Message Board Archives
Final Word On Fidel Castro- The Great
Emir
2016-11-29 07:35:04
See some nitwits in here with no sense of history and brainwashed by the right wings spewing crap about Cuba.
This article conveys an accurate story of Fidel- RIP my brother.
He was a colossus of the Caribbean who walked the world stage tall like a giant.
Never before in the history of the Caribbean had we seen a leader of his stature. And, like him or loathe him, the titans who straddled the world stage during his 50-year tenure at the helm of Cuba dared not ignore him, with many of them grudgingly respecting him.
To paraphrase Shakespeare in (and of) Julius Caesar: his life was not gentle, but the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to the world, this was a man.
In his early years, the tenacity with which he fought and liberated Cuba from the clutches of the brutal dictator Fulgencio Batista (Donald Trump should read up on this monster before he opens his unschooled mouth) and the American mafia made him and his revolutionary comrades youthful legends. No one believed the “rag tag rebels”, as they were described, could wage and win a protracted war against a military dictator who was backed by the mighty USA.
But they did. And Washington, which had hand-made some of the most savage despots throughout Latin America and even the Caribbean (“Papa Doc” Duvalier in Haiti, Trujillo in the Dominican Republic), spurned Fidel because he refused to be their puppet.
Thus began the alienation of Castro from the Americas and his drift towards the Soviet Union and communism at a time when the Cold War was very hot. This would lead to many confrontations, the most perilous being the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Suffice it to say that Fidel had no choice but to align with the Soviet Bloc, which led to Cuba being isolated in the West—no trade, no aid, no diplomatic relations, nothing.
It was as if the largest island-state in the Caribbean did not exist. It was during that dark period of Cuba's history that Fidel's leadership counted for just about everything. He hurdled past enormous obstacles as he pursued the revolution's goals of first, literacy, then universal education, and a health system that provided for all.
He would, in the ensuing years, surpass those goals, making Cubans among the most literate people in the world. The health system not only delivered to citizens of that country, but through research and development, transformed Cuba into one of the few countries to offer revolutionary procedures for dealing with a range of ailments, from cancer to diabetes, eye surgery to neurosurgery.
Cuba has exported teachers, nurses and doctors to countries across the world, and has itself become a prime health care destination for patients seeking superior services at affordable prices. Many people from Trinidad and Tobago, among them former prime minister Patrick Manning, have been to Cuba for medical attention.
Such astounding achievements did not happen by accident: there was vision and teamwork that involved many Cubans, maybe even professionals of other nationalities who gave generously to Cuba. Then there was inspiration that came from one man—Fidel. He had that aura, that charisma that earned him the title “Comandante”.
His critics and detractors will argue that these and other achievements came at a high cost in human rights violations, the suppression of dissent, the primacy of the Communist Party and draconian laws that spelt death or imprisonment for those who dared to disagree with the leader or the government.
These charges are true, although I'm sure the numbers have been exaggerated. But consider this: with the US next door sanctioning hundreds of attempts to assassinate Fidel, conducting scores of deadly sabotage-attacks, and launching an invasion that was repelled, can you blame Havana for dealing drastically with suspected traitors?
Moreover, critics conveniently ignore draconian laws in countries they favour, such as Singapore (spitting on the pavement, chewing gum) and Saudi Arabia. Washington insists that Cuba must allow a multi-party system as a pre-requisite to normalising relations, but it dare not demand that of China.
While it is true that many Cubans are poor, it is also true that Cuba is possibly the only Third World country that has no stinking slums surrounding its cities or vagrants sleeping on the sidewalks. It is one of the cleanest countries in the world, and the safest, because of an enviably low crime rate.
Many Trinis might queue up to surrender some of their rights and freedoms if, magically, our country can be transformed into the haven that Fidel left as his legacy.
As for free elections, look at what America got—Trump! And we got Bim and Bam-Bam!
Adios, Comandante.
Link Text
Dukes
2016-11-29 10:17:37
In reply to Emir
Many Trinis might queue up to surrender some of their rights and freedoms if, magically, our country can be transformed into the haven that Fidel left as his legacy.
I suppose that is why there are so many Trinbagonians who have migrated to Cuba as opposed to America!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Runs
2016-11-29 10:33:58
If given a choice between Cuba and the US how many of you will choose Cuba. Here are the pros: Free health care and education and classless society. 
All will be equal no entrepreneurship or upward mobility allowed.
PS Burnham promised the same I wonder why so many left? 
black
2016-11-29 11:04:43
In reply to Runs
Exactly.
