Two agendas
The duality, in which we are caught between the official version and the on-the-street reality, also characterizes the demands emerging from this Island. The list of what we hope for is divided into two different agendas, as dissimilar as they are conflicting. The first, the government’s list, includes strong declarations calling for the release of the five Cuban spies imprisoned in the United States and has, among its major points, the extradition of Posada Carriles, who is accused of having blown up a plane in 1976. The official line is that it’s not enough for Obama to close the prison at the Guantánamo base, but he must also return the territory to Cuba and, obviously, there is a section, highlighted in red, about ending the U.S. blockade.
You can read something else if you look at the list of the people’s wishes. On the first lines there’s the question of what have been called “structural reforms” about which they talked so much two years ago. One repeated request, to remove the straitjacket on economic initiatives of the people, also would be among the most visible. With the chipped pencil of waiting we have written, on several pages of this virtual agenda, the need to eliminate the restrictions on entering and leaving the country, the desire for free association, the choice of what creed we raise our children in, and the need to earn salaries in the same money in which most products are sold. All this and more would be on the frayed list of citizens’ aspirations, if someone would like to browse through it.
The same applies to the official document on human rights which is being presented today at the Human Rights Council. A fictional summary of what we have—read through rose-tinted glasses and the triumphalist glossary—that is so far, light years away, from what we live. The work of skilled writers, and so it must be read, like the fictional text of certain authors who avoid writing the log—the real one—of the shipwreck.
Translator’s note: The sign in the empty window reads, “Promotions”
Febrero 17th, 2009 at 10:48
The United States government’s embargo has had little effect on the Cuban economy, since it only represents 6% of Cuba’s commerce with the rest of the world. The embargo only affects the American companies and their subsidiaries. The rest of the countries, a 180 since the last count in 2007, and companies are free to conduct business with Cuba and are doing so, as confirmed by imports surpassing $10.00 billions during 2007. In reality there is not such embargo since in the year 2000 the United States Congress lifted the prohibition of the sale of agricultural products and medicines to Cuba, thereby allowing Castro’s regime to buy everything it needs.
From December 2001 up to December 2007, the Castro’s regime had signed contracts for more than $2.00 billions with American companies for the purchases of their products. The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, based on analysis of official figures of the Castro’s regime, has estimated the import of U.S. agricultural products in $437 millions during 2007. Cuba’s National Statistics Office (www.one.cu) placed the United States as Cuba’s fifth business partner at $582 million in 2007.
What the Castro’s regime really wants are loans and lines of credit guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury Department, since it doesn’t have hard currency to pay the interests on the lines of credit for the importation of merchandise. These credits will not be paid and the American taxpayers will be the losers, the ones to pick up the debt, as it happens at the present time with the taxpayers of Spain, Argentina, Canada, Venezuela and other countries. Cuba currently owes $22 billion to the old Soviet Union and another $36 billion to other countries for a staggering debt of $58 billions
Cuban economy’s bankruptcy is the sole responsibility of Castro’s regime. Under this system the economy will continuous to slowly deteriorate without any hope of improvement. The economy is closely linked to the social development and standard of living of the Cuban people, which make very difficult the improvement of those under the existing regime.
Cuba’s problems are not the result of the embargo; they are due to the corruption and ineffectiveness of a system that is against private property and free enterprise. These and no others are the real reasons of the problems. Lifting the embargo and travel ban, without meaningful changes in Cuba, will:
Guarantee the continuation of the current totalitarian structures.
Strengthen state enterprises, since money will flow into businesses owned by the Cuban government.
Lead to greater repression and control since Castro and the leadership will fear that U.S. influence will subvert the revolution.
Delay instead of accelerate a transition to democracy on the island.
Febrero 15th, 2009 at 14:43
Economic crisis and total control of information are taking a toll in the lives of the Cuban people. It is evident that there exists a conflict between the interests of those that govern and the governed. It will be argued that in order to reach a final solution, compromise must exist between the interests of the Cuban government and its people. This compromise could be created through the granting of a valid political voice and vote to the people. However, this is not currently the case in Cuba.
An interesting event that confirms this statement, was the 2002 amendment made to the Cuban Constitution. Following article 88 of the 1976 Cuban constitution, more than 10,000 Cuban citizens properly identified as legal voters proposed the Varela Project. This project focused on democratic reforms such as freedom of speech, press and association, etc. Legal procedures were correctly followed forcing the Cuban National Assembly to take the proposal into account. In response, the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee of the Cuban National Assembly decided to make a radical amendment to the Constitution stating the irrevocable socialist nature of the nation. This change hindered any other democratic proposal for the years to come.
It is important to stress the process of this amendment’s adoption. A large majority of the Cuban population signed this amendment proposal without knowledge of its purpose. The Varela Project was never mentioned in the Cuban media. Cuban citizens were told that their signature was needed in order to support the Cuban Revolution. To the people, these bureaucratic procedures were not any different to any other procedures used to validate political directions. Those not signing were against what everyone was doing; they can be considered to be against the revolution, so they signed. As a result the whole project was dismissed. This new Constitution release was a fatal strike against Cubans already constrained democratic freedoms. The real fatal consequence of this change was making disappear any possible communication channel between a government and its people. These two agendas would never become one as a result of this lack of communication. It was made clear with that action, that laws approved by the Cuban National Assembly would be those proposed by its own members, dismissing any other proposal made by its people. That is how “democracy” is performed in Cuba nowadays.
Febrero 11th, 2009 at 04:14
I graduated from the University of Havana, just like Yoani apparently did with a major in Math and Computer Science, and I now live in the US (the monster). I am doing very well, and have never struggled. However, I now know what Marti said “vivi en el monstruo y le conozco las entranas”.
Vivan las conquistas del socialismo!
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 18:05
Here is what I think we can all do to help this bills pass
Email or write to your congress person and senator about your approval of this bills.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 15:34
Let me see if I understand correctly both bills
One bill is proposing the elimination of all travel restrictions
and the other is eliminating the embargo.
Is my assessment correct?
If this is gets to be reality I think Cuba will be free soon!
Maybe soon we will be able to say
“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 07:46
EXCERPTS
111TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. R. 188
To lift the trade embargo on Cuba, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JANUARY 6, 2009
A BILL
To lift the trade embargo on Cuba, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa2
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cuba Reconciliation Act’’.
•HR 188 IH
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF PROVISIONS RESTRICTING TRADE AND OTHER RELATIONS WITH CUBA.
(a) AUTHORITY FOR EMBARGO.—Section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2370(a)) is repealed.
(b) TRADING WITH THE ENEMY ACT.—The authori ties conferred upon the President by section 5(b) of the Trading with the Enemy Act, which were being exercised with respect to Cuba on July 1, 1977, as a result of a national emergency declared by the President before that date, and are being exercised on the day before the effective date of this Act, may not be exercised on or after such effective date with respect to Cuba. Any regulations in effect on the day before such effective date pursuant to the exercise of such authorities, shall cease to be effective on such date.
SEC. 3. TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES.
Any common carrier within the meaning of section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153) is authorized to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. The authority of this Section includes the authority to upgrade facilities and equipment.
SEC. 4. TRAVEL.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Travel to and from Cuba by individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States, and any transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, may not be regulated or prohibited if such travel would be lawful in the United States.
SEC. 5. DIRECT MAIL DELIVERY TO CUBA.
The United States Postal Service shall take such actions as are necessary to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba, including, in the absence of common carrier service between the 2 countries, the use of charter providers.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 07:41
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 874
To allow travel between the United States and Cuba.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 4, 2009
Mr. Delahunt (for himself, Mr. Flake, Ms. DeLauro, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Ms. Edwards of Maryland, Mr. Paul, and Mr. Farr) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
A BILL
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. Short title.
This Act may be cited as the “Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act”.
SEC. 2. Travel to Cuba.
On and after the date of the enactment of this Act, and subject to section 3—
(1) the President may not regulate or prohibit, directly or indirectly, travel to or from Cuba by United States citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions incident to such travel; and
(2) any regulation in effect on such date of enactment that regulates or prohibits travel to or from Cuba by United States citizens or legal residents or transactions incident to such travel shall cease to have any force or effect.
SEC. 3. Exceptions.
Section 2 shall not apply in a case in which the United States is at war with Cuba, armed hostilities between the two countries are in progress, or there is imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of United States travelers.
SEC. 4. Applicability.
This Act applies to actions taken by the President before the date of the enactment of this Act that are in effect on such date of enactment, and to actions taken on or after such date.
