The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
But I won't argue about how gore would've been better than Bush, but I think america needed Bush, many many more americans now understand more about politics because of that idiot bush, they see how bad the country is now and they educate themselves on the reasons. perhaps for a better future.
wow, that's a very very interesting way of looking at things and, I hate to say it, but you may have a point. Ah shite, don't tell me Bush will go down in history as the man who educated Americans and opened their minds
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
I'm not above having talks with Raul assuming he takes power after Fidel's death. But to suggest we should open up to a country who once agreed to house nuclear weapons aimed at American cities is silly. The leadership has not changed since those times. Their political bearings are still the same. Hell, we let the guy come to Yankee stadium... Shouldn't the ball be on someone elses side of the court for once?
Hey, the leadership of Northern Ireland hasn't changed in about 2000 years it seems :rolleyes: BUT you're talking about things in the past... stop being so bitter and move on, will ya?
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
wow, that's a very very interesting way of looking at things and, I hate to say it, but you may have a point. Ah shite, don't tell me Bush will go down in history as the man who educated Americans and opened their minds
pretty scary huh?
let's not forget that muhammed was apparently illiterate and he's educated millions.
hear my name
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say
there you are, I was hoping you would come around.
I agree with you. cubans should go at their own pace and do what they want with their own country without the US forcing anything. which by insisting they go with democracy, forces nothing, IMO.
let me ask you this....who should extent the olive branch? US or Raul?
as for the cold war being over, your right. but the same regime is still there. both relevant facts.
I hope things change for the better, soon
First let me say that I am in no way defending Castro. My family, as well as thousands of others, suffered under his rule. There are 4 members of my family that where executed by hisa government for voicing their opinion. My grandmother & grtandfather where forced to work in a labor camp for 6 months simply because my grandfather refused to spy on their neighbors. My grandmother told me the stories of the conditions of these camps. If Castro stood before me on fire I wouldn't piss on him to put the fire out.
Back to your question. In my opinion it should be the US that extends the olive branch and I have two reasons why. The embargo sanctioned on Cuba is an action supported and taken by the US. The embargo should have been lifted years ago. China is a communist country yet we trade with them. Vietnam is a communist country and we trade with them. It just seems that the US is holding this embargo in place, not because of national security reasons, but because of a strong Cuban-American lobby. Cuban exiles in this country hold a very deep seeded grudge against Fidel and their hopes was that this embargo would finally force him out of power and that an Cuban government waiting in exile in Miami would come in. That is never going to happen and Cuban-Americans as well as the US government have to finally face realityand see that the embargo is not working and it is only hurting the Cuban population. The Cuban government is not going to change and I think the US has to be the bigger person here, if they are sincere about bring democracy to Cuba, and make the first move. Second reason is that it was the US government that initiated hostilities towards Cuba. Castro had no problem with the US. His problem was with our support of the Batista regime. Batista was a fucking bastard and he was no better than Fidel. Fidel's original goal was to give the country back to the people. Batista sold his country and his people just to line his pockets. Had the US not caved into pressure from Cuban-exiles and corporations like United Fruit hostilities would have never existed between the two nations. Castro only turned to the Soviets after the US started hostile actions against him and at the urging of Che Guevara. On a side note it is believed that Castro had Camilo Cienfuegos, he was one of the four leaders of the Cuban Revolution along with Castro, Raul, and Che, killed at the urgings of Che because Camilo did not trust the Soviets and was attempting to talk Castro out of signing a treaty with them.
I would love to see a free and democratic Cuba without any undue outside influence. Cuba has never had that in it's history. Even after the Spanish-American War the US retained the right to intevene in Cuban affairs as it saw fit. Since it's colonization the inhabitants of Cuba, from the native Taíno indians to it's citizens today, have been a pawn for a great power. Cubans have never had total control of their own country and it's destiny and I for one hope to see that day come. I still have plenty of family there and it bothers me that they suffer and it also bothers me that I can't go and visit my parents homeland. Cuba has great potential. From tourism to natural resources, a large oil reserve was resently discovered in the North Cuba Basin, and it should be the Cuban people who benefit from the finances gained from these resources not a foireign country or a dictator and hopefully in the near future they will.
