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.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:48
Julio -
You are confusing the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, with the immigration accords of 1994.
And you may also not be familiar with the Freedom Flights, which WERE indeed negotiated between Washington and Havana, and under which thousands of Cubans who didn’t want to live under a revolutionary government were able to freely and safely leave Cuba in airplanes, not rafts. They lasted from 1965 to 1973.
In 1965, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration negotiated an agreement with the Cuban government resulting in the first of what were called “Freedom Flights” in the United States.
As the MIAMI HERALD, no friend of the Cuban Revolution commented, “That now-historic flight is credited with opening the floodgates to the first continuous, legal wave of Cuban refugees, a steady flow that would change Miami and help build up Little Havana and the Cuban exile community. The twice-a-week flights ended in 1973.”
In the late 1970s, Bernardo Benes, a Jewish Cuban-American exile and strong opponent of the Cuban government, operating with the cooperation and under the supervision of the U.S. government, met and negotiated the release of 3500 Cubans who soon found their way to the United States, with no difficulty.
This shows it’s been possible for the United States to negotiate with the Cuban government the peaceful, uneventful departure of large numbers of Cubans to the United States. So why do we regularly read, in the Miami media, heart-rending and tragic stories of desperate Cubans being returned to Cuba by the United States government?
We ALSO read about large numbers of other Cubans who arrive, as if by magic, on U.S. soil, and are made welcome by the people in charge of the borders of the United States of America. Some additional material about Cuban migration to the United States can be found here: http://www.walterlippmann.com/migration.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:47
Walter that is the oldest of tricks on the Fidel Castro Mafia booklet.
It works like this.
Doctor do you remember who pay for your to be a doctor?
Doctor do you want to have a job tomorrow?
Doctor do you want your children to be able to eat tomorrow?
They apply intimidation tactics the same ones they try to apply without success on Yoani and friends.
We know about the Mafia style negotiations of the Castro regime.
We know about the intimidation
The offers that people can refuse.
Do you denied the Cuban regime does not use intimidation?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:45
I’m glad that Cuban temper is up.If it is up; Let it go!.It is good for you!.
As far as this Walter Lippmann, all I have to say is this.He is not Walter Lippmann. He is Michael Moore.Just look at his picture.. it is very obvious to me.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:44
Kudos to Yoani for her bravery in standing apart from the crowd. I hope one day to visit Cuba and see each of you rejoicing in your newfound freedom of speech. Only be sure that it does not corrupt you. Freedom comes with responsibility and our ‘free’ countries see their share of grief and pain. Freedom from government oppression means you will all be responsible for both yourselves and your countrymen and women.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:39
This was supposed to have happened today. But if Escobar’s beating was a severe as the one his wife claimed to have received, it will be interesting to see what the
doctors who examine him have to say.
Here’s what the doctors who examined his wife two weeks ago had to say after she’d
said that she had been beaten, including a video interview (in Spanish) with the clinic where she was examined after her, uh, “beating”…
http://www.walterlippmann.com/docs2783.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:38
[...] [you can read the rest here--->] [...]
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:32
Walter, do you really believe what you write?
All any American citizen needs to do to go to Cuba is to travel through a third such as Canada or Mexico. Ten of thousands do each and every year. And can you cite a recent case where a US citizen has faced any kind of sanction or penalty for traveling to Cuba via a third country? The US travel ban is symbolic (a stupid and counter-productive symbol in my opinion), but the restrictions on the right of Cuban citizens to freely travel to any country (including Canada or Europe) are very real.
And my original question to you said nothing about imposing political systems on Cubans. You obviously have opinions about Cuba, as do I. I only asked if you think that the Cuban Communist Party should voluntarily (of its own volition) give up its monopoly on political power and hold free and fair elections? You’ve done a lot of bobbing, weaving and deflecting, but have yet to answer this question. As Hank said, a simple yes or no would suffice.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:28
Hey Walter here is an idea.
Fidel Castro can do the same
a mirror copy of this law for Cuba will be that any american that wants to stay in Cuba should be allow to stay. That will make things even don’t you think?
Let’s start counting to see how many Americans will like to use a law like that. So far they seem to be getting people that are hiding from the American justice system.
On the other hand I will like to let you know that
“the Cuban Adjustment Act” was a result of negotiations between the American government and the Cuban government about migration. It used to be that Cubans that where pick up at sea could stay in this country but now the US applies the wet feet,dry feet policy as you probably know.
So the ones found at sea are return to Cuba and the ones found on land can stay.
That was an agreement between the US government and the Cuban government.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:27
WALTER,
I AM GIVING UP ON YOU! YOU ARE JUST TOO IDEOLOGICAL! LIKE A RELIGIOUS ZEALOT!
MEXICANS DONT HAVE TO GO OVER A SHARK INFESTED OCEAN AND DOMINICANS HAVE A DEMOCRATIC GOVERMENT!! WITH SOMEWHAT FAIR ELECTIONS!! MULTI PARTY SYSTEM!!DA!!
AND THEY DONT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS YOU FOOL!!
Reporters Without Borders: Going online in Cuba - Internet under surveillance
http://www.rsf.org/Going-onlin…..ernet.html
Reporters Without Borders:Authorities block websites, detain 26th journalist
http://www.rsf.org/Authorities…..etain.html
Human Rights Watch: Cuba’s Repressive Machinery:
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/…..-machinery
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:26
Humberto,
My Cuban temper is up tonight also. I promised myself that I would not do this. I have restrained myself as much as I could, I really have. But I can’t anymore. Walter has his head so far up his ass that he does not know the difference between night and day! I can’t deal with this level of stupidity anymore.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:17
SORRY BUT MY CUBAN TEMPER IS UP TODAY! NOW, FOR SOMETHING MOOOOOOOOOOOORE IMPORTNANT THAN THIS WALTER DUDE!
REUTERS: Husband of Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez attacked
“He said he was speaking to reporters when, in what appeared to be an orchestrated event, several hundred people gathered and began shouting “Viva Fidel” and “Viva la Revolucion.”"
“The Cuban government responded quickly to Escobar’s accusations, emailing to foreign journalists a story published in the website laRepublica.es with the headline “The Cuban people are tired of Yoani Sanchez.”
http://www.reuters.com/article.....4020091121
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:14
Yes, of course, I think that Cubans should be able to travel without asking permission.
There is, however, a special problem which only applies to people from Cuba, and from no other country on earth. That problem is called the Cuban Adjustment Act, under which ANY Cuban who touches US soil is automatically permitted to remain in the United States. Haitians? No. Dominicans? No. Mexicans? No. Canadians? No. But any Cuban automatically gets to remain.
Indeed, there’s even a special US government program targeting Cuban doctors to lure them into defecting. Here’s the proof:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pre.....091906.pdf
So, while I agree that Cubans should be able to travel without asking permission, I can understand why the Cuban government makes that difficult.
==================================
Julio de la Yncera asked
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:56
Walter how about the rights of Cubans to travel in and out of their country without having to ask for authorization from the Cuban regime?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:13
WOW, I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE TO RE POST THIS FOR WALTER! READ DUDE!!
Patricia,
You need to rethink what the definition of “The Cuban Revolution” was. IT WAS NOT a Marxist Revolution but a coalition of people trying to get back to the Constitution of 1940. STOP BLAMING OBAMA FOR THE REPRESSION OF THE CASTROS! Below are some links for your education!Over 50 years of ONE PARTY AND ONE MAN RULE!NOT ACCEPTABLE! THE CASTROS ARE TO BLAME, NOT OBAMA WHO MAY HAVE ONLY 8 YEARS!
Humberto Capiro
“Prior to the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro and the other revolutionaries, through the Manifiesto de Montecristi, claimed that their chief goal was to reinstate the Constitution of 1940″
“The Constitution of 1940, (a) substantiated voting as a right, obligation and function of the people; (b) endorsed the previously established form of government, specifically republican, democratic and representative; (c) confirmed individual rights and privileges including private property rights; and (d) introduced the notion of collective rights.”
“Under the Constitution of 1940, the separation between the three branches of government remained, but with obvious distinctions. Specifically,(a) the role of the prime minister was introduced; (b) the executive branch converted to semi-parliamentary form, where half of its ministers could also be congressmen; and (c) Congress’ form was changed to one representative in the house to every 35,000 citizens or greater fraction of 17,500, and nine senators per province.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Cuba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1…..on_of_Cuba
You need to rethink what the definition of “The Cuban Revolution” was. IT WAS NOT a Marxist Revolution but a coalition of people trying to get back to the Constitution of 1940. STOP BLAMING OBAMA FOR THE REPRESSION OF THE CASTROS! Below are some links for your education!Over 50 years of ONE PARTY AND ONE MAN RULE!NOT ACCEPTABLE! THE CASTROS ARE TO BLAME, NOT OBAMA WHO MAY HAVE ONLY 8 YEARS!
Humberto Capiro
“Prior to the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro and the other revolutionaries, through the Manifiesto de Montecristi, claimed that their chief goal was to reinstate the Constitution of 1940″
“The Constitution of 1940, (a) substantiated voting as a right, obligation and function of the people; (b) endorsed the previously established form of government, specifically republican, democratic and representative; (c) confirmed individual rights and privileges including private property rights; and (d) introduced the notion of collective rights.”
“Under the Constitution of 1940, the separation between the three branches of government remained, but with obvious distinctions. Specifically,(a) the role of the prime minister was introduced; (b) the executive branch converted to semi-parliamentary form, where half of its ministers could also be congressmen; and (c) Congress’ form was changed to one representative in the house to every 35,000 citizens or greater fraction of 17,500, and nine senators per province.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Cuba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1…..on_of_Cuba
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:12
Thanks, John. You are free to go or not. US citizens don’t have that right. I think that Cuba has the right to determine its own political arrangements.
The Cuban revolution took an armed form because the previous democratically-elected political system was overthrown in a military coup in 1952, by Batista, and the US immediately recognized that dictatorship.
In the absence of any democratic process, the Cubans took arms and eventually overthrew the dictatorship. Then they set about creating a different kind of political system.
Cubans have the right to determine their own political system. Canadians and people from the US don’t have the right to tell Cubans how to run Cuba.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:06
Walter, I’m a Canadian who happens to think that Cubans should have the same right to freely elect their political leaders as I do in my country or you do in yours. I think that Cuban citizens should have the right to choose their own government, rather than having to put with a regime that took power through armed force 50 years ago and has refused to relinquish it ever since. I take it you don’t agree with me?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:05
Yes, or No, Walter. Answer the question.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 23:00
Hank, I do not think you are Cuban. I’m not Cuban. The political system in Cuba should be decided by Cubans, not by foreigners, especially not people from the United States. Cubans who live in Cuba are the ones who have the right to decide what kind of political system they want to have.