Runs
2016-11-29 11:08:52
In reply to black
Adam Smith said, Man is Selfish. Karl Marx said a person's environment makes him selfish or not
cricketest
2016-11-29 11:18:48
StumpCam
2016-11-29 11:27:39
In reply to Runs
PS Burnham promised the same I wonder why so many left?
PS,how many of you promised to return after Burnham, did they???
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Khaga
2016-11-29 11:31:21
In reply to cricketest
Sounds ominous, doesn't it?
Emir
2016-11-29 12:05:56
In reply to Runs
Brother, I have read all your comments on Cuba- I respectfully say, you have remarkably missed the point.
Runs
2016-11-29 12:28:30
In reply to Emir
Your opinion 
If there was no US embargo would your view differ? From a human rights, freedoms etc perspective
johndom90
2016-11-29 14:09:21
In reply to Emir
Mandela has probably prepared a huge welcome for the Commandant.
No doubt they have a lot to discuss.
djdrastic
2016-11-29 14:47:39
I can see why you're down with him Emir.He sounds an awful lot like your Terror brothers.
Human Rights Watch World Report 2007 - Cuba
Cuba remains the one country in Latin America that represses nearly all forms of political dissent. President Fidel Castro, during his 47 years in power, has shown no willingness to consider even minor reforms. Instead, the Cuban government continues to enforce political conformity using criminal prosecutions, long- and short-term detentions, mob harassment, police warnings, surveillance, house arrests, travel restrictions, and politically-motivated dismissals from employment. The end result is that Cubans are systematically denied basic rights to free expression, association, assembly, privacy, movement, and due process of law.
Castro's decision in early August to temporarily cede power as a result of medical problems to his brother, Raúl Castro, has prompted intense speculation about the possibility of reform in Cuba. As of this writing, it was unclear whether the older Castro would be able to return to power and what his political absence might signal for the island's future.
Legal and Institutional Failings
Cuba's legal and institutional structures are at the root of rights violations. Although in theory the different branches of government have separate and defined areas of authority, in practice the executive retains clear control over all levers of power. The courts, which lack independence, undermine the right to fair trial by severely restricting the right to a defense.
Cuba's Criminal Code provides the legal basis for repression of dissent. Laws criminalizing enemy propaganda, the spreading of "unauthorized news," and insult to patriotic symbols are used to restrict freedom of speech under the guise of protecting state security. The government also imprisons or orders the surveillance of individuals who have committed no illegal act, relying upon provisions that penalize "dangerousness" (estado peligroso) and allow for "official warning" (advertencia oficial).
Political Imprisonment
In early July 2006 the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, a respected local human rights group, issued a list of 316 prisoners who it said were incarcerated for political reasons. The list included the names of 12 peaceful dissidents who had been arrested and detained in the first half of 2006, of whom five were being held on charges of "dangerousness." Of 75 political dissidents, independent journalists, and human rights advocates who were summarily tried in April 2003, 60 remain imprisoned. Serving sentences that average nearly 20 years, the incarcerated dissidents endure poor conditions and punitive treatment in prison.
Travel Restrictions and Family Separations
The Cuban government forbids the country's citizens from leaving or returning to Cuba without first obtaining official permission, which is often denied. Unauthorized travel can result in criminal prosecution. In May 2006 Oswaldo Payá, the well-known Cuban human rights advocate, was awarded an honorary doctor of laws by Columbia University in New York City in recognition of his work. However, he was denied an exit visa by the Cuban authorities and therefore could not receive the degree in person.
The government also frequently bars citizens engaged in authorized travel from taking their children with them overseas, essentially holding the children hostage to guarantee the parents' return. Given the widespread fear of forced family separation, these travel restrictions provide the Cuban government with a powerful tool for punishing defectors and silencing critics.
Freedom of Expression and Assembly
The Cuban government maintains a media monopoly on the island, ensuring that freedom of expression is virtually non-existent. Although a small number of independent journalists manage to write articles for foreign websites or publish underground newsletters, the risks associated with these activities are considerable. According to Reporters Without Borders, there are currently 23 journalists serving prison terms in Cuba, most of them charged with threatening "the national independence and economy of Cuba." This makes the country second only to China for the number of journalists in prison.
Access to information via the internet is also highly restricted in Cuba. In late August 2006 the dissident and independent journalist Guillermo Fariñas ended a seven-month hunger strike in opposition to the regime's internet policy. He began the strike after the Cuban authorities shut down his e-mail access, which he had been using to send dispatches abroad describing attacks on dissidents and other human rights abuses.