"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
sad news indeed. Castro is an example of someone who spent the last 40 years standing up to the worlds only remaining superpower. He stuck by his guns and led a life of activism and peace and equality. He will remain a hero for years to come. The hatred this country has for him, I never understood. Big Whoop if he wanted in the late 50's to nationalize Cuba. Big whoop. How the hell does that affect the u.s. And if he wanted to run a socialist state, then why the hell do we care?
He stands and will remain a hero who stood for the oppressed and poor. Someone who cared for the little man. Someone who felt revolution was paramount in society.
The fact remains for all the criticism he gets in the u.s. he provided and still provides free health care to all cubans and free education to all cubans. Anyone who has been to cuba can tell you their aint homeless cubans laying around the main squares and main streets. It aint like it is here in the u.s. Indeed classes still exist in cuba but it is nowhere near as stratified as it is here in the u.s.
The fact remains a bane of the u.s. existence did what the u.s. could not, set up free health care and free schooling, and reduce poverty drastically.
He deserves praise, and its a sad day indeed when a person like Castro dies.
Instead of crappy people like Obama, Kerry, Gore, Biden, Hillary etc... who merely want reform, why limit ourselves to reform? WHy not demand the revolution? Why not radically transform society? Hate to break it to you all, but Dems arent the goddamn answer, they only will reform. We need the revolution, and it needs to occur NOW!
Viva fidel, Viva Che, Viva the Revolucion, and Viva the spirit of activism, dissent, resistance and rage
In the name of Fidel, SET IT OFF, RISE!
Yes he provides free heathcare and education to his people. Yes he freed them from the clutches of a corrupt dictator but at what cost. How many innocent Cubans where jailed, tortured, and/or killed just so he could keep himself in power. You are right that you don't see homeless people in Cuba, not because they all have jobs and a home but because they are incarcerated and sent off to work camps. AIDs patients, homosexuals, and the mentally ill have all suffered as well under Castro rule. They where locked away and left to rot because in Castro's eyes they defiled Cuba's image. Are these the actions of a hero. If she where alive, you could ask my grandmother how she spent the 6 months at a woman's work camp. How the guards sexually abused the woman there. How my grandfather was beaten infront of my mother and grandmother and hauled off simply because he refused to spy on a neighbor. Castro is no hero. He may have had good intentions when he liberated Cuba from Batista but as the saying goes "The road to hell is paved with good intentions".
"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
American law doesn't allow me to run for president. Though american, I was born in France, in an american hospital, on an american base (my dad was in the army) but still.. in France... So that excludes me from the presidency!
It is sad how people come on here and bitch but don't really know what they are talking about.
If both your parents are American citizens and at least one of them has lived in the USA then you can run for President.
Also, if you are born on a US base and at least one of your parents is a citizen and has lived in the US for at least a year then you can run for President.
Pay attention in school or do some fucking research before you come on here complaining about how much this country sucks. you know what sucks? People with this attitude that Cuba and other countries that people die to escape are better than the US.
Seeing visions of falling up somehow.
Pensacola '94 New Orleans '95 Birmingham '98 New Orleans '00 New Orleans '03 Tampa '08 New Orleans '10 - Jazzfest New Orleans '16 - Jazzfest Fenway Park '18 St. Louis '22
Wow. Your screenname is in tribute to Ernesto Guevara I take it? The same man who shot deserters of the revolutionary army himself? Who more often would torture them first?
There ain't no classes in Cuba cause there ain't nobody got no money Ernesto. Everyone suffers equally.
Hope you aren't serious about your little rant. If someone from the government wishes to take you seriously, you've just committed treason. Of course, I would have already been dead if I would have felt the same way about your beloved Ernesto.
You're a whacko. Learn it, love it.