SEC. 5. Inapplicability of other provisions.
The provisions of this Act apply notwithstanding section 102(h) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C. 6032(h)) and section 910(b) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7210(b)).
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 05:34
I won’t comment on the article, its contents, etc etc… but I will say that just because I feel like it, I have translated it and will post it shortly in the sidebar under “articles and other stuff” or whatever I called that little section.
I do know that (or at least I heard from a source I respect though not from Yoani herself) that the articles in El Mercurio ARE written by Yoani… it’s not someone pretending to be her. I just took it off the Mercurio site to translate, though — no one sent it to me and said please translate this.
So… I’m letting the translation sit for an hour or two and then I’ll recheck it and post it. it’s long and sometimes I find stupid mistakes so I prefer to let it ‘rest’ a bit before posting, to be able to look at it with a fresh eye. (After which there may still be stupid mistakes… but that’s what all you readers are for!)
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 04:40
Raul Castro is making his rounds around the world begging for help, (money and credit) so far so good, many of the countries he visited are taking his bite.
The following is part of an article published by Jordi Zamora/El Nuevo Herald.
La visita a Moscú fue la tercera salida al extranjero de Castro desde que asumió el poder en julio del 2006. Antes viajó a Venezuela y en diciembre pasado, a Brasil.
Se trató también de la segunda visita a Moscú en más de veinte años, durante la cual Raúl Castro y su anfitrión Dmitri Medvedev volvieron a interpretar viejos roles, como la habitual partida de caza de la época soviética.
Pero en realidad ”Cuba necesita desesperadamente toda la ayuda extranjera y los créditos que pueda obtener”, cree Jaime Suchlicki, profesor del Instituto para Estudios Cubanos de la Universidad de Miami, en un reciente estudio.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 04:27
Did anyone else look at the link provided by the anonymous poster #110 who linked to the El Mercurio article written by Yoani?
El Mercurio is considered the leading conservative newspaper in Chile. What’s interesting is that in the article Yoani is openly (though mildly) critical of President Michele Bachelet’s decision to not meet or have her officials meet with Cuban opposition groups during her recent visit to Cuba. Not that Bachelet doesn’t deserve to be criticized for this failure, but I’m a bit surprised that Yoani would insert herself into something that is bound to cause a political stir during an election year in Chile.
Another curious thing is the timing. In my admittedly quick review of the UN webcast, Chile seemed to be the only South American country that was openly critical of Cuba’s human rights record during the February 5 review before the UN Human Rights Council (not that Yoani would know this given internet restrictions in Cuba). Finally, I’m reminded of Yoani’s admonition to not trust anything that is either not published or linked to on the blog with red drawer. But perhaps the article just hasn’t been posted to her blog yet.
Perhaps our friendly English translator or someone else could shed some light on this.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 04:06
silent voice===un punto cubano=== de la tierra de mis abuelo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhsZlkC7OBY
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 03:42
Hey Rene gracias por el video me gusto!
La cancion me recuerda las palabras de mi madre que me dicia que deberiamos agradecer a Fidel estar en este grandioso pais!
Rene, thanks for the video I like it!
It reminds me of my mother who used to tell me that we should thank Fidel Castro for being in this wonderful country!
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 03:20
silent voice=======tank you fidel ======me despido de blog======en el espanol me tiene censurado =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_gjRoIH9Jw
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 03:09
Rene I do not want to silent your voice
All I am saying is that you should try to post in english here.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 03:08
I am curious about some of the people posting here I do not have any problem revealing my full info I will understant if some of you do not feel comfortable sharing your personal info.
My name is Julio de la Yncera came to the US from Cuba in 1989 and live in Maryland
Original from Consolacion del Sur in Pinar del Rio.
Used to be a Math teacher in Cuba, here in the US have being for a long time a Computer Programmer.
I realize a long time ago with Yoani that we need to loose our fears.
If she is has the valor of doing this from Cuba why should I stop myself from doing it from here?
Of course her valor is infinitely greater than mine.
It is indescribable to think that people like Yoani really exist!
I am reminded of the words of the pope John Paul II talking to the Cuban people.
“Do not be afraid”
Remember that what keeps them in power is our own fear.
If we loose the fear then it will be them who have too fear!
Care to join Yoani?
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 03:02
SILENT==VOICE =====THIS NOT CUBA I HOPE ====you want to silent my voice remenber born a free man i do not live in cuba==
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 02:44
Rene, tu hablas espanol solamente?
Si solo hablas espanol entonces pon tu post en el lado espanol pues muchos a casi la mayoria que aqui vienen solo hablan ingles
Rene, do you only speak spanish?
If you only speak spanish then you should continue posting on the spanish side of this blog since the majority that come here only speak english.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 02:29
fidel castro y raul no son comunista ellos son CAPITALISTA y facista son dueno de un isla decen de cuenta
los comunista son los cubanos esclavo que trabaja para los amo de la isla que son los castro en el siglo xxi tiene esclavo
y los a tenido por 50 anos =======nosotro somo los esclavo que no liberamo de ellos por eso nos llama gusano la mafia de miami contra revolucionario por que no fuimo su esclavo
CASTRO BROTHER THEY A NOT COMUNIST================THEY ARE CAPITALISM
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 02:23
@ Andy on #94
“We have REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY first, for the practical considerations. The “let someone else do it and if we don’t like what they do we’ll kick ‘em out” consideration.”
Andy I will have to say from my experience in the US a few things
I notice that this politicians get elected and re elected every time and it is very hard to get an incumbent out of office. I have extreme dislike for career politician because that is what the Castros are. Plus I believe is always good to have fresh blood with new ideas and less of a chance to get corrupted.
Let us look at people like Ted Stevens(Senator from Alaska) here and the others cough on corruption charges and I will say the main reason is because they are in hight power for way too long and they get to feel like the law does not apply to them. That is why I believe there should exist term limits for all government elected positions no matter how good you are.
I do still think that we should have some power back. For example I believe we should be able to tell the government how much money they should have to expend and on what since it is our money.
Maybe there should be a ballot were we enter what percent we want allocated for defense, police, education , infrastructure, research etc and let each one of us make that kind of decision.
That way we maybe able to eliminate some of the interest groups around Washington lobbying government for their own sake. There is too much of an opportunity for corruption to show up there in a system like that.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 01:54
EL MERCURIO YOANI SANCHEZ
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 01:53
THE OPEN LETTER TO RAUL CASTRO BY THE PRIEST
THAT I READ TODAY IN EL HERALD IS
(LIKE ALL OF YOANI’S POSTS)
THE TRUE OPINION OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE
ABOUT THE COMMUNIST REGIME
THAT HAVE RUINED OUR COUNTRY!
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 01:48
Nagy on #103
I remember reading with surprise that during the American revolution Benjamin Franklin’s son did not take the side of his father but actually return to England.
Therefore unfortunately it is normal I think that families get divided by very strong political positions.
When we left Cuba we did not tell my father. Since at that moment he was very much with the government.
I am sure they are many other families with the same situation. Even Castro’s family. His daughter is in the US and his sister Juanita.
It is very sad when family that is your own blood will not share the same ideas as you do.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 01:38
Andy on #104
Correct in all points.
The Cuban government use to tell those things to all of us. I remember when we went to the American Interest Section (American Embassy in Cuba) for the visa there was this older mulatto (50 to 60 age) who thought I was Cuban-American asking me if there was any racism here! If suppose if you check the Cuban population that have arrive to this country is probably majority white.
I imagine now how difficult will be for the Castros to explain that in such a “racist country” as they have describe the US to them there is a black president!
As for the comments on Capitalism you have made
I do agree with the majority but I do think that big corporations are too similar to big government and to socialism for my taste. I will go further. The reason we are in the economical mess we are is because of big corporations.
If GM was not as big as it is we could just let it fail. If the banks that got in trouble were not as big as they are we could just let them fail.
But since they are so big let it them fail means a lot to the whole economy and therefore we should not let them fail!
So this big corporations make capitalism not work its own magic self healing. Ergo the government needs to step in.
How big should a company be?
I think it depends on how much competition it has. If a company does not have a lot of competition in its main field then is too big. Allowing monopoly or close to monopoly as we all know is the worst kind of capitalism. That is exactly what they have in Cuba “State monopoly capitalism”.
Febrero 8th, 2009 at 01:26
English Translator to #99 dice: 7 Febrero 2009 a las 20:23
OK — I will be the 100th comment!!!!!!!! How exciting!
