Reporting the news… living the news
To report what hurts us, to write about what we have encountered, touched, suffered, transcends the journalistic experience to become a living testimony. The distance between articles about a man on a hunger strike and the act of feeling his ribs protruding from his sides, is an abyss. Thus, no interview can reproduce the tear filled eyes of Clara, Guillermo Fariñas’ wife, while she tells me that for their daughter her father has a stomach illness and so grows thinner every day. Not even a long report could manage to describe the panic induced by the camera which, a hundred yards from the home of this Villa Claran, observes and films everyone who approaches number 615A Calle Alemán.
To accumulate paragraphs, compile quotes and show recordings, fails to convey the odor of the emergency room where Fariñas was moved yesterday. My guilt for having come too late to beg him to eat again, to persuade him to avoid irreversible damage to his health, is unbearable. On the drive there I wove together some phrases to convince him not to carry on to the end, but before coming into the city a text message confirmed he was hospitalized. I would have said to him, “You have already accomplished it, you have helped to remove their mask,†but instead of this I had to offer words of consolation to his family, sitting in his absence in that room in the humble neighborhood of La Chirusa.
Why have they brought us to this point? How can they close all the paths of dialog, debate, healthy dissent and necessary criticism? When this kind of protest, a protest of empty stomachs, happens in a country we have to question whether they have left citizens any other way to show their lack of consent. Fariñas knows they will never give him one minute on the radio, that his voice cannot rise up, without penalty, in a public place. Refusing to eat was the way he found to show the desperation and despair of living under a system that gags and masks his most important “conquests.â€
Coco cannot die. Because in the long funeral procession that is taking Orlando Zapata Tamayo, our voice and the rights of citizens which they killed long ago… there is no room for one more death.
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 08:55
To m pineiro losada:
Newsflash….Cuba already is a “slave plantation for the imperialist project.” The imperialists are named Fidel and Raul. I’ve seen some of the real pictures of the deplorable conditions of the hospitals where the average Cuban receives free “healthcare.” I wouldn’t send my dog to one of these facilities. Where you see a socialist paradise, we see Cuba’s citizens having to live like babies, having every aspect of their lives proscribed for them by those who live very differently indeed. For your information, there are two tiers of free healthcare in Cuba, one for the ordinary people and one for those connected to the “government” or rather “dictatorship.” Why aren’t Cubans free to travel wherever and whenever they choose? Don’t think for a minute that the rest of the free world does not know what goes on day to day in Cuba. Thanks, blogueros, for exposing what life is really like for you. Keep up the good work and, hopefully, you will soon be free.
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 05:56
Using the old slogans about oligarchies, corruption & repression …?
By its definition, oligarchy is the goverment of the few, by persons, by families …
Does it sound familiar?
You talk about corruption & exploitation?
Everyone in Cuba has housing, food, medical coverage & education … equally …
Who dictates what are the necesities of the cubans?
Who decides what that equality is? who decides the availability, the quantities, the timing of such a provided “right”?
It seems to me that if a “few” control the power in a society that society is: an oligachy.
It also seems to me, since those “few” “control” all aspects of the cuban citizen’s life … those few, are in fact “dictating” life … aren’t they.
With obligatory demostrations of loyalty, with “block regulators” spying in their life; with the constant vigilance about what they say & to whom … & another thing say … when presented w/the choice of black market purchases as or use of regime’s rations … why? everything is plentiful & accessible … why?
When the use of your currency is in itself an exercise in self preservation …
You dare talk about rampant corruption?
Are you saying that the people of Cuba is corrupt & surely ungratefull? are you saying that the people of Cuba is lazy looking only for themselves rather than the good of all?
So Cuba has a goverment of the people, for the people by the people …
The goverment of Cuba is by (from the begining) appoinment, w/guns, hereditary from fidel to raul, integrated by the few … hey … its an oligarchy …!
Propaganda, slogans … in this day & age where information is readily available, your facts may be proven as lies in no time flat …
We aware losada … use the truth, not as you see it …use the truth as it is …
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 01:53
This is a small sample:
The EU Parliament condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo and demanded that Havana immediately release all its political prisoners.
The French government asked the Castro brothers’ regime to release its political prisoners and expressed concern for Fariñas’ well-being.
Reporters Without Borders accused the Cuban government of being “pitiless†to dissident journalists, and demanded the “immediate release†of all journalists held prisoner on the communist-ruled island. Also said it was “especially concerned†about the state of health of dissident reporter Guillermo “Coco†Fariñas, who has been on a hunger strike for the last eight days.
The President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias said “Political prisoners do not exist in democracies. No one goes to prison for thinking differently in any country that is truly free. Cuba can put forth all its efforts and oratory to try to sell that its democracy is special, but with each political prisoner comes a de facto negation of that affirmation. Each political prisoner is irrefutable proof of authoritarianism.”
Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, reminded Fariñas that Cuba needs men like him to live, to continue to lead the struggle for liberty.
Chile’s President-elect Sebastián Piñera issued a statement harshly condemning the circumstances surrounding the death of Zapata, who he said “gave his life to defend democracy and freedom in Cuba.”
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The United States government deeply regrets the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and we send our condolences to his family and we also reiterate our strong objection to the actions of the Cuban government,”
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reacted to the death of a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike by demanding that the island’s communist government release its prisoners of conscience and respect human rights.
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 01:51
This is a small sample:
The EU Parliament condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo and demanded that Havana immediately release all its political prisoners. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The French government asked the Castro brothers’ regime to release its political prisoners and expressed concern for Fariñas’ well-being.
Link: http://www.diariodecuba.net/cu.....-cuba.html
Reporters Without Borders accused the Cuban government of being “pitiless†to dissident journalists, and demanded the “immediate release†of all journalists held prisoner on the communist-ruled island. Also said it was “especially concerned†about the state of health of dissident reporter Guillermo “Coco†Fariñas, who has been on a hunger strike for the last eight days.
Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias said “Political prisoners do not exist in democracies. No one goes to prison for thinking differently in any country that is truly free. Cuba can put forth all its efforts and oratory to try to sell that its democracy is special, but with each political prisoner comes a de facto negation of that affirmation. Each political prisoner is irrefutable proof of authoritarianism.”
Link: http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/9.....e34ad.html
Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, reminded Fariñas that Cuba needs men like him to live, to continue to lead the struggle for liberty.
Link: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/wreath_7483310
Chile’s President-elect Sebastián Piñera issued a statement harshly condemning the circumstances surrounding the death of Zapata, who he said “gave his life to defend democracy and freedom in Cuba.”
Link: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50537
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The United States government deeply regrets the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and we send our condolences to his family and we also reiterate our strong objection to the actions of the Cuban government,”
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....02528.html
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reacted to the death of a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike by demanding that the island’s communist government release its prisoners of conscience and respect human rights.
Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 01:48
This is a small sample:
The EU Parliament condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo and demanded that Havana immediately release all its political prisoners. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The French government asked the Castro brothers’ regime to release its political prisoners and expressed concern for Fariñas’ well-being. Link: http://www.diariodecuba.net/cu.....-cuba.html
Reporters Without Borders accused the Cuban government of being “pitiless†to dissident journalists, and demanded the “immediate release†of all journalists held prisoner on the communist-ruled island. Also said it was “especially concerned†about the state of health of dissident reporter Guillermo “Coco†Fariñas, who has been on a hunger strike for the last eight days. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias said “Political prisoners do not exist in democracies. No one goes to prison for thinking differently in any country that is truly free. Cuba can put forth all its efforts and oratory to try to sell that its democracy is special, but with each political prisoner comes a de facto negation of that affirmation. Each political prisoner is irrefutable proof of authoritarianism.” . Link: http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/9.....e34ad.html
Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, reminded Fariñas that Cuba needs men like him to live, to continue to lead the struggle for liberty. Link: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/wreath_7483310
Chile’s President-elect Sebastián Piñera issued a statement harshly condemning the circumstances surrounding the death of Zapata, who he said “gave his life to defend democracy and freedom in Cuba.” Link: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50537
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The United States government deeply regrets the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and we send our condolences to his family and we also reiterate our strong objection to the actions of the Cuban government,” Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....02528.html
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reacted to the death of a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike by demanding that the island’s communist government release its prisoners of conscience and respect human rights. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 01:46
The Free World condemnation of Orlando Zapata death and demand of the release of political prisoners is a very compelling reason for the regime to negotiate.
The tragic death of Orlando Zapata and the hunger strike by Guillermo Fariñas have not been in vain.
The Castro brothers’ regime has been pressured by foreign governments, world leaders, foreign press, and world organizations with their demands that political prisoners be released from prison and their regrets for the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike.
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 01:44
The Free World condemnation of Orlando Zapata death and demand of the release of political prisoners is a very compelling reason for the regime to negotiate.
The tragic death of Orlando Zapata and the hunger strike by Guillermo Fariñas have not been in vain.
The Castro brothers’ regime has been pressured by foreign governments, world leaders, foreign press, and world organizations with their demands that political prisoners be released from prison and their regrets for the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike. Here is a small sample:
The EU Parliament condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo and demanded that Havana immediately release all its political prisoners. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The French government asked the Castro brothers’ regime to release its political prisoners and expressed concern for Fariñas’ well-being. Link: http://www.diariodecuba.net/cu.....-cuba.html
Reporters Without Borders accused the Cuban government of being “pitiless†to dissident journalists, and demanded the “immediate release†of all journalists held prisoner on the communist-ruled island. Also said it was “especially concerned†about the state of health of dissident reporter Guillermo “Coco†Fariñas, who has been on a hunger strike for the last eight days. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias said “Political prisoners do not exist in democracies. No one goes to prison for thinking differently in any country that is truly free. Cuba can put forth all its efforts and oratory to try to sell that its democracy is special, but with each political prisoner comes a de facto negation of that affirmation. Each political prisoner is irrefutable proof of authoritarianism.” . Link: http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/9.....e34ad.html
Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, reminded Fariñas that Cuba needs men like him to live, to continue to lead the struggle for liberty. Link: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/wreath_7483310
Chile’s President-elect Sebastián Piñera issued a statement harshly condemning the circumstances surrounding the death of Zapata, who he said “gave his life to defend democracy and freedom in Cuba.” Link: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50537
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The United States government deeply regrets the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and we send our condolences to his family and we also reiterate our strong objection to the actions of the Cuban government,” Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....02528.html
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reacted to the death of a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike by demanding that the island’s communist government release its prisoners of conscience and respect human rights. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
Europe - Cuba NGO Network calls for the release of all prisoners of conscience, particularly those in critical health conditions. Link: http://www.cubalog.eu/index.php?id=2&news=95
Amnesty International has urged Cuba to release all political prisoners after the death of detained activist Orlando Zapata Tamayo who had been on hunger strike. Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8534746.stm
El Pais.com.es http://www.elpais.com/articulo.....uint_1/Tes
Canada.com http://www.canada.com/news/Cub.....story.html
Chicago Tribune http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....8280.story
The Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/201.....asses.html
RADIO NETHERLANDS WORLDWIDE http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/die-cuba-live
USA TODAY http://www.usatoday.com/news/w.....opStories+(News+-+World+-+Top+Stories)
TODAY msnbc.com
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35837268/ns/health/
THE HUFFINGTON POST
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....r-striker/
Townhall.com http://townhall.com/news/world.....ments=true
World Opinion Joins to Mourn, and Save, the Lives of Cuba’s Hunger Strikers
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....98742.html
Marzo 16th, 2010 at 01:42
New testing
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 22:54
Free World condemnation of Orlando Zapata death and demand the release of political prisoners.