Freedom of assembly is severely restricted in Cuba, and political dissidents are generally prohibited from meeting in large groups. This was evident in mid-September 2006 during the 14th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Havana, when the Cuban government issued a ban on all gatherings that might damage "the image" of the city.
Prison Conditions
Prisoners are generally kept in poor and abusive conditions, often in overcrowded cells. They typically lose weight during incarceration, and some receive inadequate medical care. Some also endure physical and sexual abuse, typically by other inmates and with the acquiescence of guards.
Political prisoners who denounce poor conditions of imprisonment or who otherwise fail to observe prison rules are frequently punished with long periods spent in punitive isolation cells, restrictions on visits, or denial of medical treatment. Some political prisoners have carried out long hunger strikes to protest abusive conditions and mistreatment by guards.
Death Penalty
Under Cuban law the death penalty exists for a broad range of crimes. It is difficult to ascertain the frequency with which this penalty is employed because Cuba does not release information regarding its use. However, as far as is known, no executions have been carried out since April 2003.
Human Rights Defenders
Refusing to recognize human rights monitoring as a legitimate activity, the government denies legal status to local human rights groups. Individuals who belong to these groups face systematic harassment, with the government putting up obstacles to impede them from documenting human rights conditions. In addition, international human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are barred from sending fact-finding missions to Cuba. In fact, Cuba remains one of the few countries in the world to deny the International Committee of the Red Cross access to its prisons.
Amnesty International Report 2007 - Cuba
djdrastic
2016-11-29 14:50:22
Continued
Amnesty International Report 2007 - Cuba
Freedom of expression, association and movement continued to be severely restricted. At least 69 prisoners of conscience remained imprisoned for their political opinions. Political dissidents, independent journalists and human rights activists continued to be harassed, intimidated and detained, some without charge or trial. Cubans continued to feel the negative impact of the US embargo.
Prisoners of conscience
At the end of the year, 69 prisoners of conscience continued to be held for their non-violent political views or activities. Twelve others continued to serve their sentences outside prison because of health concerns. No releases of prisoners of conscience were reported during the year.
Orlando Zapata Tamayo was sentenced to three years in 2003 on charges of showing "contempt to the figure of Fidel Castro", "public disorder" and "resistance". In November 2005 he was reportedly sentenced to an additional 15 years for "contempt" and "resistance" in prison. In May 2006, he was again tried on the same charges and sentenced to an additional seven-year term. He was serving a prison sentence of 25 years and six months.
Detention without charge or trial
Scores of people continued to be held without charge on suspicion of counter-revolutionary activities or on unclear charges. Their legal status remained unclear at the end of the year.
Prisoner of conscience Oscar Mariano González Pérez, an independent journalist who was arrested in July 2005 as he was about to take part in a demonstration in front of the French embassy, remained in detention without charge or trial.
Freedom of expression and association
Severe restrictions on freedom of expression and association persisted. All print and broadcast media remained under state control. There was a rise in the harassment and intimidation of independent journalists and librarians. People suspected of links with dissident groups or involved in promoting human rights were arrested and detained. There was an increase in arrests on charges of "pre-criminal dangerousness". Access to the Internet remained severely limited outside governmental offices and educational institutions. Journalist Guillermo Fariñas staged a seven-month hunger strike to obtain access to the Internet, without success.
Armando Betancourt Reina, a freelance journalist, was arrested on 23 May as he took notes and photographs of evictions from a house in the city of Camagüey. He was charged with public disorder. Armando Betancourt was reportedly held incommunicado for a week at the police station before being transferred to Cerámica Roja prison in Camagüey on 6 June. He was awaiting trial at the end of the year.
Harassment and intimidation of dissidents and activists
There was an increase in the public harassment and intimidation of human rights activists and political dissidents by quasi-official groups in so-called acts of repudiation.
Juan Carlos González Leiva, President of the Cuban Foundation for Human Rights, was reportedly the target of several "acts of repudiation" – involving government supporters reportedly acting with the collusion of the authorities – at his home in the city of Ciego de Avila. He and his family were repeatedly threatened by demonstrators. Juan Carlos González Leiva, who is blind, was arrested in March 2002 for "disrespect", "public disorder", "resistance" and "disobedience" and spent two years in prison without trial. In April 2004 he was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, to be served at his home.
Visits
AI last visited Cuba in 1988 and has not been allowed into the country since.
camos
2016-11-29 15:52:33
In reply to djdrastic
What the report said about our friend Saudi Arabia?
