sanman Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 I realised a long held ambition in November last year and visited Cuba. I must say I was extremely impressed by the country and its people. I could see no signs of the abject poverty that I have witnessed in Kenya & the Dominican Republic. Although people were far from rich they all had homes, food, clothes, education & free health care. On talking to cubans they seemed genuinely in awe of Fidel Castro and expressed concerns about what would happen to Cuba when he retired. What do you think will happen to Cuba now and how did you view Cuba under Castro's rule.
Fareast Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Well, the last time Castro had to give up ruling Cuba, due to his ill-health, such was his confidence in the internal democracy of the ruling elite, that he had to get his brother to step in ! After about 50 years of ruling a country, I think that's a little odd, to say the least. A man rules a country for 50 years and the message given out is that the country has changed immeasurably for the better and that most of the inhabitants love their wonderful leader. Then, as soon as he can't function, lo and behold, the only man to replace him, out of 10 million [ ? ] people, is his brother !! His brother, I think, had been in charge of security. Even Hitler, Stalin, Franco or Salazar didn't indulge in or rely upon such nepotism. However, old Doc Wotsit from Haiti had his son taking over and Kim in N. Korea looked after his nearest and dearest-------2 significant examples ! Also, a suspicously high number of people were always trying to escape from Cuba, a bit like they did from the German ' Democratic ' Republic. Not that Batista was a glowing example to anyone either, but I always think of ' fire ' and ' frying pan ' when I think of the people of Cuba. However, it WILL, indeed, be interesting to see what happens now. There might be a sort of post-Stalin scramble for power or the whole place might open up a la Spain ?
BasilRathbon Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 If you're a gentleman you can do a very convincing impression of Fidel Castro with just your genitals and a cigar.
poppins Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 I realised a long held ambition in November last year and visited Cuba. I must say I was extremely impressed by the country and its people. I could see no signs of the abject poverty that I have witnessed in Kenya & the Dominican Republic. Although people were far from rich they all had homes, food, clothes, education & free health care. On talking to cubans they seemed genuinely in awe of Fidel Castro and expressed concerns about what would happen to Cuba when he retired. What do you think will happen to Cuba now and how did you view Cuba under Castro's rule. Cubans in awe of Castro then how come they put their lives at risk trying to get away from him to get to the US ? the Cubans in the US that "Made it" to American danced in the streets when he became ill.
sanman Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 Cubans in awe of Castro then how come they put their lives at risk trying to get away from him to get to the US ? the Cubans in the US that "Made it" to American danced in the streets when he became ill. I don't know, I've never met anyone from Cuba who left to go to America. I can only talk from my experiences. The people I met in Cuba adored him. The people I met in Cuba all had a roof over their head. The people I met in Cuba all had access to free education. The people I met in Cuba all had access to free health care. Yes, I admit they are deprived of some of their liberties but as third world countries go it was the best I've ever been to. When a recent hurricane hit Cuba thousands upon thousands of people were evacuated for their own safety. It not something that the US managed with Katrina was it?
barny_100 Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Yes, I admit they are deprived of some of their liberties but as third world countries go it was the best I've ever been to. Understatement of the year I think. It's amusing to see left wingers covering for a left wing dictator though, really shows up their hypocrisy!
Solomon1 Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 went to cuba 2 years ago sanman and it invoked polar opposite reactions! i loved it for the same reasons as you....everyone seemed healthy, happy, sheltered....living one long holiday in some respect! but i loathed it for the overt racism and power that the (very young and stupid) policia had over the people and the fact that skin tone was noted on id cards (blanco,mulatto, *****). made me so mad. i witnessed many routine id checks by the police and invariably it would be young, black men who were subjected to this humiliation. almost got myself arrested, just by watching the police at work in this way...they saw it as a challenge to their authority (which it was haha!). would love to go back and see trinidad. have to wait and see if civil war breaks out first!
Snook Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Cubans in awe of Castro then how come they put their lives at risk trying to get away from him to get to the US ? the Cubans in the US that "Made it" to American danced in the streets when he became ill. My ex-girlfriend is American, and she couldn't wait to leave the 'small minded' country. I'm very sure she would have danced in the streets if George Bush became ill too! On the other hand, her mother never wanted to even leave her state, and wouldn't stand to even listen to people speak ill of the President. You get that to varying degrees in all countries. I believe that many Cubans love Castro, just as some hate him and are drawn to the wealth that they believe is available in America but not in Cuba.
StarSparkle Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 If you're a gentleman you can do a very convincing impression of Fidel Castro with just your genitals and a cigar. What if you're a peasant? StarSparkle
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