The tragic death of Orlando Zapata and the hunger strike by Guillermo Fariñas have not been in vain.
The Castro brothers’ regime has been pressured by foreign governments, world leaders, foreign press, and world organizations with their demands that political prisoners be released from prison and their regrets for the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike.
The EU Parliament condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo and demanded that Havana immediately release all its political prisoners. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The French government asked the Castro brothers’ regime to release its political prisoners and expressed concern for Fariñas’ well-being. Link: http://www.diariodecuba.net/cu.....-cuba.html
Reporters Without Borders accused the Cuban government of being “pitiless†to dissident journalists, and demanded the “immediate release†of all journalists held prisoner on the communist-ruled island. Also said it was “especially concerned†about the state of health of dissident reporter Guillermo “Coco†Fariñas, who has been on a hunger strike for the last eight days. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias said “Political prisoners do not exist in democracies. No one goes to prison for thinking differently in any country that is truly free. Cuba can put forth all its efforts and oratory to try to sell that its democracy is special, but with each political prisoner comes a de facto negation of that affirmation. Each political prisoner is irrefutable proof of authoritarianism.” . Link: http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/9.....e34ad.html
Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, reminded Fariñas that Cuba needs men like him to live, to continue to lead the struggle for liberty. Link: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/wreath_7483310
Chile’s President-elect Sebastián Piñera issued a statement harshly condemning the circumstances surrounding the death of Zapata, who he said “gave his life to defend democracy and freedom in Cuba.” Link: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50537
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The United States government deeply regrets the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and we send our condolences to his family and we also reiterate our strong objection to the actions of the Cuban government,” Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....02528.html
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reacted to the death of a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike by demanding that the island’s communist government release its prisoners of conscience and respect human rights. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 22:46
Mr.Pineiro:
Regarding your last posting, congratulations. Finally you answer like a human. Looks like the Robotic machine was resting. My friend, you still have an space to keep expressing yourself here. At least, you have access to the internet without a “peluca” (wig) like Yoanis. You see, you are still have an advantage because you have freedom……as an elemental right.
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 22:31
“His e-mail address is the same in all messages under different names.”
I know that this is a lie. I have posted under the same name and same e-mail address every single time I’ve posted here. I find it hard to believe that anyone else is posting with my e-mail address.
I find it hilarious that Generation Y now has its own “Propaganda Wing” which peddles lies and tries to minimize opposing viewpoints, the very thing they accuse the Cuban Revolution of doing. Hahahaha.
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 20:29
When you read entries like this, you no longer have to wonder who are you dealing with. They are inhuman, heartless people, incapable of respecting human rights. There are foolish people in this blog who think they can negotiate with barbarians.
Recently we have been bombarded with comments from defenders of the Robolution, disguising themselves under different names like: piñeiro-losada, tom, juan, cubano havana cuba, le suisse, pedro animala; when in essence it is the same person. His e-mail address is the same in all messages under different names.
Down with Communist & Communism.
Viva Cuba Libre, Long Live this United States of America.
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 20:20
Mr. Pineiro:
Almost got a headache trying to understand what are you’re trying to justify here .I believe that” The Capital” from Marx and Engels gave me less difficulties. Cuba is not a Socialist country, it is a a “Fidelist” regime.He is still controlling everything and everybody. Again, don’t be concern about the headache that a person could have when the system is dying of cancer. My friend, you are a “disco rayado”, a political blind person. Still, you cannot answer to the absence of the most elemental (again elemental)absence of freedom in Cuba. What you call revolution is not longer progressive, is not longer interested in the development of the future of Cuba. They have lost all initiative and they have not fulfill the promises. The dictatorship is only interested in keeping the status-quo. Again, the NEW Revolution, the one that I emphasize here, its the one that have the historical momentum. Ah, you could be a little bit more human and recognize and respect the simple and humble people that in Cuba are in jail, sick and dying for their ideas, with honor and dignity. Personally, you just care in the apparent economic explanation of the “balseros” phenomenon, without showing a little of compassion for the death, for the mothers and orphans. Again, my friend, no trates de tapar el sol con un dedo. Your speech is only words, no feelings, no sense of belonging to a country, to a pueblo. Don’t you think the day Orientales can travel freely to Habana they will have and feel more freedom? See, this is what I mean basic, elemental right. Keep copying the same old recipes and phrases my friend. Still, they are empty. Vivan lon nuevos y valientes revolucionarios en Cuba!!!! By the way, you also love Chavez??? I wonder…..
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 20:04
Free World condemnation of Orlando Zapata death and demand the release of political prisoners.
The tragic death of Orlando Zapata and the hunger strike by Guillermo Fariñas have not been in vain.
The Castro brothers’ regime has been pressured by foreign governments, world leaders, foreign press, and world organizations with their demands that political prisoners be released from prison and their regrets for the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike.
The EU Parliament condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo and demanded that Havana immediately release all its political prisoners. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The French government asked the Castro brothers’ regime to release its political prisoners and expressed concern for Fariñas’ well-being. Link: http://www.diariodecuba.net/cu.....-cuba.html
Reporters Without Borders accused the Cuban government of being “pitiless†to dissident journalists, and demanded the “immediate release†of all journalists held prisoner on the communist-ruled island. Also said it was “especially concerned†about the state of health of dissident reporter Guillermo “Coco†Fariñas, who has been on a hunger strike for the last eight days. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
The President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias said “Political prisoners do not exist in democracies. No one goes to prison for thinking differently in any country that is truly free. Cuba can put forth all its efforts and oratory to try to sell that its democracy is special, but with each political prisoner comes a de facto negation of that affirmation. Each political prisoner is irrefutable proof of authoritarianism.” . Link: http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/9.....e34ad.html
Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, reminded Fariñas that Cuba needs men like him to live, to continue to lead the struggle for liberty. Link: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/wreath_7483310
Chile’s President-elect Sebastián Piñera issued a statement harshly condemning the circumstances surrounding the death of Zapata, who he said “gave his life to defend democracy and freedom in Cuba.” Link: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50537
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The United States government deeply regrets the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and we send our condolences to his family and we also reiterate our strong objection to the actions of the Cuban government,” Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....02528.html
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reacted to the death of a Cuban political prisoner on hunger strike by demanding that the island’s communist government release its prisoners of conscience and respect human rights. Link: http://www.laht.com/article.as.....ryId=14510
Europe - Cuba NGO Network calls for the release of all prisoners of conscience, particularly those in critical health conditions. Link: http://www.cubalog.eu/index.php?id=2&news=95
Amnesty International has urged Cuba to release all political prisoners after the death of detained activist Orlando Zapata Tamayo who had been on hunger strike. Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8534746.stm
El Pais.com.es http://www.elpais.com/articulo.....uint_1/Tes
Canada.com http://www.canada.com/news/Cub.....story.html
Chicago Tribune http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....8280.story
The Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/201.....asses.html
RADIO NETHERLANDS WORLDWIDE http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/die-cuba-live
USA TODAY http://www.usatoday.com/news/w.....opStories+(News+-+World+-+Top+Stories)
TODAY msnbc.com http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35837268/ns/health/
THE HUFFINGTON POST http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....r-striker/
Townhall.com http://townhall.com/news/world.....ments=true
World Opinion Joins to Mourn, and Save, the Lives of Cuba’s Hunger Strikers
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....98742.html
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 18:19
Humberto: I will note, again, that for all the shouting you do in these comments, you have very little to say when it comes to actual discussion. I don’t think you are capable of discussing the issues because you fear a logical, reasonable discussion about Cuba.
Frank: I don’t need to convince myself; I’m quite comfortable and confident with the views that I hold. As for your so-called “new revolutionaries” in Cuba, give me a break. First, everyone said that Socialist Cuba only existed because of Fidel. Well, now Fidel has stepped down and Socialist Cuba still exists. So, now all the anti-socialist partisans are scrambling to come up with something new to say and they are banking on the blogueros. Unfortunately, the blogueros largely prove that there IS freedom of expression in Cuba, there IS internet access in Cuba and Cubans are definitely part of the internet information revolution that is happening all over the world. The more you post your opinions from Cuba, the more you prove your own point wrong.
Additionally, you are free to speak your opinions in Cuba. But, we know what happens when someone speaks out in favor of overthrowing socialism in Cuba, don’t we? Hundreds … or thousands … more people pour into the streets in favor of Fidel, in favor of Raul and in favor of the Cuban socialist revolution. These people are equally entitled to speak their mind. And, the fact is, time and time again, it is shown that there are vastly more Cubans who support socialist Cuba than those who oppose it.
We can see that here when Reinaldo Escobar came out to voice his opinion. He wasn’t arrested. He wasn’t beaten. He wasn’t harmed in any way. But hundreds of Cubans came out to voice THEIR opinion: “Cuba si! Cuba si! Fidel! Fidel!” You can watch it here, if you haven’t seen it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
This is a public exchange of ideas about Cuba on video for everyone to see. That is freedom of expression in action.
However, what a Cuban citizen is NOT allowed to do (nor can a US citizen do this) is conspire with a foreign government to destabilize or harm the integrity of the national sovereignty. And, for 50+ years, the world’s largest super-power and cocaine-funded Miami terrorist networks have relentlessly worked with people in Cuba to violate the integrity of the national sovereignty, to maim or kill innocent tourists, to sabotage food production and to attempt assassinations against key government officials. In the United States, the punishment for such crimes is death. In Cuba, the punishment is less severe but there are still consequences, and that’s no different than any other country on earth.
You ask about the balseros. In the capitalist world, there is always a phenomenon of people from “third world countries” attempting to enter the rich countries. It is the simple mathematics of the international currency exchange. If people can work and make dollars or euros, then they will try to do that. It is not an indictment of Cuba that this happens because it happens all over the world. There are people who try to enter the EU from nearby third-world countries, whether they are capitalist or communist or whatever they are. It is the unfortunate barbarism of international capitalism that an hour of a worker’s labor is worth more in the United States than that same hour doing the same work in either Mexico or Cuba.
So, the fact that people try to enter the US from Cuba because Cuba is supposedly an “unbearable tyranny” is a hopelessly flawed argument that simply does not stand up to logical examination. If anything, it is evidence of the cruelty of capitalism.
You ask about food shortages and, certainly, the US embargo contributes to this problem enormously. Cuba is leaving literally billions of dollars every year on the table by not being able to market tourism to such a nearby consumer market. Those billions of dollars would solve nearly all of Cuba’s economic problems in the FIRST YEAR alone. And that is exactly why the blockade is not lifted.
Now, is the blockade the ONLY reason for food shortages? No, of course not. There are also the basic economics of the world and the fact that Cuba is a “third world country” and, as such, suffers the same problems as all third world countries do. However, BECAUSE of Cuba’s socialist programs, Cubans do much better than almost any other third world country. Keep in mind that 50,000-some people die every single day because of starvation in the global capitalist market. None of those people who die every single day of starvation are Cubans. And, that’s because Cuba’s government exists primarily to strive for socialism: a society where everyone has housing, food, clothing, health care, education and a meaningful, productive life available to them.