Ridge
2016-11-29 16:07:17
In reply to Emir
See some nitwits in here with no sense of history and brainwashed by the right wings spewing crap about Cuba
Have you ever been to Cuba?
Just letting you know that
History and seeing for yourself paint two different pictures.
steveo
2016-11-29 16:31:21
In reply to camos
U see there is an adjustable yardstick of morality being applied here, it varies from friend to foe
The western media can make the most peaceful place seem like hell and vice versa, what matters is the story they need to tell
bravos
2016-11-29 17:14:13
bravos
2016-11-29 17:14:13
Everybody seems to be missing the point ,the point is ,,DESPITE all that they exceed many developed nations in many human developmental aspects DESPITE all that.
Name me another totalitarian country in the world (except Singapore lol) that can boast of those levels of human developmental achievements,all are below par ..and I can also list some very free ones that are even lower than some totalitarian ones in many aspects of hd.
Some of you very familiar with some of them ..
black
2016-11-29 17:25:26
In reply to bravos
Can't you see? What good is all that if you don't have freedom?
bravos
2016-11-29 17:41:16
In reply to black
What is freedom? Tell me pal tell me ..
Is freedom believing you in charge ? Or is freedom fulfillment and national pride ? Who are you to say Cubans don't feel free proud and fulfilled knowing they rode it out and in so doing broke many molds,Including a crime free environment.
Would you prefer live in 'free' Honduras or totalitarian Cuba?
Whatever the conclusion the fact is the man despite his limitations,evils etc he managed to do well for his country in areas where many free countries struggle.
Freedom comes in many forms and shapes but the only true freedom is contentment ..and don't judge the contentment of a whole country by a a handful of deserters/political opponents.
So tell me black are you and over half the U.S. electorate free contented and fulfilled right now? As much as you would like us to believe yes,you I the mainstream media and general consensus knows you are far from it and terrified even more than the average Cuban .
Emir
2016-11-29 18:53:29
In reply to bravos
Well, well said
Emir
2016-11-29 18:57:32
In reply to Ridge
Have you ever been to Cuba?
Just letting you know that
History and seeing for yourself paint two different pictures.
Yes.
And I have also been to Dominica Republic, Honduras, Haiti, El Slavador,Columbia and Mexico- all of these places are light years behind Cuba in Human Development, Health Care and Education.
Cuba is also light years ahead in public safety, human happiness and sense of pride and nationalism
black
2016-11-29 19:15:51
In reply to bravos
Freedom comes in many forms and shapes but the only true freedom is contentment ..and don't judge the contentment of a whole country by a a handful of deserters/political opponents.
Contentment is settling. I want to be able to jump into my car and drive to Pittsburgh if I so choose. I want to criticize the Government if I so choose, or have access to the Internet all over the world, anything that comes to mind that is not violating someone else's right.
Again, would you be willing to live there?
Runs
2016-11-29 19:19:38
In reply to Emir
Have you ever lived in a Dictatorship? What are your opinions of it? Anyone else care to answer?
doosra
2016-11-29 19:26:01
In reply to Emir
but you are nicely settled in the USA huh
did the boat over sail or the sea was too rough and went pass ? 
Emir
2016-11-29 20:20:45
In reply to Runs
Have you ever lived in a Dictatorship? What are your opinions of it?
Yes.
It was neither worse nor better, but it never did reach the peak of what Cuba achieved.
Soon, you will also be living under a dictatorship as well.
doosra
2016-11-29 20:25:46
In reply to Emir
Iraq?
Iran?
Saudi?
Egypt?
haha, the joke is on you
bravos
2016-11-29 20:29:55
In reply to Runs
Don;t care to live in one and in fact I only care to live in T&T,but the point is that dictatorship has spawned one of the highest literacy rates and medical proficiency rates worldwide and one of the lowest crime rates worldwide,no matter our opinions that's an achievement and a blessing as Cuba inevitably reforms it's political system going forward,Cuba is way ahead of even mother Russia in this department where transition would involve much more sophisticated,educated and peaceful people,thank Castro for that.
Runs
2016-11-29 20:46:45
In reply to bravos
No doubt he made some wonderful progress but at what price?
black
2016-11-29 20:52:36
In reply to bravos
What good is a high literacy rate when the people don't have the creative freedom to run their own businesses?
