Communist Cuba turns 50!

[Saiwania]

The US embargo against Cuba does not need to be lifted. They can trade with any other country that is willing. Why should the US government care about any economic disadvantages Cuba has resulting from our embargo? How would lifting it benefit the United States? Will Cuba return any American businesses that were nationalized to their rightful owners? (private control)

If not, then I see little point in wanting Cuba's embargo gone. To lift the embargo would be to officially sanction Castro's regime. Any American politician that lifts the embargo on Cuba will permanently lose the vote of the Cuban exile community.

[The Parkus Empire]

We are not so large of a economy that trade with 202 other countries couldn't mitigate the effects of the embargo. It runs on a shitty economic model and has shitty leadership and most of it's are caused by those two things.

You clearly don't know what "mitigate" means, nor do you understand that the U.S. is worth about a 100 of those countries.

[The Parkus Empire]

You clearly don't know what "mitigate" means, nor do you understand that the U.S. is worth about a 100 of those countries.

1. Make less severe, serious, or painful:
US trade = 100 countries
202 Cuban trade partners - 100 countries = 102 countries. Still enough to lessen the effects of the embargo.

Those other countries don't make the loss of the U.S. any less severe, since Cuba would trade with them anyway. It's like getting your thumbs cut off and then saying that not have the other fingers cut off mitigates that. No. If you got artificial thumbs, then that would be mitigation.

Those other countries don't "mitigate" the loss unless they wouldn't trade with Cuba if Cuba traded with the U.S.

[Sibirsky]

Castro didn't create anything, Brandenburg-Altmark, it already had the highest level of development and economic well-being of the entire Carribean under Batista. Castro can at best be said to have failed to screw over an already highly developed nation and at worst has taken a Cuba well on it's way to first world status and driven it right back to poverty.

At this time we still don't know the extent of Cuban poverty and the ugliness of the true Cuba, we only see the painted resort towns and see the doctored government statistics, this is Pre-Glasnost Russia on an island. I think when the truth is revealed, there won't being any defending Castro, except by the same mad men who defend men like Stalin and Lenin.

While it's true Cuba was already developing before the revolution, it's also true that Cuba hasn't been a failure. The Cuban economy would be doing better far and away without this ridiculous embargo, and the hard liners would be forced to make concessions and liberalize due to a more educated, well off middle class. While it's true not many people get real access into Cuba, it's also true that most analyses of Cuba vs rival nations like the Dominican Republic and such put it on top. What I'm really getting at is that the situation in Cuba is vastly overstated.

No it isn't. When basic medicine is in shortage, it's a major problem.

[Andaluciae]

Cuba is the only one of those which locks up political prisoners.

That's what you hear on the T.V. Again, speak with the people. My sportscoach makes fun of Castro constantly, and I have yet to see him jailed.

Jailing dissidents is time consuming, expensive and bad for PR; on which the Castro's rely a lot. Rather, the regime has utilized informal methods of putting pressure on dissidents--the classic being the committee s for the defense of the revolution, who lead everything from ostracism campaigns, to flat out violent intimidation.

The regime tolerates a degree of private complaining--shoestring authoritarianism doesn't easily facilitate an Orwellian nightmare state, but it's still very repressive.

[Andaluciae]

Castro didn't create anything, Brandenburg-Altmark, it already had the highest level of development and economic well-being of the entire Carribean under Batista. Castro can at best be said to have failed to screw over an already highly developed nation and at worst has taken a Cuba well on it's way to first world status and driven it right back to poverty.

At this time we still don't know the extent of Cuban poverty and the ugliness of the true Cuba, we only see the painted resort towns and see the doctored government statistics, this is Pre-Glasnost Russia on an island. I think when the truth is revealed, there won't being any defending Castro, except by the same mad men who defend men like Stalin and Lenin.

