The “Maintained”
It delights us to cure ourselves of that stage of life we call adolescence and, in particular, to become independent. Finding an answer to that question we have asked ourselves so often: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Able to leave home without explaining ourselves, being responsible for our own destiny, and, above all, not having to listen to any parental admonition: “As long as I am supporting you, you must do what I tell you.”
Nations that develop under the guidance of a paternalistic state run the risk of leaving their people in a kind of stagnated adolescence. The case of Cuba is one of the paradigmatic examples. We live under the national authority of a government characterized by the continuity of the people in power, who have tried to subsidize a portion of our basic necessities. With great pride, the official media touts that medical care and all levels of education are free, as well as the existence of rationing which supposedly guarantees a basic market basket.
It is understood that public funds defray this maintenance, funds generated by workers who produce what they themselves cannot touch and who are not compensated for doing so. Obviously work is not stimulating and what is earned barely stretches to cover what is subsidized. Papa State does not allow the expression of divergent opinions, much less that people organize themselves around these ideas or reach economic independence; what is worse is that he demands infinite gratitude. Fortunately, as the familiar paternalistic model has taught us, everything tends to change with the passage of time. The children grow, turn into adults, and nothing can stop what the youngest will do with the keys to the house.
Diciembre 12th, 2009 at 16:40
Yoaní,
Desde los EE.UU, creo que tienes mucho valor para hablar contra tu gobierno y para tu sociedad. Espero que mantengas este valor para que todo el mundo pueda ver lo que está pasando a tu país y tomar acción. ¡Buena suerte y ten cuidado!
Diciembre 11th, 2009 at 23:50
querida yoani,
i admire you so much, you courage to speak at great risk in a Totalitarian society that allows no dissent. Tu eres un luz para todos. todos en el Mundo que respectan la Libertad. tu voz es muy claro y muy lindo. te amo.
joel (escritor)
Diciembre 8th, 2009 at 18:25
NorteIrlanda Q - That is exactly the problem. There’s a good deal of global perception that Cuba observes principles of equality and defiance, but those principles are not in fact practiced. The point here is that propaganda has obscured the facts and the hurt and pain of an entire nation (Cuba) goes mostly unnoticed world wide.
Diciembre 7th, 2009 at 18:12
I hope that Cuba moves towards a free market, but beware of the process that you use to get there. I have lived in Russia and they have a great gap between the rich and the poor, they have what can only be described as gangster capitalism. Do not rush things because you will leave behind those principles of equality and defiance that have made Cuba so respected throughout the world (even if those principles are not practised).
Diciembre 1st, 2009 at 13:55
How do I work out the fact that it was my “comunist” family who teached me to be very tolerant and accepting of all individuals and gave me always the freedom to make my own choices?
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 06:30
When I was a boy … my father gave me two books to read, “Ariel” & “Martin Fierro”
Many times I wondered why those books?
They were to me booring books, made no sense, did not attractk my attention.
Years later when I left, I took with me a small suitcase: a pair of socks, a set of underwear, a shirt and a pair of pants, some toiletries … and “Ariel” & “Martin Fierro”
The suitcase, clothes & toiletries I do not remember where they are … the books my father gave me … I gave to older son to read …
And I remembered then my father’s eyes when he gave me the books, I remember his voice … “Ariel is in the air … Martin Fierro on the land”
What I am saying may sound out there … those book were available it was free to read … free to learn from them …
Today … what do our children read? what are their teachers giving to them?
A phrase? a political slogan? their main twisted by sanction?
The best education … is not because is free as cost … it is because is free for freedom …
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 05:43
Julio:
thru your quotes I think I can see you …
I agree with you & have stated so often in this media; insults as a form of debate are no reasons; is not just abuse, is the impunity of anonimity.
No matter how many times the thought & belief is put out there about the freedom of choice, the responsibilities of freedom and the accountability that goes with it … very few choose not to ignore it.
As far as “pan con lechon” … boy do I miss the smell, the taste of it … & the alka-zelzer.
Just a thought …
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 21:50
The island that christopher of columbus once said it is the most beautifull island that human eyes have ever seen when was discover wich was cuba, today it is deppresive to look at the buildings the way the goverment has let them run down and the way cuban people live in poverty.In the malecon of havana when the sun sets and it rains at the same time occasionaly when you look at the horizon every thing turns gray and you wish you were somewhere also maybe having a hot chocolate or a conch chowder soup to warm up our empty stomachs.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 18:04
Andy,
Absolutely! I like the multicultural approach!
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 16:49
Julio - Exactly. New founding fathers and mothers. Courageous women such as Yoani Sanchez herself who exposed their freedom and their lives for a liberty that we often take for granted in America. These are the new women who stand up for our aging parents and brothers.
It is in fact a time of change and one that will define our destiny as a nation and as the global people that we’ve become in these many years. We now find ourselves in all parts of the globe and our stories unity us.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 13:07
QBaninca
Also Dr Darsi Ferrer who we have mentioned her before and is also in Prison.
Yes we have many we need to unite I do believe that freedom is the one thing that can unite all.
Yes, they are the new founding fathers!
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 13:00
Julio and Cubano - I completely agree that our future will not be founded by just a few Cubans (we already tried that and it did not work). I believe, and hope that you share this belief as well - our future starts with our understanding of the present.
For instance, how many of us know about the courageous work of Dr. Elias Biscet who rots away in a Cuban jail because he speaks the truth about a failed system? It is these men who peacefully stand for our future and who have adopted a Thoreau like posture by means of peaceful civil disobedience. Organizations like Amnesty International recognize these men for a brief period of time and are then distracted by what happens in Guantanamo by the Americans. We need to call attention to these heroes and recognize them for what they are - our new founding fathers.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 11:59
Cubano and QBaninca
The future system in Cuba will not be the choice made by just a few Cubans that is what happen with Fidel Castro’s revolution. It was just his choice. The one that will give him power.
We need a solution that gives power where it belongs back to the people.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 01:27
QBANINCA.
