Bastion and distraction
Evacuation Directions
Someone shoved a piece of paper under my door. A sheet cut in half with instructions about how to evacuate in the case of a hurricane or an invasion. One phrase struck me like the refrain of a bad song: “Sew a tag to the clothes of minor children with the identity of their parents (in wartime).” I imagined myself putting stitches into my son’s shirt, so that in the middle of the chaos someone would know that his mother was named Yoani and his father Reinaldo.
The “War of the Whole People”—currently undergoing a practice run in the military exercise called Bastion 2009—has an assigned job for each of us. It doesn’t matter that they make us fear weapons, or if we have never believed in confrontation as a path to solutions, or if we have no confidence in the leaders who will head up our squad. Those who sit at a table covered with tiny plastic tanks and planes, playing at conflagration, want to hide that we citizens have dug the deepest trench to protect ourselves from them.
The news is full of soldiers with their weapons, but the martial maneuvers fail to hide that our real “enemies” are the restrictions and control imposed by the powers that be. War as a distraction no longer works. The threat of parachutes landing and bombs echoing as an antidote to the desire for change has ceased to be effective. I think more and more people are pointing a finger at the true origin of our problems and, though it comes as a surprise to the champions of the battle, their fingers do not appear to be pointing abroad.
Diciembre 16th, 2009 at 19:09
Im very busy, but te cubans…… no coments
Diciembre 3rd, 2009 at 03:29
Adelante Yoani. Dios te bendiga.
Unanse al CLAMOR POR LA LIBERTAD DE CUBA el Sabado 5 de Diciembre.
Este clamor va a hacerse en muchos paises del mundo
El que haya negado a Dios bajo la influencia comunista, solo pidale perdon de corazon en el nombre de Jesus, y EL es misericordioso para perdonar. Luego, clame por la libertad de Cuba…
Diciembre 2nd, 2009 at 12:46
YOU ALL STOP DREAMING CASTRO HAS TO BE REMOVED BY FORCE.
Diciembre 2nd, 2009 at 12:44
The situasion in cuba is going to continue because everynoe keeps talking about it and no one does nothing, all they do is try to overtrow castro over a speakers.
Diciembre 1st, 2009 at 06:44
Thanks Julio, I saw all you suggested. I also saw some Cuban news source that said someone from the World Health Organization is in Cuba until Wednesday.
I wonder if she’ll be shown the filthy conditions of the “people’s” hospitals. I wonder if she’ll discover the facts about abortions and deaths of new borns which makes Cuba’s birth statistics look so wonderful compared to the world.
Our American idiot, Michael Moore, needs to move to Cuba and live like a Cuban. That should be his reward for complicity.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 22:51
You guys should read this one too, very good read!
http://talkingcuba.wordpress.c.....satin-bra/
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 22:35
Thank you, Julio. The truth is difficult to swallow because it is so real. People prefer fairy tales. Great video posts.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 22:33
Also about Cuban health care
read this
http://talkingcuba.wordpress.c.....n-version/
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 22:05
This one example of the Cuban installations dedicated exclusively to treat foreigners that pay in dollars
http://www.ciren.cu/
I believe Dr Hilda Molina was director of that center before falling in disgrace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilda_Molina
The regime punish her by not letting her go to visit her family in Argentine
She was allow to travel after lots of negotiation with Castro.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 21:59
Mark, incidentally Dr Darsi Ferrer that appears in this documentary is in prison probably for participating in this documentary exposing the problems of Cuban Health Care. The Myth. Very different than the reality.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 21:56
Mark
You can fish in Cuba on the shore now going on a boat is difficult because you need permission from the coast guard (they are afraid people will go) So yes normal people do not have access to boats otherwise people will come here in boats not on inner tubes.
Lobster is the absolute property of the Cuban state. They are the only ones that can capture lobster.
As for the Cuban health care I will recommend you watch this documentary and tell me your opinion after you see it
http://www.elnuevoherald.com/n.....2-t34.html
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 21:51
Ok guys I diggup this video from youtube of a young Fidel Castro in English
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJL1Rj1P_J0
The interviewer at one point ask if he will allow the communist party to take part on an election (that was 1959 they have not declare communism yet)
His answer in English is
Our opinion is, Our idea is that everybody has the right to think .. that this is a democratic principle and there is no reason to forbidden any kind of opinion
Free opinion is the principle of democracy!
…
as you see here there is an absolute climate of free opinion!