00000000000000000000000000000000
Congratulations #100…….. who better than you!!!!!!
If I could I would give you a Dodge 09 Charger SRT8……….but…….. we are in crisis!!!!
Again, who better than you…… thank you because your work make possible this blog.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 23:30
…the letters were full of LIES… not “LIVES”!!!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 23:29
Nagy — interesting you should comment about your grandparents ignoring the evidence of their own eyes… you standing in front of them… in the face of decades of indoctrination.
I’ve read, but don’t know from my own experience, that when Cuban exiles were finally allowed to go back to Cuba and visit their relatives is when things started to fall apart for the regime in terms of people’s belief in it. The government had been telling them that all the letters their relatives sent were full of lives… that the photos of them standing in front of “their houses” with “their cars” etc were all lies… staged by the imperialist enemy to fool them… that really their relatives were starving in America. But… then the relatives showed up… fat, happy and loaded down with gifts….
And you’re right — how sad that families allow themselves to end up an either side of any divide, unable to bridge it.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 23:22
Carlos is free to no longer post on the English language blog (comment #78), but I want him to know that it was his comment #22 that finally convinced me to post here after lurking for a few months. With the deepest of respect Carlos reminds me of my dear Dad who passed away a few years ago.
Of all of the evils of totalitarianism perhaps the greatest is how it divides families, and I don’t mean only in the physical sense. I’m reluctant to divulge too many personal details because they’re still painful. Suffice it to say, only when I visited in the mid 80s did I understand why my parents refused to return to Hungary until their parents had passed on (which was well after 1989). The Communist regime (probably as a safety valve) made it actually quite easy for rank and file participants in the 1956 uprising to leave the country in the months immediately after it was crushed. My parents left but my grandparents refused. It was a disturbing recognition to discover how my grandparents had internalized the lies and propaganda of the regime about the “evils” of the West, even when they had evidence to the contrary (me) standing right in front of them.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 23:17
HR 874 has already been introduced in The US Senate to recind the restrictions of US citizens to Cuba. Four Democrats and four Republicans have signed on, Ron Paul being the most noteable, having run for US President with a strong following.
This was not reported any where in US by MSM and Havana Times is the only place this was reported.
MSM in US sucks. Best Wishes poster and here’s to a free Cuba.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 20:41
Woops… in fact Spanish is my 4th language… I forgot one… (which is fine since I’ve mostly forgotten it anyway… Latin is my third language… but now it just kind of rolls into the other languages…) (In case anyone’s wondering, French is my second language.)
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 20:23
OK — I will be the 100th comment!!!!!!!! How exciting!
I only want to say that if you think I am a Cuban who lived several years under castro’s system that is the greatest compliment anyone has ever given my translations! I am not a Cuban and Spanish is not my first (or even second… it is my third) language and I do my best but I still make mistakes! (But I have been to Cuba and seen for myself…)
Podemos tener una fiesta ahora? Can we have a party now? To celebrate ONE HUNDRED COMMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 20:01
English Translator to #95 dice: 7 Febrero 2009 a las 19:43
Well I didn’t know for sure… maybe you’re a “fifth columnist”
000000000000000000000000000000000
I know, I know the feeling. I guess you are a cuban that lived several years under castro’s system and even today after many years in freedom can’t left behind the “little” paranoia that castrism inoculated to us all…………… You are not alone buddy!!!!!!
Don’t be worried, Yoani is well “glued” ……. it often happen in the spanish page that comes people trying to “introduce” them self or other peoples blogs but………. you see….. even this english page is getting 100 or more hits today!!!!!!!!!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 19:43
Well I didn’t know for sure… maybe you’re a “fifth columnist” — purposely trying to undermine Yoani’s blog with evil extra periods!!!!!
(ja ja ja) Maybe you’re just pretending to be happy I fixed it! (Oh dear… this could go on and on and on!)
no no… just joking!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 19:40
Capitalism and major corporations
So… here’s my personal take on major corporations. Yes, when you have major corporations they have a huge amount of power. But… maybe not nearly so much as we think.
I’m not that concerned about these companies and their international reach and their billions in income and profits. Again, as long as we have reasonable controls on their business practices.
What I am concerned about are three things:
1 — Who owns a country’s natural resources
2 — The international arms trade
3 — The international drug trade
1 — To me… major non-renewable natural resources belong to the whole nation. Yes, companies should be allowed to extract them and sell them… but a whole huge giant share of the profits should be returned to the nation. Let the companies make enough money to make it worth their while, but put invest most of the profits back in the nation as a whole.
2 — The only use of these arms is to kill people. And no, you’ll never get rid of the arms trade but do everything you can to try and to squash it. It’s been said there are enough guns already to last a thousand years… but there’s only a 2 year supply of bullets. Well there you go… that’s a start.
3 — The international drug trade. Depends on huge profits basically, at the bottom of the supply chain, taking money from the poorest of the poor (who only get poorer because they’re drug addicted)… and puts it in the hands of the Castros and the binLadens. How do we take the profits out of this trade? Legalize drugs? Hand out free drugs to everyone? And yet protect our children. And protect ourselves from the things people do when they’re ON drugs (although the havoc wreaked by drunk people far outweighs that wreaked by stoned people).
I don’t have the answers to all these things… I’m just thinking outloud.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 19:30
OK next, let me take on your comments about capitalism.
I agree… capitalism is the “natural” human condition. There are societies that are enormously cooperative by nature, compared to the rest of us and there are subcultures that are more cooperative than others and so on.
But basically, people do pretty well when given economic freedom to create their own businesses and work to make them prosper.
That said, I’m not as worried as other people often are about ‘big corporations’ and I’m certainly not worried about the lack of ‘democracy’ in business institutions. Imagine your business is a paladar. And imagine Fidel is dead so you’re able to expand your paladar to 50 tables. And of course now you need some help. You hire some cooks and some waiters and some cleaners. Imagine there are 4 people in your family and 6 hired help. So, you democratically get together and the hired help decide that you’re going to be the dishwasher and one of them is going to be the manager and all the profits are going to be sent to a Revolutionary Collective in Outer Dangdoodlestan. Nope. Doesn’t work. It’s your paladar, it’s not a cooperative or a democracy and you’re the boss and if the help doesn’t like it they can go work for the paladar down the street.
BUT… that doesn’t mean that the government shouldn’t be able to set working standards… minimum wages, benefits, working hours, worker safety standards, protections against child labor and all those things.
OK… you used to be a neighborhood paladar but you’re a pretty energetic person and WOW! Suddenly you’re McDonalds. Do the same rules apply? More or less. Though now, to my way of thinking, your 465,000 employees should be able to form or join a labour union and bargain with you collectively over working conditions and wages.
Huge multi-nationals… see next comment.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 19:22
English Translator re: Various dice: 7 Febrero 2009 a las 03:03
#60 - Carbo Servio… there was a mistake in your link… an extra period… I edited it so now it works. I assume you don’t mind!
0000000000000000000000000
Of course I don’t mind!!!!!!!!
Thanks a lot for helping!!!!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 19:20
@ Silent Voice
Well it won’t surprise anybody that I have a few ideas about what you are saying.
I think it’s a mistake to compare huge multinational corporations to governments and to talk about democracy in the same way for both of them. Because I think it takes you, ultimately, down the same scary path.
Maybe I will split this into two comments.
First — What is democracy and what do we think it should be?
I suppose in its purest form, democracy is the rule of the people by majority vote. But… that is exactly the reason we have things like constitutions. Because the majority is not always “right” and by “right” I mean TRUE TO THEIR OWN BELIEFS. Not even to some beliefs imposed upon them, but true to their own beliefs. What I’m saying is, without establishing a basic framework of human rights we all agree upon, majority rule can easily become mob rule and can be just as oppressive as a dictatorship. Majority rule must protect minority rights among which are the rights of free speech — the oft cited: “I detest what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Direct democracy versus representative democracy
Direct democracy is when EVERYONE gets together at the same time and votes on things, or talks themselves into a consensus or in some way makes group decisions. Frankly folks, those of you who have been involved in politics will know, that the kind of people who get together in political parties can spend all day trying to decide whether to serve hotdogs or hamburgers at the annual picnic. A decision that matters, in the grand scheme of things, not at all. Imagine using direct democracy to govern a country… even a really small tiny country… say Palau with its 20,000 people. Not going to happen.