Even less, people who don’t even give their name, not to speak of their photo.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:57
Walter,
You betray yourself. You have been asked a simple question, twice now, and yet you refuse to answer. I will ask it a third time. Not that I care what you say, this is more an exercise in understanding the pathology of stupidity, so here goes:
“Do you favour the Cuban Communist Party giving up its monopoly on political power and holding free and fair multiparty elections?”
It is a yes or no question, Walter. Yes, or No?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:56
Walter how about the rights of Cubans to travel in and out of their country without having to ask for authorization from the Cuban regime?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:54
Walter,
We Cubans are like that, get used to it or you dont know our culture at all! I am so glad that you can read well after the second posting. Lets be enlightened and see things in a global context and not make statements without some understanding of global economics as they affect Human Rights. And by the way Cuba has the highest amount of political prisoners and lowest access to the internet than any other country in THE WORLD (except a few)!! Even with the high level of literacy that the Cuban Govement boasts. Come on Walter, lets be real here not INGORANT or should I say IDEOLOGICALLY BLIND!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:42
Calmate, calmade, Humberto. Por favor, calmate!
Yoani made a good point yesterday when she wrote:
“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 22:33
Walter,
ARE YOU BLIND OR JUST STUPID, CUBAN CHIVATON OR WHAT!
Cuba does not have leverage like China. If China was in Cuba’s place I am sure Obama would pursue Human Rights Issues. The USA OWES CHINA A LOT OF MONEY!! DA!!! If you want the economy to get worse, just get China all upset! Go to public radio and get yourself informed and not make uninformend staments like that!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:29
I’m not Cuban. Cuba’s political arrangements should be decided by the Cuban people. Are you Cuban?
The US has normal relations with Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and China, none of which have multi-party elections. Why should having multi-party elections be required of Cuba.
Must the US system be imposed on every other country on earth?
===================================================
JOHN TWO asks: Now do you favour the Cuban Communist Party giving up its monopoly on political power and holding free and fair multiparty elections?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 22:21
Walter, I favour ending the ban on US citizens traveling to Cuba and have said so in comments on this blog on many occasions. I also favour ending the US embargo unilaterally because I think it has been counter-productive.
I also think China and Saudi Arabia should respect basic human rights including holding free and fair multi-party elections, and I oppose electoral fraud wherever it occurs including Afghanistan.
Now do you favour the Cuban Communist Party giving up its monopoly on political power and holding free and fair multiparty elections?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 21:59
China doesn’t have multi-party elections. Saudi Arabia doesn’t have any parties at all. And Afghanistan had a stolen election. The US has full diplomatic relations with all three. Why must Cuba have a multi-party set-up imposed on them???
John Two: Do you agree with Yoani that the US travel ban should be ended?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 21:43
Walter, a straightforward question for you.
Should the Cuban Communist Party gives up its monopoly on political power and hold free and fair multiparty elections?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 21:32
ALFONSO,
Cuba does not have leverage like China. If China was in Cuba’s place I am sure Obama would pursue Human Rights Issues. The USA OWES CHINA A LOT OF MONEY!! DA!!! If you want the economy to get worse, just get China all upset! Go to public radio and get yourself informed and not make uninformend staments like that!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 21:23
To Obama and the United States Goverment:
What is the issue with Cuba and human rights when China has a worse record than Cuba yet the United States has not required improvement in human rights to permit US companies do business and invest in Chinaor to travel to china. Is this hypocrisy Double standard? Both!
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 21:22
Walter,
As I said before, lift the travel ban when the following problems are talked about!I have no problem if something is done about these problems!
Humberto Capiro
Reporters Without Borders: Going online in Cuba - Internet under surveillance
http://www.rsf.org/Going-onlin.....ernet.html
Reporters Without Borders:Authorities block websites, detain 26th journalist
http://www.rsf.org/Authorities.....etain.html
Human Rights Watch: Cuba’s Repressive Machinery:
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/.....-machinery
Humberto Capir
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 21:00
If Yoani got her wish, and the travel ban on people from the US were lifted, here’s one example of what would be repeated a hundred times:
U.S., Cuba players find friendship in softball
Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:52pm EST
By Jeff Franks
HAVANA (Reuters) - There were hugs and handshakes all around on Friday as teams of older U.S. and Cuban softball players ended a “friendship” tournament they hope will set an example for their respective governments.
They said who won or lost was less important than the fact that for five days in Havana, Americans and Cubans played a game they both loved and in the process found they were not enemies as they had long been led to believe.
“Now I know a lot of people in Cuba. They don’t have horns,” said catcher Alan Bresnick, a 71-year-old former corporate executive from Boston.
“It’s important that we showed we can co-exist. It has been 50 years of bad relations (between the United States and Cuba) and maybe it’s time to reconsider,” he said on a sunny ball field at Havana’s Ciudad Deportiva, or Sports City.
“This is the most beautiful thing you will see. It’s like we’re brothers,” said Cuban shortstop Aurelio “Yeyo” Torres, 70, as his American friends draped their arms around his shoulders. “I just hope this can be continued.”
The exercise in softball diplomacy was a joint effort between the Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball Association and the Cuban Softball Federation. All the players were over 55, and on Friday, the teams were made up of players in their 60s and 70s.
Instead of U.S.A versus Cuba, they mixed players from both countries and swapped jerseys in a final show of unity.
Here’s the rest of the story:
http://ca.reuters.com/article/.....20?sp=true
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:56
The Cuban government doesn’t prevent tourists from coming to Cuba. It invites and welcomes them. It’s Washington which has been preventing people from the US from going to Cuba. It’s time to free the people of the United States!
People from the US should have the right to visit Cuba.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:52
Walter!
You are becoming a “Techie!”. Just research before you speak or I will rebuke you!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:48
Friendly English Translator,
I have been following Yoani’s Tweets and she has been saying some important things there too. I was wondering if you think that these should be translated as well for the benefit of the English speakers here?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:46
the ban to travelers only serves the cuban government. the best friend of totalitarianism is isolation. Tourism brings money ideas and change. LIFT THE EMBARGO
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:41
Cuba tiene un solo camino y ese es permitir el desarrollo de una economia empresarial que permita la libre entrada de capital. Cuando eso pase van a ir miles de personas a Cuba a invertir en el pais. Miren el ejemplo de china que actuamente cuenta con mas ciudadanos millonarios que los Estados Unidos (USA). Ironico pero cierto.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:38
Yoani Sanchez writes this:
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.
SOURCE:
http://www.miamiherald.com/new.....42595.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:25
Walter,
Been there, done that! Get the travel ban lifted for the freedom of the 200 political prisoners! Good deal for the Cuban goverment! Dont play coy with me!
Learn to scroll down to comment # 61
Humberto Capiro
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 18:37
MIAMI HERALD ARTICLE: Yoani Sanchez’s letter to Rep. Howard Berman
“Over the course of several decades, Cuban exiles and tourists have brought part of the information that has served to undermine the myth of the supposed “paradise” in which we live. The interchange among family and friends on both sides of the Florida Straits became a source of news of what happens outside and inside our borders. There is nothing more corrosive for a state that holds itself up as the father and savior of a nation, than the testimony of those who, in other latitudes, have greater space to realize their dreams and greater tolerance for their opinions. In the midst of a state information monopoly, the arrival of newspapers, magazines, anecdotes, and information carried in luggage by these welcome visitors comes as a balm.”
http://www.miamiherald.com/new…..42595.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 20:07
I’m not involved with Twitter, even less with my cell phone. No text messaging for me, either. I occasionally use the cell phone to TALK to someone, same as I use the land line.
Yoani came out against the travel ban at the hearing in Washington yesterday.
Here’s her statement:
http://www.lexingtoninstitute......gyoani.pdf
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:52
NICK PARGA,
SHUT THE FU**! NO CUNBAYA POEMS!!FROM YOANI’S TWITTER! http://twitter.com/yoanisanchez
Reto al gobierno de mi paĂs a que permita la diferencia, la opiniĂłn discrepante, la sana pluralidad… la existencia de otros criterios. 2 minutes ago from TweetDeck
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Tengo pena por esos jĂłvenes que convocaron en la esquina de G y 23 para gritar y lanzar improperios, son ellos las vĂctimas de esta tarde. 4 minutes ago from TweetDeck
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Hasta cuando el lenguaje de la fuerza será el que abunde en mi paĂs, el de la intolerancia y el irrespeto a la opiniĂłn ajena? 7 minutes ago from TweetDeck
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Un gobierno que tiene que apelar a los golpes para mantenerse en el poder es un gobierno impopular. 14 minutes ago from web
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Eugenio Leal liberado. Le dieron golpes en la espalda, le rompieron los espejuelos, perdiĂł un zapato. Viene a casa a contarnos. 17 minutes ago from web
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Ya Reinaldo llego a casa, Tenemos fotos del mitin de repudio. about 1 hour ago from web
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En el lugar de la cita habĂa mucha presencia de prensa extranjera. Hubo otras personas detenidas. Estamos tratando de saber de ellas. about 2 hours ago from web
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Reinaldo llamó por teléfono. Lo dejaron en Pogolotti, un barrio bien lejos de nuestra casa. about 2 hours ago from web
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:41
LIPPMANN!
SHUT YOUR LIPP-MANN! WHEN YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!(or claim you know know what you are talking about)! HOW STUPID (or deceiveing) THAT YOU DONT KNOW HOW TWITTER WORKS! I’M 50 MR. MANNN!!GET ON THE BALL!
HUMBERTO CAPIRO!
p.s. Could not resist the puns!
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:38
TRASCRIBIR UNOS VERSOS PARA MI PATRIA CERCANA EN MI MENTE TRISTE Y LEJANA EN MI CUERPO JOVEN Y FELIZ, NO ES FACIL Y COMO SIEMPRE ESTARá AñORANDO UNA SOLUCIóN RáPIDA A ESA PROLONGADA SEPARICIóN EN QUE NOS MANTIENE LA AMBICION Y LA INTRACIGENCIA DE SISTEMAS PECADORES.
Que tu quieres inolvidable cielo
que vaya a tĂ ahora no puede
claveles de oro vĂ Varadero
para un Sol de amores pon un vuelo
Nunca olvidaremos el edor cansado
que sudan los azules cuerpos ni
amor dulcero de tu largo mulato suelo.
Siempre por la Paz, Nick
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:29
QUE SUSTO! I THOUGHT THEY WERE ALONE! IF CNN, NBC, AP WERE THERE IS GREAT NEWS! THIS IS THE CUBAN VERSION OF THE IRANIAN CRACK DOWN!
CLAUDIA, YOANI Y TODOS! PA ADELANTE!I KNOW WHERE TO SEND INFORMATION!!
HUMBERTO CAPIRO
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:26
Walter, the useful fool, he’s back with another shameless plug for his comrades…
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:25
PS — Claudia is at Yoani’s… or at least she was when she Twittered she was at Yoani’s.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:23
Guaguita = little bus (van)
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:23
TWITTER IS THROUGH HER PHONE!