Would you guys believe this guy was saying that in 1959?
The wolf in sheep clothing.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 21:47
Julio, can U tell me?
Do groups of people fish from shore in Cuba? Aren’t the fish in the water considered property of the Cuban government? Aren’t Cubans denied boats?
Is the Cuban health care among the best in the world? Does Cuban health care have any problems?
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 20:45
Going back to Fidel Castro’s Nobel
My argument is very simple
A person that have been at war with its own people for more than 50 years should never get the Nobel Peace Prize.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 20:39
John Two
Their defense is in every case of opposition the same
every opposition you are either crazy or some foreign power is paying you to behave the way you do.
Remember that pretty much every job in Cuba is a government job so that is how they keep a tight control on what people speak.
They never ever have admitted that any opposition is a valid opposition. All in their views are agents of the US interest.
Propaganda and more propaganda Lies and more lies is 50 years of them. Nothing new.
That is what has keep them on power for 50 years why change?
Cuba is crumbling into pieces and is the fault of the american embargo
anything that does not work is the fault of the american embargo
you name the problem and always the blame faults in the US.
50 years repeating the same thing. Over and Over.
They must really believe it by now.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 20:31
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kw3aZ_UBP4
Here is Castro saying that if they were to dedicate to terrorism they will be very efficient at it.
A man that has promoted guerrillas all over the world should never ever be even consider for such price.
That will be an insult to all the well deserve Nobel peace prize winners and a disgrace for the Nobel.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 20:29
A few thoughts on the Granma article attacking Yoani. I’ve probably missed some of the nuances since I haven’t been able to find an English translation.
As is almost universal with anyone who writes for Cuban state media, criticism the Castro regime is equated with an attack on Cuba. Critism of the dictatorship is equated with an attack on the “revolution.” Anyone opposed to the Castro regime is a “counter-revolutionary” obviously in the employ of oligarchic interests. In this case, Yoani’s popularity is because she’s a project of the PRISA newspaper group.
What never ceases to amaze me is how these writers - instead of reaching out - insult their audience. At one point, those who accept what Yoani writes are called idiots. Ham-fisted attempts are made to link Yoani with the most extreme elements of the Cuban exile community, including those accused of terrorist attacks.
Meanwhile, the official writers are the real victims because they’re not winning any awards. Memo to Enrique - start writing like a real journalist rather than a regime mouthpiece and maybe you’ll start getting some respect.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 20:27
Would you guys believe Fidel Castro is orchestrating a campaign to get the Nobel Peace prize for 2010!
http://www.cubadebate.cu/notic.....-paz-2010/
A self declare terrorist, dictator and the cause of much human suffering should never get that price.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 19:07
Another twit in spanish
Estoy optimista: el cambio ya empezĂł… sĂłlo falta que se enteren allá arriba.
I am optimistic: Change already began.. we only need that those up there learn about it
La flaca (the skinny) have a sense of humor!
:-)
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 19:03
Ha sido liberado Juan Juan Almeida. Ahora mismo ya está de regreso en su casa. Sus amigos respiramos aliviados.
Juan Juan Almeida has been release. He is back at home. His fried are breathing easier now. Is the text from one of Yoani’s twits in Spanish.
Why does the Cuban government persist on holding citizens in Cuba against their own will?
What is wrong with letting Juan Juan Almeida travel?
Does he knows government secrets?
or is the inside knowledge about the style of living of the leadership that worries them?
We already know the life style they have so one more speaking about it will not do any more damage. Let him go, Let him travel.
I really do not get the Cuban government. It gets into this troubles on its own.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 15:50
An inconvenient truth…
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....47578.html
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 15:48
Is a wrap in Honduras….
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....23012.html
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 14:49
Humberto:
Sorry to bother you with the credit issue, all you have to do if you don’t want to read it is to ignore it, turn the page.
If you want to read “Granma” in English, go to Google and type, “Granma in English” and it will give you the tread.
Hank:
Would you be surprise if I tell you that in Cuba there are millions of people who are not aware of Yoani Sánchez? Why?, because the great majority of people does not have access to internet.
I have a family visitor from Cuba at present time, a well inform person who never heard of Yoani, why? Because Granma, TV and Radio Stations only broadcast the news they want to feed you, they don’t want you to know about Yoani Sánchez.