We have REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY first, for the practical considerations. The “let someone else do it and if we don’t like what they do we’ll kick ‘em out” consideration. And also the consideration that if you select a smaller group, than say 11 million (Cuba) or 30 million (Canada) or 300 million (EEUU), those people have time to get educated about what they’re deciding and hopefully make more intelligent and better decisions (I know, I know… but that’s the idea.)
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 18:52
carlo servia=== muy bien dicho====el humano son capitalista de natural======================
human are capitalism by nature
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 18:41
Is it not strange that US business interests selling grain to Cuba are free to travel at will and yet I who has nothing to sell is denied the right to visit.
If allowed to visit I am not allowed to spend money.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 18:32
MacheteAmor dice: 7 Febrero 2009 a las 03:52
Carbo,
I’m a women….first of all :) I’m glad you like the name.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Wow……… you got me!!!!………………. I didn’t associated your nick with your gender.
Dear…….sister. I believe you don’t understand the fact that socialism, communism or anarchism are not economical systems but a political-ideological ones. It seem you not understand either that capitalism is a economical system and in fact the only that exist. What you can maybe do is use political systems as socialism or liberalism to “adapt” the capitalism (read economical system) in accordance to the philosophic-ideological doctrine of the chosen political system.
Capitalism has become what is today trough the natural development of the productive forces along the time. It is a living organism supported by the humans needs. It can’t be destroyed without killing the political force that is trying to destroy it. You can try to destroy it but at the end you will die in the intent and then the capitalism will reborn and continue its development. As long there are human been with needs will exist demand and offer and will exist capitalism. It has be proven through the history. All intent of killing capitalism has ended in assassins dictatorship that in order of achieving its goals have killed millions of peoples.
About anarchism I do know very little.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 17:36
Carlos dice: 7 Febrero 2009 a las 05:55
Sorry Fellows,
The more I read this English blog, the more disillusioned I become………………
00000000000000000000000000000000000000
Dear Carlos, it it evident you didn’t read my comment #27 on “Endophobia” post.
I going to reproduce this comment here so you can understand me and eventually find that ……There is nothing to be disillusioned for!!!!!!
# 27 (Endophobia) Carbo Servia to Patricio and Carlos dice: 5 Febrero 2009 a las 16:00
Don’t get me wrong people!!!!!!
When I said I am a socialist I am not talking about those “socialism” many assassins like Stalin, Mao, Kim Il Sung or Castro instituted in what we know as communist countries. It is not socialism, it is simple dictatorship grounded in hate, lies and repression that anyway have internally and externally to use the capitalist economy for surviving.
When I said socialism I am thinking in France, Sweden, Norway, Germany, the European Social Democracy, the Laborist Party in England…… that is the real socialism.
The cuban constitution of 1940 was a socialist one, the cuban people before Castro was a socialist one. Many of us are socialist even without knowing it.
What happened was that it have became a fashion among the modern dictator to steal the word socialism in order to use it for covering their crimes. That’s why we reject the word as something evil.
Socialism I meant, the real one, is a political doctrine that respect the human been rights, look for the welfare of people and do not try to abort the natural development of the only economical system that exist: capitalism.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 16:36
Andy in 73
“Second — if you have the clever way to abolish capitalism and yet have human rights instead of fidel/stalin/pol pot/mao etc… I’d love to hear that too. Keeping in mind where these ‘dreams’ of ‘perfection’ have gotten us in the past.”
Andy from my experience and joined to the experience of the other millions that used to live and still live under “socialism”
I will have to say that any social system that does not take into account human imperfections is doom to fail
None of the Utopian societies consider human imperfections therefore they will fail and become dystopia societies.
After all we are human and to err is to be human.
As I mentioned before greed is use by capitalism while frown upon on the socialism. Since there is no known way to eliminate human greed then socialism is wrong. Because then they will always have to fight against some people that are greedy. Creating problems in their society. Meanwhile in ours we put them to good use. They benefit us!
On the other hand any centrally control economy like socialist economy will conduce to failure also since is not sufficiently dynamic to be able to react with quickness to market conditions.
As example of this I will have to say that big corporations here in the US do appear to behave like the socialism system (At smaller scale) what I mean is that if you are working at a big corporation they are not democracies that means that your boss is constantly making decisions for you and his boss for him and so on. That is the reason why I believe we should not let corporation grow into gigantic conglomerates since they are impossible to manage.
I believe that technological advances in the future will allow us to make the government decisions directly instead of having a few Bureaucrat doing them for us. After all if we think carefully our form of democracy is not a true democracy either since most of the power is concentrated in a select few.
What happens in Cuba is that all the power is concentrated in one or two individuals and the rest do not have any input in the decision making process.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 15:56
Carlos on 78
“The more I read this English blog, the more disillusioned I become. I can see how the real color of some of you are coming off (by your own statements)”
I have to comment on this.
As you have probably seen from my comments I am not a communist. I think that the perfect system will be a balance of some things private and some things government own. What is the right balance is for all to discuss.
Democracy is not working if people do not talk an express their point of view for whatever reason.
In Cuba it does not work because the government does not want you to tell them their decisions are wrong! If you give up then you are not thinking then in democracy.
We need to listen to anybody and to everybody.
Listen to those that have the same or similar ideas we have and even more listen to those that have different ideas. Because each one of us is a world of experiences and have our own reasons to act and say the things we say.
The collective wisdom is what is important.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 15:19
el payaso de obama el a vivido porto el mundo hawaii es los estado unido tiene un hermano kenya que gana un dolar al dia y este nunca se a ocupado de el esa es su familia jajaja
el mundo esta leno de idiota al guno espera que le page
====la casa ====i ahora libera a cuba =====que lleva 50 anos de dictadura== el pueblo cubano de cuba son lo que tiene que liberal a cuba=======y llego el salvador del mundo el masalla obama =========
jabao paquetero =====
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 14:59
President Obama is son of a Kenyian black father and US white mother. Born in the State of Hawaii and lived all over the world….Population of blacks in US 13%. Becoming President of The US at such a young age and being half white and half black is a history making feat. Thus a person of the world. Best Wishes and work for a free Cuba.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 14:34
andy gracias ======= native cubans ===========quedan muy poco =====los espanole los mataro a casi todo
la cruz y la espada los espanoles otro asesino
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 14:17
THIS IS NEW TO ME OBAMA IS A PERSON FO WORLD para mi obama sera el payaso del mundo hojala yo este equibocado ========
sera el nuevo masalla
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 14:02
As an American not being able to travel to Cuba had never crossed my mind, now I know my rights have been violated and will look into this. One must realize in US fifty years ago The Kennedy’s controlled the political system, but are nolonger in power. Those that have time needs to research the beganning of this law, it’s now all on the web.
It is now a new day in time in the world. President Obama is a person of the world, and knows we must be completely free.
Cold weather is gone in Southern US, beautiful sunshine today, must get out and soak up the rays, helps to warm the bones and calculate the brain.
Posters post and best wishes to all for a free Cuba.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 10:13
Gosh! What a lot of interest! Going back to my earlier comment and some responses: yes, Schumpeter would maintain that recessions are when capitalism renews itself but only if the “grim reaper” is allowed to cut out the dead wood to allow new enterprises to grow to replace the old. The US Senate has just ignored this and agreed an enormous package designed to prop up the decaying timbers and pretend they are flourishing. Here in Britain, the Prime Minister has plundered obscene quantities of capital from generations yet unborn (i.e. piled up debts that our grandchildren will still be paying) as a palliative until the next election.
The question of whether people give a higher priority to political or economic freedom has been answered to a great extent in Vietnam and China. There, authoritarian rule is accepted provided the free(ish) market is allowed to function. Cuba is somewhat different. In neither Asian country is there any history of individual liberty but I still guess that Cubans would be very happy to see the “invisible hand” bring their farms back to life and fill their shelves.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 09:02
OK… maybe I’ll rethink my position. You mean all I have to do to be the most evil person in the universe is convert to communism? well hey… it’s almost a challenge!!!!! [no! no! solo un chiste! no me tire!]
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 07:04
LOS REQUISITO PARA SER UN COMUNISTA
1======envidioso y asesino
2 ======arastro
3=======chivaton
4 besa cu==lo
5 hijo de pt
6 bago y aragan
7 bandido
8 creen que todo es degratis
9====tremenda mi=========erda ect
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 06:08
HEY CARLOS. Don’t desert us!
I’M not a communist… I’m a capitalist. Yeah.. I want some things ’socialised’… like universal health care (although I’m not stuck on a single payer government plan… I just really want universal health INSURANCE)……
So you got two people out of all the people who post on this blog you don’t agree with….