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:22
Welcome to the 21st century Walter… you Twitter from your cell phone… it’s just a text message.
The latest is on Penultimos Dias, Ernesto talked to Yoani. It is still very confused.
Here is a rough translation of Ernesto’s report of a phone call with Yoani — the material in square brackets is added by me from Yoani and Claudia’s tweets and Ernesto’s site:
00:50: I just talked to Yoani by phone, transcribing the conversation in which he described the events:
“They put Rey in a car with private plate (think this is because the police paramitalizaciĂłn) next to another woman who was there (seems to be a dissident who had come to give her support), and left him in Pogolotti [a neighborhood in Havana -- he made it home from there]. We have several photos of all events, let’s see when we can upload. Claudio Fuentes’s whereabouts are unknown, several witnesses say they saw when they put him in a guaguita SEPSA (the security firm that transports money, etc.), Eugenio and a companion are being held in the Fourth Station, Eugenio seems to have received a lot of blows, especially in the back, and here in my house is now a bunch of people trying more or less to reconstruct the events with all the details. Fortunately, none that are here have serious blows, only punches, torn shirts … ”
Yoani also confirmed that among the foreign press representatives who were on site and could see all the facts were Fernando Ravsberg, BBC correspondent, and reporters from CNN, NBC, AP, and a German agency, among others.
They are expected minimal commitment to truth and the profession of journalism to these shameful deeds.
=== end of quasi-translation ===
Here’s a link:
http://www.penultimosdias.com/2009/11/20/26124/
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:08
Yoani has Internet access at home? How could that be? I thought Cubans didn’t have Internet access at home. How can Claudia be doing this???
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 19:00
FROM CLAUDIAS TWITTER!
Estoy en casa d yoani. Ya ciro, iván, vallĂn están aquĂ. 43 minutes ago from txt
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A claudio. Se llevaron a claudio. Perdon about 1 hour ago from txt
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Se llevaron a claudia. about 1 hour ago from txt
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A rei se lo llevaron. about 1 hour ago from txt
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Mucha seguridad, muchos militares. Golpes a reinaldo. about 1 hour ago from txt
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Gritan viva fidel y cantan el himno. about 1 hour ago from txt
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He perdido d vista a reinaldo about 1 hour ago from txt
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23yg avalancha de personas. Mitin d repudio y viva fidel about 1 hour ago from txt
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 18:50
THERE IS SOMETHING HAPPENING AT CLAUDIA’S PLACE!! WAS JUST AT HER BLOG AND SOME SOME STUFF ON TWITTER! CAN ANYONE VERIFY?
http://twitter.com/ClaudiaCadelo
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 18:43
There is no end to the blame the US first parade of revisionist historians …
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 18:42
Patricia,
You need to rethink what the definition of “The Cuban Revolution” was. IT WAS NOT a Marxist Revolution but a coalition of people trying to get back to the Constitution of 1940. STOP BLAMING OBAMA FOR THE REPRESSION OF THE CASTROS! Below are some links for your education!Over 50 years of ONE PARTY AND ONE MAN RULE!NOT ACCEPTABLE! THE CASTROS ARE TO BLAME, NOT OBAMA WHO MAY HAVE ONLY 8 YEARS!
Humberto Capiro
“Prior to the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro and the other revolutionaries, through the Manifiesto de Montecristi, claimed that their chief goal was to reinstate the Constitution of 1940″
“The Constitution of 1940, (a) substantiated voting as a right, obligation and function of the people; (b) endorsed the previously established form of government, specifically republican, democratic and representative; (c) confirmed individual rights and privileges including private property rights; and (d) introduced the notion of collective rights.”
“Under the Constitution of 1940, the separation between the three branches of government remained, but with obvious distinctions. Specifically,(a) the role of the prime minister was introduced; (b) the executive branch converted to semi-parliamentary form, where half of its ministers could also be congressmen; and (c) Congress’ form was changed to one representative in the house to every 35,000 citizens or greater fraction of 17,500, and nine senators per province.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Cuba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1.....on_of_Cuba
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 17:49
Dear Yoanni — wonderful that you did this but I was so disappointed in Obama’s fairly boilerplate answers.
Isn’t it time that the Americans acknowledge that the Cuban Revolution was, in the beginning, a
real step forward for the people of Cuba and that it was American policy towards Castro which forced him
into a radical position and to embrace the Soviet bloc? This absolutely ridiculous embargo has simply
hardened the hardliners on both sides. I LOVE Cuba, and I LOVE my Cuban friends so much and I weep when I leave because
I know they cannot visit me. Surely Obama can say “enough already ” — the Cold War’s over for Christ’s sake. –
lift the embargo and talk to Cuba. Why was he being so chary about it? I’m very disappointed.
Yes - Castro lost me a long time ago — so the revolution had been corrupted. So people’s lives are miserable. It’s over.
But I understand what they were trying to do, and in so many ways they succeeded — and I only wish that Obama had the guts to say that to acknowledge that? That’s the place to start. By just acknowledging the legitimacy of the Cuban revolution when it happened and accepting the responsibility for the tragedy that has followed. The Berlin Wall’s been down for 20 years
The Embargo is still ongoing. Ridiculous!
PG
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 17:23
If Johnny has ever been to Cuba, he went there as a tourist and arrived at the tourist wing of the airport greeted by cocktail vendors. The last time my brother and parents went to Cuba to visit relatives, they were herded into an aluminum warehouse upon arrival at the airport. Every corner of the room they entered had a TV set blasting a speech by Fidel. He wasn’t welcoming anyone. Everything they brought with them for our relatives was evaluated and assigned a value. In order to proceed through security, they had to pay hundreds of dollars in American cash to a soldier. Our relatives had to wait standing outside in the rain for 12 hours. It was a heartbreaking scene. People were asking my brother if he was their brother, their nephew, their grandson. All in the rain…people crying out and reaching for him with their arms.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 15:59
I think we have two different issues working here, they are: Embargo for or against and who is to blame for Cuba’s current situation. Two separate issues. I have mixed feelings about the embargo with valid arguments to be made on both sides. On the issue on who is to blame for Cuba’s plight, no confusion there, Fidel and his gang are 100% responsible. I will not argue for or against the embargo, but will not be mute in the face of ill-informed comments, ignorance, pro-Castro cynicism or outright misleading propaganda.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Boy, Willy Wonka or Junanito el Comemierda or whatever your name is, I understand you are upset. I would be as well if someone pointed how shallow and baseless my ill-thought out comments are. As you can see I am far from the only person who contributes to this blog that disagrees with your left-wing blather. Oh, and the thing about being a Republican, really, you might as well belong to the Whig party, you are one confused puppy. Listen who cares if you think you have travelled more than me, how does that contribute to the conversation about Cuba? You think because you know France and California that this gives you insight on the situation in Cuba … same kind of logic that permeates the rest of your arguments.
You want some facts:
The Cuban government does not allow its common citizens:
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
The Cuban government does:
Jail, persecute and in some cases still executes people for simply disagreeing or following the party line
Force people to work for slave wages
Send doctors and allied health personal overseas and underserved its own people
Uses those same doctors in other countries for political purposes
These are facts my boy, not opinions open for debate. I suppose to your way of thinking the US made them do it huh? I can go on, but would it make any difference, in your case Johnny boy probably not. And finally Mr. Wonka my beliefs concerning Cuba aren’t based what I read on the internet, a conversation I had with my pals on the studio lot or nonsense I heard at a cafe in gay Paris. Like most others who opine here I am Cuban, with family members still in Cuba and with a history based in fact from which to speak.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 15:30
Maybe more people in Cuba will get the word about Joani once they find out that Obama talks to her.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 15:05
I meant STATE TERROR at its best..
Here tehe answer from my sister…
muy pocas personas conocen a y ,los q tienen antena ,internet o alguien de usa q les cuenta ,hay otro video de panfilo ,super borracho y mandao a correr ,y me da pena que le paguen tragos y lo pongan a hablar sin medir las conseuencias ,un beso ,que pena lo de ivonne ,no escampa
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 15:01
Hank
State Terror at his best….
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 14:47
Concubino,
Thanks. That is a chilling description. They monitor university students to the point of knowing who was sitting at any particular computer at any specific time. Each new detail I learn about this just amazes me.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 14:36
Hank
Her is the answer from my cousin….
….no, no es conocida porque recuerda que los cubanos no tienen acceso a internet y los que lo tienen tambiĂ©n hay cosas censuradas o por ejemplo entre los muchachos de la universidad no creo que se lancen a estar entrando en esas cosas porque les puede costar caro y es fácil saber desde que PC se bajo esa informaciĂłn y quien estaba sentado en esa PC a esa hora, entiendes?…quien mas tiene internet?…los que no les importa hablar del tema. Yo la conozco por Ivon pero en absoluto es tema de conversaciĂłn comĂşn aquĂ.
Un besote mi primo
I will wait for the answer of my sister I will posted as well…
Sorry… It is what it is…
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 14:20
I’m telling you guys California is the State of the pretty boys.A lot of cosmetic surgery.No SUBSTANCE at all. People in California vote for Senators who are in favor “ISOLATING” Cuba by strenghtining the Embargo.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 14:12
Johny Depp
Here is the senator that you vote for on the issues .
* Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
Here is Dianne Feistein on Foreing Police…
Click here for 19 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.
* Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
* Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe. (May 2002)
* Voted YES on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
* Voted NO on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
* Voted NO on limiting the President’s power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
* Voted YES on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
* Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
* Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
* Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
* Progressive Internationalism: globalize with US pre-eminence. (Aug 2000)
* Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine. (Apr 2001)
* Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
* Implement Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force. (Feb 2008)
* Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s. (Mar 2007)
* Call for Burma’s junta to release political prisoners. (Jun 2007)
* Develop a strategy to protect civilians in Darfur. (Feb 2007)
* Condemn violence by Chinese government in Tibet. (Apr 2008)
* Allow travel between the United States and Cuba. (Feb 2009)
* Afghan laws violate women’s human rights on sex & divorce. (Apr 2009
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 14:11
Here is a fragment from her profile explaining how she got to be independent from the Cuban regime. That independence from the Cuban regime is key if we like for Cubans to have freedom. If they do not have economical independent from the regime then is not possible to talk about freedom.
http://www.desdecuba.com/generationy/?page_id=108
“In September 2000, I went to work in a dark office at Gente Nueva publisher, meanwhile arriving at the conviction—shared by most Cubans—that with the wages I earned legally I could not support my family. So, without concluding my social service, I asked to be let go and dedicated myself to the better-paid labor of freelance Spanish teacher for German tourists visiting Havana. “
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 14:06
For those who think that eliminating the travel ban to Cuba of American citizen could not help in the cause of freedom let me remind you that Yoani has stated before that she survive from the money she gets from teaching Spanish to German tourist.
So the reason why Yoani can do what she does today is because of German tourist that wanted to learn Spanish!
Do we need a stronger argument than that?