While it's true Cuba was already developing before the revolution, it's also true that Cuba hasn't been a failure. The Cuban economy would be doing better far and away without this ridiculous embargo, and the hard liners would be forced to make concessions and liberalize due to a more educated, well off middle class. While it's true not many people get real access into Cuba, it's also true that most analyses of Cuba vs rival nations like the Dominican Republic and such put it on top. What I'm really getting at is that the situation in Cuba is vastly overstated.

The problem with comparing Cuba to its Caribbean neighbors, is that China has always sort of stood apart. Just basic geography: Cuba is over twice as large as the Dominican Republic; it's colonial history is that of an administrative hub, rather than a resource extraction pit; it doesn't share an island with Haiti; it's always had strong ties to a major global power; and it has always been one of the twin "capitals"of the Caribbean (Miami was, for much of history the other, lesser pole). Cuba should be more advanced and more central than it is today. It had all of the advantages, and Castro hasn't leveraged them anywhere near as well as he could have.

[Andaluciae]

First off, Cuba does buy from the US. 6.6% of Cuba's imports are from the US. Second, even if they couldn't buy from the US at all... there's still only one country embargoing Cuba. There are 202 that are not. It's not a valid excuse for their awful economy.

We are the world's largest economy, located only 60 miles away from them. So yes, it does explain a lot.

The US sells food and medicine to Cuba, Venezuela practically gives Cuba petroleum products, tourism provides a substantial source of foreign currency, Cuban sugar and tobacco are in high demand on the global market. What is sorely lacking is a growing, self-supporting domestic economy.

Does the embargo hurt? Sure, but it's not the source of Cuba's primary problem: A stagnant domestic economy.

[Sucrati]

We are the world's largest economy, located only 60 miles away from them. So yes, it does explain a lot.

The US sells food and medicine to Cuba, Venezuela practically gives Cuba petroleum products, tourism provides a substantial source of foreign currency, Cuban sugar and tobacco are in high demand on the global market. What is sorely lacking is a growing, self-supporting domestic economy.

Does the embargo hurt? Sure, but it's not the source of Cuba's primary problem: A stagnant domestic economy.

When we screwed Cuba over AFTER the Revolution, they declared themselves as Communists and WHAM embargoed.

So.. America, the land that was against the spread of Communism, caused it's growth not more than 100 miles from our shores... sick twist of irony that is.

[Greater Miami Shores]

Democratic communist socialist Paradise Island Nation of Cuba: Free government provided education and healthcare, that has to be paid $ for one way or another. Where foreigners get better health care treatment than Cubans.

Where as many of you know by now, a female relative of mine works in a government corporation office with computers. A job that would pay $ great anywhere in the world except Cuba. She drives a bike) bicycle to work. Depends on Cuban American family remittances $ from those fundamentalist, hardline, intransigent, extremist Cuban American Miami Mafia, Gusano Worms, Escoria Scums. Most common forms of transportation in Cuba, foot, bikes and over-crowded busses Cubans call the pill, you take one every 4 to 6 hours.
If your lucky you can hitch a ride on back of a passing truck.

Where foreigners with hard currency $ money are treated better than the Cuban people by the Cuban government. Including those fundamentalist, hardline intransigent, extremist Cuban American Miami Mafia, Gusano Worms, Escoria Scums like myself. Committees for the defense of the revolution, that keep a record of your voluntary work for the revolution, your loyalty or not to the revolution. Where anyone who disagrees with the government on any issue is called an anti social, anti revolutionary common criminal by the Cuban government.

Where everyone from government officials to the people steal everything they can from government businesses just to get by Cuba style. Where the Cuban government elite of government officials, artists, intelectuals and sport figures dont live like the average socialist Cuban families. Welcome to Cuba Democratic Communist Socialist Paradise Island Nation.

The Cuban government trades with most nations of the world. Receives over 2,500,000 tourists per year mostly Canadians and Europeans with hard currency $ money $. Cuban Americans send hard currency $ family remittances $ and care packages to their families and friends in Cuba, so Cubans in Cuba can buy certain goods in so called government dollar $ stores, in a currency $ they do not earn $. A form of ransom $. Has limited relations with the USA on a cash $ basis.