OK.. I think the embargo’s been a failure but I think 100% (1000%) of the blame for the failure of cuba is on castro… not on the embargo.
Don’t go.
we need your comments.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 05:55
Sorry Fellows,
The more I read this English blog, the more disillusioned I become. I can see how the real color of some of you are coming off (by your own statements) and I have no desire to continue arguing with professed Leftists, communists, Socialists or Anarchists. To me you are all the same to some degree and you can argue it in an ideological way that will never convince me.
I will continue to read this blog as it is my right but will no longer waste my time arguing or debating with twisted minds that harbor ideas of destroying Capitalism. You are not going to convince me and I will never convince you either, so therefore you may continue posting your garbage and debate your ideological myths.
Here is one comment posted by:
Carbo Servia dice:
5 Febrero 2009 a las 04:14
MacheteAmor dice: 5 Febrero 2009 a las 03:23
There are many people exiled from Cuba who consider themselves to be leftists, communists, socialists and anarchists who are opposed to the dictatorship…………
00000000000000000000000000000
Write me down in this list!!!!!
I am a socialist; I want a real socialism for my country, that’s why I am against the Cuban dictatorship that instituted a capitalism of state in Cuba.”
Here is one from:
MacheteAmor dice:
7 Febrero 2009 a las 03:52
Carbo,
I’m a women….first of all I’m glad you like the name. And I will respond to your last posting. I do think that there are more egalitarian economic systems that could effectively replace Capitalism. Reigning in Capitalism is essential in the short term. But in the long run the system is inherently contradictory and exploitative and needs to be abolished. Obviously with the supremacy of international capitalism it is impossible to form a truly independent socialist state. This is why Socialism in Cuba failed and they had to shift to a Capitalist based system. Because they cannot operate socialism within Capitalism. To achieve Socialism you must abolish Capitalism and that is just not possible at this point. Although, Free Market Capitalism is floundering under its own weight, so who knows. In term of the Social democracies of Europe. Yes, they have “reigned in Capitalism” and I believe that most people in Cuba would desire a system similar to the one that exists there.
I can respond more. I consider myself an anarchist (an anarchist-syndicalist)….and would love to debate that ideology on this board.”
Here is another one from Machete Amor:
MacheteAmor dice:
6 Febrero 2009 a las 02:53
@Andy: It was Brothers to the Rescue (Hermanos al Rescate) in 1996.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermanos_al_Rescate
I think partial blame for the embargo can be laid at the feet of the Cuban-American bloc in FL. Also on hardliner anti-communists/cold war vets in Washington. Both groups can’t see the forest for the trees on this one.”
Carlos response (Call us what you want Machete, maybe you are the one who are unable to see because of your sick ideas)
Carlos last comment:
I do believe that the Embargo is been effective. I do not believe we should give credit to those bastards.
I do not believe that the US Government is to be blamed for 50 long years of oppression in Cuba. Blame Castro and his cronies.
I do not believe in Communism, Socialism or Anarchism.
I do believe that Brother to the Rescue, did an excellent job in helping those who venture into the sea in search of freedom; many rafters and boaters were saved due to their “BALLS AND INTERVENTION”
You all have a good day! Adios.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:54
este hotel es para LOS TURISTA ============los esclavo de castro no puede ir ni a la playa le paga con moneda fuerte a castro y castro le paga con peso cubano a los esclavo========ES TRITE PERO ES LA REALIDAD
paradice for the turist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmIV9KHDYvA
comunismo capitalista =====Y LOS CUBANO SON LOS ESCLAVO DE CASTRO REY
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:52
este hotel es para LOS TURISTA ============los esclavo de castro no puede ir ni a la playa le paga con moneda fuerte a castro y castro le paga con peso cubano a los esclavo========ES TRITE PERO ES LA REALIDAD
paradice for the turist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmIV9KHDYvA
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:41
this castro cuba today ========esta es la cuba de castro hoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ov7smZZxEY
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:36
I’m responding to your post on Endophobia since maybe you won’t go back there… I’ll respond here too…
http://vocescubanas.com/indocubanos/
that’s a new blog about native cubans… check it out… it’s very cool.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:28
OK as long as I’m at the computer… what’s an anarchist-syndicalist? I’m not sure I want to know but hey, go for it.
Second — if you have the clever way to abolish capitalism and yet have human rights instead of fidel/stalin/pol pot/mao etc… I’d love to hear that too. Keeping in mind where these ‘dreams’ of ‘perfection’ have gotten us in the past. I’m with Yoani on that one… the perfect is the enemy of the good (and the possible).
But type away. I’ll read it!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:24
gracias adios que todo pensamo diferente ir a visitar a cuba es un riego por un terce pais y en cuba solo uno ve pobreza y pidigueno y jineteraen todo el mundo hay pobresa pero la pobreza de cuba a sido creado por el gobierno
no hay un cubano de cuba que tenga un negocio hoy en dia ======antes de la ROBO—-ILUCION ===
los cubano tenia negocio lo bueno de el comunismo es la reparticion de la pobreza ========para que el dictador de castro yu su verdugo vivan como reyes=======castro es dueno de una isla llena de esclavo xxi=====y la unica forma de salir de la isla carcel de castro es tirate a el mar ====ya cuba lleva 50 anos y los unico dueno de la isla son los castro =====
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:21
More on travel to Cuba — and when you do go… don’t get caught up in the “yucky” stuff. Here’s what I did. When people tried to chat me up… offer to take me to some special music place… beg for money for milk for their starving babies… whatever… I did one of two things. First thing… oh gee… I know… we’ve been talking away in spanish here but whatever you’re saying now… those words are too hard for me… Sorry… I don’t understand. I’m sure I didn’t hear what I thought I heard. Bye!
Second thing — whatever the sob story is (for me it was always starving babies… I must look like the starving-baby-rescue-person)… I always said well I was SURE that wasn’t true because I KNEW there were no starving children in Cuba… the loving state takes care of them. I swear to god, one guy about 75 tried to get money from me for his starving 2-year-old… I just yelled at him and said he didn’t have any 2-year-old and if he did that was disgusting… what was he doing getting it on with some young girl young enough to be his granddaughter and making babies… in fact I challenged him to go get the two-year-old… bring her out… bring her out and I’ll buy her milk. Suddenly she was “away with her mother.”
Then…. after you’ve ignored all the yucky stuff… when you see these really fragile pitiful old people with their hands out… hey… just slip ‘em a CUC… what’s a CUC to you (but don’t let the cops see!). And when you stay in casas particulares at $20 a night or something… slip ‘em another $5 or $10 they won’t have to report… it’s HUGE to them and really not that much to you. All those astrophysicists driving the cabs, and school teachers driving the cabs, and doctors driving the cabs.. be generous with your tips… sure, they’re already the most favored but so what… you’re getting a little more money circulating in the economy.
And when you leave… go out with the clothes on your back and maybe one change in case your plane gets diverted… leave everything you brought with you behind…. even if you just leave it in your hotel room…. you’re getting stuff in the economy…
And while you’re at it… bring GIANT bottles of aspirin and stuff like that — open them up before you go just in case… take a few out… what? You’re only going to be there a week and you brought 200 aspirin… hey… you get a lot of headaches. Bring ‘back ups’ for all your prescriptions…. you know… you need one for backpack, one for suitcase… whatever it is you’re taking someone will want it. bring LOTS of underwear — enough for 3 or 4 changes a DAY (PREFERABLY NEW) — it’s a hot country… you always change your clothes 4 times a day in hot countries, right? Don’t worry… you’ll find people to give all this stuff to. And they will appreciate it. If you have friends who are doctors… ask them to get you things like sterile packs of sutures — they’re tiny… you can take them in. (You were told to bring your own… in case you got sick…) Bring flash drives (to back up your photos… right…) lots of flash drives.
AND LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND.
Of course if you really want to make someone’s day… bring a carburetor for a 1950s Chevy….. and a few spark plugs. (One guy on my flight brought like 10 boxes of spark plugs… he gave them to the gardener at the resort.)
If you’re traveling through Varadero… it’s a lot easier to get tons of stuff in… they really don’t check the tourists coming in through there… people have golf clubs, scuba gear, all kinds of stuff. You can bring a LOT of luggage and not get stopped. So do it.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 04:00
About American travel non-family to Cuba–
First of all… I think it’s legal for Americans to go to Cuba… they just can’t spend any money there. And the potential fine is enormous, if they do. And of course the main thing is they can’t hop on a flight in some American city and get off in Havana, unless they have a travel permit from the gov’t. (See the MOON travel guide.)