If lifting the travel ban produces 10 or 20 more Yoanis in Cuba it will be well worth to give it a try.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 13:18
Does anybody knows that Johny Depp was named the Sexist men alive by People magazine this year?
BTW is the 2nd time this pretty boy make the list… Waow!Im very impressed by that
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 13:15
Johnny,
The dismal situation in Cuba is vastly more complex than the embargo. Many of us here agree that it should be lifted. Others think that it should remain in place. But the isolation to which you refer is not the result of the embargo, it is the direct result of Castro’s brutal totalitarian regime. The Castros use the embargo as an excuse to squelch all dissent and punish anyone for thinking differently than them. The embargo is Castro’s best friend. I personally agree that it should be lifted because it is a failed policy. But I do not agree that it should be lifted for the reasons you state.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 13:11
ABC NEWS PIECE: President Obama Gives Interview (of Sorts) to Dissident Cuban Blogger- November 20, 2009 8:23 AM
“Sánchez, 34, was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people by blogging critically about the Cuban government; she emails entries to friends outside Cuba who post them for her. TIME wrote that “under the nose of a regime that has never tolerated dissent, Sánchez has practiced what paper-bound journalists in her country cannot; freedom of speech.” ”
http://blogs.abcnews.com/polit.....ogger.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 13:04
I agree with Johnny Depp I also believe that isolationism had benefited the Castro regime more than we think. Since it has allow them to perpetuate lies.
That strict control on information coming in and out of the Island is the key to their Control on power that is why they refuse to let it go.
I am sure that changing our policies with regards to embargo and travel to Cuba will provoke change in Cuba. What change will this make in Cuba we do not know but neither the current Cuban regime.
Does it make any sense to continue with all policies that we know have not function and produce the expected results?
It is time for us to change. We need to do it for the Cuban people that are caught in between. They are the ones that matter.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 12:28
Mr.Johnny Depp!!!! come back to Hollywood and get a new movie,,,,do not mention something that you -apparently- don’t know!!!! (I said apparently, because the name could be some kind of nick for Pedro, Juan, Antonio, etc,,,all of them members of the repressive Cuban political police!!!!,,,it will not be the first one and either way the last one!!!).
The Embargo among other things, has been the Perfect Excuse for Castro and his mafia gang, to justify all their mistakes, all their lab test, all their unfulfilled projects, all their utopia, all their repression, the abuse, the cruelty,,,everything has been covered using the Embargo as an excuse.
The Embargo has been the perfect “alibi” for Castro and his mafia gang to create their big fortunes which are very well hidden in too many different banks all around the world!!!.
With or without the Embargo, the cruelty, the wrong ideas, the personal egos, the bad intentions of Castro and his mafia gang were, and will be there permanently!!!, reaching the same goals that Cuba’s society has right now!!!!,,,the same poverty, the same repression, the same violation of human rights, the same dictatorship, the same laws, the same savage regime,,,,abusing and killing the Cubans the same way with or without the embargo.
Do you know why?,,,because the essence of this catastrophic period, from 1959 until today, is Castro himself!!!!,,,his genes,,,his feelings, etc, etc,,,,are diabolic, he is the Devil!!!!,,,the Devil,,,dressed with his green uniform and his black boots ready to kick anybody in the middle of his way!!!!
Castro was born “to create difficulties”!!!! and to feel pleasure with the suffering of the others,,,he does not care,,,he is Castro!!!
Candido
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 12:00
Yubano-
If you believe isolationism is the key to anything, then you are dim-witted and narrow minded. I have been all over this world, I am sure more than you. And, I would rather you keep catch phrases like ‘left wing’ out of the discussion.
Further, I do not not live in Hollywood, and never have. If you are so brilliant, then explain to me (and everyone) how isolating the Cuban people and keeping them out of international commerce helps?
Keeping money out of Cuba (via this trade embargo) only keeps money out of the hands of ordinary citizens. The governement figures and political leaders in Cuba live in the best houses, have the nicest cars, great food and have pocessions in abundance. The embargo hasn’t hurt them at all.
I find it interesting that the only arguement you can come up with is name calling and movie references. If you have a better arguement you surely haven’t shown it: you can only resort to name calling and insults. (like all fascist right-wingers! haha..)
When you have something intelligent to say, I would like to hear it. Until then keep your insults to yourself.
BTW- I am a registered Republican and have voted for republicans in every election since Reagan. The only Democrat I have ever voted for is Dianne Feinstein.
Take care and have a nice day -
Johnny Depp (JEV)
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 11:35
Johnny Depp??
“There is but one way to end the oppression of the Cuban people and bring freedom to the island nation; and that is for the United States to end its trade embargo. The nearly 50 year old embargo has had but one effect: to cause wide-spread and continuing poverty to the average Cuban citizen.”
Mr. Wonka are you serious? Do you actually believe that US government policy is the biggest reason for the oppression in Cuba? Have you ever heard of the Castro brothers and their communist government? The Castros are responsible for the repression and wide-spread poverty in Cuba. Where did come up with this brilliant thesis, oompa loompaland (Hollywood)? Oh, and this is precious, you believe if we only dropped the embargo the common folk in Cuba might be able to obtain “wealth”. No one in Cuba Mr. Wonka is going to acquire wealth except the government elites and their lapdogs. Businesses are outlawed, there in no free enterprise, in a country with a system that practices economic apartheid against it’s own citizens explain to me how the average Jose on the street is going to obtain wealth? Please, please, if you who feel compelled to write something in the blog so that you can express solidarity with Yoani that is fantastic, but please do a little more research, educate yourself, don’t insult the rest of us who are tired of hearing the oft-repeated, left-wing Hollywoood inspired nonsense.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 10:21
Concubino,
Please do. I am sure everyone will be very interested in the answers you get.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 10:19
What a diference will be if intead of the current leadership in Cuba we had someone like Yoani Sanchez as president of Cuba. Someone who really care about Cubans and that understand their problems and not someone totally aloof and detach from the everyday Cuban reality like the Castros.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 09:57
HAnk # 89
YES.Absolutely
I’m waiting for email from somebody .I asked specifics questions about Yoani.Once I got an answer I will posted here.We want YOA safe.We need her now more than ever
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 09:56
Ms. Sanchez,
I am apalled and very sorry that you were beaten simply for voicing your opinion. As an American, I can’t even begin to imagine that. I wish that my being sorry could help you, but it can’t. Nor can the empty rhetoric and mud-slinging from two political parties (and their rabid followers) who care more about bragging rights and their own selfish agendas than they do the common good.
I believe you were correct when you talked about common people who sought no notoriety or fame as being the true facilitators of lasting change. So, Ms. Sanchez, here’s to you and to the nameless, faceless “rabble” slogging it out in the trenches every day. Keep your chin up and don’t let them see you sweat. Change will come as long as you don’t give up.
You have my admiration.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 05:25
JOANI you are much respected by this old man living the retired life in north west Florida. I served in the U S Navy 25 years and traveled in many countries. The most rewarding experiences came from living in other cultures and developing friendships around the world. A large percentage of our U S citizens have never been out of the U S and certainly never lived in other cultures. Enough has been said about tourist…. may be good for spreading some money around but not much good for developing understanding of all of the people. Your work and your mission is certainly devine and gives us a very personal view of you and the people of Cuba and what you experience daily.
God bless you, protect you and your associates.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 05:17
Yoani is one of my heros i welcome and support you…take care besos xxxxx
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 03:54
Adoramos o seu blog.
Gostamos de liberdade.
Abraços
http://myfavouritesound.baywor.....on-y-blog/
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 02:46
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v....._embedded#
this is a lovely tribute to “our” blogguera….
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 02:26
Greetings All;
There is but one way to end the oppression of the Cuban people and bring freedom to the island nation; and that is for the United States to end its trade embargo. The nearly 50 year old embargo has had but one effect: to cause wide-spread and continuing poverty to the average Cuban citizen.
The continuing embargo causes, and has caused, extreme and excessive hardship to the average Cuban citizen. While the embargo somewhat thwarts the communist regimes effort to gain and accumulate wealth, it absolutely stymies the average Cuban citizen’s ability to gain wealth entirely.
To lift the embargo would allow the average Cuban to gain wealth and therefore power. Once wealth and power are put into the hands of the average Cuban, then they would be have the means to be able to affect change upon their island. While the people of Cuba remain impoverished; there is no hope of change of government.
Simply put: while the government of Cuba may be poor; the people are far more poor. This decades old embargo has yielded nothing but continuation of the same. The people of Cuba struggle just to survive and cannot fathom a change in government because they simply do not have the means to do so. Allow them to acquire wealth and you give them power; the power to fuel change.
Thank you…
Sincerely,
Johnny Depp (JEV)
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 01:18
I hope you don’t mind, Ino, if I provide a translation of your comment, which is very beautiful:
Like a Joan of Arc of the twenty-first century, with the bow as reason and truth as an arrow. You are more than a Tsunami, you are the hope, that others follow you, I do believe in the youth of my country.
Honor, Honor.
Take great care, we need you.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 01:04
Como una Juana de Arco del siglo XXI, con el arco como razon y la verdad como flecha. Eres mas que un sunami, eres la esperanza, a que otros te sigan, yo si creo en los jovenes de mi patria.
Honrar, Honra.
Cuidate mucho, te necesitamos.
inomartel74@yahoo.com
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 00:48
THIS ARTICLE EXPLAINS WHAT HAPPENED THURSDAY AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HEARING!!PRETTY GREAT DAY FOR CUBA AND ALL CUBANS!
WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE: Impassioned debate on Cuba travel ban at House hearing, both sides invoke name of same dissident
“There was just one problem with making Sánchez the poster child for the travel ban: She opposes it.
Halfway through the hearing, the committee’s chairman, Howard L. Berman (D-Calif.), produced a letter he had received from the prominent blogger. “An opening of travel for Americans could bring more results in the democratization of Cuba than the indecisive performance of RaĂşl Castro,” she wrote, referring to Cuba’s president. ”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....04317.html
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 00:33
Concubino,
That is really important news. Do you think Yoani’s notoriety in Cuba will provide her any measure of safety?
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 00:17
Concubino… Sorry… I should have been more clear… I meant that Yoani WAS “nobody” as she was building suddenly towards great fame. Yes, she says that now people recognize her and stop her in the street… I am sure your sister and your friend are right and I AM GLAD TO HEAR IT.
So there is another reason to not put her in prison… maybe it would be enough to set people off…
When I was in Cuba I was AMAZED how well informed everyone was about every tiny little thing going on in the world. I found that people lacked information about the truth of things that had happened historically… outside of Cuba… it was clear that in the first decades of the revolution it was much easier to control information… but once the exiles started coming home, telephones, satellite TVs, radios, everyone there knows EVERYTHING. I was really really surprised.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 00:16
Andy,
As usual, an awesome and great reply. “What’s a dictator to do?” I love that!! Brilliant!