The Cuban government and its international supporters call us the fundamentalist, hardline, intransigent, extremist Cuban American Mafia of Miami, Gusano Worms, Escoria Scums when they want to attack us. They call us Our (their) Overseas Cuban American Immigrant Community when they want our hard currency $ money $. The same for goes for the Canadian, European and other overseas Cubans. It's not the fault of the evil American economic embargo blockade, it's the success of the over centralised, Cuban socialist economy and its'government.


Fidel Castro Ruz greeting the Pope in a suit when it fits his interests.


Fidel Castro Ruz lecturing the Pope.


Fidel Castro Ruz in military uniform when the Pope left Cuba. Actually Fidel was in military uniform as he said goodbye to the Pope, sending a clear message to the world. You should have seen Fidel's face of hate and contempt as he looked on the Pope's plane leaving Cuba.


Fidel and Jimmy two old Democratic Friends. Former USA President Jimmy Carter.


President of Cuba Raúl Castro Ruz greeting former USA President Jimmy Carter in a business suit.


The real Comandante en Jefe and General Raúl Castro Ruz.

[Risottia]

Cuba can be proud of the fact that it has a 99.8% literacy rate, a low infant mortality rate (lower than most developed nations), & medical care (as a poor nation) that is one of the better examples in the world. Cuba is also the only country in the world to meet the WWF's definition of sustainable development

Which is good.

Also, what changes do you think his brother & new president Raul Castro will bring forth?

Dunno, but they seem to be keen at least at allowing new people in the government. Let's hope the older fossils get their due place in a museum. Same people in the gov't => stagnation.

[Sucrati]

Cuba can be proud of the fact that it has a 99.8% literacy rate, a low infant mortality rate (lower than most developed nations), & medical care (as a poor nation) that is one of the better examples in the world. Cuba is also the only country in the world to meet the WWF's definition of sustainable development

Which is good.

Also, what changes do you think his brother & new president Raul Castro will bring forth?

Dunno, but they seem to be keen at least at allowing new people in the government. Let's hope the older fossils get their due place in a museum. Same people in the gov't => stagnation.

Vladimir Putin is reaching that Definition, there are rumors that he may run (again) for the Russian Presidency...

[CTALNH]

Yea, it's a wreck alright.

It actually is.

Oh yeah more capitalist propaganda

[Jimanistan]

Cuba has made some very admirable gains in the last fifty years, though their lack of any real political freedom makes me hesitate to call it a "socialist" country.

[Greater Miami Shores]

Comandante en JefeFidel Castro Ruz.


The real Comandante en Jefe and General Raúl Castro Ruz.

If anyone has screwed up Cuba is Fidel and Raúl. If they really want younger leaders in Cuba they should both resign.

[Risottia]

(Image)
Comandante en JefeFidel Castro Ruz.

(Image)
The real Comandante en Jefe and General Raúl Castro Ruz.

Quit the picspam.

[Greater Miami Shores]

(Image)
Comandante en JefeFidel Castro Ruz.

(Image)
The real Comandante en Jefe and General Raúl Castro Ruz.

Quit the picspam.

That is what they wear.

[Sibirsky]

Democratic communist socialist Paradise Island Nation of Cuba

: Free government provided education and healthcare, that has to be paid $ for one way or another. Where foreigners get better health care treatment than Cubans.

Where as many of you know by now, a female relative of mine works in a government corporation office with computers. A job that would pay $ great anywhere in the world except Cuba. She drives a bike) bicycle to work. Depends on Cuban American family remittances $ from those fundamentalist, hardline, intransigent, extremist Cuban American Miami Mafia, Gusano Worms, Escoria Scums. Most common forms of transportation in Cuba, foot, bikes and over-crowded busses Cubans call the pill, you take one every 4 to 6 hours.
If your lucky you can hitch a ride on back of a passing truck.