But — here’s what I’ve heard from others. IF you declare you’ve been to Cuba when you come back through Mexico or the Bahamas or wherever… MOSTLY, nothing ever happens. IF something happens… they send you a questionnaire about your trip and how much you spent there. Then they MIGHT send you a “suggested fine”… that’s right… it’s ’suggested’. IF you’re so rich your accountant gets all your mail and pays the fine… well too bad for you. If you check the box that says “I want a hearing” and send the form back… THEY HAVE NEVER HELD ONE SINGLE HEARING. EVER. The ACLU and various other organizations are DYING to litigate a case of penalties against an American citizen for exercising their rights as a free person to travel wherever they dang well please. But they’ve never gotten the chance because the govt does NOT want to go there….
So… all you Yanks out there. GO! Go now! Go to Mexico and fly over. Go to the Caribbean and fly from there. If you live in the north, go to Canada and fly from there. JUST DO IT.
Go and see for yourself. And when they give you the little white card when you’re flying home… on the back where it says ‘have you been in any other countries blah blah blah”… write CUBA. With pride.
I mean really. What percentage of Yoani’s courage do you think it would take to do something like that? One one millionth of one percent?
DO IT!!!!! GO!!!!!!!!!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 03:52
Carbo,
I’m a women….first of all :) I’m glad you like the name. And I will respond to your last posting. I do think that there are more egalitarian economic systems that could effectively replace Capitalism. Reigning in Capitalism is essential in the short term. But in the long run the system is inherently contradictory and exploitative and needs to be abolished. Obviously with the supremacy of international capitalism it is impossible to form a truly independent socialist state. This is why Socialism in Cuba failed and they had to shift to a Capitalist based system. Because they cannot operate socialism within Capitalism. To achieve Socialism you must abolish Capitalism and that is just not possible at this point. Although, Free Market Capitalism is floundering under its own weight, so who knows. In term of the Social democracies of Europe. Yes, they have “reigned in Capitalism” and I believe that most people in Cuba would desire a system similar to the one that exists there.
I can respond more. I consider myself an anarchist (an anarchist-syndicalist)….and would love to debate that ideology on this board.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 03:03
#60 - Carbo Servio… there was a mistake in your link… an extra period… I edited it so now it works. I assume you don’t mind! And thanks for putting that here — I’ll add it to my “favorites” so I can find it the next time the blog goes down.
Today’s short “Blackout” — I haven’t heard anything about it… that is the cause of it… I witnessed it myself… it didn’t last very long and could have just been one of those ordinary ‘hiccups’ that the web often suffers for no reason.
#66 Hits on the blog. They are now about 2,000 a week… I will go look and report back with more detail. Sorry I didn’t think to do it when I was repairing carbo servio’s link.
Most surprising to me… the rate of spam is very low. I don’t know why. About 1% to 3%.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 02:45
The best thing we can all do is to comment what we think, it will help Yoani and it will also help the Cuban people.
A word can make a difference
Please make it so.
Freedom should be the most cherish human right.
Let us together help so that those that can not help them self can also gain access to it.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 02:40
Would love to see the hits on this blog, I have only been here since December and have never seen it as active as it has been in the last week….Keepa, keepa keepa going, cause something is going on just to much interest so fast. I read every word and pass it on.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 02:14
John Two
I am actually very surprise that American Citizens do not challenge our government on the basis of Human rights in the courts.
We should be able to travel anywhere. I have heard of one case in Connecticut I believe but nothing else.
That people to people contact together with the economic independence may give the Cubans the incentive they need to gain their own freedom.
I think it will be mutually beneficial since it will allow many leftist to see for real the problems that a full government control system produces.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 02:07
(Note: I’m reposting b/c my earlier post seems to being awaiting moderation probably b/c it had more than one link).
Re my earlier post about the Human Rights Council review of Cuba.
The highlights posted on the review did include the usual positive comments about social and economic rights in Cuba, but they also included this:
“Other recommendations included: To consider acceding to the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court; to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; to ratify the International Convention on economic, social and cultural rights; and to abolish the death penalty; to extend a standing invitation to the United Nations Special Procedures; to give importance to human rights training for government officials at all levels; to give access to its prisons by independent organizations like the ICRC; to establish a recurrent system of review of its prisons by the United Nations or other relevant international observers; to ensure the right to equality before the courts and tribunals, and to a fair trial; and to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
Additionally, recommendations included: To enhance human rights education through public awareness campaigns; to lift restrictions on rights on the freedom of expression and show greater tolerance for Cubans to express opposing views peacefully; to release all remaining political prisoners and to reintegrate them into the community; to guarantee that independent journalists, human rights defenders and political dissidents had the possibility to exercise their basic freedoms without the risk of harassment, intimidation or persecution; and to refrain to using such laws such as dangerousness, enemy propaganda and contempt for authority to restrict the rights of freedom of expression and association.”
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodi…..009pm.aspx
But this is what the Cuban people were told by state media:
“Reus concluded her presentation by noting Cuba’s adherence to the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity that should characterize international cooperation on human rights, always open to dialogue.
Various delegates spoke after Reus. More than 100 countries registered to speak, but because of time limitations, only 60 did, 51 of which spoke constructively and the majority with remarks of admiration. The other nine, as always, repeated the same discourse dictated by the empire, serving as its allies.” (won’t link to the source but it was from Granma
I’m proud to say my country (Canada) was one of the nine.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 02:03
Re my earlier post about the Human Rights Council review of Cuban.
The highlights posted on the review did include the usual positive comments about social and economic rights in Cuba, but they also included this:
“Other recommendations included: To consider acceding to the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court; to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; to ratify the International Convention on economic, social and cultural rights; and to abolish the death penalty; to extend a standing invitation to the United Nations Special Procedures; to give importance to human rights training for government officials at all levels; to give access to its prisons by independent organizations like the ICRC; to establish a recurrent system of review of its prisons by the United Nations or other relevant international observers; to ensure the right to equality before the courts and tribunals, and to a fair trial; and to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
Additionally, recommendations included: To enhance human rights education through public awareness campaigns; to lift restrictions on rights on the freedom of expression and show greater tolerance for Cubans to express opposing views peacefully; to release all remaining political prisoners and to reintegrate them into the community; to guarantee that independent journalists, human rights defenders and political dissidents had the possibility to exercise their basic freedoms without the risk of harassment, intimidation or persecution; and to refrain to using such laws such as dangerousness, enemy propaganda and contempt for authority to restrict the rights of freedom of expression and association.”
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodi.....009pm.aspx
But how was this written up in Cuban state media:
“Reus concluded her presentation by noting Cuba’s adherence to the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity that should characterize international cooperation on human rights, always open to dialogue.
Various delegates spoke after Reus. More than 100 countries registered to speak, but because of time limitations, only 60 did, 51 of which spoke constructively and the majority with remarks of admiration. The other nine, as always, repeated the same discourse dictated by the empire, serving as its allies.”
http://www.granma.cu/ingles/20.....logra.html
I’m proud to say my country (Canada) was one of the nine.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 01:42
Thanks for that Carbo. What a great discussion. I’ll admit to having harboured a bit of a stereotypical view of the South Florida Cubans in the past. One of the great things about Yoani’s blog is it helps us to see beyond the stereotypes, and instead see ourselves as real people with real concerns and reasons for our points of view.
That said, there’s a bit more to the US embargo than a ban on credit. The most objectionable aspect of the embargo to me are the travel restrictions, both on family members and ordinary Americans alike. In my eyes, this counter-productive policy comes very close to violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is a huge propaganda coup for the Castro regime, i.e. if the US can restrict travel to Cuba by US citizens, why can’t Cuba also restrict travel by Cubans?
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 01:34
Carbo
I noticed that also. For a few minutes I try to post something and I could not do it. Maybe they are employing denial of service attack.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 01:06
TO ALL COMMENTER:
For some minutes this site were blocked…… it is very usual that dictatorship’s hackers make this site out of order, it happen very often with the spanish page because is the most visited.
Our english page is taking speed thanks to all of you, the commenter. I guess the comrades working 90 miles south are very upsets because this speeding and will try to hind it as often as they can. Next time you can not reach this site you can go to
http://loscubanos.blogia.com/
once there click on “Encuentros”, then click on “comments”……. in “comments” you can post a comment or go to the chat on the right upper side……… most commenter there do it in spanish but most of them understand english and will be happy of having us there for a while.