I just got back from work and read some of your comments to my relief, I could not have expressed what I feel as good as you do, but your words are giving me hope, hope in the cuban people, cause I noticed we do want the best for our people and country, and after moving to this country I got the feeling that we were given as only solution the American style “so called democracy” and I will be very sad if this is the only future for our people, we have to learn from our mistakes, and find the wasy to make it really better, cause the american freedom is not the freedom I would like to leave as a heritage for our suffered cuban people…
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 01:13
Hank… our musical extravaganza is getting better and better. we need to figure out the most popular shows on cuban tv over the last few decades and work them in!!!!!
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 00:24
Getting back to our discussion concerning American style democracy, it appears that one of the most unfortunate results of 50 years of exile and failed social experiments in the island have left us with a terrible void about who we are and the nature of our heroes. This true in Cuba and in the diaspora.
This dictatorship has managed to nearly destroy our understanding of who we are and the nature of our founding fathers. Men like Jose Marti, Antonio Maceo, Calixto Garcia and many others fought and died for nothing less than our FREEDOM. It is these men that we mostly need to honor and pay tribute for their unselfish sacrifice. The Americans gave us much and we continue to enjoy their rich heritage, but our founding fathers are NOT George Washington nor Benjamin Franklin. These men could not find Cuba in a map, let along die for our nation. To honor our founding fathers is and must be part of our heritage and we must reclaim this honor from those in Cuba that have distorted this reality.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 23:26
Wow, thanks guys. Thank you for telling me these things and setting me straight. You’re right.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 23:05
Do not trade insults. Try to engage in dialog.. Insults are equivalent to violence in the Internet and as you know
violences generates more violence.
If after a reasonable tries of dialog they keep insulting then it may not be worthy to engage them.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 23:01
Hi Hank,
When I first ran across Machetera’s blog I thought it might be Cuban-based. As it turns out Machetera is another one of those anonymous ultra-left nut cases not worth wasting time on. The blog seems to be based in Austria and is read virtually nowhere else judging by its internet traffic rank.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 22:48
Julio,
Thank you for your response.
Here is a link to the Machetera website, I am trading insults with these people, and all I want to do is engage them in conversation.
http://machetera.wordpress.com/
Scroll down to the article with the following title and read the comments:
The U.S. Government and the World’s Great Media Empires Are Using “Mercenary Bloggers” in Their Offensive Against Cuba –
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 22:32
Hank,
Thanks you for the nice comment!
I try to follow principles that I have learned from my parents and others I have learn on my own.
What is the link to machetera’s site?
I like to read what they are saying.
sock puppet is term I am familiar with.
read on here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockpuppet_(Internet)
Could have two basic meanings
1 When someone is the mouth (speaker) for someone else.
2 When someone uses a second id to show support for the one real id that one uses.
Those are meanings within internet context.
I do not know of another meaning in Cuba I believe is the same meaning too.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 22:14
Julio,
I like your posts, they are truthful and on the mark. You are good. I admire you for your ability to express yourself. The MLK post today was inspiring.
I have a question for you. I have been involved in an exchange on Machetera’s blog site. My purpose there is to invite her to come here and state her views, freely and openly so we can engage her. I don’t really expect her to do this, I just want to see what will happen if I try.
Well, the latest thing is this, one of the people who comment on her posts called me a “sock puppet.” Is this some sort of really big insult in Cuba? Sock puppet?! I mean, really. I laughed when I saw it. But maybe being called a sock puppet in Cuba is really, really bad, like having a shoe thrown at you in Iraq. If you could shed some light on this, I would appreciate it.
Regards,
Hank
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 21:42
I was just reading Yoani’s twits and read this
“And if the light at the end of the tunnel is just a train coming to crush us? … and if it’s just a mirage?”
:-)
I have faith the light at the end of the tunnel is not to crush us!
There is some moment when we have to have faith in something.
In an idea, in people.
I do have faith in a light that speaks of freedom.
a light that speaks of all Cubans not just a group of Cubans.
Yes, it does looks like the circle is tightening from the Granma publication. They have no idea how much force they will give you if they do place you in prison for expressing yourself.
Yoani, as you have noticed everything they do actually propels you more and more to the front. You are an inspiration not only to us Cubans but to many many people around the world that have the same yearning we do. They (I am talking about the elder leaders) should be grateful and proud that someone like you exist if they were really honest about been for the people.
You are the “new man”.
I am sure there will be a global uproar and the total repulse towards the regime if they dare to place you in prison.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 19:17
Further to my post in #66, wouldn’t it be incredible if we could post comments in Granma on Fidel’s “Reflections?” Think of the possibilities. Andy, artistic note to self re Rock Opera: Ballad of Fidel, set to the tune of the theme song of the Beverly Hillbillies, how’s this…
Come and listen to a story ‘bout a guy named Fidel
A not so poor mountaineer who had no trouble keeping his family fed,
Then one day when we was causin’ revolution,
Up through the ground came a bubblin’ crude.
Honey that is, Honey Of Power, Texas tea.
Well the first thing you know ‘ole Fidel’s a millionaire,
Kinfolk said “Fidel move away from there!”
Said “Havana is the place you ought to be”
So he loaded up his truck and moved to Havanalie.
Hills, that is. Swimmin’ pools, commie stars.
Well now its time to say good-bye to ‘ole Fidel and all his kin.
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin’ in.
You’re all invited back again to this locality
To have a heapin’ helpin’ of their hospitality
Havana that is. Set a spell, Take your shoes off.
Y’all come back now, y’hear?
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 18:21
The article in Granma about Yoani, just appears in the International version of that newspaper.Needless to say that Granma International is not read by the Cubans in the Island.
Instead this what they publish about a Generation Y person….Make me laugh…
http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/2.....tic04.html
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 18:15
A quick addendum to #67 because I just clicked on the links.