You don’t need to go far from Cuba to find out what the capitalist third-world looks like. You can take Haiti, as an example, where there IS starvation, where armed street gangs of homeless children who grew up as orphans are ready to kill you for any amount of money they can get their hands on, where a privileged elite mercilessly steal all the resources and the jails are overflowing with political prisoners (those that were not massacred by capitalist death squads).
I’m sorry, but I don’t find that your arguments stand up to basic logic and the most simple understanding of Latin American history.
Time and time again, history has demonstrated for us that the “freedom” the US and anti-Castro Cubans envision for Latin America is one where corrupt oligarchies or outright military dictatorships keep the vast majority of people in gut-wrenching poverty while a small elite steal all the profits for all the resources and kill anyone who stands in their way. Like it or not, fair or unfair, that is EXACTLY the fate that awaits Cuba if the Cuban Revolution were ever to be overthrown. You can hope that it would be transformed into whatever paradise you believe a “democracy” is but there is no way that the “powers-that-be” in the Americas would let Cuba be anything else besides yet another slave plantation for their imperialist project.
I challenge anyone reading this to disagree with logic or reason. I don’t believe that anyone will be able to do that.
Viva la revolución cubana! Viva Fidel! Viva Raul! Viva Hugo Chávez! Cuba no esta sola!
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 08:35
IF were to follow castro co. lead & practices … from when they took over Cuba:
the question will be: “you are w/us or against us”
W/us you’ll follow & obey
Against us you’ll be aprehended & executed.
That simple … please remind me: who voted the castro company inc. into office ?
Who nominated them for liberators let alone appointed them ?
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 06:59
So I understand this … Cuba “exports humanitarial aid” like medical personnel etc.
Under that umbrella, an individual say … expert in repression … sorry “security”
like Ramiro Valdez would be fine, an engineer to help w/the electrical power of Venezuela.
Never mind, that he worked under the “legal” terms of the revolution directed by dr guevara in la cabana.
“Due process to every prisioner … after execution … thirsty for blood like his boss”.
Never mind he was the co-founder of the represive system even while “fighting for the freedom of Cuba.
Now, he represents Cuba’s interests in Venezuela … helping “elect & keep chavez in power … interventionism .. nooo “humanitarian help”
Another esbirro, angling for power after the old fidel dies.
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 06:30
Hey … barbaroja is back from the dead!
I guess his spirit got tired of traveling from place to place from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Granada, Panama, Peru, Uruguay & other places back to hell.
Perhaps floating in Varadero, next to the drugs which “never” run from Cuba w/the support of fidel.
Perhaps playing “loose” w/Wolf, or perhaps got tired of playing w/guevara.
Never mind barbaroja’s betrayal, of guevara … just doing his job.
So losada how is it hanging?
After all this years, while your jefe (since you were his esbirro) cries & cries against interventionism … but, you didn’t do anything (in any country) to ilegally undermine an established goverment, nor (perish the thought) you facilitated any “armed’ incursions into any country say like … Bolivia or Argentina … right?
Quick to point your accusing index finger yet forgetting the other three (in your Hand) pointing at you …
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 06:07
Mr Pineiro:
Still repeating the same “cantaleta”. Looks like you need to convince yourself about all the same old same old. From which book did you copy all that? Even if all your arguments were 100% true, still don’t justify the facts and daily violation of the most elemental rights in Cuba. Why people from Oriente can live in Habana? Why Cubans can travel without “la carta Blanca”?, why Cubans don’t have access to the internet? Why Cubans cant organize and meet in other organizations besides the CDR or PCC?You mention the Mexicans crossing the border, what about our balseros? How many have died?Mira, no trates de tapar el sol con un dedo. Again, the fact that you agree with the so call “Revolucion Cubana’ don’t give any right to ignore what’s going on in our Island.The fact that in Cuba you cant find huevos, carne, verduras, frutas is not because of the colonial or imperialistic domination. It is because, between another causes, the arrogance of the agricultural dirigentes, the absence of stimulus to the independent farmers,the total abandon of the socialize agriculture, and the policy of waiting for the support of “others” (lease la antigua Union Sovietica)Remember, the new revlucionarios in Cuba are asking for elemental rights, the more basic, primary rights .You don’t have to go back to the same thing that the old dictators have been saying for 50 years.You could foul some people 50 years ago, but not now. My friend, you can wish the best to all the dictators in the world; it is your right.But at least respect the common sense of the new revolucionarios in Cuba, don’t insult their’s or our intellect.They are in history the same as that lonely and disarm Chinese that stud in front of the tanks and stop them, they are like the mambises, that went to fight against guns with machetes.Have some decency , my friend ,and look around. Maybe you could see and think better…Viva la NUEVA revolucion cubana!!!
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 05:07
If the present regime is so right for cubans, what would the opinion of a few dissidents be so dangerous?
If the present regime is so right fot the people of Cuba, why not have a free referendum under UN monitoring for legitimacy purposes, as to weather or not public support is behind the present regime?
If the present regime is so right for Cuba why not have free elections after said referendum, under UN monitoring for legitimacy purposes?
Transparecy is as transparency shows right?
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 04:02
all the name calling, the “upmanship does not change the reality of a Cuba ruled not by law but by thugs who “write laws”.
The land of Marti eh? where all opinions are respected, where unity is. where black & white & any group act as one for the benefit of Cuba …
Usa, China anyone … when it comes down to it, Cuba is not that important, not even for more that a minute in the eve. news …
Cuba is importran for cubans, for the brave who survives, for the one who is willing to die for his/her convictions.
Not for a “political” possition, not for an egotistical personal gain … for cubans. for Cuba.
While “the abusers” call othe people names, while the insults fly … come back to reality … at this point & time what matters is CUBA!
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 03:26
The Castro brothers’ regime calls dissidents “mercenaries†hired by the U.S. Government. Guillermo Fariñas, in his interview with Infobae.com, shrewdly remarks that mercenary are not known for dying for their ideas, he said, “No mercenary (as classified by the Castroite regime) dies for his ideas, mercenaries die for money.”
A mercenary is a professional soldier hired by a foreign army. A mercenary is essentially motivated by money. The Cubans dissidents are not professional soldiers of any foreign country, nor are they motivated by money. They are motivated by their ideals and patriotism.
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 02:20
Hola Yoanni,
Yo soy gringo de 57 anos de edad. Espera! No busco cita ciber-romantica. Solo te digo esto por dar te de entender que yo he tenido bastante tiempo en el planeta nuestro y siempre he puesto mucha attencion a la politica en todas partes, pero especialmente la de Cuba.
Es porque soy comunista. Si. Aqui hay “disidentes†tambien. Yo habia planeado un viaje a Cuba en 1982 pero lamentablemente tuvo que cancelarlo porque el entonces Presidente Reagan hizo una orden ejecutivo (un decreto en otras palabras, no salio del congreso) prohibiendo tales visitas sin licencia, y las liciencias eran solamente para periodistas, becarios, etc.
Pero me fui a Nicaragua donde era guerra sucio hecho por mercenarios pagados por Reagan con el dinero de los impuestos recogidos de la gente como yo y todo trabajador. El pueblo aqui no queria guerra. El congreso hizo una ley prohibiendo gastos de fondos EEUU por “los contras’ de Nicaragua. Sin respeto para le ley Reagan, en secreto, vendio misiles a Iran (que estaba en guerra con Iraq) y dio el dinero a los contras. Eso fue el “escandolo Iran-Contra.â€
Perdoname por aburrir te con “historia antigua.†Es solo porque quiero decirte que el gobierno EEUU, que me parece tu piensas como tu amigo, no es como se pone a aparecer.
En Nicaragua, y en otras partes, yo conocia cubanos muy revolucionarios, que no aprovecharon de bastante oportunidades de “defect†(desertar) de la revolucion.
Seguro, Cuba necesita cambios (como mi pais, mas que todos). Pero, creo yo que los unicos cambios que la mayoria de cubanos apoyaran seran hechos sin la “ayuda†de EEUU. Creo yo, si los “disidentes†pueden demostrar independencia del USIS seran mejor recibidos. Como alguien que ha visto condiciones in varias paises latinoamericanos yo creo que ustedes “los disidentes†deben aceptar las ganancias de la revolucion como fundacion en que construir mas.
Bueno, Yoanni, si lees esto, espero que me respondes, como “un disidente a otro.â€
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 00:57
This is such a PATHETIC line.
“A further 11 percent of production reportedly has been lost due to a lack of sugar cane.”
THEY DONT HAVE ENOUGH SUGAR CANE! IN CUBA!!! SO IRONIC AND SAD!
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 00:54
THE CUBAN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AND COULD BE AGAIN ONE OF THE MOST ENTREPENEURIAL AND SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ONCE “LA CHINA” & “THE MUMMY” GET “BOOTED” OUT!
“The European Union recently dispatched anthropologists to study racism in Cuba. Their findings were shocking: Not only was racism alive and well in the workers’ paradise, but it was systemic and institutional. Blacks were systematically excluded from positions that involved coming in contact with foreign tourists (where they could earn tips in hard currencies), they were relegated to poor housing, complained of the longest waits for healthcare, were excluded from managerial positions, received the lowest remittances from relatives abroad, and were five times more likely to be imprisoned. ”
http://news.newamericamedia.or.....d170243f0f
BUSINESSWEEK: Cuba’s sugar industry hit by low productivity
By PAUL HAVEN-Associated Press March 10, 2010
BUSINESSWEEK: Cuba’s sugar industry hit by low productivity
By PAUL HAVEN-Associated Press March 10, 2010
“Production at Cuba’s sugar plants has been hit hard this year by inefficiency, a spate of breakdowns and other technical problems, state-media reported Wednesday, adding to sobering news for the Communist-run island’s crisis-addled economy.
Breakdowns and other interruptions have idled plants nearly 19 percent of the time so far in 2010, the Communist Party newspaper Granma said. A further 11 percent of production reportedly has been lost due to a lack of sugar cane.
The paper said problems were worst in the key sugar-growing region of Las Tunas, 360 miles (600 kilometers) east of the capital.
It also blamed poor planning and “a lack of discipline.”
http://www.businessweek.com/ap.....BUNMG0.htm
Marzo 15th, 2010 at 00:22
Humberto:
It is incompetent to call Cuba an economic disaster.
Cuba belongs in the class of countries which have suffered at the hands of colonial and imperialist policies. You can call them “third world countries” or “developing nations” or whatever you wish.
The capitalist third world countries are disaster zones and that is exactly what anti-Castro Cubans want for Cuba.
Every day, thousands of Mexicans risk their life to flee Capitalist Mexico in search of ways to make a dollar. In the meantime, political prisoners like those in Oaxaca and all over Mexico rot away in some of the worst prison conditions in the world. The same is true in Capitalist Haiti. The same is true throughout Capitalist regimes in Africa.
In other words, Capitalist third world countries are plagued by non-stop warfare, lethal corruption, horrific prisons, and disgusting levels of poverty (especially when contrasted with the less than 1% of the Capitalist Dictatorships which control the resources and profits).