Good evening, I leave now
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 00:57
Same here Carbo.
Think this.
The Cuban government charges everything on cash in the stores on Cuba
ergo they must have cash at hand.
Therefore the question that begs is what will they need the money from a loan for?
I can guess a few things
like buying weapons or buying elections for friends in countries like has probably happened in Venezuela, Ecuador etc..
as we know their interest is not to improve the economic well being of the Cuban people.
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 00:52
Totally agree with you Andy on #55
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 00:49
SilentVoice dice: 6 Febrero 2009 a las 23:18
000000000000000000000000000000
Brother, I would like to see the embargo off as soon as possible but I don’t want American government (people) to protect the loans the dictatorship will get. If after the embargo some companies or banks want to give credits to castro II, they can do it on theirs own risk but no administration will back them. I don’t want see my sons and grandsons paying the money of those loans because those monies will end in castro’s family bank accounts!!!!!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 00:48
Nagy
I will said Cubans yearn for both economical freedom and political freedom. I am not sure what desire is bigger. But as we know political freedom will also conduce Cuba to economical freedom.
I strongly believe that dropping the embargo will be primordial to make things change in Cuba. I still do not understand the reasoning of whoever is thinking on keeping the embargo.
As you mentioned Yoani is the perfect example of what we are talking about.
Furthermore I like to point out that because of the embargo Cuba was prohibited from hooking up to the internet cable that passes close to the Cuban coast.
Couldn’t we think that internet is equivalent to freedom of speech?
The internet could have only being invented in a country like ours.
What if we can get them hook on the internet and even provide them free computers that they can use to organize and criticize the government?
Giving them back one of the most basics Human rights.
The freedom of speech even if it is only anonymous!
Febrero 7th, 2009 at 00:05
I couldn’t agree with you more (yes.. this is a lot of fun.. we won’t tell!).
Yoani does talk about the economy of course because so much of people’s time and energy must be spent just trying to feed their families.
But the real point of her blog is human rights. Not an economic system. Human rights and a true government of, by and for the people. Democracy. Free elections. Protections for the individual. To think what they want. Say what they want. Associated with whom they want. Practice whatever religion they want, or no religion. An end to the citizens spying on each other and reporting to the state. And end to the two goons who now follow her everywhere. The ability to choose your own destiny. To leave the country or to stay. To come back if you have left. In short, the freedoms contained in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Then… Cubans can work out for themselves how they want the economy to run — whether they want an American style structure to their government (where you can have divided government), or a parliamentary style… where the party that wins, or forms a governing coalition, has the votes to make the changes they want (but can always be thrown out on a no-confidence vote any time).
All those things will come… and then the lemons will come when you have a sore throat… the food will come when there are market incentives… slowly, over time, the country will find its own balance, its own way. And it will be Cubans who decide… not a single psychopath who has created his own fantasy island…. of slaves.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 23:45
I think all of us are having too much fun posting on Yoani’s blog today than doing our jobs (at least those of us based in the Western Hemisphere). Good thing we use pseudonyms.
Did want to comment on SilentVoice #42. While the Communist system has within it the seeds of its own destruction, I think there are things that we in the West can do to help. We just need to do the things that work, and helping more Cubans to become economically independent of the government is one of those things. Yoani herself is an example of this.
I also think your argument is a bit too economically deterministic, though it’s true Cuba is not Hungary. Another story. Despite the disapproval of my parents, I first traveled to Hungary in 1985 before the fall of Communism. I had actually expected Hungary to be worse off economically than it in fact was. In my opinion, at least in Hungary, it was as much - if not more - a yearning for political freedom as it was for economic freedom. Many Hungarians got to experience that political freedom between the wars and a further taste of it in those glorious months in the fall of 1956.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 23:18
Well Andy after 50 years you could say the entrepreneurial spirit is embedded as Innate cognition of the human mind!
Just like greed! :-)
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 23:11
Iain In principle any government intervention should make things worst I think.
Because we are preventing the system to use his own self healing mechanism and we are letting the clumsy government do what it does best dictated! Instead of let the one that can be heal heal and the one that is moribund die.
I understand the reason they are doing it so to shorten the recession but I think we may need the recession!
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 23:08
by the way I got a bit off my point there…
the entrepreneurial spirit is obviously alive and well in cuba even after 50 years… every tiny crack… people find a way to take advantage of it and support themselves.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 23:07
The entrepreneur spirt AND the ’silent hand’.
The silent hand isn’t just that there’s something magic about letting people make market-based decisions for themselves… it’s that NO ONE IS SMART ENOUGH to RUN AN ECONOMY…. there’s not such thing as a ‘planned economy’… there are only ‘planned disasters’ as in Cuba and the other communist countries before they failed or turned to capitalism.
The economy can be regulated, certain critical functions (such as public utilities, or schools) can be centralized, certain functions that are critical and don’t lend themselves to management entirely by market forces can be socialised (health care, public transit)… that’s all to the good.
but planning a school system is entirely different from planning the entire economic activity of a whole country… even a small country… no one can do it.
Most of the advanced developed nations (the US is something of an exception) — have struck some sort of reasonable balance between shared/socialised activities, market based activities (with appropriate regulation for consumer safety, fraud prevention etc), and protection for the losers… the losers who lose through no fault of their own. The US doesn’t want to let the auto industry go belly up because it doens’t have adequate programs in place to take care of the laid off workers. In Sweden, say, when the buggy whip factory closes… well it’s bad news for the buggy whip laborers… but they’re not likely to quickly find themselves homeless and depending on food banks. without these safeguards, capitalism will always seem unnecessarily cruel.
meanwhile… the whole financial ’services’ sector… which invents endless ways to skim off each transaction to make themselves rich… (which means you need more and more transactions, right, so there’s more opportunitites to skim)… well letting that go on is just criminal.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:57
Well let us pray that we all have the good common sense of not letting the “entrepreneur-spirit” die. If that ever happen then all we will see around the world is a world like Cuba. To have an exact idea them read Animal Farm and 1984 from Orwells.
I will be moving to the north pole then :-)
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:56
Woops…the last one was to #45… this one is to number 46!!!!
“But there is no security in stasis….”
good point.
meanwhile I see we are looking to what Japan did during its recent ‘lost decade’… seems they did just what the US is about to do… with not very impressive results.
what I don’t understand is why more of that money is thrown at people who are NOW working but are going to be laid off…. teachers, bus drivers and the like. Who provide services we all need…. what’s wrong with saving THOSE jobs.
woops… did I move off topic here? sorry. but the global depression affects everyone.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:53
@Silent Voice
Well there! Already you told me something I didn’t know. I have only read a little about this case but I watched the trials on YouTube… what a horrifying spectacle!
But I didn’t know the little twist about the US having proof that Fidel was supporting his ‘revolution’ through drug profits (no surprise in that)… so that adds a whole new twist. He couldn’t let the US say he was a drug trafficker… so he had to kill somebody….
sorry Ochoa… your name came up in that little lottery.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:43
I was delighted to see “the invisible hand …” appear (or not :-)) on this site. Of course, capitalism is not invulnerable, as I pointed out in Thursday’s EL PAIS, and the hand needs cherishing. Precisely for the unknown future, discussed above. Incidentally, the opening below uses a deliberately mixed metaphor for comic effect, which the Editor, I’m pleased to say, reflected in the headline:
Incubating Untemehmergeist .
As the headless chickens who strutted so impotently at Davos fly home to roost, it may be time to take the economic downturn seriously. A century ago, Moravian-born economist Joseph Schumpeter concluded, with Karl Marx, that capitalism could collapse, but for the opposite reason. Prosperous masses might vote increasingly for stability through regulation and welfare, and this would stifle Untemehmergeist - the “entrepreneur-spirit” so vital to progress. But there is no security in stasis and, if the “invisible hand of the market” is arthritic and shackled, it will soon loose its capacity to provide for our needs under changing circumstances. Recessions offer something of a cure, provided new, vigorous enterprises are encouraged and resources are not squandered on, for example, failed banks and moribund car plants. This recession will be far deeper, longer, and more damaging if we fail to embrace change, and to recognise that “what’s good for General Motors” may not, in perpetuity, be “good for America.”
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:37
Andy
I left Cuba as the Ochoa trial was coming to an end. We the people of Cuba thought exactly what you describe.
That he was targeted to be blame together with the other brothers because the US had proof that there was something going on. So the government (Castro) needed someone to blame for it and to show that it was not him doing it!
