringed in recent years - that of traveling freely to any latitude without penalty.
http://www.miamiherald.com/new.....42595.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:59
Walter
Why do you think people risk their lives to exit Cuba?
Is it because they like the system they live in?
Can they change the system they live in?
The system is inflexible does not like change so they say
either you like what we have here or you go into exile.
Do you think is fear not be able to change a system that you think is not good?
Just because a group a Cubans do agree with the system existing in Cuba does not mean that all Cubans agree with the system in Cuba.
Almost every Cuban that is in exile
has emigrated because does not like the existing regime.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:57
Too funny Walter. You really expected Cuban doctors to say Yoani was beaten black and blue. You’re as gullible as Oliver Stone in this rather infamous interview with Ann Louise Bardach in Slate Magazine a few years back.
“ALB: Let me ask you about the part [in the film] where Castro’s in front of eight prisoners charged with attempting to hijack a plane [to Miami]. He says to them, “I want you all to speak frankly and freely.” What do you make of that whole scene, where you have these prisoners who happened to be wearing perfectly starched, nice blue shirts?
OS: Let me give you the background. He obviously set it up overnight. It was in that spirit that he said, “Ask whatever you want. I’m sitting here. I want to hear it too. I want to hear what they’re thinking.” He let me run the tribunal, so to speak.
ALB: But Cuba’s leader for life is sitting in front of these guys who are facing life in prison, and you’re asking them, “Are you well treated in prison?” Did you think they could honestly answer that question?
OS: If they were being horribly mistreated, then I don’t know that they could be worse mistreated [afterward].
ALB: So in other words, you think they thought this was their best shot to air grievances? Rather than that if they did speak candidly, there’d be hell to pay when they got back to prison?
OS: I must say, you’re really picturing a Stalinist state. It doesn’t feel that way. You can always find horrible prisons if you go to any country in Central America.
ALB: Did you go to the prisons in Cuba?
OS: No, I didn’t…
ALB: Did it strike you as interesting that at one point in the scene with the prisoners, Castro turned to the prisoners’ defense lawyers, who just happened to be there, and he says, “I urge you to do your best to reduce the sentences”?
OS: I love that. I thought that was hilarious. Those guys just popped up.
ALB: Is there a show-trial element here?
OS: Yeah. I thought that was funny, I did—the prosecutor and Fidel admonishing them, to make sure they worked hard. There was that paternalism. I mean “father knows best,” as opposed to totalitarianism. It’s paternalism, that’s what I meant. It’s a Latin thing.”
Link to full interview: http://www.slate.com/id/2098860/
Denial of the right to free and fair elections, beating up dissidents, it’s a Latin thing, right Walter?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:55
IS THIS MICHAEL MOORE? REALLY! I HOPE SO BECAUSE THIS PROOVES THAT HE IS NOT SOO BRIGHT FOR HE CANNOT SUPPORT HIS ARGUMENTS OTHER THAN WITH CUBAN GOVERMENT GENERATED NEWS VS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS! HOLA MICHAELS MOORE-OF-THE-SAME!!(could not resist the pun!). THIS IS FOR WALTER/MICHAEL MOORE, WHOMEVER!(my cuban temper is still up!)
HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION:
Cuban Bloggers Kidnapped, Assaulted by State Security on their Way to Peace March
“This is a blatant attempt by the Cuban government to silence independent thought and speech and should be condemned by human rights groups and governments across the globe,” stated Thor Halvorssen, president of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). “These bloggers were attacked for peacefully expressing their opinions. Does the Cuban government realize the preposterous irony of violently assaulting citizens who were on their way to protest violence?” asked Halvorssen.”
http://www.humanrightsfoundati.....11009.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:50
PRIVATE TO CONCUBINO:
Under my hat, I’m almost totally bald. Michael Moore has hair and weighs a lot more than I do. I wish I had his movie-making talent, though.
Concubino: Have you a real name? Walter Lippmann is mine, and the photo is me, too.