In Communist Cuba, you do not see the same problems that you see in the Capitalist Regimes of the third world. There are not thousands of gang-related murders plaguing the streets of Havana. The Cuban government makes every effort to provide medicine, health care, food and opportunities to the people. Cuba encourages its people to participate in the political process through the CDRs and through education and by becoming a meaningful participant in the Cuban Revolution.
In nearly every third world capitalist dictatorship, these rights are openly declared as unimportant, if they are referred to at all by anyone. In the capitalist third world regimes, you just take for granted that the poor are nothing more than slaves for whichever warlord gang happens to rule the “free market” at that time. I dare you to compare the situation in Cuba to ANY Capitalist Dictatorship in the Third World.
And, furthermore, we see that those countries which are coming out of decades of suffering of Capitalist Dictatorships … Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and so on … all of these countries are reversing the disastrous effects of the Capitalist Dictatorships under the leadership of socialist parties and in co-operation with Communist Cuba.
These are the facts, Humberto. I ask you, Humberto — would you prefer to spend 6 months in Communist Havana or 6 months in Capitalist Juarez, Mexico? Or Capitalist Nigeria? It is clear that any reasonable and honest human being would prefer to live in Communist Havana than any of the Capitalist Dictatorships of the Third World, because these areas are anarchistic war zones, where private armies of Chevron do battle with religious sects or simply capitalist gangs seeking control of areas that contain valuable resources.
Communist Cuba is an example for the entire world of how to move into a future of peace and prosperity for ALL peoples, not just those with the most weapons or those who have inherited power/wealth from their blood-thirsty ancestors.
Communist Cuba has created a peaceful society where Cubans enjoy the fundamental human rights that all human beings should have, to the best of their ability, while simultaneously fighting off the world’s only military superpower.
Communist Cuba has again and again embarrassed the terrorist tendencies of the Miami-Cuban mafia by outsmarting and defeating the greatest military machine the world has ever known. People who are on the payroll of a foreign government and seek to overthrow or destabilize their own government are not considered “political prisoners” in Cuba or the United States or anywhere in the world — they are considered traitors, and in the United States, such criminals would be put to death.
Cuba is working with Venezuela and Brazil and other countries to show the world that there IS another way … that the death and bloodshed and misery that you find in EVERY SINGLE Capitalist Regime on earth and especially the Third World Capitalist Regimes … that this way is not only wrong, but avoidable. Another world is possible and thanks to the courage of the Cuban people, the Venezuelan people, the Brazilian people, the Bolivian people, the world is slowly transforming.
Humberto, consider yourself checked.
Long live the Cuban Revolution!
Viva Fidel! Viva Raul! Viva Che! Viva Hugo Chavez! Viva Evo Morales! Viva Lula da Silva and Dilma and the PT!
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 23:18
cubano havana cuba — #47:
Thank you very much for your gracious invitation to visit Cuba.
What you fail to understand is that I am already there. Me and hundreds of thousands of others like me are already there, standing right next to you, watching and waiting. Enough with the invitations.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 22:15
Fariñas: “La esencia del régimen cubano es criminal y violenta”
“The essence of the Cuban regime is criminal and violent.â€
http://www.infobae.com/mundo/5.....y-violenta
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 21:39
“WE WILL NOT LET THE CAPITALISTS TURN CUBA INTO ANOTHER HAITI OR ANY OTHER OF THEIR SO-CALLED “FREE COUNTRIES†— WHERE 5-10 FAMILIES CONTROL ALL THE WEALTH AND RESOURCES AND THE PEOPLE MUST FIGHT EACH OTHER FOR THE SCRAPS.”
Fighting For Scraps???????
This is why most people who work in the tourist industry in Cuba are stealing the resorts “dry” of Rum and Coffee and selling this to the tourists to make ends meet or stealing meat and selling it on the black market to the Cuban people who are rationed this…or worse selling themselves to the tourists…Sad state of affairs Ol Fidel and Raul have made…..
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 21:26
Puede Ser que El Gobierno de cUba Y Venezuela esten en su fin
Fuerte Tiuna: Cónclave del Estamento Militar Revela la Gravedad de la Crisis Martes, 26 de Enero de 2010 20:34 Máximo Tomás - LNC
Fuentes internas desde dentro de Venezuela reportan que durante todo el dÃa de hoy y aún a estas horas se ha estado y está celebrando en Fuerte Tiuna un “cónclave” en el que participan los más importantes jefes del Alto Estamento militar venezolano. La convocación a esta junta de emergencia se produjo ante la profunda crisis que ha estallado en el seno del gobierno chavista, crisis provocada por una serie de demandas -consideradas inaceptables por los militares venezolanos- de parte de la Jefatura de la Misión Militar cubana en Venezuela. La Habana quiere imponer a Caracas una agenda bien estructurada de medidas destinadas a “garantizar y asegurar la estabilidad y permanencia del régimen bolivariano en el poder.
Los raulistas no confÃan en la lealtad de los altos mandos venezolanos y buscan reemplazarlos paulatinamente con hombres que gocen del visto bueno de los generales-empresarios, el verdadero grupo de poder en la Isla caribeña.
Una de las exigencias cubanas, considerada el “detonante” de la crisis, es la de que a cuatro coroneles cubanos estacionados en Venezuela, se les conceda de inmediato la nacionalidad venezolana y que los mismos sean promovidos al grado de generales de brigada y nombrados como jefes de unidades élites del ejército venezolano.
Esta demanda fue recibida con fuerte oposición por parte del Coronel Ramón Carrizález, -un hombre de confianza bien cercano a Hugo Chávez-, ministro de Defensa de Venezuela y otros allegados a la cúpula del poder, entre los que se encuentran muchos altos jefes militares. La oposición de Carrizález a las demandas cubanas le ha llevado a renunciar a su cargo de Ministro de Defensa.
La crisis, que apenas se inicia, puede desencadenar impoderables que pongan en peligro el control económico y estratégico que Cuba mantiene sobre Venezuela e incluso desembocar en la salida del poder de Hugo Chávez.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 20:36
Juan #64 Could you please explain to me what effect a blockade or travel ban to China by the United States has to do with the system of government of Cuba and why that system if either good or bad?
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 20:36
Juan,
You should know this! Its ABOUT THE MONEY!The USA owes China a ton of money because we borrowed from them all these years. In Cuba’s case is a good thing that we dont really need them because this allows the USA and other democratic countries to put pressure on “LA CHINA” & “THE MUMMY” for their crimes.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 20:15
So Humbug why doesn’t the USA place a blockade on China and ban its citizens from travelling to its current very best friend?
Maybe forthe same reason Human Rights Watch, a strong critic of the Cuban government, issued a statement arguing “the proposed [repeal of the travel bans on USA citizens] legislation, as well as similar legislation in the United States Senate, represents a necessary step towards ending a U.S. policy that has failed for decades to have any impact whatsoever on improving human rights in Cuba.†According to HRW, “efforts by the U.S. government to press for change by imposing a sweeping ban on trade and travel have proven to be a costly and misguided failure.â€
http://cubacentral.wordpress.c…../#more-393
#57 don’t ever expect anything other than vitriol and abuse - never rationla arguments even when Yoani writes things that contradict the prevailing nonsense spewed out her. They are totally uninterested in anything real Cubans write or say unless it conforms to the Mimai mafia’s straitjacketed views.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 20:01
Uhm, No.
What is obvious to the entire world is that the murderous Cuban dictatorship jails hundreds of prisoners of conscience because it fears them.
What is obvious to the entire world is that the murderous Cuban dictatorship is staffed by nothing more than a bunch of criminals.
What is obvious to the entire world is that the murderous Cuban octogenarian dictatorship is finally coming face-to-face with the one thing it cannot control. The inevitable march of time.
Down with the illegitimate Cuban revolution and down with the murderers who foisted it upon us.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 18:51
RIGHT BACK AT YOU! m. piñeiro losada! Not wasting my fingers on you, but I can post important news related to your accusations! People can rean and make up their own mind!
THESE ARE THE TOP 4 COUNTRIES JAILING JOURNALISTS! RECOGNIZE A CARIBBEAN ISLAND? China: 24 Iran: 23 Cuba: 22 Eritrea: 19 This list includes 22 journalists jailed in Cuba with a brief story of their case.
COMMITEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS (CPJ) finds jump in imprisonments At least 136 journalists all over the world are now in jail, a nine percent increase over 2008. CPJ’s census of imprisoned journalists shows that freelancers and online journalists are increasingly vulnerable.
http://www.cpj.org/imprisoned/2009.php
EU OBSERVER: MEPs attack Cuba over human rights abuses
ANDREW WILLIS
http://euobserver.com/9/29666
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 18:43
This is Yoani’s blog and yet Wanker you call her and her husband ‘losers’ - how offensive!
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 18:28
Why is that nit-wits who take the names of dead murderers continue to actively solicit attention on this blog? The biological solution will be here in short order and the ineffectual flailing we see from these pseudo logicians only serves to show how lost the cause really is. What we are witnessing are the death throws of a 50-year tragedy. Time is running out losers. Deal with it.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 18:27
#53 You write: “I don’t believe that Yoani wants this for her country.”
And of course she doesn’t - she is a lot smarter than the Miami mafia and their ilk.
That’s why she said in January
“Obama and the country he represents can play a very important role in this opening of Cuba to democracy, but they must do so without interference with respect to our sovereignty and our decisions.”
And some time before her husband Reinaldo Escobar said “We Cubans face a double threat in our citizen and collective security: one from the totalitarian arrogance of the Cuban government and another from the hegemonic arrogance of the United States.”
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 18:23
Mr: Pineiro Losada:
Beside your obvious admiration for what you call “Revolution”, I think you ‘re missing the point here. The author of this blog is asking for the most elemental right that you are exercising:freedom of expression. You could admire the whole Cuban process or the “results??? of it. However, your ideals or ideological stand can’t explain why Cuba is an economical disaster, a country where their own citizens are treated as a second class persons or why civilian can express or travel freely. Again, these are the most elemental rights that all of us enjoy. It is not about the mafia or the revolution, who is bad or who is good. It is about economical and political opportunities in a society that close the door to all the alternatives that do not include the old establishment. After more than half of century, nobody (even you) can’t argue the failure of the Revolution of 1959. We need a new Revolution, new ideas, new economics, new political institutions that are interested in the most important goal:how to improve the daily life of Cubans in Cuba. Please, stop the old game of blaming everybody,all the neighbors, but not the real causes and criminals that since 1959 install a totalitarian regime, stopping all possibilities of economical development.Lets put it this way: Don’t be to concern in how you will cure a headache in the future, while our country is dying of cancer.At least Yoani describe daily, painful reality. You only repeat, repeat, repeat phrases. Remember, the phenomenon that you celebrate is not longer a Revolution, is not longer a progressive event that benefit the Cuban people.It benefits just a few old generals , and “dirigentes”. I want to finish with the same phrase than you, but with an small change ! Viva la NUEVA Revolucion Cubana!!!
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 17:40
Again, Humberto Capiro ignores the opportunity to respond to rational counter-arguments to his inane rants. Why isn’t this anti-Castroite interested in dialogue? What scares Humberto about actually discussing the issues here?
Viva la revolución cubana! Viva Fidel!