I know what ya mean. I couldnt even bring myself to respond. its just amazing
Yes he provides free heathcare and education to his people. Yes he freed them from the clutches of a corrupt dictator but at what cost. How mant innocent Cubans where jailed, tortured, and/or just so he could keep himself in power. You are right that you don't see homeless people in Cuba, not because they all have jobs and a home but because they are incarcerated and sent off to work camps. AIDs patients, homosexuals, and the mentally ill have all suffered as well under Castro rule. They where locked away and left to rot because in Castro's eyes they defiled Cuba's image. Are these the actions of a hero. If she where alive, you could ask my grandmother how she spent the 6 months at a woman's work camp. How the guards sexually abused the woman there. How my grandfather was beaten infront of my mother and grandmother and hauled off simply because he refused to spy on a neighbor. Castro is no hero. He may have had good intentions when he liberated Cuba from Batista but as the saying goes "The road to hell is paved with good intentions".
mammason, sorry to hear about your family's hardships under Castro. I wouldnt have been as calm responding to someone who called that guy a hero.
First let me say that I am in no way defending Castro. My family, as well as thousands of others, suffered under his rule. There are 4 members of my family that where executed by hisa government for voicing their opinion. My grandmother & grtandfather where forced to work in a labor camp for 6 months simply because my grandfather refused to spy on their neighbors. My grandmother told me the stories of the conditions of these camps. If Castro stood before me on fire I wouldn't piss on him to put the fire out.
completely understand your not defending him and I'm sorry for what your family had to go through.
Back to your question. In my opinion it should be the US that extends the olive branch and I have two reasons why. The embargo sanctioned on Cuba is an action supported and taken by the US. The embargo should have been lifted years ago. China is a communist country yet we trade with them. Vietnam is a communist country and we trade with them. It just seems that the US is holding this embargo in place, not because of national security reasons, but because of a strong Cuban-American lobby. Cuban exiles in this country hold a very deep seeded grudge against Fidel and their hopes was that this embargo would finally force him out of power and that an Cuban government waiting in exile in Miami would come in. That is never going to happen and Cuban-Americans as well as the US government have to finally face realityand see that the embargo is not working and it is only hurting the Cuban population. The Cuban government is not going to change and I think the US has to be the bigger person here, if they are sincere about bring democracy to Cuba, and make the first move. Second reason is that it was the US government that initiated hostilities towards Cuba. Castro had no problem with the US. His problem was with our support of the Batista regime. Batista was a fucking bastard and he was no better than Fidel. Fidel's original goal was to give the country back to the people. Batista sold his country and his people just to line his pockets. Had the US not caved into pressure from Cuban-exiles and corporations like United Fruit hostilities would have never existed between the two nations. Castro only turned to the Soviets after the US started hostile actions against him and at the urging of Che Guevara. On a side note it is believed that Castro had Camilo Cienfuegos, he was one of the four leaders of the Cuban Revolution along with Castro, Raul, and Che, killed at the urgings of Che because Camilo did not trust the Soviets and was attempting to talk Castro out of signing a treaty with them.
I would love to see a free and democratic Cuba without any undue outside influence. Cuba has never had that in it's history. Even after the Spanish-American War the US retained the right to intevene in Cuban affairs as it saw fit. Since it's colonization the inhabitants of Cuba, from the native Taíno indians to it's citizens today, have been a pawn for a great power. Cubans have never had total control of their own country and it's destiny and I for one hope to see that day come. I still have plenty of family there and it bothers me that they suffer and it also bothers me that I can't go and visit my parents homeland. Cuba has great potential. From tourism to natural resources, a large oil reserve was resently discovered in the North Cuba Basin, and it should be the Cuban people who benefit from the finances gained from these resources not a foireign country or a dictator and hopefully in the near future they will.
mammason, sorry to hear about your family's hardships under Castro. I wouldnt have been as calm responding to someone who called that guy a hero.
Castro is a disgusting human being
Many family's suffered under Castro's rule. My father had to leave Cuba in a hurry because someone told the local authorities that he was anti-Castro. Had he not managed to escape I probably wouldn't be writing this post right now. A lot of people get caught up in the idea of revolution, but in reality people like Che and Castro are animals. If our friend here really wants to hero worship someone he should take sometime to learn about Camilo Cienfuegos.