I recently ask this person: In your opinion, how the lifting of the Embargo would benefit the regular Joe in Cuba, this person looks around like someone was listening, I said: In a free country like this, you express yourself without retaliation, so go ahead and tell me:
“The people that I trust and talked to, are of the opinion that things will continue if not the same, worse.” Why, I asked? “Because, with what we make we can hardly buy anything at the “Shopping”. In Cuba they call “Shopping” the stores fairly well stocked were you pay with Cuban Convertible Peso instead of the Cuban Peso which is worth nothing. These new “Shopping” stores are by-passing in number the stores run with Cuban Peso which are almost emptied.
So I ask: Who is to blame?
The reply was: “For 50 years I have live with promises, however when I visit the stores they are almost empty. I want to see results not promises. If it wasn’t for the few dollars that I received from abroad I will not be able to survive.”
Important data from Wikipedia: Despite the existence of the embargo, the United States is the fifth largest exporter to Cuba (6.6% of Cuba’s imports are from the US).
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 14:23
Albert,
Thank you for your comments your thoughts are also very clear!
See they need to use repression and they need to limit the freedoms for people to travel because people do know. Even after 50 years they still know what freedom is.
That is something you can not brain wash is not a stain in humans, it is the best thing we all got as humans. The desired to be free. of expressing what we think. Of contributing ideas and thoughts for the betterment of society.
But something is wrong with a society that punishes people because the solutions or the ideas they propose are not consistent with an ideology.
Ideology in their case is the perpetuation of one idea. If there is something we should perpetuate is the idea to have freedom to have ideas.
We should never perpetuate an idea that represses all the others because to do so means to ignore progress to ignore development. You can see the result of this way of acting in our own country. Totally destroyed as if by war.
It has been the war, the internal war they have executed with our own brothers and sisters. Just because they want to perpetuate an idea that wants to repress all others!
That is exactly the reason, that is exactly the kernel reason of why communism failed.
We can not go against human nature and we do go against human nature when we repress.
It is very obvious now that their intention was not even that idea (The communist idea) what they wanted and what they want is to keep themselves in power for ever and ever. At what cost? The human tragedy for the Cuban people is immense.
How many have been murder?
How many live has been lost?
How many have been repress?
How many are in exile?
It is not a small number if we count all of those. It’s a significant part of the population of Cuba of the people of Cuba.
My parents did think the revolution will bring back freedom like many others Cubans did. But now we know what we got.
We got tyranny!
It is time that we as Cubans claims back what was taken away from us.
The power in Cuba does not belong to these group of people that were only looking for the honey of power.
It belongs to the rightful owner,
The Cuban people.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 12:53
Humberto #33, I’d like to comment more on the Granma attack on Yoani. My Spanish isn’t that good, so I’m wondering if anyone has found an English translation, and could provide a link?
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 12:19
http://www.granma.cu/espanol/2.....nchez.html
This link to Yoani doesn’t seem to have an English translation. I went to the English version and there were no reports for 28 November, 2009 which is when the article about Yoani appears.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 10:55
Still waiting . . .
Do groups of people fish from shore in Cuba? Aren’t the fish in the water considered property of the Cuban government? Aren’t Cubans denied boats?
Is the Cuban health care among the best in the world? Does Cuban health care have any problems?
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 09:54
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Punk Johnny Cash, Julio Rey, Protagonists, Protagonists, Yoani Maria Sanchez and others. Yoani Maria Sanchez said: #cuba new Generation Y blog post: Last Bastion and Distraction http://bk.ly/4h [...]
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 08:45
Julio @ 41
I agree w/you, if their brand of ideology was so correct … why the for need repression?
If that system produced today’s generation what is wrong with the system?
One would think that after 50 + years there has been sufficent time for the “seed” to take hold.
As always … you are spot on Julio.
Thank you for illuminating thoughts.
I guess it proves that freedom works when there is freedom of thought …
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 08:20
Ed, I agree that Yoani is the fruit of the revolution but do you do beat the flower just because it is not the flower you wanted?
There is not just one Yoani, there is many Yoani’s in each of us that are the fruit of the revolution that the revolution has manage to repress. It is time to let all our internal Yoani’s free.
The revolution elder leaders have not realize this yet but Ed is right Yoani and each of us are the new man. We are the fruit of the revolution but they refuse to admitted it because we may not be the children’s they wanted.
These are some of the change we are asking
Freedom for all, independent of political ideas.
Education for all, independent of political ideas.
Allow other political parties to form.
Make freedom the number one priority to solve Cuba’s problems.
You should listen to the people of Cuba.