Unlike desdecuba.com, granma.cu doesn’t rank in the top 100,000 websites. You have to click on the yellow ‘get info’ button to get the ranking.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 18:10
One of the ironies of the Granma attack on Yoani is that only a fraction as many people outside Cuba will read it compared to those who read Yoani’s blog.
According to data from the Alexa.com internet traffic ranking, desdecuba.com - over the past month - ranked in the top 40,000 most popular websites in the world, while Granma.cu has dropped to 117,000. So 3 times as many people worldwide are reading Yoani’s writings compared to those of her attackers in Granma. Save for Cuba itself and for some weird reason Senegal, desdecuba.com is more widely read than granma.cu in every other country in the world.
The more Yoani is attacked by the regime, the more popular she and her blog become. The Castro regime is increasing losing the battle for worldwide public opinion even within Latin America. This is thanks in no small part to Yoani and her fellow bloggers.
Here’s a link to the desdecuba.com ranking:
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/desdecuba.com
And here’s the link to the granma.cu ranking:
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/granma.cu
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 18:07
Here’s something interesting — I did an informal survey today of a number of news forums on the Internet. I looked at The China Daily, the Vietnam News, The BBC, New York Times, LA Times, CNN, El Pais (España), ABC (España), and a number of others. All of these news organizations, without exception, have comment sections at the end of their online news articles where readers are free to post their thoughts and reactions.
When I checked the website for Granma International, I found no such thing. Isn’t that odd? I thought Granma was the premier newspaper of Cuba? There is No Opportunity to post comments on articles in Granma International. If I am wrong, please tell me, I could not find it. When I look at the Spanish language version of Granma, which Andy posted earlier today:
http://www.granma.cu/index.html
I see the article about Yaoni Sanchez, yet this particular article is not available in English. Why is that? And again, NO comments are allowed in the Spanish language version. What gives?
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:46
Liam
You are right yes we need all this freedoms that you enumerated
But for eons humans have that ability to speak and they were not repress I am talking of the time when they use to live in caves. Is interesting to notice they use to live in very tight communities.
Mean while repression is a modern invention. Was invented to perpetuate a person in power. That is totally incompatible with the ideas of the power of the people.
We should never confuse the power of one person for the power of the people.
People should still be free to choose who they want as a leader.
Is interesting you talk about freedom from hunger and in Cuba many do not have that freedom. They go to bed hungry. Also you talk about the freedom of a roof but again many have lost the roof over their head with the hurricanes and for not being able to repair their home for lack of materials.
So in Cuba we have the extraordinary situation that people also lack this other freedoms you talk about.
What a painful situation for them. To have supported a revolution that has abandon them.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:40
Dear Julio de la Yncera,First you contradict yourself by stating “I do not live in Miami”so how can you opinion to what is going in Miami on a daily basis?I am not trying to misinform the readers,I am here to state my opinion,isnt what this forum is for?I could be here all day on how the Cubans act in Miami and break it down in age groups if you like,me being Cuban/American qualifies me.I also have read your posts and I commend you…Also I did not attack concubino,I expressed my opinion to his uncalled for comments about him being gay and meeting some guy here and posting nude pictures,this forum is not for those topics,this isnt blue boy magazine or other entity,I don’t think Yoani had in mind for those topics to be expressed here.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:37
Obama and his attempts to reform the health system in the USA is a very good example of what you say Qbaninca.The richest country in the world still needs to bring over 50 million of its citizens within a health safety net.
Liam
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:36
QBANINCA I am not talking we should literally follow the American model
But freedom is to important and how good is to be rich if you have not freedom?
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:34
Julio - The American model has worked for America and it is certainly emblematic of how government should treat its people, but the American system is also flawed in many ways and we should not be blind to that. Cuba needs to make it own path and our rich culture - including 50 years of failure to underscore that point - should help us make a model that works for us.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:33
An excellent quote Julio,i know it well. Liam.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:30
Qbaninca,thanks for your reply and fair point.
Freedom of speech is fine but i have always wanted the freedom from hunger,freedom of a roof over my head,freedom from poverty. I cannot eat freedom of speech,it will not shelter me or provide for my family.
Yes,i want freedom of speech AND i want all the other freedoms that human dignity requires.
Freedom of speech ALONE will not change anything.
Liam
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:27
Liam
I do think the Chinese model is not totally fair because people are still repress and dissenters are persecuted.
I will prefer to be poor and free than rich and oppress.
I do find my adoptive country a fascinating model to be follow.
I am amaze by its history
I believe very strongly in this
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;
I hope one they will also be true of my homeland
where we will have the unalienable right of liberty and the pursuit of happiness!
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:21
Liam - Stating that there are no black and white issues is usually a euphemism for simply accepting or selling yourself short. Freedom is a black or white issue. You either have it or you don’t. It is true that there are many children in America who lack basic educational rights and that is the fault of crooked politicians from the right and the left or in drug dealers who corrupt families with false promises of get-rich-quick promises. It is also reflected in the fact that the needs of 12 million Cubans can hardly compare in scope to the needs of 300 million Americans. Keep in mind that just Los Angeles county alone has a greater population than the entire Cuban nation.
Black and white issues aside, it is important to focus on what is real - freedom and hope for tomorrow.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:12
Hello Julio, good to read you again,always thought provoking.
What do you feel about the chinese economic model? ( ‘Socialist market economy with chinese characteristics’as it is known in China.) Lots of participation by chinese people,booming economy and much raised standards of living….but one party government.Is it enough to just get rich?
And as we all know the USA government is very happy to trade there.
Liam
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:06
Cubano I am sorry but it seems to me you do not live in the US and do not know about the government programs and student loans that give opportunities to anyone that like to study. I can give you some links here if you like but the topic of debate in this blog is not to talk about the US is to talk about Cuba.
I know that many countries in the world do have issues but that should not be excuse for Cubans not having freedom.
Freedom is as important as education and health
to be educated without freedom means to be doubly oppress.