Maybe one day we will learn the truth.
Like I have said . Not even a fly move without him knowing!
That explain the 50 years in power!
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:29
To be fair their system is not pure socialism anymore neither our system is pure capitalism.
Since we do have many things the government do and they do have also some things private people are allow to do.
Naturally they do not allow many of this private people doing because they know that once they do it they will be economically independent from the state and once that happens there is not way to obligate them to do what they want them to do.
Their trick is to keep the balance so that they do not loose control. Our trick should be to make them loose that balance! and not having an embargo will make things easier.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:20
“Not even a fly can move….”
So tell me, is there anyone here who thinks General Ochoa was acting outside the knowledge of the Flyswatter-en-Jefe?
No, of course not.
So someone tell me what that was all about. I’ve always assumed that it was a simple display of sheer power and the convenience of getting rid of a possible rival in the meantime. But there were probably some side shows I didn’t hear about. Maybe Ochoa’s Swiss bank account was fatter than Fidel’s and so the Flyswatter had to show who was the Swatter and who was the fly.
For readers who may not be familiar with it: General Ochoa was one of the original members of the 26th of July movement, fought in the Sierras …. Angola… etc… a big “hero” guy — whom Fidel decided to charge with treason and drug trafficking and he had him executed in 1989 after show trials for him and his associates, which were broadcast on TV. Go to Wiki or anywhere on line and you can read all about it.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:17
Nagy
It is my believe that communism will fail by itself there is nothing we need to do. The system intrinsically have the seed of its own demise. As example I guess I will have to cite all the countries of eastern Europe.
As for Cuba I believe if they think of us as friends and not a foe we can help more the Cuban people. At least that’s my hope. The rest will come to and end by itself. Maybe once the great leader is no longer with us.
Why is it intrinsic of the communism to fail?
Easy
Economically can never compete with Capitalism.
Why that is is also easy Capitalism is self healing while communism with all its planning is not. Human beings can never predict the future. Therefore no amount of planning could ever tell the Cuban government of 3 hurricane coming to Cuba this past year! or the many that will come later.
For a small country like Cuba this situation I will say is almost catastrophic!
In capitalism there is not so much reliance on the future because nobody knows what will happen and they do not pretend to know. The way the system works is by the invisible hand mentioned by Adam Smith in “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations”.
Think of this Capitalism is base to work on one of the most potent human defects. Greed
While Socialism denies that defect to humans. But as we say after all we are human therefore we will be greedy!
In capitalism that greedy sentiment turns into collective good since the capitalist produces jobs that will benefit the majority and will also pay taxes to the state.
In socialism that greedy sentiment is punished and frown upon. Eliminating with it also the spirit of independence!
Anyway that is the general idea I have from living and working on both systems as to why one works and the other does not.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 22:12
@Nagy — everyone here uses a pseudonym… no problems… yours just made me laugh… we don’t have too many famous people here but I think Obama, Stalin, among many others post on the spanish site!
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 21:48
Carlos, so what do you propose as a solution?
Continue with the embargo that we know does not work and will only oppress more the Cuban people?
As for Castro. They are things that are under his control and some things he can not control and will never be able to control or maybe I am mistaken on the above assumption.
As example I will put the two I have mentioned
Black Market and Prostitution.
Never mind what the government has try they have never being capable of eliminating any of them. In fact they are the proof that “socialistic society’s new man” is the same man that is every where. It’s a fiction of the communist mentality!
You will always get people trying to get ahead of the rest by any means necessary!
On the other hand I will confess that I have thought before that the Cuban government actually runs both that is the Black Market and the Prostitution ring.
The Prostitution with the objective to attract tourism to the island and the Black Market with the objective to supply needed things that they can not afford to bring in as they are imported from the US illegally!
Since they have so much control over there. I remember we use to joke about it saying that not even a fly can move without Castro knowing. So whatever happens over there is because they are purposely turning a blind eye to it.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 21:40
@Andy, I’m using a pseudonym (my Mom is still living), but good catch.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 20:50
@Nagy (is your first name Imre (just joking!))
The story you tell of Hungary is, of course, the story I think almost everyone hopes for for Cuba…. Fidel dies (hopefully we don’t have to wait for Raul to kick it too)… and it just slips away… of course it will be a big challenge about what comes next.
It is interesting that the grandchildren of the refugees from the Spanish civil war are now able to return to Spain… will the children and grandchildren of the refugees from Castro’s Cuba want to go back? Some of course have left very recently — but many other ‘exiles’ were born abroad and may never even have been to Cuba.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 20:50
Hey Silent Voice,
If you think that Castro would let the US inject money in their economy, you are dreaming in daylight time. Anything and everything have to be approved, run and controlled by the Government, not by any institution in the USA.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 20:29
Can not locate this A P wire, do not speak or read Spanish but if anyone finds it on the web in english please let me know.
The less said in America about A Great Debate until it can be worked is the best way to go. Those against Cuba being opened up will come out of the woodwork and work it PR Wise to their advantage. There is not three people in US that see eye to eye about anything, best to stay blind about what Obama is gonna do until we know what it is. The best of luck to those on the island of prisoners.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 20:27
I’ve been reading this blog for a few months, but something Carlos said in post 30 prompted me to share this story.
My parents fled Hungary after the failed 1956 uprising and were fortunate enough to make new lives in the West.
My Dad took the view that the only way to defeat communism was through an extremely hard line. For many years he thought only foreign military intervention could possibly liberate Eastern Europe, that’s how strong the grip of totalitarianism was on countries like Hungary. He opposed any policies of engagement. When Gorbachev arrived on the scene with his policy of glasnost he was convinced it was a trick to pull the wool over the eyes of those in the West.
It took my Dad a while to re-orient his worldview when this totalitarian system literally melted away in every country in Eastern Europe within a few short months at the end of 1989.
Like its Eastern European counter-parts, Cuban Communism is built on a pack of lies and is swimming against the tide of human history in which people yearn to be free. Once the strongman dies, the entire infrastructure of fear and oppression could collapse like a deck of cards.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 19:44
So does anyone have any inside knowledge or special insights or even more information than I do?
Why did Rahm Emanuel say “The less said about Cuba the better”?
That’s a very odd turn of phrase. It makes you think they are THINKING about Cuba a great deal… but not wanting to talk about it.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 19:04
THE EE.UU. IS NOT THE PROBLEM
THE EMBARGO IS NOT THE PROBLEM
CASTRO IS THE PROBLEM
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 18:27
Carlos I agree but Cubans have always done what they please.
The Black market in Cuba who do you think runs it?
In Cuba you can pretty much get anything given the right connections.
If we inject a lot of money there and make a lot of people economically independent from the government them maybe corruption may take care of the rest since big burocracies are intrinsically corrupt and as I have known thru friends. Anything is for sale in Cuba’s bureaucracy. Any permit is possible given the right amount of money.
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 18:24
***
I lived in the U.S. Army for 2 years. The Army controlled everything in my life then. But later I could control my own life and live much better. The poor Cuban People are “in the Army” for life.
***
Vive en el ejercito (U. S. Army) por 2 anos. El ejercito controlo todo en mi vida en esta tiempo. Pero mas despues puede controlar mi vida y vivi mucho mejor. La Gente Cubano estan “en el ejercito” para la vida.
***
John Bibb
Febrero 6th, 2009 at 18:01
Hey Silent Voice,
In Cuba you don’t choose your place of employment. The system has absolute control over your entire life. So when you say: “If there was no embargo maybe many people in Cuba will be able to work outside the government and making them economically independent from the government should be our priority…..”
Wake up and smell the coffee, you don’t choose, they choose for you; whether you like it or not.
Here is part of the Encyclopedia definition for TOTALITARIANISM:
“Totalitarianism, in political science, system of government and ideology in which all social, political, economic, intellectual, cultural, and spiritual activities are subordinated to the purposes of the rulers of a state. Several important features distinguish totalitarianism, a form of autocracy peculiar to the 20th century, from such older forms as despotism, absolutism, and tyranny. In the older forms of autocracy people could live and work in comparative independence, provided they refrained from politics. In modern totalitarianism, however, people are made utterly dependent on the wishes and whims of a political party and its leaders.”
I hope the above explains what people in Cuba are subjected to on a daily basis for 50 long years of oppression.
Please don’t blame the United States for the embargo, it is Castro and his cronies to be blame, they will never accept any changes whether these changes comes from Clinton, Bush or Obama.