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 15:05
The Castro brothers are a mafia of Communist oppressors who has ruled with an iron hand for 51 years, denying the Cuban citizens the most basic freedoms. They tell you where you will work, how much you will be paid, what and how much you will eat, what you can and cannot say. The regime will provide the same treatment to Fariñas which they gave Orlando Zapata Tamayo, and then blame it on the US.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 14:11
WHY ARE THE MAJORITY OF DISSIDENTS IN CUBA BLACK OR MULATO (bi-racial)?
‘Obama Effect’ Highlights Racism in Cuba
New America Media, News Analysis, Louis E.V. Nevaer, Posted: Dec 15, 2008
“The European Union recently dispatched anthropologists to study racism in Cuba. Their findings were shocking: Not only was racism alive and well in the workers’ paradise, but it was systemic and institutional. Blacks were systematically excluded from positions that involved coming in contact with foreign tourists (where they could earn tips in hard currencies), they were relegated to poor housing, complained of the longest waits for healthcare, were excluded from managerial positions, received the lowest remittances from relatives abroad, and were five times more likely to be imprisoned. ”
http://news.newamericamedia.or.....d170243f0f
Desidia médica en HolguÃn Texto: Luis Felipe Rojas R. /Fotos: Caridad Caballero Batista.-Marzo 14, 2010 por Luis Felipe Rojas
http://cruzarlasalambradas.wor.....um=twitter
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 13:23
CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT CUBA CULD HAVE BEEN IN 2010 WITHOUT “LA CHINA” & “THE MUMMY” AND THEIR FACIST REGIME?
Socio-Economic Conditions in Pre-Castro Cuba*
Introduction
In the 1950’s Cuba was, socially and economically, a relatively advanced country, certainly by Latin American standards and, in some areas, by world standards.
Cuba’s infant mortality rate was the best in Latin America — and the 13th lowest in the world.
Cuba also had an excellent educational system and impressive literacy rates in the 1950’s.
Pre-Castro Cuba ranked third in Latin America in per capita food consumption.
Cuba ranked first in Latin America and fifth in the world in television sets per capita.
Pre-Castro Cuba had 58 daily newspapers of differing political hues and ranked eighth in the world in number of radio stations.
http://ctp.iccas.miami.edu/FAC.....cember.htm
fas·cism-(sometimes initial capital letter) a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.
dic·ta·tor·ship-1. a country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator. 2. absolute, imperious, or overbearing power or control. 3. the office or position held by a dictator.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 13:08
The reason that the Miami-Cuban mafia don’t want to ever talk about the United States is the same strategy that the US itself uses. No US politician will ever talk about Alpha 66, or the F-4 Commandos, or Orlando Bosch.
Amazingly, commenters like Humberto Capiro assert that US-funded anti-Castro terrorist groups who openly brag on their websites about commando raids targeting civilians in Cuba have nothing to do with Cuba or its policies. This is the equivalent of saying that September 11th and Al-Qaeda have nothing to do with the United States’ policies.
It is absurd anti-logic and they can only respond with lunatic posts in all capital letters, trying to shout down anyone who exposes them with reason and logic.
As for Yoani, she appears to still be searching for what she believes and it seems to me that she’s at a stage where she has received so much support from the Cuban-American mafioso that she can only ignore, for the moment, the logic that crushes their position. It is obvious to the entire world that the Cuban-American mafia are thugs, who wish that Cuba end up like Haiti or Latin American countries of the previous century, where a few rich Cuban families collaborate against their own people with multinational corporations. The end result has been demonstrated over and over and over again in Latin American countries throughout history: a tiny percentage of the population (less than 1%) controls over 90% of the wealth and those who are not part of the elite must fight for the scraps.
I don’t believe that Yoani wants this for her country. Who WOULD want this for their country, except for the selfish few elite who would benefit from such an arrangement?
This tiny elite lives in Miami and they expose themselves for what they really are at every step: violent thugs who bomb civilians, strafe Cuba from the coast with machine guns and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to be the ones who will become the capitalist elite in a post-Communist Cuba. Unfortunately, the resolve of the Cuban people and, within the last 30 years, with the defeat of right-wing oligarchy capitalism in Latin America, people from all over Latin America are defeating them.
Viva la revolución cubana!
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 13:03
MIAMI HERALD: Unconscionable imprisonment
BY ALINA FERNANDEZ REVUELTA- alinacubalibre@bellsouth.net
Some days ago, the official daily Granma argued why the Cuban authorities should allow the death of Cuban dissident Guillermo Fariñas, who’s on a hunger strike to push the regime to free two dozen imprisoned dissidents said to be critically ill.
The island’s iron-fisted government does not think it proper to force-feed him. “There are bioethical principles that obligate the physician to respect the decision of a person who has decided to initiate a hunger strike,” it said. As always, the regime lashed out at the United States, remarking that it is the American authorities who violate the rights of hunger strikers held in the prisons in Guantánamo, Abu Ghraib and Bagram when they force them to ingest food.
They forget one detail. To begin with, Guillermo Fariñas is not in prison and he’s exercising his right to strike from his own home.
The Granma journalist fails to mention that Fariñas is doing that in homage to Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who took 83 days to die because he was demanding prison conditions proper for his status as a human being.
These are not conditions that we in the free world consider standard treatment — even for prisoners deprived of freedom. No, no. According to Omar Pernet, a former fellow inmate at the Gunajay Prison, one of the “treatments” he and Orlando suffered was to walk down a corridor from their cell to another section of the prison.
Along the entire corridor stood 14 soldiers, who punched the inmates on the head, the stomach, the legs and the back as they walked. Blows from everywhere, struck by 14 pairs of arms holding weapons. Systematic beatings, a daily torture made more odious and vicious by the fact that the inmates expected them every day.
A torture foretold. In the hands of your own compatriots, in defense of whose freedom and rights you are there, imprisoned. It is hard to imagine, but it is one of the usual practices in Cuba’s ideological prisons.
To say the least, there is a basic difference between Cuba and many other countries and it is that on the island nothing protects the individual against the State. No institution defends a human being against the political machine that could crush it at any moment. A civil lawyer is an obeisant scribe who almost always is more scared than the detainee.
That is why it is all the more surprising that the Cuban authorities know and handle the American judicial system to perfection, in all instances. That is demonstrated by the legal war they waged in a Florida courtroom (and won) in the case of Elián Gonzalez. The photographs of the child, terrified by the police forces around him, were seen worldwide.
The five spies who went to prison after the 14 original Wasp Network arrests have used up all legal recourses and their case has reached the Supreme Court. Should the court accept the five Cubans’ plea, it would be the first time in decades that the Supreme Court accepts a case involving the parameters that should be followed to decide a change of venue in criminal cases.
The Cuban regime’s knowledge of working the U.S. legal system is not limited to civil or federal cases, because it also extends to the financial-legal system. How much did the Swiss bank UBS pay as punishment for rerouting more than $3 billion to the island? A $100 million fine.
Cuba, which deals in minute detail with U.S. law and defends with ferocity its spies, the boy rafter, and its own multimillion-dollar fortune, justifies itself frivolously when it concedes to its people the right to starve themselves to death.
But isn’t this the way we Cubans have lived for more than half a century?
God willing, the voices of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Guillermo Fariñas and now Félix Bonne will weigh on the collective consciousness of the regime’s accomplices as a recurrent nightmare.
Alina Fernández Revuelta is the author of Castro’s Daughter: an Exile’s Memoir of Cuba and radio talk show host at 9 p.m. Monday-Friday on 1140-AM.
http://www.miamiherald.com/201.....nment.html
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 12:25
GREAT ARTICLE ON THE MIAMI HERALD ABOUT “LITTLE HAVANA”! CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT “BIG HAVANA” COULD BE AFTER THERE IS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND BUSINESSES? ENOUGH “MIAMI BASHING” FROM THESE “RATS” OF “LA CHINA” & “THE MUMMY’! Most of the Cubans in the USA I know have no interest in getting their homes, properties etc (if they ever had them). They just want JUSTICE for OUR PEOPLE and be able to restore THE BEAUTY that is HAVANA as well as all the other cities and towns WE ALL LEFT BEHIND. These “RATS” keep trying to DIVIDE US and SPREAD LIES about how THE CUBAN PEOPLE REALLY FEEL! I hope those who read this blog take time to read ALL ARTICLES and make up THEIR OWN MIND!
MIAMI HERALD: Little Havana home to art, music and Cuban nostalgia. Yes, it has today’s street fair, but also art films, poetry readings, the Pepto Bismol House and music evoking a Cuba loved and lost.
BY FABIOLA SANTIAGO-fsantiago@MiamiHerald.com
On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to pack the heart of historic Little Havana — colorful Calle Ocho — for an annual festival of music, food and culture that has become the largest celebration of its kind in the United States.
Yet the 25-year effort to turn the domino-clacking, rooster-roaming enclave into a cultural destination year-round is a dream only partly realized. The parties, the daily busloads of tourists cruising by art galleries and domino park and the official “Latin Quarter” designation by the city of Miami in 1984 — to conjure a New Orleans-like flair and keep new architecture Spanish-style — have yet to bring the sustained vitality that residents and business people want.
THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
As the sun descends in a spectacle of pink and purple, art vendors set up easels and tables along a placita off Calle Ocho flanked by the Tower and Domino Park. The vendors’ colorful artwork and decorative wares — painted demitasse sets, cigar boxes, refrigerator magnets — evoke a lost Cuba of palm-studded serenity, fighting cocks and rumba dancers.
At a nearby corner, men carrying drums and claves, rhythm-marking sticks, break into an impromptu jam session. The aroma of garlicky sofrito, the base of Cuban cuisine, hangs in the air. Passersby swing their hips, shimmy through a few notes and move on as if the night were one long conga line.
“This is ground zero for Little Havana,” says historian Paul George as he begins a walking tour of the area. George, who grew up here, lives in a 1921 Dade County pine-and-stucco bungalow his parents owned for three decades.
READ FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING LINK!
http://www.miamiherald.com/201.....-fair.html
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 11:26
Igor #49 HEAR HEAR!!!!
What I LOVE about the supporters of the island totalitarian dictatorship is how they always like to point out that the USA IS THE WORST COUNTRY IN THE WHOLE WORLD and… wait for it… CUBA IS GOOD BECAUSE IT’S BETTER THAN THE USA.
So what? Being second from the bottom, the second worst in the world is the best you can aspire to?!?!?!?!?
Why not tell me what you think is the BEST country in the world (other than Castro’s Cuba of course) and then tell me how you measure up and where you fall short and why.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 10:21
Agent Juan , leave the USA alone. Here is a site about CUBA. Please start your own blog about USA and I will join it and criticize the US administration.
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 09:00
Te llammo desse Italia Como podemos ajiudarlos? Siento el problema y quieto estar a lado de vosotros. Ettore
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 08:34
hey hankee come visit cuba you asco. gicotea.i like to kick your ass and send you in guantanamo for torture the american way…that will shut you off asshole go kiss some yankee ass ………..but first wash your ass its dirty
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 08:10
ya hank very simple death to all anticastro. death to obama ..very simple hank the fucking yankee
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 06:24
TURN THE BEAT AROUND : … Visit Cuba [-->!!-->] …
http://mundodotcc.blogspot.com.....-cuba.html
TURN THE BEAT AROUND : … Visit Cuba [-->!!-->] …
HAVE A SAFE FLIGHT 93 PARTY GIRL [-->!!-->]
[-->!!-->]
http://n-musicvideos.blogspot......-cuba.html
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 03:22
Guillermo Fariñas, a 48 years old mestizo, married and father of daughter, used to believe in Fidel Castro’s revolution. He risked his live fighting in Angola during the 1980s. He was a militant of the Union of Young Communists and member of Castro’s elite troops, but in 1989 when General Arnaldo Ochoa was shot, accused of drug trafficking, Fariñas began to have second thoughts.