We are all born with that little gift called free will that I think is responsible with for that desired of freedom we have. Of making our on choices. Of been independent of our parents of maybe look with disapproval the eternal paternalistic state like the Cuban regime.
Others must find the solutions to their problems. Each people should find their own path. Nobody seems to learn by someone else’s experiences but their own.
I think Cubans have learn that nothing comes without a price.
The price of freedom is to hight a price to pay.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 15:02
Cubano - This so called free world is free to the point that we’re free to fail. There are many people trying to make a dollar off our backs and we’re still just immigrants in this nation that we now call home. We’ve all made mistakes here and purchased more house than we can afford or married people who took advantage of us in some way or another, but the point is that we have a chance to land back on our feet again with time and want. That option is not so readily available to our brothers and sisters in the island. They are not free to travel, purchase homes, express their displeasure with a government they did not elect and does not represent their welfare. That is the difference. The road here is hard, but it is much harder back home and to the extent that we can lift our voices in their support is what we must do.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 14:56
Liam
I agree with you that Cuba will do best in moving towards a market economy but with the full participation of all its citizens. Otherwise we will see again the rich outsiders in Cuba. I have nothing against foreign investment but for the Cubans it should be good to be considered on these plans too. It should not be restricted to just the little farm and the little restaurant.
Cubans should have the same rights these foreigners have of having a business in their homeland. What we see in Cuba now and before is a sort of artificial apartheid against Cuban citizens. That is extremely demoralizing to my Cuban brothers and sisters. We are (Humans) equal. None should think is better than other and be above anyone else.
As for Helms Burton I do think that the troubles the US gets is when we are not consistent with what we preach. This is the same trouble for the Cuban regime. They talk the talk but they do not walk the walk. The US does have a big difference with regards to Cuba. We change and we have normal mechanism of change in democracy and elections. Cuba does not. When you only have one party that is able to be re elected for ever and ever the same person. That is not a democracy.
If one is to have principle one should apply them consistently. It’s OK to err because in the end we are all just humans but one has to be capable of recognizing mistakes.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 14:50
Hello Julio,
On the refrigerators, my experience in my barrio was that this was highly popular and the delivery days/evenings became good social events.The old ones were inefficient and the new ones are excellent. Also people are not being pushed hard for quick payment and i certainly have not seen it as a big issue for people. However you may have other information from different areas.
In education the schools are popular with people but there are problems.The primary schools close to homes are on the whole respected in their communities. However the new quickly trained young teachers in the basic secondary schools (11-14 years)are having problems in La Habana.The 14+ vocational schools are mixed in quality and there are some excellent 14-19 pre-university schools in La Habana.Most cuban children are in school each day and not on the streets as in many other countries.
As i often say, it is not a ‘black and white’issue.
Liam.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 14:43
Julio.
You are right some way, but you make it sound like it’s so easy to study in “the land of the free” do not lie to people, yes there are possibilities, but do not undermine how terribly difficult is for lots of families, and how many parents do not sleep worrying if they ever will be able to make possible an education for their children, not to mention the situation in the poorest countries around the world, millions of children without any future, I understant your point, but when I see the dispair around the world, you know what, I still say thanks to Cuba for giving me an education for free, and if you do not get to be rich in Cuba from that education you have the possiblity to think like Yoani does, and help others as well, and that’s is a noble and precious thing to do…
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 14:33
Cubano
Let’s take pride in what we’ve accomplished and make a better tomorrow
The dream you talk about if you refer to education and health care can also be gotten with a society that allows freedom of expression.
Cubano let me remind you that good students here do get scholarship but you probably know that. And those that do not have the money can apply for student loans that can be repay.
Is the educational system in Cuba “free”? when a doctor can is not free to exit his country if he or she desires?
Is the educational system for all? If as we know that by manifesting opposition or just by been slightly critical of the regime you may loose your right to education?
No Cubano. I do not want that education. The cost of that education is to hight
It will cost you your freedom!
Now talking about usurers. Let us talk about how the regime obligated people to exchange their working refrigerators for new Chinese refrigerators that they can’t afford. Do you know about that?
Or the rice cooker that they were also force to buy.
Can we talk about how a family in Cuba survive with less than 20 dollars a month?
while we know the cuban percapita salary should be of around 4500 dollar per year!
What do you think happens to all that money?
Who do you think pay for all the “free” things you talk about?
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 14:28
Hello Julio.
Just to follow up on your question about foreign businesses in Cuba. There are no 100% owned foreign businesses in Cuba. Any foreign business man/woman can only set up joint venture businesses with the cuban government as a partner and with a ratio of ownership of 51% to the government,49% to the foreign entity.An example is the big spanish hotel group ‘MELIA’ which operates throughout the island. It was these joint ventures in tourism that got the country through the special period in the 1990s.At present Canadian investors are heavily involved and there is a growing presence from Brazil in many areas.There are often large groups of businessmen from the USA who wish to set up in Cuba and are very keen to have the embargo/blockade lifted. They have been lobbying hard in Washington for this move.This is especially so in the gulf states of the US.Cuba is planning for this day and there is a massive investment programme from Abu Dhabi to make the north coast cuban port of Mariel a major ‘container handling port’for the gulf region.The chinese presence is very great from the new buses to other infrastructure projects and here are 3000 chinese students learning spanish in the special facilities in Tarara just outside La Habana.
Thousands of new licences have recently been issued to cubans for the private taxi trade and thousands have applied for the the grants of land for increased farm holdings.All popular proposals from the government.Lets be in no doubt that this is Raul moving these things and they are not popular in the old Fidel circles.
There are many good small cuban businesses operating in the restaurant, craft area etc and many bad ones! In the recent consultations in the barrios with assembly delegates, many cubans openly raised the issue of ,and asked for, more small business opportunities to be allowed in Cuba.They were not shouted down and this issue is on the table. The end result at the end of next year?….i am not sure.
You are absolutely right in your position on the Helms-Burton legislation. Poorly thought out and very contradictory.