"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
you know what sucks? People with this attitude that Cuba and other countries that people die to escape are better than the US.
I think some people in this thread are making the general point that Cuba is Cuba, and should not have America rule imposed on it. They are entitled to do what they find in their own best interest and to progress at their own pace, as they see fit objectively, culturally, and as individuals. The reason America's downside comes into play is because everyone has got their problems and for one country to believe their way should be imposed, they had best have an airtight case, which is, of course, impossible. In other words, leave other countries be.
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
They are entitled to do what they find in their own best interest and to progress at their own pace, as they see fit objectively, culturally, and as individuals.
this sounds all nice and makes me feel warm inside but you are failing to see reality. How can they (cuban people) find whats in their best interest when they go from one dictator to another? are you willing to say, "well its what they wanted", how dare they US insist they be free. and I'm in no way suggesting the US invade and install a democracy. I would like to see the embargo be dropped and the US gives incentives to create a free country.
The reason America's downside comes into play is because everyone has got their problems and for one country to believe their way should be imposed, they had best have an airtight case, which is, of course, impossible. In other words, leave other countries be.
leave the country be to fall under an oppressing dictator who will kill and jail anyone opposed to him? great idea.
That is another country going in and trying to impose their way on Cuba. You wouldn't like me coming into your home and imposing my way on you.
this sounds all nice and makes me feel warm inside but you are failing to see reality. How an they (cuban people) find whats in their best interest when they go from one dictator to another? are you willing to say, well its what they wanted, hwo dare they US insist they be free.
If you're looking for support for going in and imposing your way, you won't get it from me.
leave the country be to fall under an oppressing dictator who will kill and jail anyone opposed to him? great idea.
And I'm not particularly interested in emotional justifications intended to give credence to the idea of imposing one's ways on another, mostly because there is no justification for the unjustifiable.
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
That is another country going in and trying to impose their way on Cuba. You wouldn't like me coming into your home and imposing my way on you.
If you're looking for support for going in and imposing your way, you won't get it from me.
And I'm not particularly interested in emotional justifications intended to give credence to the idea of imposing one's ways on another, mostly because there is no justification for the unjustifiable.
great job of not answering my question.
how many times are you going to say "impose their way on cuba"
I want to know what is America's way?? what would we be imposing on them?
dont respond if your not going to answer the question
how many times are you going to say "impose their way on cuba"
I want to know what is America's way?? what would we be imposing on them?
dont respond if your not going to answer the question
Thanks for your advice on when I should respond or not. Fortunately for me, I decide when I respond and what I say. I decide how I word my arguments.
Clearly, I am opposed to the US imposing their way on Cuba, including any mindset that Cuba is filled with victims who need the rescue of the US. The reason I am clearly against this is because this is the basis of the "rescue/victim/persecutor" triangle in psychology. It is a flawed position to come from, wherein one gives themselves permission to condescend to the level of the victim, to give "help". Really it's an illusion and it's about those who take it having an imbalanced and unhealthy perspective. When one acts on this false stance--of imagined unevenness, one is not operating on the even playing field, and one will create further imbalance.
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
I think some people in this thread are making the general point that Cuba is Cuba, and should not have America rule imposed on it. They are entitled to do what they find in their own best interest and to progress at their own pace, as they see fit objectively, culturally, and as individuals. The reason America's downside comes into play is because everyone has got their problems and for one country to believe their way should be imposed, they had best have an airtight case, which is, of course, impossible. In other words, leave other countries be.
You are correct. I couldn't agree more with not imposing our ways and leaving other countries to be unless they are actually a threat to me. Maybe I am reading too much into them but it is just some of the posts that spew with just hating this country and that every other country is better just hits a nerve with me.
Seeing visions of falling up somehow.
Pensacola '94 New Orleans '95 Birmingham '98 New Orleans '00 New Orleans '03 Tampa '08 New Orleans '10 - Jazzfest New Orleans '16 - Jazzfest Fenway Park '18 St. Louis '22
Thanks for your advice on when I should respond or not. Fortunately for me, I decide when I respond and what I say. I decide how I word my arguments.