I think you are exactly on point. These guys didn’t know what they were dealing with from day one because they don’t understand the modern world, i.e., technology. They can’t and probably don’t want to escape their heyday back in the 1960s and 70s when everything was rosy. Hence the constant televised funerals and mandatory celebrations of past events that Yoani writes about.
They completely missed the boat with her. Heads must be rolling at the “Ministry of Screw Our Own People.” She just did not fit the description in the white paper issued on the topic of “How to Identify a Dissident and Neutralize Same.” She sits in her home and writes words on her computer about her daily life. Juat like keeping a diary. Somebody really f’d up. I would not like to be in his shoes right now.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 00:06
Andy
“Voz tras las rejas” is a blog from political prisioners.It is dictated from Canaleta Provincial Prision in Ciego de Avila.It started with Pablo Pacheco and branched out to another prisioners.Pablo Pacheco was just released from the Hospital.He had the H1N1 flu.
Noviembre 20th, 2009 at 00:01
Seana, some reaction from Yoani to Obama’s answers are available here:
“Sánchez, who has received several international awards and blogs regularly for the U.S.-based Huffington Post, said she was satisfied by Obama’s responses, which she described as cautious, moderate, and diplomatic. She has also sent a series of questions to RaĂşl Castro, but hasn’t received a response yet.”
http://cpj.org/blog/2009/11/ob.....anchez.php
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 23:55
Spoke to my sister and somebody who just came from Cuba 11/14/09/ Everybody knows Yoani.What she does.She is becoming the daily talking among the people.At least in the capitla of the island.So for those that said She is a nobody.I got knews straight from the source,the streets of Havana.She is somebody BIG TIME..
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 23:34
Yoani, I am very curious to hear what you think about these answers. Too much, too little, irrelevant, or just right?
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 23:29
My prediction is that if anyone in the cuban gov were to respond to this, it would be fidel.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 23:28
Hank — re why the regime tolerates Yoani. Actually I asked Raul that question… sent him a 7 part questionnaire… and he answered of course but I’m not going to post the answers until tomorrow.
But in all seriousness… well I don’t pretend to know but… here is a combination of some things Yoani herself has said and what I’ve read that other people have said.
When Yoani started her blog of course she had no idea where it would take her. But slowly, it caught on. Got noticed. But… the gov’t didn’t care. Who’s reading it? “No one in Cuba”… who’s got internet? No ordinary people.
I think she really “sprung on the scene” when she won the Ortega y Gasset prize in Spain. That was a HUGE deal. Like winning a Pulitzer in the states. But I think they still underestimated her and… still… no one in Cuba is listening. So she’s not a threat. And she’s just this little skinny girl-thing… And she has no “organization”… she’s not the head of some group. And of course, still, they had no idea… how could they.. who could have?!?!?!
And so the Yoani phenomenon has grown and grown. Keep in mind, in fairness to the idiots in the regime… keep in mind the whole world wide blogger phenomenon is really brand new… and growing exponentially as an actual news source, and as a powerful source of commentary listened to not by hundreds or thousands but millions. Huff Post only started in 2005… but didn’t launch its New York site until THIS YEAR.
So… after Ortega y Gasset suddenly Time Magazine calls Yoani one of the 100 most influential people in the world… and you know, really, by doing that, they started making her one. She was not, before. And so she “grew and grew”.
And you can bet the whole time the regime is deciding whether or not to lock her up or ignore her. AND, she’s not writing anti-regime screeds… she’s writing, “I have a cold, why can’t I find a lemon.” What’s a dictator to do?
I think Fidel probably thought when he wrote about her in his “prologue” she would “get the message” and shut up –terrified– and go away. HA! He could not imagine Yoani.
And so… I think it’s a constant balancing act. Do they need the grief of locking her up? Maybe the 20-minute-abduction-beating was a trial run. What will happen if we do this? Or maybe it was a calculated act intended to get the U.S. to back off on plans to end the embargo… make ‘em mad… show them how brutal we are and why we get to keep our beloved excuse for our all failures… saying prayers over Papa Marx’s grave to thank him for the embargo.
I really don’t know. I’m just surmising. Who knows how the frightened, angry, threatened, desperate, totalitarian minds of a couple old men work?
You know, I said “he could not imagine Yoani”… but maybe… just maybe he can imagine Yoani. There were a couple pretty strong women in at the beginning… remember Celia Sanchez? I bet Fidel gnashes his teeth at night thinking how glorious it would be if Yoani were only on the other side… his side…
And of course, Yoani would blog from prison. She would blog from solitary confinement if she had to write her posts in blood on the clouds…
Yep — she’s a thorn in their sides, that one.
Oh yeah… and yes, they know where she lives. Her house is watched at all times and she is followed everywhere she goes.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 23:15
And now, for your listening enjoyment, a brief musical interlude. The Sound of Silence, Simon and Garfunkel. Hit it, boys!
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I’ve come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp,
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dare
Disturb the sound of silence.
“Fools” said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you,
Take my arms that I might reach to you.”
But my words like silent raindrops fell,
And echoed
In the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made.
And the sign flashed out its warning,
in the words that it was forming.
And the sign said, “The words of the prophets
are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls.”
And whisper’d in the sounds of silence.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 22:23
Why does the regime in Cuba tolerate Yoani? They know where she lives, they must know all about her. Why haven’t they locked her up and thrown away the key? Did they wait too long to silence her and now it is too late? Did they not foresee or understand the phenomenon she created?
Raul, you know the answers to these questions.
Raul, we implore you, answer the questions posed to you by one of your own citizens. The world is watching and waiting for your response. You have a great opportunity, please do not squander it.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 22:10
Why some people always want to get off the topic, talking about other countries when it comes about Cuba. The subject that we as cuban are interest is CUBA. People that want to talk about dictatorish in other countries, immigration policies for cuban in EU vs other latinos etc, should get their own website ot blog, or try to find a way to ask Obama like Yoani did. Others issue for now to us cubans are not as important than having our country progress, and find the democracy we want, NOT the democracy of Evo Morales, or Pinochet, the democracy that we want for Cuba.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 22:00
Andy
Love the essay you posted from Yoani!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 21:23
Gracias Yoani! Le agradesco muchisimo que usted haya comensado esta comunicaciĂłn. Estoy empesando a ver la santa hora en la cual voy a poder empesar a usar mis conocimientos, experiencias, y abilidades como ingeniero y cientifico para ayudar a nuestros hermanos, padres, y hijos en nuestra perlita del caribe. Ya ahorita la volveremos a pulir y sera nuevamente el encanto del mundo. Nosotros como buenos cubanos sabemos “remangarnos las mangas” y hacer lo que se necesita hacer…
Kudos al presidente Obama por su sabiduria, comprensiĂłn, y exitos.
Dr. HĂ©ctor M. Guevara
Presidente
NuEnergy Technologies Corp.
727.741-3569
http://www.nuenergytech.com
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 21:23
I applaud your brave effort to voice the concerns of your country. Its people like you who hold John F. Kennedy’s famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
We support and love your work,
A fellow Cuban-American.
Dallas, TX.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 21:20
Oh, and thank you Andy I had missed that one! Will copy and send via facebook.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 21:18
I am just so very glad to see this here. Did she ever send or receive answers from President Bush? His xenophobic VP would never have allowed it.
Another fascinating coincidence, is that, while I do try to read GenY ‘as often as possible.’ I had missed this,
the way I learned (I live in California) that it existed was watching an MSNBC show where they were teasing about
Ex (Quitter) Gov. Palin’ daily ‘reading’ schedule, and Newsmax was mentioned.I looked up Newsmax…and there is a blog about this exchange of questions and answers occuring. Here is their report …
I will post it all just so you can see what type of story our Main Stream Media wrote.
As some of you may remember I usually note here that I have sent certain blogs to the Whitehouse, I also recommended they read GenY very early on in the Obama Administration… As you see,’ someone’ is paying attention there Yoani…keep writing!
Must have been an exciting time at the Sanchez-Escobar household!
HAVANA — President Barack Obama has answered questions submitted by a celebrated Cuban blogger, saying he isn’t interested in “talking for the sake of talking” with Raul Castro and indicating he won’t visit the island until the communist government changes its ways.
In an unusual written response to Yoani Sanchez, who has gained international acclaim for daring to criticize her government online, Obama also said it is up to Cuba to act if it wants normal relations with Washington, saying that a true thaw in nearly 50 years of deep-freeze “will require action by the Cuban government.”
His comments were posted Thursday on Sanchez’s blog, “Generacion Y,” which like most sites critical of the Cuban government is blocked on the island.
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Sanchez uses caustic, often witty posts to provide an inside look at a communist state, writing about such daily hardships as food shortages and tensions caused by a lack of freedom of expression and assembly.
Obama assured Sanchez that the United States “has no intention of invading Cuba,” a Cold War concept that top Cuban officials insist is still a possibility.
Raul Castro, who took over the presidency from his ailing brother Fidel in February 2008, has said he would be willing to meet with Obama and has even suggested they should sit down at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay. Obama told Sanchez he doesn’t want empty dialogue.
“I am not interested … in talking for the sake of talking,” he wrote. “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.”
Obama answered seven questions from Sanchez, with his responses running more than 1,000 words. Sanchez said he wrote in English but that his office provided a Spanish translation, which she posted. The White House confirmed the responses came from the president.
Reached at home, Sanchez declined to comment, referring all queries to her blog. But her husband and fellow blogger Reinaldo Escobar said that she had sent printed copies of her questions and electronic versions to the White House more than three months ago.
“We had very little hope (Obama) was going to answer,” Escobar said. “He’s the president. He is very busy with other things.”
Escobar said Obama’s response arrived Wednesday night but declined to give details, saying only that they came “through official channels,” a possible reference to the U.S. Interests Section, which Washington maintains in Havana instead of an embassy.
Sanchez then prepared seven questions for President Castro, turning in a copy at an office of the Council of State, Cuba’s supreme governing body, on Thursday.
While Sanchez has been deeply critical of Cuba’s government, she also opposes Washington’s 47-year-old trade embargo against her country. On Wednesday, she used her blog to call the sanctions “clumsy.”
Obama has said he doesn’t plan to lift the embargo, but has removed limits on Cuban Americans who want to send money to or visit their relatives on the island.
Legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. House and the Senate to end the travel ban for other U.S. citizens. Currently, visitors to Cuba must usually obtain a license from the Treasury Department for official government, journalistic, religious or humanitarian purposes.
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee debating the travel ban in Washington on Thursday read portions of a statement Sanchez sent to them in support of lifting it.
“Over the course of several decades, Cuban exiles and tourists have brought part of the information that has served to undermine the myth of the supposed ‘paradise’ in which we live,” she wrote.
Asked if he planned to travel to Cuba, Obama told Sanchez he “would not rule it out” but indicated he wouldn’t do so until the government embraced political reform.
“I look forward to visit a Cuba in which all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens in the hemisphere,” he said.