Hank,I enjoyed your thoughts on the embargo/blockade. It has failed and nothing like it has been used against China or Vietnam. It is interesting that even right of centre publications like the ‘Financial Times’ and the ‘Economist’ say exactly the same thing,it is a failed policy and is now a barrier to economic and political progress that we all want to see.
Iain,you are right about the liquidity crisis and there have been long delays for foreign businesses to repatriate their agreed profits but the embargo/blockade hinders progress. On Chavez,you may not like him or his policies but he stands for and wins election after election and wins majorities that european political parties would die for.All western election monitoring groups,including Jimmy Carter,gave the ‘free and fair’stamp of approval to them.
Liam.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 14:19
QBANINCA “Let’s take pride in what we’ve accomplished and make a better tomorrow (we also have a dream).” That’s all I am talking about, and it’s up to us, the cuban people to built a better future, with more freedoms. I tried to study in the so called “free world” and the price to pay? well I am in bebt for life to usurers that for instance will be taking my hard worked money not precisely to help make things better, and that was just one year school…you are right there is a price to pay, think about it..
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:59
One other thing Pan con lechon
I do post my post with real name and last name why don’t you?
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:57
Dear Pan con lechon
I am sorry I do not live in Miami but by the few times I have visited and the news I see from miami contradict all the statements you have made.
For example when the disastrous hurricanes landed on Cuban shores despite their manifested resistance to the Cuban regime they gather help to send to Cubans in the Island. I could put many many other examples of how the miami and florida comunity is very supportive of the Cubans in the island so please do not misinform people and come here to try to create confusions.
When you first came to this blog you started by attacking Concubino. It is a little obvious about what your intentions are by been in this blog.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:52
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It’s good to see each Yoani Sanchez post–it signifies that she is still “free)” and working for Cuban liberty.
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Es bueno a ver cada “post” de Yoani Sanchez–significa que ya esta “libre” y trabajando por la libertad Cubana.
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News reports say that Cuba will reduce energy use. The Cubans have done so much with so little that now they will do everything with nothing!
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Las noticias reportan que Cuba va reducir el uso de energia. Los Cubanos han hecho tanto con tan poquito que ahore van hacer todas las cosas con “una nada de nada!”.
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John Bibb
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Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:48
TELEGRAPH U.K. ARTICLE: Blogger Yoani Sanchez is threat to Cuba
“Attacking a blogger might seem an unnecessary strategy in Cuba, where access to the internet is amongst the lowest in the world and only a small number of carefully vetted individuals are allowed to have internet accounts at home. Ms Sanchez believes her roughing up was a signal that the days of tolerance of Cuba’s embryonic blogging community are over. “The Cuban government is currently nervous, as a result of the dire state of the economy”, she said.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new.....-Cuba.html
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:38
Julio de la Yncera,its great and all to what you say “We need to get all our brothers and sisters in exile”Fact is the most cubans who are in Miami really do not care about Cuba,the older exiles 65years of age and older are the ones who still fight.The younger ones get to Miami and bring their Lawless ways and commit Fraud in the Medical Supplies industries,always plan on how to make a buck without working,my neighbors just rented the house next door who just got here from Cuba 3 years ago and have never worked a day in their life,always talking loud in the backyard to how Cuba is better than America….
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:35
Julio it is under one principle that we must unite. We should not be detracted by thoughts of how others suffer around the world and how not everything in Cuba is bad. It would be impossible for a regime with total control for so long not to produce at least somethings of value. Can a thousand monkeys typing away at random for 50 years produce the works of William Shakespeare? Of course not, but something resembling words will form of it. Do these words have value (perhaps some)?
Our focus must be on Cuba itself. How can we influence what goes on there for the betterment of our brothers and sisters? That should be our focus, our guiding principle. Don’t misunderstand me, we do need to notice how others live and be cognizant of their suffering. However, it is much more important to recognize our own needs for only by recognizing and fulfilling these can we ever hope to help others around the world.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:19
Welcome QBANINCA
We need to get all our brothers and sisters in exile and all the people in Cuba to unite under one principle.
Freedom for Cuba
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 13:11
Cubano - Everything comes with a price. It is all a matter of how much you want to pay and sacrifice for. Many of us have propered around the world after leaving Cuba with bare essentials. The Cuban government has betrayed the once glorious revolution. Only tourists (sex, health care, education) can enjoy what our nation has to give. How is that a fair exchange? We have propered because we value what has been taken from us. When you lose something, you truly learn to value it. That, my friend, is basic human nature.
We sell our most beatiful women for cheap to aging Italian and Spanish tourists with failed marriages. For the love of God, let’s stop pretending once and for all and recognize after 50 years that we made a terrible mistake. Let’s take pride in what we’ve accomplished and make a better tomorrow (we also have a dream). Yoani exemplifies our hopes for tomorrow. Her courage and wisdom beyond her years demonstrate that our dream can become reality. Let’s speak with one voice what we know to be true to our hearts - Que Viva Cuba - Pero eso si - LIBRE.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 12:55
Welcome Cuban to this forum of debate
How long should we be grateful of the regime? for giving us a conditional education?
I will not called it a free education since as we have apply discuss here is not free and is not accessible to all Cubans.
If you dare manifest opinions contrary to the regime then you will be punish with expulsion from the “free” educational system in Cuba.
The Cuban regime will be believable on this topic of education if it did not make education conditional on unconditional support. But as we know it does!
As for the free health care. Please. We have also expose how some people in Cuba have access to the best health care while the normal citizen is denied services or have a hard time getting them.
Please do not confuse what you have in Cuba with communism because is not is not even socialism. Poor Marx will have a heard attack if he listen to you.
In Cuba you do have a leader. Ego centrist Leader named Fidel Castro that fought not for the freedom of Cuba like everyone wanted but for his own personal benefit.
To obtained what he calls the “Honey of Power”.
They will change to capitalism if that will mean for them to stay in power and that shows you something very important. These people in power in Cuba have no principles. All they want is to be in power. Having absolute power.