Fariñas has a degree in psychology and performed as a teacher, joining the dissident movement in 1997, and became an independent journalist. He said: “I am a firm believer that when the government sees that the result of the hunger strikes is dissidents dying like flies; they will sit down and negotiate. These strikes are our weapons of pressure, we have nothing else.â€
Marzo 14th, 2010 at 00:07
Yep very very simple - YOU ARE A WANKER!!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 22:36
It is really very simple:
Death to Fidel.
Death to Raul.
Que Viva el pueblo Cubano.
Viva Cuba!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 22:06
There a site to sign in asking for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Cuba.
Please sign.
http://orlandozapatatamayo.blo.....ticos.html
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 21:37
35
le suisse
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 20:52
losada makes sense….ets what ita all about
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes losada make sense about US imperialism crimes….. this sense is the same sense that makes Cubans in exile protests and historical revisions on US imperialism that always has been in tacit or openly strategical relationship with castrofascism…. since the help given to castro to take the power until the historical policy of make infective and nominal the embargo and the faked anticastro policy……. cuban people has been betrayed several times by the empire …. I never get tired to say that….. but thanks good nowadays majority of cubans knows USA is not our allied but castro fascism partner……. castrofascism has given to the empire almost all cubans industries and USA has given castrofascism protection and propagandistic coverage since a fake embargo has been stated and a never coming invasion has been insinuated.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 21:21
12
m. piñeiro losada
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 01:58
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are right….. so what????
We are fighting for Cuba’s freedom and castrofascism fall….. our goal passes for US to stop to support castrofascism for economical and geopolitical interests…… castrofascism is supported by US imperialism since the very beginning and castrofascism is giving US imperialism economical and geopolitical benefits since the very beginning of it dictatorial process…… do you want to get deeper?????
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 21:13
Pedro Animala
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 20:06
In USA, people die of starvation, and no ones gets blamed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you can present a single case of involuntary starvation in USA I will maybe think that you are not a castrofascist agent….. give us a name, a SS#, and a autopsy statement…..
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 21:09
http://orlandozapatatamayo.blogspot.com/
Go and show your needed support!!!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 21:02
Please, go to the link to sign the petition to freedom all political prisoners in Cuba. It is on the twitter section on the right. We need to keep the pressure over the dictatorship and avoid more people dying.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 20:52
losada makes sense….ets what ita all about
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 19:57
RELEASE ALL OF THE PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE IN CUBA, NOW!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 19:51
Yep critical of human rights involving Cuban government but NEVER even the slightest criticism of the USA - that what gives the Miami mafia and their ilk zero crediblity. The so called issue of human rights is just a pretext. If it wasn;t there would be some attempts at even handeness irrespective of the government involved.
Hypocrisy on all levels of course - from major like above to very minor like criticising Wanker criticising someone for using caps when Humbug and Enema - same person though? - do it consistently. At least consistently morally bankrupt.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 19:40
LOSADA THIS 5 SPiES ARE IN PRISON THANKS FIDEL CASTRO , because he gave to FBI 240 pages document where you can find where miami groups live , their cell phones , where they use to have diner, he didn’t care that FBI could use that information to track the spies.
he only think about him nothing else
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 19:33
losada what are you talking about , FIDEL CASTRO is the most immoral president CUBA had ever, for him cuban people are citezen or 5th category , he only care for him, for his image.He is a big liar.
HE SPENT HIS WHOLE LIFE SAYING THAT HE IS A PERSON WITH HIGH MORAL AND PRINCIPLES NOTHING MORE FAR OF BEEN TRUE .
HOW SOME BODY CAN SAY THAT AND AT THE SAME TIME FORGOT EVERY THING FOR WHAT HE SUPOSLY FOUGHT.
-HE SUPOSELY FOUGHT FOR FREE SPEECH AND THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS THIS RIGHT IN CUBA IS HIM, HIS BROTHER DOESN’T HAVE THAT RIGHT ,REMEMBER HOW HE HAD TO RETRACTED ABOUT OPEN CONVERSATION WITH U.S. GOVERNMENT.
-HE SUPOSELY FOUGHT FOR EQUALITY ,AND ANY FOREINGER PEOPLE HAVE MORE RIGHT THAN A CUBAN .
- WHERE CAN YOU FIND ANY MORALITY WHEN YOU USE ONE CURRENCY TO PAY SALARY AND YOU NEED ANOTHER TO BUY ALL NECESSARY GOODS AND SERVICES.
-
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 19:26
LA VANGUARDIA:La sucesión de huelgas de hambre de disidentes cubanos crea un escenario nuevo y difÃcil para Raúl Castro
FERNANDO GARCÃA | La Habana. Corresponsal | 14/03/2010
La asistencia hospitalaria y en especial la nutrición intravenosa que por orden del Gobierno seguirá ofreciéndose a Fariñas pueden dilatar su protesta e incluso mitigar la llama
Guillermo Fariñas lo dijo al poco de empezar su huelga de hambre y sed: “Que la llama no se apague”. El fuego al que se referÃa el psicólogo y periodista disidente habÃa prendido con fuerza el 23 de febrero, al morir el preso polÃtico Orlando Zapata después de 86 dÃas de ayuno en demanda de ciertas mejoras en su vida en prisión.
Bajo promesa de seguir sin comer ni beber “hasta las últimas consecuencias” salvo que Raúl Castro cumpliera su petición de libertad para una veintena de reclusos enfermos, Fariñas, de 48 años, tomó el relevo de Zapata al dÃa siguiente de su fallecimiento: en pleno fulgor de las protestas opositoras y con el calor añadido de las crÃticas de Europa y Estados Unidos al Ejecutivo cubano.
El también ex militar cubano, con 11 años y medio de cárcel y otras 23 huelgas de hambre a sus espaldas, cayó inconsciente los dÃas 3 y 11 de marzo, fecha ésta última en la que quedó ingresado en un hospital de Santa Clara tras haber recibido asistencia y recobrado el conocimiento. Entre ambos desmayos, otro disidente veterano, el septuagenario ingeniero y ex professor universitario Félix Bonne, anunció que, si Fariñas morÃa, él iniciarÃa otra huelga de hambre “hasta el fin”. Quedaba asà definida una novedosa, terrible y potencialmente demoledora fórmula de reivindicación de la disidencia cubana. Es lo que podemos llamar la estrategia de la antorcha, con la peculiaridad de que el pebetero está en un imaginario corredor de la muerte cuyos moradores pretenden sentenciar a todo un gobierno y su sistema polÃtico.”
“El Gobierno insiste en caracterizar a los huelguistas como delincuentes comunes, “contrarrevolucionarios” o ambas cosas. A Washington, al Parlamento Europeo y a los paÃses y partidos polÃticos occidentales más agresivos en sus ataques por el caso Zapata los ha tratado de hipócritas por su doble moral respecto al tratamiento de los Derechos Humanos en sus propias casas, las de sus amigos y de las naciones más poderosas. Y a los medios de comunicación, en especial algunos españoles, los ha acusado de instigar el escándalo.”
“Las Damas de Blanco, esposas y familiares de los 75 detenidos y encarcelados en la primavera negra del 2003, recorrerán en los próximos dÃas las calles de La Habana con motivo del séptimo aniversario de aquella redada (el 18 de marzo). La antorcha del caso Zapata aumentará la visibilidad de estas manifestaciones. Más fulgor, más conflicto.”
http://www.lavanguardia.es/int.....aul-c.html
La Vanguardia (’The Vanguard’) is a Spanish daily newspaper, the fourth most read in the country and the one with the highest-circulation in Catalonia. Its headquarters are based in Barcelona.
La Vanguardia, despite being mostly distributed in Catalonia only, trails only the three main Madrid dailies among general-interest circulation in Spain (the other three have local editions elsewhere in Spain, unlike La Vanguardia). In Catalonia its circulation is slightly higher than its main Catalan competition, El Periódico de Catalunya.[1]
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 18:44
CLAUDIA CADELO “KICKS ASS” TO THE CUBAN SECURITY FORCES! WHAT A WOMAN!
AND “LOS ALDEANOS” MUSIC! ANOTHER “KICK ASS”!!
Pavon De-Muestra2.flv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v....._embedded#
CLAUDIA CADELO’S BLOG
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Apartheid at the Young Filmmakers Exhibition (Documentary and Consultation
http://octavocercoen.blogspot.com/
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 18:37
Comment 24 make wonders if Raul Castro decide to fight one more battle against a foreing power who has occuppied Guantanamo against Cuba wishes for more than 100 years.
I’m talking a real battle.Not the one they are fighting against their own people, against their own political prisioners.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 18:01
fake losada,
What on earth is your problem, dude? Take a chill pill or something.
You sound like juanita the village idiot. Using all caps is fine if you have a point to make, but wasting it on useless slogans is a waste of time and pixels.
I am a Cuban and I don’t need your self-interested twisted support. Go find some other cause to make yourself feel better about whatever it is that ails you. We are going to take Cuba back from the totalitarian dictators you love — like it or not. Deal with it and go have a mocha grande pedaso de mierda.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 18:00
–>//–> EXCLUSIVO : ¡Abogados de Casey Anthony desean que el gobierno pague su defensa! … … … … –>//–>
EXCLUSIVO : ¡Abogados de Casey Anthony desean que el gobierno pague su defensa! …
EXCLUSIVE : Casey Anthony’s lawyers want the government to pay for her defense! …
http://mundodotcc.blogspot.com.....thony.html
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 17:04
m. piñeiro losada,
You are a “broken record” (DISCO RAYAO)! This blog is about CUBA and CUBAN ISSUES! If you cant bring directly related issues, you will be seen by everyone as I stated before.
AGENTS OF “LA CHINA†& “THE MUMMY†LIKE YOURSELF KEEP SHIFTING THE CONVERSTATION AND BLAME TO THE ALWAYS EVIL “USAâ€! SAME OLD TACTICTS! BUT THANKS TO THIS INFORMATION TOOL CALL “THE INTERNET†YOU CANT FOOL THE WORLD AS BEFORE!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 16:36
Humberto and John Two:
I am talking about the 200 hunger strikers in Cuba. You know the province & city of Guantánamo? Baracoa? You might have EVEN heard the song “Guantanamera” …? So, I am talking about Cuba. Unfortunately, it is under military occupation at the moment and being used by that foreign army as an illegal concentration/torture camp but the Miami-Cuban terrorist network know this and support this, given their strong ties to the Republican Party.