Obama also said he was personally disappointed the Cuban government in October denied Sanchez permission to travel to New York to accept a journalism prize. It was the second time this year she has been barred from leaving the island.
As she walked to a march against violence in Havana on Nov. 6, Sanchez says two men in plainclothes forced her into an unmarked sedan, pulled her hair and kicked her. The confrontation was so violent, Sanchez said, that she thought the men might kill her, but instead they dropped her off near her apartment.
She blames state security agents, who routinely follow members of Cuba’s tiny political opposition.
Time magazine recently named Sanchez _ whose blog gets about 1 million hits a month _ one of the world’s 100 most influential people. But her popularity exists overseas since Internet access on the island is extremely limited and her blog is blocked.
© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 21:06
This very eloquent essay by Yoani was printed in the Miami Herald. Humberto gave us the link but I think it’s worth pasting in the whole thing… and after all… what does it cost… it’s just pixels!
Yoani Sanchez’s letter to Rep. Howard Berman
Here is the essay Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez sent to Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif. Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Commitee, read excerpts from the letter at a congressional hearing Thursday on lifting the ban on travel by Americans to Cuba.
In the suitcases: A reflection on the necessary liberalization of Americans’ travel to Cuba
As on any island, what comes to us from the outside has always been something that catalyzes changes and longings for renewal. I recall that at the end of the 1970’s when Cuban exiles were permitted to come back to visit their families in Cuba, some of my neighbors experienced big changes in their lives, ideologically and economically. Along with the suitcases stuffed with clothing and other accessories never seen around here, arrived experiences, opinions, and questioning by our emigrants. They came back changed. What was most striking was not their jeans, their shoes that weren’t patched up, or the green bills they pulled from their wallets, but rather what they told about their problems and their achievements in Miami, New York, or Atlanta.
Over the course of several decades, Cuban exiles and tourists have brought part of the information that has served to undermine the myth of the supposed “paradise” in which we live. The interchange among family and friends on both sides of the Florida Straits became a source of news of what happens outside and inside our borders. There is nothing more corrosive for a state that holds itself up as the father and savior of a nation, than the testimony of those who, in other latitudes, have greater space to realize their dreams and greater tolerance for their opinions. In the midst of a state information monopoly, the arrival of newspapers, magazines, anecdotes, and information carried in luggage by these welcome visitors comes as a balm.
Faced with no evolution of our current political and social situation, an opening of travel for Americans could bring more results in the democratization of Cuba than the indecisive performance of Raul Castro. The possible measures that the current Cuban president can implement in our reality are geared toward keeping power in his hands. A gesture that would bring about popular diplomacy - that which isn’t done in protocol lounges or foreign ministries, but person to person, face to face, from the intense interaction between people - would awaken citizen consciousness, and would accelerate the sense of belonging to a world community that Cubans lack so much.
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. Without a doubt, economic autonomy would then result in ideological and political autonomy, in real empowerment. The natural cultural, historical, and family ties between both peoples could take shape without the shadow of the current regulations and prohibitions.
Eliminating these long obsolete travel restrictions would mean the end of the main elements with which official propaganda has repeatedly satanized American Administrations, and the anachronistic travel permit that we Cubans need to enter and leave our country would be even more ridiculous. Of the phrase spoken by Pope John Paul II that January 1998 in the Plaza of the Revolution - “Let Cuba open itself to the world, and let the world open itself to Cuba” - only the first part would remain to be accomplished.
I am confident that publicity campaigns can be developed to encourage American tourists to support and help Cuban citizens, to give priority to the social sector above the state sector, and to offer its hand in solidarity to people, over and above official institutions. Along with suitcases, Bermuda shorts, and sunblock, support, solidarity, and freedom could come too. Both peoples would come out winners.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 20:21
I think it is quite sad that the US, my home country, has opened its doors to China -a known violator of Human Rights and most likely far more restrictive than Cuba- while we still impose an outdated embargo on Cuba. I wish the very best for this situation and hope that the US and Obama will open our doors to Cuba.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 20:19
This is a great exchange between a brave intelligent woman and the most intelligent sensitive president we have had in the US in a very long time. As a Cuban born American I am proud of both. Hope the dialogue continues.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 20:04
Bravo Yoani, this is a great achievement, Lets see if RF cares to answer questions from one of his “constituents.”
That said Obama and a lot of folks get this wrong DEMOCRACY IS NOT THE ANSWER? Democratic systems can be as stifling and oppresive as dictatorships. What’s the difference between the dictatorship of one and the tyranny of the majority.
What is needed is a good AND SIMPLE constitution and institutions that guard against abuse of state power.
Would you rather live under Pinochet’s Dictatorship or Evo Morales’s “Democracy”? Not an essay or multiple choice question.
Here in the US the erosion of the constitution and the rise of state power is causing the current crisis, yet Bush and Obama (and many who preceded them) have increased government meddling in the private economy.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:40
Roberto II — you nailed it!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:40
The venom brought forth as a result of Yoani’s monumental success is breathtaking. Folks, please, let’s step back a moment here.
All Yoani did was to ask some well-phrased questions of Obama and Raul. She has received an answer from Obama, which she duly posted, and now awaits an answer from Raul.
We can disagree with the form and content of the questions. We can disagree with the answers we have seen so far.
But before we destroy this, let’s appreciate the moment. This has never happened. It is a huge step because what has been lacking in this completely dysfunctional relationship with Cuba is dialogue. We must encourage this and ask those who have the power to continue.
I think Raul will answer. Don’t ask me why, I just think that he will.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:30
Have to chuckle about the typos and bad grammar in the first sentence in #66 below. Good thing Yoani is a more careful writer than me.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:26
My favourite part of the Yoani’s supporting ending travel restrictions that Humberto posted a link to in #61 comes at the end:
“Eliminating these long obsolete travel restrictions would mean the end of the main elements with which official propaganda has repeatedly satanized American Administrations, and the anachronistic travel permit that we Cubans need to enter and leave our country would be even more ridiculous. Of the phrase spoken by Pope John Paul II that January 1998 in the Plaza of the Revolution - “Let Cuba open itself to the world, and let the world open itself to Cuba” - only the first part would remain to be accomplished.
I am confident that publicity campaigns can be developed to encourage American tourists to support and help Cuban citizens, to give priority to the social sector above the state sector, and to offer its hand in solidarity to people, over and above official institutions. Along with suitcases, Bermuda shorts, and sunblock, support, solidarity, and freedom could come too. Both peoples would come out winners.”
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:26
What a difference. President Obama uses the most well known cuban from the opposition,who had just being a victim of the repressive state security forces,to state his position about Cuba. Former presidents, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II used their friends in Miami to come to Washington and have a photo op to say stupid statements about Cuba like ” in the 90’s Fidel revienta ” etc/etc. and get votes in little Havana.
Yoani you are an ameizing person.You have done more foradvancing the freedom of our country than anyone in the last 50 years. KEEP IT UP!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:10
My friends, when an intelligent person and a dumb person are shouting at each other, one can not tell which one is which. Don’t bite the bait that is being laid out to you. Don’t go down to their level, let them come up to yours. If there is anything this blog teaches us is the civility with which it makes its arguments. Stick to the theme. The fact are these:
One person can make a difference.
The President of the most powerful nation on earth took the time to answer a letter from an ordinary citizen (let’s not forget corageous) of Cuba. This is a powerful gesture, regardless of what we think of The President or his policies.
The Cuban dictatorship not only has not replied to her questions, but has answered with violence.
This woman knows he Ghandi and her Martin Luther King quite well.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 19:07
THIS IS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER IN THE WORLD STAGE! WERE YOANI IS AN IMPORTANT AND VITAL PLAYER! GO FLACA! GO FLACA! GO FLACA!
Committee to Protect Journalist Web Site Article: Obama responses stun Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez
“Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was astounded this week by President Barack Obama’s decision to respond a written questionnaire Sánchez submitted to the White House. Still recovering from bruises left by a recent vicious attack by state security agents, she told CPJ from her home in Havana: “This is the best way to get better.””
http://cpj.org/blog/2009/11/ob.....anchez.php
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 18:50
I don’t want to be negative but I can’t help to doubt that RaĂşl Castro would answer Yoani’s questions.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 18:37
MIAMI HERALD ARTICLE: Yoani Sanchez’s letter to Rep. Howard Berman
“Over the course of several decades, Cuban exiles and tourists have brought part of the information that has served to undermine the myth of the supposed “paradise” in which we live. The interchange among family and friends on both sides of the Florida Straits became a source of news of what happens outside and inside our borders. There is nothing more corrosive for a state that holds itself up as the father and savior of a nation, than the testimony of those who, in other latitudes, have greater space to realize their dreams and greater tolerance for their opinions. In the midst of a state information monopoly, the arrival of newspapers, magazines, anecdotes, and information carried in luggage by these welcome visitors comes as a balm.”
http://www.miamiherald.com/new.....42595.html
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 18:21
To Tim #55,Yeah,go to Cuba and then you find yourself in a Hospital ran by student doctors how are doing their internship and he diagnosis you wrong,becuase the experianced doctors are in Venezuela and in other countries,you went for a tooth ache and they cut off your leg!!The Micheal Moore movie was just making a point a comparison between Health Care to Ours,you big Dummy!!!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 18:09
[...] [...]
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 18:08
To Ligia #50,Here we go again with someone else whinning about their country that is not in the same situation as Cuba.At least in Honduras you can come and go as you please,say whatever the Hell you want without retaliation from the Government.You don’t get assualted by hired thugs for speaking your mind.In Miami we have that problem of others trying to compare country to country on behalf of Cuba.There is alot of resentment towards Cubans in Miami by other Hispanics.Think about it,we speak the same language and you guys dislike us.You should give us support and like we support you guys when Honduras was/is in crisis,when Venezuela was fooled by Chavez and we told you “Don’t let it happen like it happened to us”becuase we have been down that road before…This Blog is about Cuba and Yoani
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:49
Cf Websites Online re Grad/UnderGrad Manual on Nonviolence (in Apartheid Violence) 101
Tools, Writers, Syllabi http://home.comcast.net/~nonviolence101/search.htm; http://home.comcast.net/~nonviolence101/
Updated Monthly => http://home.comcast.net/~apartheid101/search.htm; http://home.comcast.net/~apartheid101/
“Nonviolence” Keyword - Libraries Source Holdings; http://home.comcast.net/~nonvi.....ldings.htm
As well as NV 101 in Context: Text Background and PhD-MA Dissertations-Theses
http://www.aljazeerah.info/Doc.....Hubers.htm; http://home.comcast.net/~nonvi....._texts.htm
incluido my thesis/phd, desde investigacion de Habana, 1989, antes del cae de la mura — berlin, cap 7
and http://home.comcast.net/~nonviolence101/phd-ma.htm.
And http://www.peacehost.net/Vieques/hubers.html; http://www.members.tripod.com/.....olence.htm.