They do not care about you, about me about all the Cubans
They only care is themselves.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 12:51
Julio - Cubans around the globe share your vision of freedom. The words of Martin Luther King are an inspiration to ALL humanity. We have felt the pain of a dictatorship longer than most and that is why we have learned to appreciate these basic human rights. My hope is that once Cuba is free (and it will happen), we continue to appreciate these visions of freedom and lead the nations of the world in search for a better tomorrow. We have searched long enough for El Nuevo Hombre. El Nuevo Hombre has been inside us all along, it is a call to freedom and our hopes to see our children live in peace and prosper. As our voices ring together in a cry for Libertad as we listen to the resonating echo that only hope for freedom and peace can give.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 12:39
you should be thankful and proud not only for yourself but for the many children and youngsters that get educated and have healthcare for free in Cuba. I know many things might have to change in Cuba, but not everything is bad in the island, have a look around the world at the millions of children left behind, and I do not think comunism is to blame for it….
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 11:31
I was just watching the beautiful speech by Martin Luther King at the Washington Mall. The “I have a Dream” speech and was dreaming myself about one day in the near future when we all Cubans without regards to political positions can be together because of one uniting principle of been Free.
here is a link to the speech
http://blog.isallaboutmath.com.....e-a-dream/
I too have a dream that one day we will be able to say
Free at last! Free at last!
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 11:24
Cool!
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 11:20
This is the unity we need to claim our freedom back
“The wall must be knocked down with everyone’s help: independent journalists, dissidents, bloggers, and citizens.”
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 11:13
Andy this is Awesome!
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 11:03
Julio and everyone! Check out the sidebar!!!! Yoani’s Twitter just showed up translated into English…
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 10:52
There is another post by Yoani on Twitter from 26 minutes ago that says
“En otro país yo podría acusar a Granma por difamación, pero lo cierto es que lo tomo más como una condecoración que como un insulto.”
“In another country I could accuse Granma of libel, but certainly what they wrote I take it more as a medal than as an insult.”
I think it refers to the article by Ubieta mentioned by Andy below.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 10:33
Guys not sure if you have witness the critical statements that Zoe Valdes had made of Yoani.
Yoani has responded to her on Twitter
Here is her response
“Quiero mandarle, desde aquí, un abrazo a una escritora cubana que me ha hecho vivir momentos inolvidables con su literatura: Zoe Valdés”
“I want to send from here (Cuba) a hug to the Cuban writer that have made me live unforgettable moments with her writings: Zoe Valdes”
Notice how wonderful simple and humble is Yoani’s answer to Zoe!
While I believe and recognize that Zoe does have the right to speak whatever she likes because that is freedom, I do think we (all people that want freedom for Cuba) should all be united in supporting Yoani that represents at least for me the light at the end of the dark tunnel and the most firm path I have seen in all these years to finally return Cuba to freedom! so that one day we can claim
Free at last! Free at last!
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 10:08
“Yoani Sanchez: La Hija de Prisa”
Here it is… finally… the article in Granma International about Yoani — but I don’t see a translation on Granma’s English site.
http://www.granma.cu/espanol/2.....nchez.html
I’ll stick it into Google Translate and see if I can post some highlights.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 10:01
“Dictatorship launches new counter-attack on Yoani Sanchez”
http://marcmasferrer.typepad.c.....-cuba.html
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 09:11
Mark,
I defer to the others here who have first-hand experience of these things. I am not qualified to answer your questions.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 09:02
Statue of Liberty,
Your question is - why lift the embargo if that means giving them credit.
Let me try to answer, even though I am not an economist.
The problem everyone has with lifting the embargo is that this is seen as some sort of reward, something the regime doesn’t deserve because it has not earned it. I suppose lifting the embargo also includes extending credit to Cuba, at least initially. But when they default on that credit, doesn’t the credit end? Sure there might be a brief period of credit at the beginning, but that credit will dry up pretty fast when they default. What bank or financial institution will continue to extend credit to a government that does not pay its debt?
I admit that I am way out of my league here and if any economists could contribute, I would appreciate it. To me, lifting the embargo means a whole lot more than extending credit.
The way I see it is this - if we lift the embargo and the travel restrictions, this will put tremendous pressure on the regime in Cuba - pressure the likes of which they have never seen before. All of a sudden, there will be a massive influx of people, ordinary American people, with cash to spend, questions to ask and ideas to spread. Meanwhile, ordinary Cubans with no cash to spend will see this and will be left to wonder, “Why do they have money to spend?” “Why are they allowed to meander about my country while I am not?” “Why do these Americans have it better than me?” Questions like this are the seeds of change - the kind of change I think observers want for Cuba - change that comes from within the island.
I don’t understand why it is that you object to lifting the embargo if you do not believe that it exists. If there is no embargo, then why not remove any pretence of its existence? Why not repeal Helms-Burton and be done with it?
The embargo and travel restriction have failed to produce any result over the last 50 years other than to provide Fidel Castro with an excuse to constantly remind Cubans of the big bully to the north and propagate a siege mentality. So now they are engaged in a three-day military exercise in preparation for an invasion? That’s just nuts. If we remove the embargo, we remove the false threat that the Castro’s have used all along to their own advantage. If the Castro’s have managed to stay in power for 50 years, I ask you, has the embargo worked?
You are perfectly right to point to the details and question how removing the embargo would be implemented. I wish I could be more specific in answering your question.