Clearly, I am opposed to the US imposing their way on Cuba, including any mindset that Cuba is filled with victims who need the rescue of the US. The reason I am clearly against this is because this is the basis of the "rescue/victim/persecutor" triangle in psychology. It is a flawed position to come from, wherein one gives themselves permission to condescend to the level of the victim, to give "help". Really it's an illusion and it's about those who take it having an imbalanced and unhealthy perspective. When one acts on this false stance--of imagined unevenness, one is not operating on the even playing field, and one will create further imbalance.
again. what is America's way that you do not want imposed? save me the psycho babble bullshit
You are correct. I couldn't agree more with not imposing our ways and leaving other countries to be unless they are actually a threat to me. Maybe I am reading too much into them but it is just some of the posts that spew with just hating this country and that every other country is better just hits a nerve with me.
I'm glad we see eye to eye on the most basic and key point. It's understandable that people get defensive when they hear harsh things said about their country.
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
what I want to know from some here is WHY is american investment (the childish example always used is McDonalds) such a bad thing??
I think it's viewed in a negative manner because at times, not all the time, American investment usually leads to corporations praying upon the inhabitants of that country. I'll go back to United Fruit in Cuba. During the Batista regime United Fruit produce came from large plantations/farmer in Cuba. These plantations/farms where usually owned and operated by people with connections to Batista. The produce was sold to United Fruit for less than market value so that smaller farmers couldn't possible compete. Batista was provided with finacial incentives to make sure that no one rocked the boat. It is senerios like this one that cause people to be very weary of US investiment.
"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
You are correct. I couldn't agree more with not imposing our ways and leaving other countries to be unless they are actually a threat to me. Maybe I am reading too much into them but it is just some of the posts that spew with just hating this country and that every other country is better just hits a nerve with me.
ok, since all of you just dont seem to get it, I will answer it.
the only thing America wants for Cuba is a freely elected government. and freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of whatever.....
again. what is America's way that you do not want imposed? save me the psycho babble bullshit
You do fine answering your own questions. If you are not interested in what I have to say, and in hearing my point, that should make things easy on you then.
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
I'm glad we see eye to eye on the most basic and key point. It's understandable that people get defensive when they hear harsh things said about their country.
maybe you are ok with a dictator controlling people just because "its what they want"
I tend to side with having people be free but thats just me
maybe you are ok with a dictator controlling people just because "its what they want"
I tend to side with having people be free but thats just me
Except in your terms of "freedom" you nonchalantly overlook that a spoonfed "freedom" dictated by you, is actually the illusion of freedom. So I will just disagree with you on this one.
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
ok, since all of you just dont seem to get it, I will answer it.
the only thing America wants for Cuba is a freely elected government. and freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of whatever.....
I know that is what America wants and if Cuba decides they want it and want to talk to the American government about ways we can help them then I am all for it. The main point is Cuba has to want it first.
Seeing visions of falling up somehow.
Pensacola '94 New Orleans '95 Birmingham '98 New Orleans '00 New Orleans '03 Tampa '08 New Orleans '10 - Jazzfest New Orleans '16 - Jazzfest Fenway Park '18 St. Louis '22
ok, since all of you just dont seem to get it, I will answer it.
the only thing America wants for Cuba is a freely elected government. and freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of whatever.....
I understand what you are saying, but look at history. The US has supported almost every single Cuban leader since Cuban independance from Spain and almost every single one of those leaders, that the US suppported, was a corrupt dictator. Up untill Castro the US government has done as it please with Cuba regardless of the effects on it's population. I'm not saying that is what will happen this time around, but the historical facts are hard to ignore.
"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
call me crazy but "my idea" is freedom and I think its a good thing. even if it needs to be forced on them, and I dont mean with a gun.
If the Cuban Government doesn't want freedom then forcing with a gun would be the only way to do it. You can't have it both ways.
Seeing visions of falling up somehow.