Remember every power you have does not belong to you it belongs to the people of Cuba.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 06:19
It seems that the revolution eats its own.
These exercises mean what? a state pf readiness? a way to find out where is the position of the armed forces … of the revolution?
What ever it is it may not be what we think, I for one can’t even begin to think like the castros & their circle of comandantes de la revolucion.
What I think is of the suffering they have caused, the abuse of power … “The holey of power” to quote someone smarter than I.
Trhu this mist … Yoani & the other silent voices echo if not just as a murmur …
freedom … freeedom …freedom.
While we are all preocupied with the “little” things & quible about terminology and lofty economic postulations … the people suffers.
Yes they are well educated, ther medical system is great (”?”) yet there is something amiss other wise why the discontent is such a perfect society?
Is it the human nature? is it the avarice of the few? is it ego?
Whatever it is, it has been festering, to the point that not even the fly stays over it for long.
The change may be comming but not yet, there is more damage to be done, more suffering to be inflicted, more oppression for the sake of the ones in power … for now.
Their fear is time, their fear is accountability, their fear is themselves and every failure for every scheme …
In the lofty palaces, the sound that echoes is not their steps or their voices … is their concience which it they failed to repress, to their dismay …
Time is their enemy & is closer to them …
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 00:51
ASIA NEWS: Cuba arrests son of late revolutionary leader
“Juan Almeida was previously arrested in May when he attempted to join his wife in Miami, Florida. Two months ago he published a book in Spain on his experience with Cuban leadership.
He was arrested on Friday as he was walking to a public square in Havana to protest his trampled civil rights, the CCHDRN said, adding it did not known if any charges have been filed against him.”
http://news.asiaone.com/News/A.....83079.html
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 00:23
yoanis is only the fruit of our revolution yoanis is an example of the efforts of our leaders
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 00:13
“I think that by eliminating the embargo, we facilitate the change we all hope for. What’s the alternative? Year after year of more embargo? Why?”
Eliminating the “bloqueo” many people can eat and children will drink milk and that is the point.
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 00:07
Âżcarece Yoani de vĂnculos y apoyos de ciertas embajadas europeas en La Habana?
Estoy seguro de que si tiene algun apoyo
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 00:03
All I have to post is the following quote from a true Cuban Patriot:
“One revolution is still necessary: the one that will not end with the rule of its leader. It will be the revolution against revolutions, the uprising of all peaceable individuals, who will become soldiers for once so that neither they nor anyone else will ever have to be a soldier again.”
- José Martì
Noviembre 30th, 2009 at 00:01
Statue of Liberty,
I respectfully disagree with you.
I think that we both want the same thing, to be rid of the dictatorship and begin a new chapter in Cuba’s history. One that is long overdue.
Where we disagree is how to go about effecting that change and starting anew. I understand that lifting the embargo may lead to extending credit to the regime. I get it. But as you point out, the Cuban government has not paid its debt to a number of countries that have already extended credit to it. As I said before, once they are in default, the credit will dry up. It will be gone.
If we lift the embargo now, how many banks or other lending institutions do you think will be lining up to lend money to the Cuban government, especially after the financial crisis? It seems a bit far-fetched to think that American banks will be falling over themselves to lend money to Cuba after all the banks have been through. Last time I checked, American banks are under pressure because they aren’t lending enough to American businesses or American home buyers, let alone communist dictatorships.
My point is this - the embargo has not worked. We tried it for 50 years and it failed miserably. Castro is still there.
Look at the phenomenon that Yoani has created. She did this using technology to communicate with people outside of her immediate sphere. She has captured peoples’ imagination around the world because she says things we can all understand. What if there were one thousand or a hundred thousand Yoanis blogging away and doing what she is doing from inside Cuba? Wouldn’t each one of them be slowly picking away at the regime in a way that they could not fight? What’s the best way to promote this? Do we keep the embargo in place or do we lift it? In my opinion, we need more of this in Cuba because it promotes change. It inspires people - who knows what would happen if more people in Cuba were inspired. I think that by eliminating the embargo, we facilitate the change we all hope for. What’s the alternative? Year after year of more embargo? Why?