And, I am not an apologist for the Cuban Revolution — I am 100% a supporter of the Cuban Revolution and the Cuban people. The Cubans are amongst the bravest people this world has ever known — who have stood up for human rights and human dignity in the face of the world’s largest military giant ever and they have defeated the US aggressors. It is unfortunate that there have been sacrifices to win this war, it is unfortunate that Cubans have had to die defending their home against foreign invasions, it is unfortunate that 5 Cuban heros are facing life imprisonment defending Cuban citizens against act of terrorism by the Miami-Cuban mafia but the perseverance of the Cuban people is an inspiration for people fighting against social injustice everywhere.
It is impossible to have a serious discussion about Cuban politics without eventually talking about the US government or the Miami-Cuban terrorist network that it supports. The Cuban Revolution has been at war with the US government and the Cuban exile terrorists for 50+ years, so how can this eventually not come up in a discussion about politics in Cuba? It is not shifting the conversation, it is getting the conversation on track. Cuba does not exist in a vacuum.
WE WILL NOT LET THE CAPITALISTS TURN CUBA INTO ANOTHER HAITI OR ANY OTHER OF THEIR SO-CALLED “FREE COUNTRIES” — WHERE 5-10 FAMILIES CONTROL ALL THE WEALTH AND RESOURCES AND THE PEOPLE MUST FIGHT EACH OTHER FOR THE SCRAPS.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 16:20
I learned about this blog (a friend of mine told me), you are amazing God bless you, Yoani
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 15:58
Yoani has described better than I ever could my conflicted emotions about the desperate last stand of Guillermo Farinas.
One sure sign that the hunger strike is touching a nerve is that the regime apologists are once again out in full force on the message boards including this one.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 14:17
m. piñeiro losada,
I think you might be in the wrong blog. THIS IS A CUBAN BLOG, NOT A WORLD BLOG OR A USA BLOG!As they say in Cuba “LO MIO PRIMERO”. Now that we got that clear, it very evident by each of your posts that you keep using the same MO as I metioned before!
AGENTS OF “LA CHINA†& “THE MUMMY†LIKE YOURSELF KEEP SHIFTING THE CONVERSTATION AND BLAME TO THE ALWAYS EVIL “USAâ€! SAME OLD TACTICTS! BUT THANKS TO THIS INFORMATION TOOL CALL “THE INTERNET†YOU CANT FOOL THE WORLD AS BEFORE!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 13:53
Thank goodness the real m. piñeiro losada is long dead and buried. Let’s hope he is rotting in hell where he belongs — soon to be joined by brothers f & c and the rest of their crew. He was a disgrace, the epitome of a traitorous murderer. The new poser who takes on this fake moniker is as shameless as the rest of them. QUE SE MUERE FIDEL.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 13:10
Humberto Capiro:
Please take off the mask of the “concerned humanitarian” … a concerned humanitarian would care about a dozen hunger strikers on the western side of Cuba AND would concern themselves with *200* hunger strikers on the eastern side of Cuba, under the authority of the United States Government.
A “concerned humanitarian” would care about the 1 out of every 100 adults who are slowly dying in US prisons all over the US country, working for pennies on behalf of multinational corporations in a form of modern-day slavery.
But let’s be true, no? You are not a “concerned humanitarian” … you are a partisan against Latin America’s dream of independence from imperialism, independence from the United States/Europe and you are a traitor to your people. Sorry your grandfather decided to flee from Cuba with his millions instead of stay and contribute to a different human tendency but do not try and describe it as “humanitarian” because only the most naive will believe this.
When you start campaigning for the hunger strikers in US prisons, in Camp Gitmo prisons, in Bagram Air Force Base prison, let me know.
As for closing “all the paths of dialog, debate, healthy dissent and necessary criticism” … what is happening on this blog? This isn’t healthy debate? Or, rather, it would be, if the counter-revolutionaries would respond to the arguments that chip away at their endless stream of propaganda which has been rejected by the world-at-large for over 50 years now. VIVA FIDEL.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 11:29
EVEN THE ARTISTS ASOCIATED WITH THE “REVOLUTION” SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL! THE END IS COMING, REGARDLESS ON HOW SLOW IT WILL BE!
SPAIN’S “EL MUNDO” NEWSPAPER: INTERVIEW OF PABLO MILANES-’Quiero un cambio en Cuba cuanto antes’ (I want a change in Cuba as soon as possible)’
5- ¿Qué huelga merece Castro si Fariñas muere de hambre?
- Hay que condenar desde el punto de vista humano. Esas cosas no se hacen. Las ideas se discuten y se combaten, no se encarcelan.
6- ¿Qué han hecho los revolucionarios con la Revolución?
- Quedarse en el tiempo. Y la Historia debe avanzar con ideas y hombres nuevos. Se han convertido en reaccionarios de sus propias ideas. Por eso he dicho que have falta otra revolución, porque tenemos manchitas. El sol enorme que nació en el 59 se ha ido llenando de manchas en la medida en que se va poniendo viejo.
7- ¿En qué siglo le tocarán a Cuba las próximas elecciones?
- No soy pitoniso, no tengo alma de profeta, pero quisiera que fuera cuanto antes. Más que elecciones, que en Cuba hubiera cambio, porque tampoco creo en las elecciones. Ése es un juego democrático entre comillas que también es una farsa.
http://www.elmundo.es/america/.....42243.html
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 11:06
m. piñeiro losada,
AGENTS OF “LA CHINA†& “THE MUMMY†LIKE YOURSELF KEEP SHIFTING THE CONVERSTATION AND BLAME TO THE ALWAYS EVIL “USAâ€! SAME OLD TACTICTS! BUT THANKS TO THIS INFORMATION TOOL CALL “THE INTERNET†YOU CANT FOOL THE WORLD AS BEFORE!
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 10:38
From Cuba,a true Cuban
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvTiRxUSyGU
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 10:26
I pray that Fariñas does not die and that he ends his hunger strike. The ilicit regime that provoked these extreme actions has tacitly admitted to the world that it does in fact jail prisoners of conscience. But it will not be “blackmailed.” Be the humanitarians you claim to be and RELEASE ALL OF THEM NOW!
Cuban hunger striker wants Walesa to visit his grave
13.03.2010 11:29
Cuban dissident Guillermo Farinas, who has been on a hunger strike for 15 days in protest against the totalitarian regime in Havana, has asked Walesa to lay flowers on his grave.
Farinas, who has been hospitalized in Santa Clara, talked to the former president and leader of Solidarity on the phone. He told Walesa that he will not stop the protest until his demands are met.
“It’s my way to fight against the totalitarian regime, to fight for freedom in Cuba and I need to be consistent. If I die, please lay flowers on my grave when Cuba is already a free country,†said Farinas and added that Cuba needs martyrs like Orlando Zapata in order to wake up international public opinion and make people interested in the Cuba’s fate.
Lech Walesa tried to convince the opposition activist that he has already moved the world and thanks to him people have found out about political prisoners in Cuba and the tough life Cubans live. The Solidarity leader said that Cuba needs people, living people, in order rebuild the country.
The 48-year-old journalist Guillermo Farinas wants the Castro government to release 26 political prisoners who are all ill, he says. He went on a hunger strike after the death of Orlando Zapata, who had himself been on hunger strike for two and a half months.
The European Parliament has condemned the death of Zapata and expressed concern about Farinas’ health. MEPs also asked the Cuban authorities to release political prisoners, whose number is estimated to be around 200.
In turn, Cuba has condemned the EP’s declaration, saying that it is one-sided and harmful for the Cuban nation. Raul Castro’s government denies that there are any political prisoners in Cuba.
This is Farinas’ second hunger strike. In 2006 he refused food for seven months in protest against internet censorship by the Cuban regime and has had severe health problems ever since. Reporters Without Borders awarded their 2006 cyber-freedom prize to him for his struggle for freedom of speech and expression.
http://www.thenews.pl/internat.....rave-.html
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 06:14
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.†– Thomas Jefferson.
The dictatorship fans are coming out of the woodwork. They must really feel threatened. That they have chosen this forum is interesting. It shows how desperate they are.
The latest one to make an appearance here goes to the ludicrous extreme of comparing internet hits on google searches — as if this proves a point. Third graders know better. The lack of coherent reasoning and the volume of mindless blather we see from these idiots is amazing. It is actually encouraging because if this is the best they can do, they have serious problems.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 04:12
One of the few non-violent ways to be heard in the Castro brothers 50 years paradise is going in a hunger strike as an act of political protest. It is very sad that these hunger strikes have to be used to bring world opinion to bear against the oppression and denial of freedom by the two tyrants and force change.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 01:58
This is an important historical moment that gives us an opportunity to look at freedom of the press in Cuba (where we are repeatedly told there is none) and the freedom of the press in the USA (which is supposedly the bastion of freedom of the press).
A cruel response to a hunger strike in Cuba has receiving almost no attention. That is because this hunger strike is taking place in a secretive military facility which has illegally imprisoned hundreds of innocent individuals from all over the world for years on end without any charges filed against them. That illegal prison camp is located on the western end of Cuba, in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Between ONE HUNDRED FIFTY AND TWO HUNDRED illegally-detained prisoners were on hunger strike in the US Military’s illegal detention camp. The hunger strikers are ALL political prisoners, the vast majority of whom are being held without charge and, if we are to look at others who have been released from this detention camp as evidence, it is more than likely that most of the people held here are innocent and were sold as human chattel by Afghan warlords engaging in modern day human trafficking, bought and paid for by the US military.
However, this hunger strike has received almost no attention by the western media — this isn’t because no one is interested, mind you. Hundreds of thousands of emails fly around informal networks but that doesn’t really matter because the Official Corporate-State Capitalist Media refuses to give it attention.
In January of this year, new information came out about Gitmo hunger strikers Salah Ahmed Al-Salami, Mani Shaman Al-Utaybi and Yasser Talal Al-Zahrani, who died in 2006 after being held for years at “Camp Gitmo”. Al-Zahrani had been held there since he was 17 years old. Officially, all 3 deaths were ruled a suicide. All three had been engaged in hunger strikes at Camp Gitmo to protest the illegal and torturous conditions under which they were held. Rear Admiral Harry Harris even publicly attacked the dead men, claiming that their deaths were intentional, and used as a way to “wage warfare” against the United States: “I believe this was not an act of desperation but an act of asymmetrical warfare waged against us.â€
In 2010, a low-ranked guard at Camp Gitmo spoke out and claimed that the deaths were not, in fact, suicides at all. Instead, they were murders, committed at an even more secret part of Camp Gitmo called “Camp No.”
Unfortunately, because of lack of access by international humanitarian organizations to prisoners at Camp Gitmo and since no one in the world even knew that Camp No existed, information about what happened here is nearly impossible to find out. People are doing everything they can, except there are no multi-million Cuban-American cocaine cartels stepping up to fund organizations to talk about these individuals.
A search of Google News for the name of Yasser Talal Al-Zahrani came up with exactly 3 results.
A search of Google News for the name of Orlando Zapata Tamayo came up with 4,371 results.
It is claimed that Cuba has 200 political prisoners.
That’s the same number of people on hunger strike JUST at Camp Gitmo.
That doesn’t include the US-run Bagram Prison, or any of the number of illegal “extraordinary rendition” sites that exist all over the world, holding illegally kidnapped innocent people who are being tortured at this very moment. It is also doesn’t include any of the MILLIONS of people who are being held in the US prison system.