Pensacola '94 New Orleans '95 Birmingham '98 New Orleans '00 New Orleans '03 Tampa '08 New Orleans '10 - Jazzfest New Orleans '16 - Jazzfest Fenway Park '18 St. Louis '22
Comments
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0107443.html
some other useful stuff:
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/cuba_statistics.html
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
pretty scary huh?
let's not forget that muhammed was apparently illiterate and he's educated millions.
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say
First let me say that I am in no way defending Castro. My family, as well as thousands of others, suffered under his rule. There are 4 members of my family that where executed by hisa government for voicing their opinion. My grandmother & grtandfather where forced to work in a labor camp for 6 months simply because my grandfather refused to spy on their neighbors. My grandmother told me the stories of the conditions of these camps. If Castro stood before me on fire I wouldn't piss on him to put the fire out.
Back to your question. In my opinion it should be the US that extends the olive branch and I have two reasons why. The embargo sanctioned on Cuba is an action supported and taken by the US. The embargo should have been lifted years ago. China is a communist country yet we trade with them. Vietnam is a communist country and we trade with them. It just seems that the US is holding this embargo in place, not because of national security reasons, but because of a strong Cuban-American lobby. Cuban exiles in this country hold a very deep seeded grudge against Fidel and their hopes was that this embargo would finally force him out of power and that an Cuban government waiting in exile in Miami would come in. That is never going to happen and Cuban-Americans as well as the US government have to finally face realityand see that the embargo is not working and it is only hurting the Cuban population. The Cuban government is not going to change and I think the US has to be the bigger person here, if they are sincere about bring democracy to Cuba, and make the first move. Second reason is that it was the US government that initiated hostilities towards Cuba. Castro had no problem with the US. His problem was with our support of the Batista regime. Batista was a fucking bastard and he was no better than Fidel. Fidel's original goal was to give the country back to the people. Batista sold his country and his people just to line his pockets. Had the US not caved into pressure from Cuban-exiles and corporations like United Fruit hostilities would have never existed between the two nations. Castro only turned to the Soviets after the US started hostile actions against him and at the urging of Che Guevara. On a side note it is believed that Castro had Camilo Cienfuegos, he was one of the four leaders of the Cuban Revolution along with Castro, Raul, and Che, killed at the urgings of Che because Camilo did not trust the Soviets and was attempting to talk Castro out of signing a treaty with them.
I would love to see a free and democratic Cuba without any undue outside influence. Cuba has never had that in it's history. Even after the Spanish-American War the US retained the right to intevene in Cuban affairs as it saw fit. Since it's colonization the inhabitants of Cuba, from the native Taíno indians to it's citizens today, have been a pawn for a great power. Cubans have never had total control of their own country and it's destiny and I for one hope to see that day come. I still have plenty of family there and it bothers me that they suffer and it also bothers me that I can't go and visit my parents homeland. Cuba has great potential. From tourism to natural resources, a large oil reserve was resently discovered in the North Cuba Basin, and it should be the Cuban people who benefit from the finances gained from these resources not a foireign country or a dictator and hopefully in the near future they will.
Yes he provides free heathcare and education to his people. Yes he freed them from the clutches of a corrupt dictator but at what cost. How many innocent Cubans where jailed, tortured, and/or killed just so he could keep himself in power. You are right that you don't see homeless people in Cuba, not because they all have jobs and a home but because they are incarcerated and sent off to work camps. AIDs patients, homosexuals, and the mentally ill have all suffered as well under Castro rule. They where locked away and left to rot because in Castro's eyes they defiled Cuba's image. Are these the actions of a hero. If she where alive, you could ask my grandmother how she spent the 6 months at a woman's work camp. How the guards sexually abused the woman there. How my grandfather was beaten infront of my mother and grandmother and hauled off simply because he refused to spy on a neighbor. Castro is no hero. He may have had good intentions when he liberated Cuba from Batista but as the saying goes "The road to hell is paved with good intentions".
It is sad how people come on here and bitch but don't really know what they are talking about.
If both your parents are American citizens and at least one of them has lived in the USA then you can run for President.
Also, if you are born on a US base and at least one of your parents is a citizen and has lived in the US for at least a year then you can run for President.