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 23:56
Can someone comment on the article in Gramma? All this other stuff about credit is boring me to death!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 23:44
when the change you want. Mourn a lifetime of work ofisinas cleaning 12h and end dates back you do not pay the rent and pay for insurance to do the analysis to nesecitas you, please do not dream of getting sick, yes, yes you will have the piece of bread is now not have and will have a big television advertising only to see that somebody intereza and end of the day you will have no mood to sit at the computer so much love, appreciate what God gave you and if you want to change something rise from the chair picks up a spade have and will have a big television advertising only to see that somebody intereza and end of the day you will have no mood to sit at the computer so much love, appreciate what God gave you and if you want to change something rise from the chair picks up a spade and planting the fruit of the morning and then you will be worthy….
oh! purposely Cuba has the best system defenza against hurricane, hurricanes time no panic and no one dies, it looks new and pienza govierno cares about its citizens
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 23:39
Every country in the world pays on credit and every country in the world operates at a deficit. Including the United States. Cuba is no different in that regard.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 22:15
DO THEY HAVE AN ENGLISH VERSION OF GRAMMA? MY SPANISH IS NOT AT SUCH A HIGH LEVEL!
SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THAT THE CUBAN GOVERMENT IS RUNNING SCARED! CAGANDOSE!
GRAMMA ARTICLE: Yoani Sánchez: la hija de PRISA
ÂżCĂłmo escribir un artĂculo serio sobre un asunto que no lo parece?, Âżo que lo es, por las implicaciones que adquiere en la guerra mediática contra Cuba, aĂşn cuando no lo sea por naturaleza propia? El terreno ha sido previamente minado. Como toda mercancĂa, hecha para ser vendida, Yoani Sánchez es fotografiada con intencionalidad: frente al lente, muestra su iracunda delgadez, con el aplomo de una huĂ©rfana que reta a los posibles padres sustitutos. El invisible cintillo del anuncio dice: “Una mujer moderna, frente a su laptop, en un apartamento de la ciudad hostil, expone libremente sus opiniones”. Las fotos recorren el ciberespacio. ÂżQuiĂ©n se atreve a ofender a una indefensa mujer? Todo ha sido bien pensado, porque en una cultura machista como la hispana, una mujer no debe ser desmentida por un hombre. Cualquiera que ose cuestionar el paquete que se expone en la vitrina de la tienda mediática será atacado por los defensores del arca perdida. Pero, Âżes realmente importante Yoani? Tratemos, pese a todo, de avanzar, hurgando por aquĂ y por allá en Internet.?
http://www.granma.cu/espanol/2.....nchez.html
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 22:08
To Hanks for his post #26 under The Maintained blog.
My reason for objecting the lifting of the embargo is quite simple, I am not an economist either but it seems to me that if Cuba can pay CASH there is no point in allowing them credit. Knowing for a fact that they have always defaulted payment to countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, just to name a few, there is a long list of other countries who never got paid.
You are also of the idea that lifting the embargo and travel restrictions will create questions among ordinary Cubans. Well, for many years, ordinary Cubans have been aware of these differences and nothing had happened or changed, therefore no need to wait for the embargo to end.
Removing the embargo does not guarantee any change in the present regime, they will not bow to any pressure, proof of that is 50 years of lying and creating obstacles every time they see fit, they are in control, no one will change their mind.
I have never objected to a travel restriction; that is a horse of a different color; anyone should be free to travel however since this country don’t have normal relations with Cuba, it will be hard for this country to guarantee their citizens a safe travel.
Here is my comment #20
To 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?
Hank post #26 in reply to #20
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 29th, 2009 at 20:21
Interesting how these old tyrants don’t have a real war to contend with, so they make one up. A make believe scenario involving the whole population, as if to impress on everyone that they will all suffer the same faith, and imminent danger - i.e. to perish along with the geriatric ward itself, if regime change came about.
This inner desire that dictators and tyrants have, including the wish to bury everyone along with themselves, reminds one of Adolph Hitler’s wish that the whole of Germany should perish at the end of World War II, as he felt the population was undeserving of living on without him.
Closer to home, when it was imminent to Reverends Jim Jones and David Koresh that they were caught, and that discredit, prosecution and punishment would follow, they ordered all those over whom they had total psychological control, to join them into committing mass suicide. Of course these individuals were not leaders of an entire country. They took advantage of the freedoms we enjoy state side, in order to lie and manipulate those poor ignorant souls that had joined their cult.
The sooner people realize the fallacy and control that they are subjected to, the quicker the dynasty will disintegrate under its own weight. This is why saturating the island with truthful, accurate information is so crucial. Even more so than maintaining the unsuccessful fifty year old embargo.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 18:19
MORE OF THE LEFT MEDIA IS GETTING IT!!