Yoani, why is it that there is so much more media attention on Orlando Zapata Tamayo and virtually NO coverage of the hunger strikes at Camp Gitmo in Cuba, or the murders that are taking place there? What do you have to say about the horrific human rights conditions happening on Cuban soil, at Camp Gitmo?
If there is no freedom of press for Cubans, why is your story everywhere and the two hundred hunger strikers at the other end of your island not mentioned at all?
Do you know what happens to US citizens who receive money from foreign governments to agitate against the US government? They receive the death penalty.
Finally, Yoani, I’m interested if you have any sympathy whatsoever for the Cuban Five political prisoners currently being held in the US prison system. Do you support the actions of the people they were investigating, who openly brag on their website about sabotaging Cuban food production, about strafing Cuban hotels with machine gun fire, about planting bombs in Cuban hotels?
I am glad that we have this ability to dialogue via the internet and I truly hope to hear from you about these issues. Because, frankly, I don’t understand many of the positions I read here when I take a step back and look at what “freedom of the press” means in the United States, versus what “freedom of the press” means in Cuba and Venezuela and other Bolivarian Revolution governments.
Thank you.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 01:32
It is truely indicting how Ripple AKA Humbug quotes Human Rights Watch from Novemeber 2009 (sic) but ignores them when this week they say “efforts by the U.S. government to press for change by imposing a sweeping ban on trade and travel have proven to be a costly and misguided failure.â€
Selective morality.
Similar to hoping people will kill themselves so you can exploit their deaths when you yourself do SFA to adavanc the cause (except to continually post links to other third hand sources). Very courageous.
Marzo 13th, 2010 at 01:26
Wanker from Fantasy Island says : “There is no one in the United States who is starving to death.”!!!
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 23:42
THANKS TO THIS INFORMATION TOOL CALL “THE INTERNETâ€, “LA CHINA” & “THE MUMMY” CANT FOOL THE WORLD AS THEY DID BEFORE!
EUROPA PRESS: Intelectuales españoles se unen a una campaña para exigir la liberación de los presos polÃticos en Cuba
MADRID, 13 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) -
Diversos representantes de la cultura española como Fernando Savater, Elvira Lindo, Antonio Muñoz Molina o Juan Marsé se han unido a una campaña lanzada ayer viernes para reivindicar la liberación de todos los presos polÃticos en Cuba y exigir al Gobierno de Raúl Castro que ponga fin a la eliminación de opositores pacÃficos.
La iniciativa ‘Orlando Zapata Tamayo: Yo acuso al Gobierno cubano’ se dio inicio ayer en un blog homónimo en el que se incluye una carta para solicitar la liberación de todos los disidentes que se encuentran encarcelados en Cuba.
En su primer dÃa de existencia, la misiva ha sido firmada por más de 1.300 personas de diferentes paÃses, entre ellas intelectuales españoles como los mencionados o Rosa Montero, otros escritores latinoamericanos como Ãlvaro y Mario Vargas Llosa e incluso disidentes cubanos como la bloguera Yoani Sánchez.
La campaña trata de presionar a las autoridades cubanas para que excarcelen a todos los presos de conciencia y de opinión, delitos por los que varios disidentes han sido condenados a penas “de hasta 28 años en prisión”.
El periodista opositor Guillermo Fariñas se encuentra hospitalizado en un centro médico de Villa Clara debido al débil estado de salud en el que se encuentra como consecuencia de la huelga de hambre y sed que inició have dieciocho dÃas, tras la muerte del preso disidente Orlando Zapata Tamayo, para reivindicar también la puesta en libertad de los 26 disidentes que se encuentran encarcelados en la isla.
http://www.europapress.es/inte.....51016.html
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 22:49
Sorry Simba meant post #2
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 22:21
Pedro Animala (very appropriate alias for you kind),
YOUR STATEMENT ON #3 JUST SHOWS HOW AGENTS OF “LA CHINA” & “THE MUMMY” LIKE YOURSELF KEEP SHIFTING THE CONVERSTATION AND BLAME TO THE ALWAYS EVIL “USA”! SAME OLD TACTICTS! BUT THANKS TO THIS INFORMATION TOOL CALL “THE INTERNET” YOU CANT FOOL THE WORLD AS BEFORE!
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH REPORT (November 18, 2009)-New Castro, Same Cuba
“Dissidents are a small and significantly isolated segment of the population. However, their marginalization is evidence not of the lack of dissent in Cuba, but rather of the state’s ruthless efficiency in suppressing it. Fear permeates all aspects of dissidents’ lives. Some stop voicing their opinions and abandon their activities altogether; others continue to exercise their rights, but live in constant dread of being punished. Many more never express dissent to avoid reprisals. As human rights defender Rodolfo Bartelemà Coba told Human Rights Watch in March 2009, “We live 24 hours a day ready to be detained.†Ten days after making that statement, Bartelemà was arrested and taken to prison without trial, where he remains today.”
“The Cuban government has for years refused to recognize the legitimacy of independent human rights monitoring and has adamantly refused to allow international monitors, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and international nongovernmental organizations like Human Rights Watch, to visit the island and investigate human rights conditions. In researching this report, Human Rights Watch made repeated written requests to the Raúl Castro government for meetings with authorities and formal authorization to conduct a fact-finding mission to the island. As in the past, the Cuban government did not respond to any of our requests.”
http://www.hrw.org/en/node/86549/section/2
EURASIA REVIEW: Cuban Human Rights Activist In Maximum Security Prison Must Be Released
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Amnesty International has adopted its 55th prisoner of conscience in Cuba and urged President Raúl Castro for his immediate and unconditional release.
Darsi Ferrer, Director of the ‘Juan Bruno Zayas’ Health and Human Rights Centre in Havana, has been detained for over six months since July 2009 on spurious charges of receiving illegally obtained goods, an offence normally bailed immediately.
He has not been brought to trial and is being held in a maximum security prison in Havana intended for inmates who have been convicted of violent crimes.
Although the offence with which Darsi is charged would normally be reviewed by a local magistrate, Darsi’s case is being handled by the General Prosecutor’s Office, fuelling the argument that his case is politically motivated.
Darsi Ferrer claims the building materials, two sacks of cement and some iron girders, were given to him by a colleague who had left the country and had not finished refurbishing his own house. The materials had been on the porch of the house in full view from the street months before the authorities came to confiscate them.
“My husband is in prison because he is a person who fights for his ideals and convictions, not because of two bags of cement,” said Yusnaimy.
“We are living in the dark, we don’t know how long he will stay in prison and this uncertainty is torturing us. As he has not been tried, we cannot be sure if he will stay in prison one more day or 20 more years.”
http://www.eurasiareview.com/2.....st-in.html
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 21:59
Pedro Animala,
Your comment reveals the depth of the cruelty to which you and those who you represent are willing to sink in order to preserve the perversity that has existed in Cuba for far too long. You are CRIMINALS. You are MURDERERS. You have destroyed the lives of multiple generations of Cubans and reduced our country to a poverty-stricken basket- case when it should be the complete opposite.
I have nothing but contempt and loathing for you and everything you stand for.
But aside from all that, you require correction.
There is no one in the United States who is starving to death. The only double standard that exists is in your own mind.
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 21:42
Farinas, in an interview with the Spanish daily El Pais, defiantly vowed to press on with a hunger strike “until the final consequences†to demand the release of sick political prisoners.
“Yes, I can die. The time has come for the world to realize that this government is cruel. There are moments in the history of a country when there must be martyrs,” Fariñas told El Pais.
Fariñas is a professed admirer of Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Gandhi engaged in several hunger strikes for the independence of India, and he succeeded.
In “Gandhi’s Letters to a Disciple†he writes, “Under certain circumstances, fasting is the one weapon God has given us for use in times of utter helplessness.†Gandhi felt strongly that fasting and political action was inseparable.
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 20:37
Human Rights Watch, a strong critic of the Cuban government, issued a statement arguing “the proposed [repeal of the travel bans on USA citizens] legislation, as well as similar legislation in the United States Senate, represents a necessary step towards ending a U.S. policy that has failed for decades to have any impact whatsoever on improving human rights in Cuba.” According to HRW, “efforts by the U.S. government to press for change by imposing a sweeping ban on trade and travel have proven to be a costly and misguided failure.”
http://cubacentral.wordpress.c...../#more-393
Yoani Sanchez is also a ’strong critic’ of the Cuban government and similarly opposes the US travel ban. Unlike the neanderthals who attempt to dominate this site.
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 20:22
#2 Is there a reference to this person in the United States of America that starved him/herself to death asking for the release of political prisoners, or do you just make up stuff as you go?
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 20:06
In Cuba, a person chooses to starve himself and the government is blamed for it.
In USA, people die of starvation, and no ones gets blamed.
Enough with this double standard. Let them die if they so choose.
Marzo 12th, 2010 at 15:42
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Cuban hunger striker in hospital after passing out
By PAUL HAVEN (AP)
HAVANA — A Cuban hunger striker was receiving fluids and medical care in a government hospital Friday, a day after passing out at home, and has refused requests by other dissidents and religious leaders to abandon his protest.
Guillermo Farinas was taken to a hospital in the central Cuban city of Santa Clara on Thursday. It was the second time he has lost consciousness — and received fluids and nutrients intravenously — since launching his hunger strike on Feb. 24.
“He is in stable condition. They are hydrating him and giving him medicine,” spokeswoman Licet Zamora told The Associated Press.
Zamora said well-known Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez; her husband, Reinaldo Escobar; and others visited Farinas at the hospital Thursday, on a mission to persuade him to give up the protest. They were unable to see him because he was in intensive care. Roman Catholic leaders have also called on him to abandon his strike, but Farinas has refused.
Ismeli Iglesias, a dissident doctor who is helping treat Farinas, said that the hospital’s intervention meant his life was no longer in danger. But Iglesias warned that Farinas’ immune system was weak and complications could emerge. He said Farinas could survive for months if his family continues to take him to the hospital each time he loses consciousness.
Farinas is demanding the release of 26 ailing political prisoners. The government has said it would not give in to “pressure or blackmail.” It has placed responsibility for Farinas’ life squarely in the hands of foreign diplomats and the international news media, which it says is manipulating him as part of a campaign against Cuba’s communist government.
Cuba considers the dissidents to be common criminals paid by Washington to undermine the government.
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Cuban hunger striker in hospital after passing out
On Thursday, the European Parliament condemned Cuba for what it called the “avoidable and cruel” death of another dissident hunger striker, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died Feb. 23 after an 83-day hunger strike. The European assembly said it was also alarmed by Farinas’ case, and called on Cuba to ensure his safety.
Cuba’s own parliament denounced the EU decision, decrying it on Thursday as hypocritical and offensive, and insisting it was made after a “sullied debate.”
Cuba kept up the angry rhetoric on Friday, with a long article in the Communist Party daily Granma titled: “European Parliament allies itself with the Anti-Cuban campaign.”
The article accuses Europe of colonialism, and says the resolution — passed by a 509-30 vote — was orchestrated by reactionary right-wing parties. It said the vote was part of a long and nefarious campaign against Cuba.
“It is a shame that such an institution dedicates itself to articulating conspiracies and propping up mercenaries and criminals,” the article said. “It would be funny if it were not so offensive to our country.”
http://www.google.com/hostedne.....wD9ED6VR00