Pay attention in school or do some fucking research before you come on here complaining about how much this country sucks. you know what sucks? People with this attitude that Cuba and other countries that people die to escape are better than the US.
Pensacola '94
New Orleans '95
Birmingham '98
New Orleans '00
New Orleans '03
Tampa '08
New Orleans '10 - Jazzfest
New Orleans '16 - Jazzfest
Fenway Park '18
St. Louis '22
I know what ya mean. I couldnt even bring myself to respond. its just amazing
mammason, sorry to hear about your family's hardships under Castro. I wouldnt have been as calm responding to someone who called that guy a hero.
Castro is a disgusting human being
Ok I can live with that.
I hope so too.
Many family's suffered under Castro's rule. My father had to leave Cuba in a hurry because someone told the local authorities that he was anti-Castro. Had he not managed to escape I probably wouldn't be writing this post right now. A lot of people get caught up in the idea of revolution, but in reality people like Che and Castro are animals. If our friend here really wants to hero worship someone he should take sometime to learn about Camilo Cienfuegos.
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
this sounds all nice and makes me feel warm inside but you are failing to see reality. How can they (cuban people) find whats in their best interest when they go from one dictator to another? are you willing to say, "well its what they wanted", how dare they US insist they be free. and I'm in no way suggesting the US invade and install a democracy. I would like to see the embargo be dropped and the US gives incentives to create a free country.
leave the country be to fall under an oppressing dictator who will kill and jail anyone opposed to him? great idea.
If you're looking for support for going in and imposing your way, you won't get it from me.
And I'm not particularly interested in emotional justifications intended to give credence to the idea of imposing one's ways on another, mostly because there is no justification for the unjustifiable.
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
great job of not answering my question.
how many times are you going to say "impose their way on cuba"
I want to know what is America's way?? what would we be imposing on them?
dont respond if your not going to answer the question
Clearly, I am opposed to the US imposing their way on Cuba, including any mindset that Cuba is filled with victims who need the rescue of the US. The reason I am clearly against this is because this is the basis of the "rescue/victim/persecutor" triangle in psychology. It is a flawed position to come from, wherein one gives themselves permission to condescend to the level of the victim, to give "help". Really it's an illusion and it's about those who take it having an imbalanced and unhealthy perspective. When one acts on this false stance--of imagined unevenness, one is not operating on the even playing field, and one will create further imbalance.
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
You are correct. I couldn't agree more with not imposing our ways and leaving other countries to be unless they are actually a threat to me. Maybe I am reading too much into them but it is just some of the posts that spew with just hating this country and that every other country is better just hits a nerve with me.
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again. what is America's way that you do not want imposed? save me the psycho babble bullshit
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
I think it's viewed in a negative manner because at times, not all the time, American investment usually leads to corporations praying upon the inhabitants of that country. I'll go back to United Fruit in Cuba. During the Batista regime United Fruit produce came from large plantations/farmer in Cuba. These plantations/farms where usually owned and operated by people with connections to Batista. The produce was sold to United Fruit for less than market value so that smaller farmers couldn't possible compete. Batista was provided with finacial incentives to make sure that no one rocked the boat. It is senerios like this one that cause people to be very weary of US investiment.
ok, since all of you just dont seem to get it, I will answer it.
the only thing America wants for Cuba is a freely elected government. and freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of whatever.....
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
maybe you are ok with a dictator controlling people just because "its what they want"
I tend to side with having people be free but thats just me
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
I know that is what America wants and if Cuba decides they want it and want to talk to the American government about ways we can help them then I am all for it. The main point is Cuba has to want it first.
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I understand what you are saying, but look at history. The US has supported almost every single Cuban leader since Cuban independance from Spain and almost every single one of those leaders, that the US suppported, was a corrupt dictator. Up untill Castro the US government has done as it please with Cuba regardless of the effects on it's population. I'm not saying that is what will happen this time around, but the historical facts are hard to ignore.
If the Cuban Government doesn't want freedom then forcing with a gun would be the only way to do it. You can't have it both ways.
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