NEW JUNKIE POST ARTICLE: Cuban War Games: An Absurd Ruse
“But we should not accept, at face-value, Castro’s reasons for these military drills. A more probable reason for these drills is to instill paranoia in the Cuban population, in order to maintain obedience to the state through fear and intimidation. Recently, the Cuban government has faced growing levels of dissent in its own citizenry. This fact is underscored most notably by the political beating of Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez, whose blog is now internationally renowned for its open dissent against the Cuban government.”
http://newsjunkiepost.com/2009.....surd-ruse/
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 18:08
Mark Rich,the scene you are talking about was actually film in Cadiz,Spain,I know I am a James Bond Buff.The residents are not allowed to own boats…
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 17:56
“LA FLACA” FOR PRESIDENT OF CUBA!! We just need to feed her some “Ajiaco” during the campaign!
LOVE YOU FLACA!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 17:40
Humberto,
That was an incredible article in El Pais! Thank you for posting the link.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 17:17
I’m still waiting for someone to set us straight.
The James Bond Movie, “Die Another Day” portrayed several fishermen in Havana fishing off the shore. Is this ever seen in Havana? Do groups of people fish from the shore in Cuba? Aren’t the fish in the water considered 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 29th, 2009 at 16:58
THIS IS A GREAT ARTICLE! SORRY BUT IT IS TOO GOOD NOT TO POST IN SPANISH!
ARTICLE IN SPAIN’S EL PAIS: El ‘blog’ que mueve la isla de Cuba!
“Dos años despuĂ©s, la situaciĂłn es radicalmente distinta. En abril de 2008, Yoani Sánchez obtuvo el Premio Ortega y Gasset de periodismo, concedido por EL PAĂŤS, en la categorĂa de trabajo digital. Fue seleccionada por la revista Time entre las 100 personas más influyentes del mundo, en el apartado de HĂ©roes y Pioneros. GeneraciĂłn Y fue elegido en 2009 entre los 25 mejores blogs del mundo, una selecciĂłn hecha por Time y la cadena norteamericana CNN. Además, en este tiempo Yoani fue distinguida con el máximo galardĂłn de los Premios BOB, asĂ como una menciĂłn especial en el prestigioso Premio de periodismo MarĂa Moors Cabt, de la Universidad de Columbia. Y mĂşltiples honores más.”
http://www.elpais.com/articulo.....spor_3/Tes
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 16:53
Caracol — can you undo the “caps lock”? It makes your comments really hard to read. Thanks.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 16:32
THE FIRST THING THAT CASTRO TEACHES THE CHILDREN WHEN THEY START SCHOOL IS TO TEACH HOW TO HATE THE AMERICANS,THE YANQUIS EVERYTHING IS A POLITICAL PROPAGANDA THE YOUTH IN CUBA TODAY IS TIRED OF ALL OF THAT SAME ROUTINE THE YOUNGER GENERATION ARE THINKING MOORE ON THE OUTSIDE RATHER THAN IN THE INSIDE EVERY YOUNG PERSON IN THE ISLAND WANTS TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TOURISTS THEY FEEL THEY WILL ACOMPLISHED SOMETHING IMPORTANT.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 16:22
This is another great post by Erasmo Calzadilla
http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=13703
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 16:05
John Two,
I think people are learning and many are confirming the regime lies. Pity not all Cubans can have access to all these information. They are treated like kids by the paternalistic state that only let them see the news they wanted them to see after they manipulate the information and bended in a form favorable to the regime.
In my time in Cuba we never got Granma we use to get Bohemia because the paper was better as toilet paper. The ink from Granma will stain you. There was nothing to read except for government propaganda.
They are so detach of the Cuban reality! It is unbelievable how could they do something like that.
I hope people in Cuba do loose their fears.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 15:38
CUBA IS THE ALCATRAZ OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEMOCRACY IN CUBA SHOULD DO EVERY THING IN THEIR POWER TO BRING DOWN THE CURTAIN THAT HAS THE CUBAN INNOCENT PEOPLE TORTURE BY THE CASTROS BROTHERS REGIMEN.CUBAN GOVERMENT ARE USING THE SAME TACTICS AS SADDAM HUSSEIN DID WITH THE MILITARY BY TELLING EVERY SOLDIER IF THERE IS NO COMMUNICATION FIGHT TO THE END DONT GIVE UP.THIS IS A EXPRESSION OF DESPERATION AND A SIGN OF ISOLATION, CUBANS IN THE ISLAND SHOULDNT HAVE TO LIVE WITH CHAINS IN THEIR FEET FOR MUCH LONGER HOPEFULLY THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING CHANGE AND YES WE CAN.SOMETHING FROM THE INSIDE ITS BOILING THOSE FROM THE OUTSIDE MUST BE ON THE ALERT.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 15:25
I agree Julio. Erasmo Calzadilla is the most outspoken (and courageous) of the Havana Times diarists. His entries even led to his firing as a professor at the University of Havana, but yet, he shows no sign of backing down.