In case you didn't notice, Russian is no longer a Communist Country. That means, Cuba is being left behind, right alongside North Korea.
bravos
2016-11-29 21:22:31
In reply to black
pal Cuba is on it's way and Castro was a blessing in disguise else Cuba woulda be wuss dan Mexico and Honduras,at what cost are Mexico,Honduras,Colombia and Venezuela 'free'? And at what cost is Iraq,Libya and Syria being liberated?
I done talk..
bravos
2016-11-29 21:23:47
In reply to Runs
See post above this one..later,,,rain falling and wifey calling me for some mutual massaging etc..
bravos
2016-11-29 21:30:08
Before I go,is Cuba worse than the USA and South-Africa were for blacks others up to not too long ago? How come I'm not hearing any condemnation of US past presidents etc? All I hear about are the great presidents of times past,black folks not folks too? House Negroes much?
Leave Fidel and Cuba's legacy alone,they have lived much better than our beloved western blacks for much longer and still do..life isn't about today alone because you alive today,it's part of a process to human progress and some attain that in different ways and at different times..life,traditions,human will,human progress and human political struggle and evolution don't run on US time alone.
So you Negros and coloured people can now vote in the US congrats,well Cubans will be able to do the same too at some point,do you believe your timing is the only timing? The arrogance and bitterness is appalling.. ....none of you can walk in Castro's boots,he will be remembered for the right reasons,there is no greater judge than time perspective and common sense and all I sense here is brainwashed criticism of one political system over another,the koolaid is strong,maybe yall shoulda send some 'democracy' via bombs and airstrikes and democratize them years ago,like you did to Iraq and Libya ..
I'll go to Cuba any day any time,I certainly would not be found dead in many a 'free' country..
.
You people mixing up geopolitics with humanity,whatever the political environment humanity always reigns supreme...'Freedom' is subjective.
You call having to choose between Hillary and Trump freedom? At what cost? The people said fuck off to our preferred political ideals,deal with it but how dare you deny Castro and Cuba their praises and recognition,do any of you have any idea what that took to survive and accomplish those metrics while being marginalized,castigated and humiliated in your own hemisphere? By all means scorn the system that's prepared to punish a whole nationality for political difference,now those are the people I have a problem with,those vindictive people who believe that people's countries' and lives are long distance board games. And you lap up the propaganda in typical fashion...
Bye people..
RIP Fidel Castro.
black
2016-11-29 22:36:36
In reply to bravos
Dude, 125,000 people left by boat in 1980 for the United States, does that sound like happy people?
bravos
2016-11-29 22:56:32
In reply to black
Just reinforces my points even more,think of the kinda leadership that was required to attain their hd status as it is today ...I never said it was a bed of roses,I just said that the man did well in the circumstances,even after "125,000 people left by boat in 1980 for the United States",I saw Scarface too ok...lol...which poor people in close proximity to the US wouldn't try to go if the opportunity arose? The Mexican didn't have to go by boat,they just walked over by the millions,isn't Mexico free?
You think all of them were going for the same core belief or reason? No they went for opportunity,even the Europeans did it,that's how the US was formed...lol human movement is a must,happens once ever so often...and all it needs is a window to exploit,people were being encouraged to make the trip,so much so that if your foot touches earth you're an American!! Hahahahahaha do you want a greater incentive than that? Announce that to Jamaicans and Haitians in the morning and see what happens,it certainly won't be Castro's fault.
Sorry pal we on 2 different trajectories here..Later.
cards
2016-11-29 23:10:45
bravos
2016-11-29 23:27:56
In reply to cards
Top post! *No ego detected.
bravos
2016-11-29 23:28:22
Who's this breath of fresh air mysterious poster!? 
black
2016-11-29 23:50:36
In reply to bravos
And, why are those people leaving for the US? Are they not seeking freedoms and opportunities that are missing from their Countries?
black
2016-11-30 00:02:57
In reply to cards
Meeting someone doesn't mean anything, maybe you should spend a year or two in Cuba and report back to us.
How is reading his book, objective?
black
2016-11-30 00:10:43
cards
2016-11-30 00:36:34
cards
2016-11-30 00:49:31
DAVE400
2016-11-30 06:30:14
regarding trinis running to America v Cuba...those flighty types who have this innate neediness will always choose the beacon of neediness and greed (USA) over Cuba anyday...
In fact the trinis who are not motivated to flight (some needy ones probably don't have the means) have learnt contentment...
Emir
2016-11-30 07:10:08
In reply to cards
In reply to black
But I've seen your post so I know my counsel will fall on deaf ears
What a shot, not a man move
black
2016-11-30 07:45:52
In reply to cards
Dude, I have no idea who wrote the book, my question is about the objectivity of the book.