Provisional Table of Contents - Nonviolence 101; An Experience-based Manual for Approaches, Methods, and Outcomes in Academic and Activist Organization (Word version hyperlinked; pdf); Suggestions Welcome.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:40
I have to be honest, the antipathy to Obama among the commenters on this blog comes as a surprise to me. I expect people over at “Babalu Blog” to think he’s taking us on the road to communism (actually I doubt they really think it, I think they just like to say it), but I thought here it would be a bit more balanced.
Well let me weigh in… I had high expectations for him as president and so far… although there are many things I’d like to see accomplished that are not yet accomplished… he has exceeded my expectations. I believe he brings the same calm, morally centered style to the White House that he demonstrated in the campaign. I believe he is truly working for the long term betterment of the human race and the entire planet.
As for this ’socialist/communist’ crap (I really can’t call it anything else)… by the time he’s done IF HE GETS EVERYTHING HE WANTS, the United States will still be MANY DEGREES TO THE RIGHT OF CANADA, which is hardly a Marxist paradise. Try to have a little perspective here, folks.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:38
Can some one tell me about the Medical Doctor University in Cuba. I understand that I only need to pay for my round trip air-fare, and my commitment to give medical care to those in need as well, as those who can afford pay for it.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:25
Please do not be fooled into thinking that Obama believes what he says. Granted there was little substance and much “political posturing”, so little to deal with. For your own sake do not dare to think he is more than a typical (ok, better than “typical”) politician looking for the right words to say at the right time. Under the best of circumstances this guy has no foundation in “real life” matters, i.e. how to run a businesss or what it means to have to actually “do something” other than talk and posture.
I applaud your courage in speaking up in the face of tyranny. We are surely more free here, BUT the Obama regime is indeed working to squash those who disagree with him. Take care of yourself - don’t be deluded by Obama-speak - it’s only words!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:24
Very smart interview from Yoanis. The young generation is coming behing to biuld up a new future. Cuba is for all the cubans not just for the communist one.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:17
Ligia,
This blog is about Yoani and Cuba NOT HONDURAS!or YOU! Get your own blog!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 17:13
BBC ARTICLE: Barack Obama replies to Cuba’s dissident blogger
US President Barack Obama has replied to questions from dissident Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez about future US-Cuban relations.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8369428.stm
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:57
When Mr. Obama mentions “I look forward to visit a Cuba in which all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens in the hemisphere”
I will like to post two questions for Mr. Obama. Will this criterion be apply to the the Honduras question? If so, why is it that the Obama administration especially the State Departament, has acted with such “ambiguity” or rather indulgence about the Coup d’etat in Honduras? With all respect, it seem to me the United States of America has contribuite to established another military dictatorship in Central America. Can you hear the war drums from the
White House?
My second question is: When will the Obama administration request, from the rest of the countries in the hemisphere including The United States of America the right of their citizens to receive free, good quality education, and public health care services as well as those services rendered to all citizens in Cuba. I am sure that if you put an end to the war, your administration will have plenty of funds for health and eucation.-
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:57
I HEARD BRIEFLY THE NEWS ABOUT PRESIDENT OBAMBA’S RESPONSE TO YOANI SANCHEZ’ QUESTIONS!! THE WORLD WILL KNOW!!SHE WAS MENTIONED ON THURDSAY’S PROGRAM! THIS PROGRAM IS HEARD ON MANY PUBLIC RADIO STATIONS LIKE KCRW 89.9FM & KPPC 89.3FM!!
PRI’s The World is a one-hour, weekday radio news magazine offering a mix of news, features, interviews, and music from around the globe. Hosted by Marco Werman. Anchor Lisa Mullins is on sabbatical.
http://www.theworld.org/
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:56
It’s very clear and simple,Pres.Obama is trying to do alot more than any other Republican has ever done.So you who critic him is about his Democratic Party.The Republicans have always played the “Cuba Card” to get the Cuban vote in Miami.I have a question,The day Cuba Falls and Freedom is Restored,what are the Republicans in Miami like The Balart Bros and Ilena Los-Liethen going to do?They can’t use the Cuba Issue no more,no more promise of a Free Cuba by them,They prefer to have the Castro Bros. there becuase that’s what keeps them in office,by fooling the Cubans in Miami with a Free Cuba for the last 20 years.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:53
Yoani: You are the sunrise on the new day. Yes, there will always be shadows cast as you rise high into the sky but as your light rises the shadows will disappear and shine and warm and embrace the hearts of all free people and those longing to be free. Congratulations and know that you certainly not alone. I pray for you and all people of Cuba everyday that soon, very soon we will be holding hands and laughing and working toward a more perfect world together.. Let freedom ring.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:40
Aae #38
I will let you know you are very misinform about how the Cuban government acts with regards to education and health.
Please read this post by Yoani
http://www.desdecuba.com/generationy/?p=106
Is an example of how the Cuban regime uses access to education something you mentioned is for every Cuban and as you can see that young man was expelled from the university. There is multiple cases like his.
So please inform yourself better about the Cuban reality and the repressive government of Cuba.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:29
Aae #38
Can I buy you a one-way ticket to Habana? I’d hate to feel that you are being deprived of that free medicine and education…
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:12
Yoani, I was lucky enough to visit Cuba legally, and found it to be an enchantng country. The people are sincere, helpful, and honest. Crime is at a minimum. But I was saddened to see the serious poverty and the obvious governmental repression. I just now discovered, through your interview with President Obama, that you are able to publish on the internet and be heard world wide, except in your own country. What a sad commentary on your government. I hope Obama’s flair for diplomacy is able to improve the situation. Your bravery and love for freedom are to be commended. Keep the Faith!!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 15:43
[...] in Havana named Yoani Sánchez has published President Obama’s replies — in Spanish and English — to seven questions she put to him on relations between their [...]
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 15:36
John Bib
I think we have to give Obama a little more credit.You are right the whole idea of redistributing the wealth sounds very socialist to me.An idea that he said during the presidential campaing. But now that he is in the White House.He is seeing things a bit diferent.That does not take away the fact that is very left.That being said .
The guy is more smart than I thought he was.Very pragmatical.He thinks outside the box and most importantly, he knows how to play Chavez and Castro better than any other
American President.
Let me explain with just one example..
Look at Honduras you have Zelaya trying to outdo the Constitution, so he is removed from office.The White House does not recognize the new Honduras government first.Obama said what the whole international community wanted to hear but the fact is …look at what is happening. Everything in Honduras is in some kind of deadlock
Just wait for the new elections .
USA will recognize the new Government an d everything will be normal again.Socialism of the XXI century is not going to happen in Honduras.
So it does not matters what Obama says but what he does..
“Talk softly and carry a big stick”
Ted Roosevelt
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 15:10
To Anonymous: my full name is Roberto A. Del Valle Castro. Dear sir, the only obstruction to access to telecomunications in Cuba is that imposed by the Cuban government on its people. How is it that this blog and many like it are banned and blocked from viewing by the Cuban government? How come tourist and government officials enjoy internet access while the rest of the Cubans can’t? Why are regular Cubans denied access to services such as cable and satelite television, while foreigners in hotels can. Are US telecomunications companies the only ones in the world? Isn’t Venezuela installing a fiberoptic line between it and Cuba? Please stop insulting our collective intelligence by blaming every conceivable setback on the US embargo. The real embargo is the one that the Cuban government has on its own citizens. As an old Cuban saying goes “Education starts at home”, access to all means of telecumunications needs to start by the lifting of restrictions from the Cuban government on its citizens.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 15:10
its a chess game obama has moved its time for the old locos castro brothers to make the next move. the last time raul spoke in the meeting of the americas in the summer he said all could be on the table than stepped in his crazy brother fidel and said raul did not mean what he ment to say. will see who will respond to the letter raul or fidel or nobody
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 14:53
I was pleased to see that President Obama answered each of the questions you submitted to him and share his sentiments (as do all of your readers) regarding your inability to receive the Maria Moors Cabot Prize in person in New York.
That said, I would like to draw attention to his response to question number 6.
It is true that the administration has demonstrated a rhetorical commitment to “increase the means through which Cubans on the island can communicate with each other and persons outside of Cuba” through greater telecommunications links.
It is also true that he has taken certain steps to promote the free flow of information to and from the Cuban people.
In April 2009 the president sent a memorandum to the secretaries of the relevant government departments directing them to authorize U.S. firms to enter into roaming agreements with Cuba’s mobile services providers, establish fiber-optic and satellite telecommunications facilities between the United States and Cuba, and export personal communications devices such as mobile phone systems, computers and software.
In response, in September 2009, the Commerce and Treasury departments published revisions to the federal regulations that cover these types of activities.
Unfortunately, to the surprise of many informed observers, the regulatory changes the departments made to reflect the directives issued by President Obama fall far short of what is necessary to actually begin establishing greater telecommunications links and have not proven expansive enough for these activities to take place in the real world.
Although the president issued directives with the intent of expanding communications links, the agencies responsible for enforcing the U.S. sanctions on Cuba wrote and published regulations under which few, if any, of the concrete investments necessary to expand such links will be possible under U.S. law.
It is unfortunate that the president’s desire to advance interaction between Cuban citizens and the outside world may go largely unfulfilled. Expanded links would create the possibility of faster Internet connections, cheaper landline calls, cheaper mobile calls, the infrastructural capacity for video conferencing, YouTube, iTunes, and infinite other applications and opportunities for the freer flow of information and ideas.
But mostly it is sad, to say the least, that more than 17 years after the U.S. congress and President Clinton authorized the creation of direct telecommunications links between the United States and Cuba, a phone call from Miami to Havana still must pass through either Madrid, or outer space, to reach its final destination less than 100 miles away.
So, while President Obama may applaud your efforts to empower fellow Cubans to express themselves through the use of technology, his administration appears to have fallen short on our end of the bargain.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 14:35
Regarding the last question. My dear Obama as much as I admire you and support you I got to say few things. You have visited places where the citizens of that country do not share the same rights of others. Just to mention ona is afganistan where women and men are not treated equally even among themaeleves . In Cuba everbody has quality of education and health. Both of them are the primary condition for a human being. Education and health in Cuba are the same for every single one of the citizens. In USA is not like that. As everyone knows here we have to pay for school and most of the time get predatory loans just to get education which means that not everybody is treated equally because I am sure your daughters will not need any loans to get quality of education. So instead of attacking a humble country which has been very strong to survive for more than 50 yrs basically by itself, try to have some respect and just lift of the embargo. Why is united states so terrified of Cuba?
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 14:24
And from Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/new....._Container
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 14:22
Here is the link from Reuters confirming Obama’s response to Yoani
http://es.reuters.com/article/.....RU20091119
Will Raul Castro respond to Yoani’s question?