Where foreigners with hard currency $ money are treated better than the Cuban people by the Cuban government. Including those fundamentalist, hardline intransigent, extremist Cuban American Miami Mafia, Gusano Worms, Escoria Scums like myself. Committees for the defense of the revolution, that keep a record of your voluntary work for the revolution, your loyalty or not to the revolution. Where anyone who disagrees with the government on any issue is called an anti social, anti revolutionary common criminal by the Cuban government.

Where everyone from government officials to the people steal everything they can from government businesses just to get by Cuba style. Where the Cuban government elite of government officials, artists, intelectuals and sport figures dont live like the average socialist Cuban families. Welcome to Cuba Democratic Communist Socialist Paradise Island Nation.

The Cuban government trades with most nations of the world. Receives over 2,500,000 tourists per year mostly Canadians and Europeans with hard currency $ money $. Cuban Americans send hard currency $ family remittances $ and care packages to their families and friends in Cuba, so Cubans in Cuba can buy certain goods in so called government dollar $ stores, in a currency $ they do not earn $. A form of ransom $. Has limited relations with the USA on a cash $ basis.

The Cuban government and its international supporters call us the fundamentalist, hardline, intransigent, extremist Cuban American Mafia of Miami, Gusano Worms, Escoria Scums when they want to attack us. They call us Our (their) Overseas Cuban American Immigrant Community when they want our hard currency $ money $. The same for goes for the Canadian, European and other overseas Cubans. It's not the fault of the evil American economic embargo blockade, it's the success of the over centralised, Cuban socialist economy and its'government.

(Image)
Fidel Castro Ruz greeting the Pope in a suit when it fits his interests.

(Image)
Fidel Castro Ruz lecturing the Pope.

(Image)
Fidel Castro Ruz in military uniform when the Pope left Cuba. Actually Fidel was in military uniform as he said goodbye to the Pope, sending a clear message to the world. You should have seen Fidel's face of hate and contempt as he looked on the Pope's plane leaving Cuba.

(Image)
Fidel and Jimmy two old Democratic Friends. Former USA President Jimmy Carter.

(Image)
President of Cuba Raúl Castro Ruz greeting former USA President Jimmy Carter in a business suit.

(Image)
The real Comandante en Jefe and General Raúl Castro Ruz.

[Andaluciae]

The US sells food and medicine to Cuba, Venezuela practically gives Cuba petroleum products, tourism provides a substantial source of foreign currency, Cuban sugar and tobacco are in high demand on the global market. What is sorely lacking is a growing, self-supporting domestic economy.

Does the embargo hurt? Sure, but it's not the source of Cuba's primary problem: A stagnant domestic economy.

When we screwed Cuba over AFTER the Revolution, they declared themselves as Communists and WHAM embargoed.

So.. America, the land that was against the spread of Communism, caused it's growth not more than 100 miles from our shores... sick twist of irony that is.

It isn't easy to predict blowback, especially when your information is deeply flawed.

Regardless, Castro made Cuba "socialist", and then aligned himself with the Soviets. He allowed Guevara to murder hundreds in cold blood--before driving him off the island as a threat to his own power.

[Andaluciae]

(Image)
Comandante en JefeFidel Castro Ruz.

(Image)
The real Comandante en Jefe and General Raúl Castro Ruz.

If anyone has screwed up Cuba is Fidel and Raúl. If they really want younger leaders in Cuba they should both resign.

Have I ever mentioned how much leading government figures in military dress uniforms bother me?

Maybe it's my American preference for civilian government, or something along those lines...

Fun fact: The House of Castro has reigned over Cuba for over half the length of the House of Windsor in Great Britain (1917).

[Andaluciae]

While Cuba has been "socialist" for the past fifty years, that seems downright youthful in comparison to its gerontocratic leadership.

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/201 ... old_deputy