By the way, no comments on Castro's millions?
black
2016-11-30 08:05:52
In reply to cards
Look, you are not going to give an honest assessment of Cuba because you are a COMMUNIST, just like your brother Fidel.
bravos
2016-11-30 08:32:13
In reply to black
Give it up black...stop the Uncle Tom foolery... 
NineMiles
2016-11-30 08:32:39
In reply to cards
No need for the niceness here... Just call him (black) an ignorant piece of shit. That will suffice!
Curtis
2016-11-30 08:35:51
In reply to cards
Hey Cards....great reading yuh bro....hope all is well...Go Steelers.
Dukes
2016-11-30 08:35:58
In reply to cards
I am not surprised that you would be captivated by Fidel. He was an extremely charismatic person and certainly at the beginning his motives were pure and indeed noble. However human beings being what they are crave freedom and choice and opportunities to prosper and in that situation there will be winners and losers simply because even if the playing field is level (which is as rare as hen's teeth) some people are indeed smarter than others. What Fidel therefore tried to impose met with increasing resistance thus forcing him to become more and more autocratic and resulted in imprisonment and killing of people and dictatorship. His health and education achievements are indeed stellar and my country (Guyana) benefitted greatly from Medical scholarships etc but in the end, an objective assessment of Fidel can never be the same as Mandela. I feel it is a mixed bag and like most of us he had his good points and his bad points but in his case these two scenarios are extreme.
Curtis
2016-11-30 08:37:08
Enjoying the thread...
Bravos handling himself well
black
2016-11-30 08:38:54
In reply to bravos
Uncle Tom? I am a diehard capitalist, I make no excuses about it,
I believe in hard work, liberty and freedom.
black
2016-11-30 08:52:31
In reply to bravos
As least I am not a hypocrite. I don't praise Communists, while living in a capitalist society.
Why don't you go live there?
Commie
2016-11-30 09:19:25
In reply to black
What does that prove ?
All you are doing is what countless people have done which is to back the horse in the lead.
In the Roman Empire everyone tried to converge on Rome, same with the British Empire and so too in the Age of Pax Americana.
You are not exactly making some kind of point of principle.
steveo
2016-11-30 09:37:28
Black you keeps talking about "freedom" but you do not truly know what it means.
Lets examine the "freedom" of protest in the US, when you protest in example NYC, you must give advance notice to the city who will then provide you with convenient barriers to lock protesters in some designated area. People going beyond that are arrested and locked up. Police usually show up in massive force, in fact the amount of police there are more intimidating than any protest.
Compare that to Guyana, where I have witnessed people spontaneously erupting in protest at some perceived/real injustice that involve burning tires in the road, disrupting traffic and business. Protesters are largely left alone by the police unless they become violent or vandals.
Do you notice a difference. One set of people are patronized and the other set have real power.You are only being beaten over the head with the "freedom" stick, your freedom is limited to the point that its convenient.
black
2016-11-30 09:47:50
In reply to Commie
What does that prove ?
All you are doing is what countless people have done which is to back the horse in the lead.
Come on man, the evidence has shown that Cuba is not paradise, judging by the number of people that have left or wanting to leave.
black
2016-11-30 10:15:10
In reply to steveo
Lets examine the "freedom" of protest in the US, when you protest in example NYC, you must give advance notice to the city who will then provide you with convenient barriers to lock protesters in some designated area. People going beyond that are arrested and locked up. Police usually show up in massive force, in fact the amount of police there are more intimidating than any protest.
Compare that to Guyana, where I have witnessed people spontaneously erupting in protest at some perceived/real injustice that involve burning tires in the road, disrupting traffic and business. Protesters are largely left alone by the police unless they become violent or vandals.
What is your point? America is a Country with over 300 million people, Guyana has less than a million. The potential disruption to businesses and property damages are far greater.
NineMiles
2016-11-30 10:42:47
In reply to black
I am a diehard capitalist, I make no excuses about it,
I believe in hard work, liberty and freedom.
Hmmmmm... explains why you spend three-quarters of your day posting shoite on this forum, Mr Hardworker!
black
2016-11-30 10:55:32
In reply to NineMiles
Dude, I work more than 12 hrs a day.
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 11:02:46
In reply to black
I am a diehard capitalist, I make no excuses about it,
I believe in hard work, liberty and freedom.
So in other words, one cannot be a socialist and believe in hard work, liberty and freedom. It's mutually exclusive.