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 14:00
Answer to question 3: “The United States has no intention of using military force in Cuba.” av2ts you need to slow down and read the answers. Also look up the Kennedy/Khrushchev agreement. I also think that some of you are letting your personal feelings of President Obama clout your judgement. Like I said before, I don’t agree with The President on 80% of the issues, but the significance that he has taken the time to promptly answer her questions eventhough, she is not a citizen of this country and while he is miles away, tending to the governance of the greatest nation on earth. Sharply contrast with the attitude of the Castro brothers, who in her own back yard, don’t even bother to acknowledge her concerns. This clearly puts the ball in the Cuban government’s court. Yoani and those like her, want a dialog with their government, they want accountability from their government, they want their “inalienable rights” from their government. For the Cuban government who claims to be the “first free territory of Latin America”, why are these things tied to talks with a foreign power? Why can they discuss them with their citizen like all democracies do? The Cuban government’s attitude toward Yoani and the people of Cuba in general is like the man who fights with his boss at work but, goes home and beats his wife and children and blames them for his shortcomings.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:50
I did not mean to suggest that President Obama himself sat down at his laptop and composed some answers to Yoani, pasted them into an email, and clicked on “send”… we all know that is not EXACTLY how it all works…
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:42
Oh, a Whitehouse spokesman confirmed that it was Obama who answered the questions. I feel MUCH better now…
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:36
Do not believe this man or that these answers even came from him. He is an arrogant elitist who lies and deceives the American people without shame. He travels to counties with horrible human rights records and says nothing. He is an opportunist who will only make overtures to the ex-pat Cuban community next year, come mid-term election time. As far as the military threat goes, NO COUNTRY should fear us. Obama would never have the backbone to do the right thing to protect ourselves or our allies.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:24
Reuters has reported that a White House spokesperson confirms that the response DID come from Obama.
“Un portavoz del Consejo Nacional de Seguridad en la Casa Blanca confirmĂł a Reuters que Obama respondiĂł el cuestionario enviado por Sánchez.”
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:14
Oh, the sound is back.
http://www.cnn.com/video/flash.....am=stream4
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:13
Alas, the travel ban hearing continues to play on CNN… with no audio. All the other live videos have audio so it’s not my computer.
The good news is… all the prepared remarks are available for download as PDFs.
Go here and look for today’s hearing (Nov 19, Is it Time to Lift the Ban on Travel to Cuba?) and click on the names of the speakers. Note that, as of now, if you go to the hearing page itself, the speakers are listed but the PDF links are not there.
I really really wish I could hear the discussion and what members of the committee are saying back to the speakers… hopefully there will be a video with sound somewhere later, or perhaps a transcript of that part (there will be a formal record in a month or six weeks… I want one now!)
I wonder if Fidel managed to get the sound disabled…. probably.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:11
OBAMA, answers to Yoani. What a MAN , what a lady. I do not always agree with what Obama does, but he is sharp and dead on about what Cuba needs. MORE CIVIL RIGHTS, Obama has many Cuban-American friends and colleagues ie.. Iliana Ros , Joe Garcia, Mel Martinez, that know the truth about what happens in Cuba and why. He is no easy push over and being a minority in an elected position in the grand USA, he has the attention of the World. I see a better future for Cuba, thanks to rebels like Yoani and all those who read her blog everyday. Now lets see if Yoani’s leader has the balls or courage to answer her questions. What a beautiful day, God bless you all.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 13:04
***
Hi Yoani–good job. But don’t trust Comrade Obama (PBUH). Judge him on his actions–not on his words. He says anything and believes nothing. He supports socialist, communist, and repressive governments. Iran, Venezuela, and Honduras show his intent. He acts like Fidel Castro did before he took off his mask and enslaved Cuba. He wants the U.S.A. to become another Cuba. Actions speak more strongly than words. He put many communists in our government. Fidel likes him!
***
Hola Yoani–buen trabajo. Pero no confia en Comrada Obama (que Dios Le bendiga!). Juezgale por sus acciones–no por sus palabras. El dice cualquier cosa y no cree in nada. El apolla gobiernos socialista, communista, y repressivas. Iran, Venezuela, y Honduras muestran sus intentos. El actua como Fidel Castro antes que quito su “mascara” y puso los Cubanos como esclavos. El quiere que los Estados Unidos cambian a otro Cuba communista. Acciones hablan mas fuerte que palabras. Ha puesto muchos communistas en nuestro gobierno. Fidel le gusta!
***
John Bibb
***
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:54
CUBAN LEADERS have been scaring Cuban people to belive that the Americans are ready to attack. Sounds like what Hugo Chavez is saying to his Venezuelan people. BIG SIGNS IN CUBA, tell be to be ready for COMABATE. WHAT BULLSHIT. THE USA SENDS FOOD AND MONEY INSTEAD. TIME FOR CHANGE IN CUBA.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:40
The only interesting thing in this exchange is that Obama and the US Government refuses to rule out the use of military force on the island. He just lost a giant opportunity to reassure the Cuban people that the US is truly committed to staying out of Cuban affairs.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:33
F.E.T
You are right technically is not an “interview” ,just is an “exchange”..
Thanks
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:30
As usual the Obama Administration does not answer any specific questions that have been posed. Please note that if you believe that Obama personally answered these queries than you must also believe that Cuba is a modern day Eden. This is not unique - he is a typical politician, just more platitudes and BS. FYI, with regard to question 6, specifically what blame does the USA have to bear for the lack of internet/online connectivity and modern info access - The US bears no responsibility, period. Each country must bear its own burden with resect to the freedom of innovation and access to information. Obviously Cuba comes in just about last in this regard.
Keep up your great work!
RPK
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:29
What Yoani has done, has never done before.The only thing close to talk to an actual President of the USA was when Castro talk with Nixon before this one was actually a President.The other one was when Castro talk to Carter when this one was already an out of the White House President.
So, from that prospective what Yoani has done is one of those things of Historical proportions.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:19
Bravo, Yoani you are like a beacon of light in a dark, stormy night. I don’t share many of President Obama’s views but, I thank him for reaching out to a simple citizen of my country to answer her questions as honestly as he can. I would also like for my fellow citizens who post comments on this blog to ignore the comments of people who obviously don’t know how to argue a point. They love the attention that their tantrums attract. Again, may God bless you and keep you and all Cubans of good will safe.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 12:02
‘Animal’ in Spanish also means stupid, ignorant, fool, idiot. Fits Pedro, no?
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:58
Andy,
I totally agree. The fact that the president of the United States of America has written to Yoani and answered her questions is absolutely huge! If I find a replay site, will post it. I don’t know if you heard it…but, the chairman of the panel just made a joke about giving the people in the audience a “short term property right” to their seats during the recess!
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:58
Pedro Animal…your last name says it all.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:50
About Obama’s Answers:
I think we need to have a little perspective on this. If Obama had written, “Dear Yoani, thanks so much for your thoughtful questions, the work that you do and congratulations on your award. I promise to take your questions under advisement.” I still would have been dancing on air.
The president of the United States is corresponding with Yoani… how much more do we need to make today a good day?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:47
Hank, I missed the beginning of the Cuba Travel Ban Hearing because I was looking for it on the Committee’s website or on C-span and couldn’t find it. If you find a link to a “replay” of the whole thing can you post it? I really really really want to watch it… not just read what other people say about it.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:37
Note: This interchange with President Obama is not an “interview” — Yoani submitted questions in writing and received a response from the President in writing, which is reproduced exactly, above.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:34
Excellent interview, If Obama is changing the world why not Cuba. I invite you guys to see the secrets of Fidel at
http://www.nightmaresoffidel.com
You will enjoy it.
Excelente entrevista. Si Obama ha sido capaz de ir cambiando al muno, porque no a Cuba.? Los invito amigos a descubrir los secretos de Fidel en;
wwwelultimobalsero.com
Se divertiran
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:30
There is a live feed on the CNN website from the Cuba Travel Ban hearings in Congress.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 11:28
It is a start .I agree with that.
Great questions from Yoani…. just more of the same from President Obama.
Regarding Raul Castro answering Yoani’s questions.I don’t see that happening.
But I agree with that one also the ball is in Raul Castro’s court.
Regarding a confirmation from the White House, that will happen soon.However I don’t Yoani will post something of that magnitude with no regards about the outcome. In fact I do believe that interview has not been edited at all , not even one letter.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 10:34
Yoani
Nobody can’t stop you, you are like a fresh air. I love you
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 10:30
It is a start. Has anyone seen confirmation from the White House on the post? Once that happens, the ball is fully in Raul’s court.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 10:28
THE PROMPTNESS , SERIOUSNESS AND DEPTH OF THE PRESIDENT’S RESPONSE PERFECTLY MATCH WITH HIS RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND HIS MAIN POLITICAL GOALS.FOR YOANI OUR DEEP ADMIRATION AND TOTAL SOLIDARITY.THE CUBAN PEOPLE FINALLY WILL RECOVER ITS HAPPINESS AND FREEDOM.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 09:57
very pleased with the questions and the president responded.this is a positive
communication.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 09:57
Bummer….
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 09:00
Brilliant work, Yoani. You’re a first class journalist.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 08:46
Plzzzz. this is nothing but science fiction. To think that Obama would make time to entertain such inquiries; haha. How can an unemployed cuban citizen be able to afford such luxury, as high speed internet access, laptop, legal counsel,etc? Funding comes from USAID.. or pehaps tax payer money allocated by the 3 stooges in congress. nothing more than miami propaganda.
And this from a woman that hasn’t mastered the use of a hair iron, thus burning her neck, then claim it was police brutality.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 08:46
This is AMAZING! YOANI-thank you and President Obama-thank you.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 07:47
Today is bright day for Cuba, Yoani, you have achieved what was once thought impossible, that a cuban citizen could be able to express herself, and that the world would listen, they may have hit you with fists, you have destroyed them with words.
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 07:44
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Julio Rey and Julio Rey, Béranger. Béranger said: President Obama’s Responses to @yoanisanchez’s Questions: http://bit.ly/27l8KA [...]
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 07:35
Kudos to Obama for responding to each and every one of these deftly worded and very well timed questions. Now the onus is on Castro - will and how will he respond?
That said, I was hoping for a bit less politico-speak and a bit more “audacity” from Obama. We’ve heard just about all this from him before. It is a positive sign that he responded and that he is NOT taking the bait from some to use the attacks on Yoani as a pretext to abandon talks and positive gestures.
Still, he should not let Cuba determine the depth and pace of our own reforms. Allowing student, academic, cultural, people-to-people, and indeed total and free travel to Cuba is in the constitutional interests of all Americans and would put the ball in Cuba’s court and place pressure on the Cuban government to respond in kind and deal with a flood of American people - our best (though not always best dressed!) ambassadors.
How can we criticize Cuba denying Cubans the right to travel freely abroad, when the US government (now under Obama) denies its citizens the right to travel freely to Cuba. End the travel ban and engage the Cuban government in direct talks!
Check out my own blog for more on this and/or if you want to further the dialogue: http://elyuma.blogspot.com.