Erasmo critiques the Granma article for conflating HRW’s criticism of the regime with criticism of Cuba and its people, the same rhetorical trick Julio has pointed out on numerous occasions.
Another thing I found interesting is that Erasmo was able to view HRW’s webpage to see for himself what the report said about human rights violations in Cuba. Another indicator that it is becoming increasingly difficut for the regime to censor and control the information being received by the Cuban people.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 14:26
This one is an interesting article
http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=16627
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 13:31
Communism is the enemy of the power of the people
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 13:28
***
The Castro brothers are the enemies of the Cuban People–not the U.S.A. Communism is the enemy of liberty.
***
Los hermanos Castro son los enimigos de la gente Cubano–no Los Estados Unidos. Communismo es el enemigo de la libertad.
***
John Bibb
***
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 13:03
It seems to be a rule of human nature that people need someone, or some other group, to hate. We all have the tendency to project evil on to other people and blame them for all the problems in the world. And despot leaders seemed to play on that natural tendency with skill, creating unity among the people through fear and projection. Chavez is doing it right now, desperately trying to deceive his citizens that they are on the verge of attack. And unfortunately it works….people collectively join together and point the finger “over there.”
It is a desperate move to unify and control the people, but I hope the Cuban people are “awake” enough to “see” it.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 12:07
Caracol,
Quizas no te has dado cuenta pero este lado del blog de Yoani es en Ingles para el beneficio de aquellos que solo hablan ingles. Eres bienbenida a postear aqui pero trata de hacerlo en Ingles si es posible.
Caracol
Maybe you have not noticed this side of Yoani’s blog is in English for the benefit of those who only speak English. You are welcome to post here but please try to do it in English if possible.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 11:33
NUMERO #1 CUANDO LOS YANQUIS INVADIERON A GRANADA DICEN QUE LOS SOLDADOS CUBANOS SE MANDARON A CORRER Y BRINCABAN COMO CHIVOS,ALGUNOS CUBANOS QUE VIERON A LOS AMERICANOS CALLENDO EN LOS PARA CAIDAS PENSABAN QUE ERAN EXTRATERRESTRES BAJANDO DEL ESPACIO. YOANY CUANDO A LOS CUBANOS LES PASE POR ARRIBA DE SUS CABESAS UN AVION SOFISTICADO CON LO ULTIMO DE LA TECHNONOLOGIA COMO LOS HE VISTO YO VAN A DECIR LO MISMO QUE DIJO EL HIJO DE JUAN CUANDO SE LO LLEVARON HACIA LA GUERRA, EL GRITABA CORRIENDO LA GUERRA SE HIZO PARA EL GUAPO Y YO DE GUAPO NO TENGO NADA.ESTO ES LO MISMO QUE PASARA EN CUBA.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 11:22
YOANY’ HOY EN DIA ERES TAN POPULAR COMO LO FUE FIDEL CASTRO PERO CON MEJORES IDEAS Y TU DIPLOMACIA DE EXPRESSION.FIDEL DIO UN GOLPE DE ESTADO POR LA FUERZA NOSOTROS SE LO VAMOS A DAR A EL CON INTELIGENCIA,SABEDURIA Y RESPONSABLEMENTE SIN DESCANSAR.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 11:15
yoany buenos dias; El gobierno de fidel y raul castro saben muy bien que si por casualidad los estados unidos invaden a cuba la guerra durara 5 minutos estos disparates del regimen es nada mas que entretenimiento y un pasa tiempo es como una FERIA DE DIVERSION.lo ultimo que quisiera hacer los americanos es hacer mas danos a los ciudadanos de la isla y matar gentes infelices que estan presionados y obligados hacer lo que los payasos de los castros digan.estos imbeciles tienen dinero para estos actos falsos mientras el pueblo se muere de hambre.saddam hussein le decia lo mismo a sus soldados aunque se pierda la communicacion fajense hasta el final no se rindan estan usando la misma tactica iraqui.cuba hoy en dia no es una amenaza para los estados unidos.creo que tampoco los cubanos se van a fajar.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 10:13
Why this obsessive preparation for war from the north?