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 05:33
I’m afraid this isn’t directly related to the present topic, but I thought regular readers would like to know that the Spanish ‘El País’ has covered the recent brutality towards Yoani and her family. Last week I learned that the present, Utopian conditions on the island cannot be expected to continue, due to a crisis of liquidity. I published in El País the following:
“Dear Editor,
We call it “poetic justice” in English. When in March 2003 the Cuban regime incarcerated six dozen peaceful dissidents under the harshest conditions, the entire civilized world was appalled, and sanctions were imposed by both the US and EU. These were opposed in Europe, in the end successfully, by a depraved alliance of Stalinist Castro-groupies and multinational fat-cats, mainly Spanish. The latter were concerned that they would no longer find it so easy to exploit what are, effectively, all but unpaid slaves of the regime, by the expedient of splitting the profits with the communist aristocracy. Well, as Human Rights Watch confirms that Cuba under Raul “The Terrible” is every bit as vile as before, it now appears that there is no longer sufficient loot to go around. The most conservative estimate suggests at least 400 million euros in paper profits are stuck in Cuban banks which have neither hard currency funds nor the prospect of acquiring any. It’s called “divine justice” in Spain.”
Nor is this the only reason to gloat at the fate of Castro-groupies, like Chavez. Venezuela is currently suffering catastrophic power failures, all thanks to Hugo’s “wise Grandfather.” Apparently, Chavez was so impressed by the security of the Cuban electricity supply that he decided it was just what his country needed:
(Full article: http://english.eluniversal.com.....4291.shtml )
“In his TV and radio show “Aló, Presidente,” broadcasted (sic) on September 21st, 2008, the very (I think “current” would be a better translation - Iain) President Hugo Chávez said that his Cuban mentor Fidel Castro made him see the light on the way to power revolution. That is, in a first stage, thermal generation plants consisting of small, 15-MW, diesel-powered interconnected plants. Incidentally, diesel is among the most expensive fuels in the international market.
“Where did those plants come from?” asked a cheerful Chávez in his program. “Perhaps you won’t believe it -from Cuba. Because Fidel installed throughout Cuba hundreds, thousands of those plants, the power revolution, he explained it to me in depth.”
Clear enough. “I would like to thank Fidel, who first talked me about it. ‘Look Chávez.’ And then we made the deal. The agreement for all those distributed generation plants, as it were.”
So now you know! Soon everyone in Venezuela will enjoy a Cuban lifestyle!
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 02:20
If there’s one thing that i’ve noticed over the year’s,its the fact that nothing change’s!Irrespective of who comes into power anywhere.
Here,irrespective of the party, the corruption & embezzlement will continue,& little changes of betterment will be too little for the public to notice as compared to the depression that lurks in the news; as is the case else where.Then theres Obama;everybody went on about him,& now that he’s here,what happened to the promises?My country is still treated the same way,little has changed;he’s either not doing enough,or the past administrations mess still remain’s to be cleaned up,or their traditions still continue.I dont see any change anywhere when somebody new comes into power,& to me the idea of Democracy & all is a sad one;i’ve found it to be like many idea’s for a country & the masses:always with a glitch in it. (-_-)
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 01:35
Hank–The James Bond Movie, “Die Another Day” was supposedly set partly in Havana Cuba but one source said the location was elsewhere. In that movie several fishermen can be seen with poles in the water along a wall supposedly in Havana. I wondered if that is ever seen in Havana. Aren’t the fish in the water supposedly property of the government? And the movie claimed, as has the American idiot Michael Moore, that Cuban health care is among the best in the world. Is there any truth in that?
Noviembre 28th, 2009 at 00:01
After 50 years of Robolution, the wolf still torments Red Riding Hood with the same siren song.
According to news reported by The New Herald, the Cuban Army is running an intense three day exercises. “Cuban army soldiers prepare for military exercises to guard against an American invasion.”
I have to laugh when I read non-sense news like that. If the United States ever wanted to mount an invasion against Cuba, they will never heard the news, it will be too late, Cuba will be wiped out from the face of this earth in two seconds and Raul knows that but he will continue to scare the regular folks in Cuba about an invasion that will never happens.
The money expend on these exercises could very well be used to lower the cost of goods they sell at exuberant prices in their so called “Shopping” stores.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 23:55
Two incredible recent posts from Voices Behind the Bars by political prisoner Pablo Pacheco that absolutely blew me away:
“Love Your Enemy
Today, more than ever, I comprehended the points of coincidence between the South Africa of Nelson Mandela and the Cuba of Jose Marti.
John Carlin’s book, “The Human Factor”, increasingly demonstrated this to me.
I am of the thought that not only does racial apartheid exist, but so too does a political apartheid, which is as inhumane as the one that Nelson Mandela confronted and championed over alongside the African National Congress.
I had read about this universal man even though his biography has not yet arrived to me. Today there was born within me a new found respect for Nelson Mandela that went beyond my own conscience.
Now I find myself in prison for reasons of conscience. Never have I even raised a fist against any of my compatriots for having different thoughts as me and yet my prison sentence is of twenty years.
But Nelson Mandela has just taught me that firmness can give us incalculable results. I harbor Nelson Mandela’s same dream.”
and
“Questions and Answers
In an unprecedented event within contemporary Cuban journalism, a president of the United States has responded to various questions coming from the blogger Yoani Sanchez. The questionnaire aimed at Barack Obama is interesting and very intelligent, coming from this young woman who has paid for the price of glory with composure and dignity, and also with physical blows and scratches- something inevitable for those who decide to not accept prison chains wrapped around their thoughts.”
http://vocescubanas.com/voztraslasrejas_en/
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 23:20
Hank.
If you are willing to provide open lines of credit to a regime that has never repaid their debts, then you can use that logic.
The Bureau of Statistic shows that in 2008 Cuba has bought in CASH, are you listening? in CASH over $700 million of Dollars in goods from their number one enemy” The United States of America.
So, please tell me where is the Embargo? When they can buy directly and pay in CASH.
My question is, why giving them credit?
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 22:46
Mark Rich,
What is the name of the James Bond movie? I don’t know of any that were filmed in Cuba.
Regarding your question pertaining to the state of Cuban health care, there is an interesting article in the current online issue of Granma. Here’s a direct quote:
“Reports from the World Health Organization indicate that 45% of deaths in poor countries are due to infectious diseases. The situation in Cuba changed after 1959 and these diseases ceased to be a health problem thanks to the epidemiological vigilance directed by the prestigious Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK), which has four centers of cooperation with global and Pan-American health organizations, including one dedicated to dengue and its vector.”