Such bizarre and incomprehensible misconceptions can only be attributed to a failing education system and complete lack of critical thinking.
nickoutr
2016-11-30 11:22:03
In reply to SnoopDog
So in other words, one cannot be a socialist and believe in hard work, liberty and freedom. It's mutually exclusive.
I am not a fan of the Kabaka but he coined the correct phrase for a society which affords affordable health care, education and care for senior citizens viz "Socialist Oriented Society"
Guyana had everything going for it then they blew it
black
2016-11-30 11:31:30
In reply to SnoopDog
Tort we were talking about Communism?
Communism is the opposite of those principles listed.
Have you ever met a hard working Government employee?
Job security baby.
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 11:34:19
In reply to nickoutr
What is obviously oblivious to our friend black is that America is one of the most socialist countries in the world. Capitalist in desire but socialist in practice.
America is one of the very few countries that will use public funds to prop up, bail out, and subsidize private ventures and business, without question. This particular type of redistribution of wealth is seen as 'good' and even 'necessary' by the majority of Americans. But the slightest suggestion that the public funds be redistributed to the working class strata of society and all hell breaks loose.
Ewart
2016-11-30 11:34:21
In reply to cards
Thank you.
//
Ewart
2016-11-30 11:40:33
In reply to Dukes
What Fidel therefore tried to impose met with increasing resistance...
What should follow this statement of fact are answers to 2 questions:
1) Resistance
from whom?
2)
Why was there this strong resistance? What was its real objective?
//
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 11:51:17
In reply to black
Have you ever met a hard working Government employee?
Not in Murica.
black
2016-11-30 11:58:46
In reply to SnoopDog
Not in Murica.
Or anywhere else.
That's my point, Government is not very efficient.
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 12:10:02
In reply to black
Not true. Government can be very efficient. Look at Scandinavian countries. Almost all of them follow the socialist model and they are some of the most prosperous and happiest on the planet.
Just because Murican gov't is a cesspool of corruption and inefficiency doesn't mean it's like that everywhere else.
black
2016-11-30 12:24:42
In reply to SnoopDog
Not true. Government can be very efficient. Look at Scandinavian countries. Almost all of them follow the socialist model and they some of the most prosperous and happiest on the planet.
Dude, Government are not efficient, anywhere. They might be ran better than in America but they are not efficient. There are no incentives to be efficient, it's free money.
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 12:28:29
In reply to black
Dude, Government are not efficient, anywhere. They might be ran better than in America but they are not efficient. There are no incentives be efficient, it's free money.
How do you get to this conclusion? It's bizarre and but it's probably an American thing.
Dukes
2016-11-30 12:36:05
In reply to SnoopDog
So in other words, one cannot be a socialist and believe in hard work, liberty and freedom.
let us assume that 1. SnoopDog is a Socialist
2.SnoopDog believes in hard work,liberty and freedom.
Having made those two assumptions I can GUARANTEE that SnoopDog LIVES IN A CAPITALIST SOCIETY!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 12:39:01
black
2016-11-30 12:42:24
In reply to Dukes
Exactly.
Can we arrange a one way trip to Cuba for our Communist friends?
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 12:44:48
In reply to black
Cuba is socialist country. You seem to want it be labelled as communist. Why?
Dukes
2016-11-30 12:46:40
In reply to SnoopDog
I did not realize that Putin was going to rig the election for Trump!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 12:52:40
In reply to Dukes
I did not realize that Putin was going to rig the election for Trump!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
That's the answer I would expect from ToldUSo, not the eridute Dr. Assumption.
Dukes
2016-11-30 12:55:18
In reply to SnoopDog
I miss ToldUSo!!!
black
2016-11-30 12:58:21
In reply to SnoopDog
Cuba is socialist country. You seem to want it be labelled as communist. Why?
Oh really? So Cuba is the same as those Scandinavian Countries you talked about?
One party, imprisonment, murder, no freedom of speech, etc.
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 12:58:46
In reply to Dukes
I miss ToldUSo!!!
Why? You've replaced him quite nicely.
SnoopDog
2016-11-30 13:00:57
In reply to black
oh really? So Cuba is the same as those Scandinavian Countries you talked about?
One party, imprisonment, murder, no freedom of speech, etc.
Does Cuban economy follow the communist model or the socialist model?
black
2016-11-30 13:28:36
In reply to SnoopDog
Does Cuban economy follow the communist model or the socialist model?
Dude, Castro took everything away from the rich, ban religion, ban desent, assassinated people,etc. That doesn't sound like socialist to me, that is absolute rule. Now, recently they have
been trying to allow some free market, only because the economy tanked.