Is been 50 years now almost 20 without the protection of the Soviet Union and the US have not flex a muscle against Cuba.
Yes Yoani the real enemies to the power in Cuba are the people of Cuba that are waking up to the sad reality of a government that does not represent them.
A government that to keep power is willing to go as far as it needs to.
A government that does not have principles.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 09:13
Qbaninca
You are absolutely right. Propaganda is a powerful tool. The regime in Cuba has been very effective in coloring the conversation, from how we “exiles” are viewed to how most of the world views Cuba. The truth is out there for those who are willing to look beyond the falsehoods and outright lies. But too many uninformed people fall for the propaganda and all the neatly packaged bullshit.
The Cuban mafia doesn’t reside in Miami it is running the Cuban government. They are the thugs, oppressors and criminals. You are right, these are not people to be reasoned, or bargained with. They are not going to negotiate themselves out of power. But unfortunately it appears it is no longer “fashionable” to be confrontational. Many in our own community are now willing to drop the embargo, cease travel restrictions and try to engage the Cuban government. I cannot argue with those who take this stand out of their feeling that this is the best way to help the Cubans on the island who are living in increasingly miserable conditions. Nevertheless I find the idea of engaging these criminals in any form of discourse as morally repugnant.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 09:01
Interesting.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 04:02
First of,YEah,Yoanis tweets are in English;ive been following her,but obviously i fail to read Spanish,though it is a favourite language of mine.
The depression of war is never so severe than when you feel that it’s either getting close,or is already happening & you can do anything about it.Here everyone’s fearing a war,though there’s already one going on in NWFP;but apparently all those live’s & homes lost & IDP’s(Internally Displaced People,not refugees),are not heavy enough on the rest of the country to actually make them think of it as so.For the more depressing truth is that no where in the world is the saying You cant trust anyone in the world,more true than here,where it’s all about what you get out of it;the Gorillas arent the only ones disgracing our faith & county,we ourselves seem to be helping in some way.
The threat of war seems to be looming in every 3rd world or struggling country that has an alliance or a rocky patch with the US.I suppose i’ve developed a habit of blaming the US,but then again,so has everybody else,& i think this habit goes beyond my borders.My borders on the other hand,are already being exploited & disrespected in every manner;from drone attacks to the ‘terrorists’,(o how i utterly hate that word),crossing the border back & forth.I’m quiet sick & tired of all the blame;Pakistan needs to do this,Pakistan needs be more that..what about Afghanistan?? what are they?Its because of them & our own foolishness we’re in this situation.
Goodness i get off track too often:$
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 00:49
Tony I agree, but it is also these stupid congressmen that we elect into office. It truly irks me to learn that congressional representatives who have absolutely nothing to do with Cuba go there to “engage in dialog” with Cuban governmental figures. It also irks me to read about Hollywood stars like Sean Penn, Michael Douglas and Michael Moore go to Cuba and engage in so called dialog as if they were some sort of diplomats.
How can we engage in dialog with individuals that forbid our brothers and sisters to travel or to live with basic human rights? More specifically, why do we Cuban Americans not speak out forcible against what is clearly a violation of our right to exist and live like human beings? Why do we allow ourselves to be treated like third-class citizens and be portrayed as hoodlums by Hollywood or the video game industry (e.g. Scarface by Al Pacino or games like Grand Theft Auto)?
Is it that we need our own version of an ACLU or NAACP to represent us on a global scale? Let’s not kid ourselves - if don’t respect ourselves no one will. It is not glamorous to be portrayed like animals and unless we take steps to correct this unfortunate view that our enemies have shed on us, no one will take us serious.
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 00:35
Basically the people have the voice,the reason, but they have the tanks, the brute force and Villa Marista.Yoani is twitting about Villa. This article is the closest you can get about this macabre place, pure terror.
http://octavocerco.blogspot.co.....ero%20Caro
Noviembre 29th, 2009 at 00:01
What a waste of an island nations money. The people are hungry and the streets full of pot holes, instead the country wants to scare its population into thinking that “another” invasion is happening. This is the same Bull shit story Hugo Chavez is telling his people. It sounds like a tactic to get people to support an igo maniac ruler. Its time for change. What the USA sends Cuba is FOOD, money, and stupid congressmen.