Wow! Infectious disease “ceased to be a health problem” in Cuba after 1959?! Really? That is an extraordinary claim. As Carl Sagan used to say, “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” This is an incredible statement. In the literal sense of the word (one definition of ‘incredible’ is: so extraordinary as to seem impossible).
The reality is that infectious disease, everywhere else in the world outside of Cuba, is a huge problem. Nosocomial infections continue to plague hospitals, not to mention HIV, influenza, viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Are the authors of the Granma article serious?
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 21:53
Does anyone remember the phrase “kill them with kindness”? I say we lift the embargo post haste; also lift the travel restricions and see where the cards fall.
Maybe I am being overly simplistic, but why not try it? Or, to quote John Lennon “All we are saying, Is give peace a chance.” Remove the threat from the idiots in Havana. Let’s eliminate their excuse for tyranny.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 21:37
John Two — according to Claudia Cadelo’s tweets (blog: Octavo Cerco) Juan Juan Almeida went out this morning carrying a sign demanding freedom and the resignation of the “current president”…. and has not been seen since.
For those who have not followed his case… his father was the only black big time hero of the revolution and was part of the ruling class continually until his recent death. His son, Juan Juan, was “not invited” to the funeral. As he is now on the “wrong side of history”… or, as the readers of this blog might rephrase that… on the RIGHT side of history… I’ll let y’all google him to learn more (those who don’t already know more than I do….)
Meanwhile… Claudia also reported that all of her friends have recently been visited by State Security and warned not to have anything more to do with her. All the students at the blogger academy have been told not to go any more.
http://octavocercoen.blogspot......itors.html
And so on….
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 21:17
yoani: be safe
cuidate mucho, hermana
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 21:17
hank: you are absolutely right
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 21:10
John Two,
I have read her twitter posts and her regular blog posts. They seem to me to be getting more brazen, especially this last one - it is much less metaphorical and direct. Her use of the aphorism of the adolescent throwing off the bonds of childhood against over protective parents is straight out of the bible. This is getting dangerous as if it weren’t already. I don’t want to over analyze this, I just want her to continue to be safe. There is a lot to be said for us speaking our minds here and being honest and frank with one another, but I don’t doubt for a minute that the people in power in Cuba are reading every single word that we say here to one another.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 21:09
Can someone tell me the truth?
I saw a James Bond movie that supposedly took place, in part, in Cuba. The beach front was lined with fishermen. Does that exist? And the health care is touted as one of the best in the world.
What is the reality of the Cuban healthcare system?
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 20:56
Following up Andy’s #3 post, I haven’t been able to find the Yoani attack in any of the Granma International online versions. It must be in the printed version.
Since the report is from a credible news agency (AFP), I have no reason to doubt its authenticity.
Particularly troubling about the report is the Castro regime’s attempt to link Yoani with the US Interests Section in Havana. A slightly less sinister interpretation is that the regime is trying to deter bloggers from associating with Yoani, by warning them that attending her bloggers’ academy is a counter-revolutionary act.
A clear sign that the regime is worried about the threat posed by this slender young woman. But it’s also hard not to feel very worried on Yoani’s behalf. I’m reminded of the old saying: desperate people do desperate things.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 20:42
Hank, this blog posting shows Yoani’s continued mastery of language and metaphor. I’d be interested in knowing why you think there’s a change in tone.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 20:26
Gentlemen and Ladies, this is absolutely HEROIC writing! It is bravery without precedent. I am stunned, amazed and humbled by what I am reading from Yoani. Does anyone else here sense a change in her tone?
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 19:03
If I was ask this when I was in Cuba and was allow to answer honestly without reprisals
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
I would have answer with only one sentence.
I want to be FREE
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 18:36
Im an outsider and I wil ALWAYS BE! My main goal here is to post the latest IMPARTIAL (as best as I can) news. I really dont care abut the bantering between all the factions here! I WANT THE TRUTH TO BE HEARD, BOTTOM LINE! Now that you know where I come from, all the real and NOT REAL people here can deal with me!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 18:28
Why don’t we send the Cubans that are in Miami that complain about America to Cuba and exchange/swap for Yoani and her friends..Becuase we sure has hell don’t want them in Miami anymore.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 18:22
Humberto - I know where you’re coming from but don’t lose sight of the ultimate goal… a free society where everyone can quibble all they want over the smallest things… or debate the great issues of the day. we really only need to agree on one thing… fundamental human rights must be honored.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 18:14
Andy, they worry about “pixels in cyberspace” as they are full of ideas. And those ideas are very dangerous when held by a people who have nothing left to to lose. Doesn’t take but a few of them to ignite the fires of revolution.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 17:42
I SAID I THE LAST BLOG THAT THE MILITARY EXERCISES ARE MEANT FOR THE INTERNAL DISIDENTS MORE THAN OBAMBA! WE NEED TO BE STEADFAST AND KEEP DISSIPATING THE INFORMATION MORE THAN WALLOING ON THE LUXURY OF DEBATING AMONGST EACH OTHER!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 17:25
Attack the messenger…
The attack on Yoani as a mercenary tool of the imperialists is apparently growing.
This from a link in Penultimos Dias, says Granma is attacking her at length and directly? But I can’t find the Granma link.
http://www.google.com/hostedne.....he_OAHijNQ
Can anyone else?
Meanwhile… they can attack Yoani all they want. It won’t put meat on Cuban tables, roofs over Cuban heads…. that’s what they should be spending their energies on. Not worrying about some pixels in cyberspace and ‘buckets of sweat’ to “prepare for the American invasion”. (Unless the preparation consists of licensing 10,000 more casas and paladares._
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 16:01
Your writing is very interesting. I hope things improve within a decade. You should be proud for having Obama answer your questions even if they weren’t the most specific answers.
Noviembre 27th, 2009 at 15:52
You inspire me. Thank you.