It might be socialist in theory but not in practice.
XFactor
2016-11-30 14:00:19
In reply to SnoopDog
Does Cuban economy follow the communist model or the socialist model?
Cuba is ruled by The Communist Party of Cuba, which is really a military dictatorship. They tried to implement Communism which has failed and so now they are on to something else, whatever that is, is anyone’s guess.
bravos
2016-11-30 14:04:16
In reply to black
Castro seemed to be on to something !! How many people does the U.S. kill in its quest for democracy? Pal Castro deeds are child's play compared to others. So share pain everywhere except home and you are the epitome of freedom? Try telling Iraqis,Libyans they free and ask them if they would rather Sadaam and Ghadaffi at the helm still..and not political opponents,I mean the general public,Libya is also a similar case to Cuba and even more successful in certain departments,but only now worse off because of 'freedom'..
And also is #1 U.S. ally Wahabi Saudi 'free' ,are they communist ?
Freedom is contentment..not your (US/black) preferred way of doing business.
Dunno if anyone informed you but the Cold War is over bruh.
Bwhahahahahahahaha!!
bravos
2016-11-30 14:07:39
In reply to cards
Please bear with black,he's a good kid,if only he could put the old geopolitical grudges behind him..even the U.S. for the most part has!! Lol..
black
2016-11-30 14:10:37
In reply to bravos
Still no answer to my question. Would you consider living in Cuba?
bravos
2016-11-30 14:22:11
In reply to black
Clearly you haven't read my posts ,and I would NEVER consider living in the states either,never..if anything I would prefer Cuba for many reasons other than temporary politics of the time,certainly I would feel safer in Cuba than the states where any number of free people can be your random murderer,at any random place.
You act as if Cuba is a police state with no freedom of movement and no soul,is Israel a free country,would you live in Israel over Cuba simply because on paper it's a free country and on paper Cuba isn't ?
XFactor
2016-11-30 14:34:01
In reply to bravos
Dude, you should go to Cuba and tell the women that you are an American or Canadian businessman.
You will find the ladies are very beautiful, and the Doctors are very good. 
black
2016-11-30 14:36:54
In reply to bravos
You don't believe that stuff you just wrote, do you?
black
2016-11-30 14:55:11
In reply to bravos
It's clear that this cards dude is a Burnhamite.
Can't teach an old dog new tricks.
bravos
2016-11-30 15:51:05
In reply to XFactor
Women and doctors are very happy apparently ! Check the link I posted on a previous page ..dem chicks fresh meng! Im telling black i would live in Cuba over US and he doesn't believe me,oh well ..
bravos
2016-11-30 15:59:43
In reply to black
Seriously I will,I can identify with dem Cuban ladies and dey go be low budget too..You could have a haram for a couple Amelican dollaRRs meng!! And the ocean is everywhere,a totalitarian Caribbean island ain't comunist Europe
You think totalitarian Grenada woulda stop have beach life and nutmeg?
Island spirit and humanity can never be stopped by politics ..you just have to say 'fack dem' and hit the beach or go make a river cook or a mountain hike,Cuba ain no Colombia with Rebels in the bush..and Colombia free..lol
And 'cards' (ole card playing battle axe ?) he sounds like a learned gentleman no matter his political ideals.
cards
2016-11-30 23:05:01
As I mentioned before I'm a very busy person. My profession is time consuming so I don't have much time for banter. Some very interesting points have been made which I hope to address hopefully over the next day or so because I think I'm uniquely positioned to address them. Hopefully Murphy's law would give me a little break so I'll have time to opine.
bravos
2016-12-01 00:08:11
Wow!!!!!
I didn't draw that.
Norm
2016-12-01 01:45:38
There will never be a final word on Fidel. The man was too great for that.
Dukes
2016-12-01 06:30:59
In reply to bravos
Women and doctors are very happy apparently
All I would say to that is that I know several women doctors from Cuba and they would vehemently disagree with your statement.I also know numerous male doctors from Cuba who came to Guyana and despite your impression of how hot the women in Cuba are,they chose to not only marry Guyanese women but actually apply for Guyanese citizenship.
Now imagine a Cuban doctor preferring to live in that hell hole called Guyana instead of the Nirvana that Cuba is.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA
DAVE400
2016-12-01 06:35:16
In reply to black
Dude, Castro took everything away from the rich, ban religion, ban desent, assassinated people,etc.
had a right to ban "dissent"...fcuking word too hard to spell...
