Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Ed Booth, Dowagiac, Michigan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:40:15 GMT

I was nine years old when Castro came to power, my father always said he would not last. Well he did and now in my life time I may actually see a better Cuba under his younger Brother. Just do not want to see another Cuban missel crises, 13 seconds was too close on the dooms day clock for me.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

randy alton illinois — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:55:32 GMT

i went to school with a guy whose dad was a vascular surgeon .he left cuba when castro came to power didnt want pick sugar cane. now he mightwant to back

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Carlos Diaz, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:02:43 GMT

The same clown in a different outfit...i moved from Cuba three years ago..I am so glad I did.
Cuba will get nowhere with those guys ruling over.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Felix L. Pereira — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:07:06 GMT

I came to the USA when I was 17 years old; I have kept a close watch to the developments in Cuba and visited the island in 2000 and 2003 to visit relatives; These latest changes prove that this goverment will never change it's represive ways and that all it is looking for is to make sure this dictatorship last enough time for the Castro's to die in power; I feel sorry for my friends and family back there who oppose the regime, like most Cubans, but had hopes of real change. So sad.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Vince, Jupiter, Florida — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:09:28 GMT

It's time to deal with Cuba. The economic potential for both countries demands it. We should be pouring our goods into Cuba. The best and fastest way to change Cuba is to deal with Cuba.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Chuck Hague, Marietta, Georgia — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:23:54 GMT

Soon people will be escaping the US to Cuba to get away from our new socialism.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Eri Gonzalez, Naples, Florida — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:25:50 GMT

I was 13 years old when Castro came to power, came to the USA in 1962, but it seems that every year it gets worse for the Cuban people,it seeems they would never get their freedom back and I am very pessimist about the Cuban people future.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Eddie "Longshanks" King KOCT/MPRI Kuwait (FOB YANKEE) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:36:19 GMT

Way beyond time to normalise relationship, with them.

Who knows, they may not, want to or care to be associated with the USA, after BUSH tried to take over the Middle East predicated on lies and in the process the collateral damage our troops inflicted, was cataclysmic for the Iraqi people.

Come to think of it when was the last time Castro made up some false intel and invaded and occupied a country, and in the process slaughtering 10's of thousands?

Hum, let's see, the answer is NEVER!!

I hope Cuba will throw us a bone, the Montecristo #2 I smoked in Italy were simply Awesome, lets get those Cigars moving onto American Soil.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

JUAN PERON, miami, fla — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:42:46 GMT

VIVA LA REVOLUCION! VIVA CHE. DIOS BENDIGA LA FAMILIA CASTRO.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Mike Aziz, Queens, NY — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:48:24 GMT

As a non-Cuban looking from the outside in, I try to see the glass as 1/2 full. If President Obama and Raul Castro can work together to improve both situations, we both might get out of our messes. At least Raul knows that 2+2=4 and not 5 as did Bush and our greedy Wall St. people who either couldn't count or didn't want to count. Stay positive people. Old war stories of years ago don't help us get to where we need to go.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Anita Lobotomi — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:52:12 GMT

Nothing will change in Cuba until the Cuban people themselves bring on the change. We Americans were oppressed and we fought a war for independance. Remember that it was called the "Revolutionary War?" The Cuban people unfortunately will have to do the same for themselves. Unfortunately, when you are a coward and are not willing to die for your beliefs, then you are forced to live under the beliefs of those that are in power. In short, if you do not like the conditions in Cuba, you the Cuban people have to do it yourselves. Unfortunately for you, as well as the rest of the world, you want the US to send young men and women to die in your place. The reason the US is such a great place is that men and women here are willing to die to protect our freedoms.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

william el. paso tx. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:53:48 GMT

I read these comments and I find those people who knows what is going on and those with no clue as to what is going on are as different as night is day. For those who support Cuba and infidel should go there.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Scott — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:56:06 GMT

Chuck: It's going to be hard to escape with the Bush-imposed travel ban. Let's hope Obama overturns so you'll quit whining and leave already.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Rausky,Miami,Florida — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:57:46 GMT

Cuba's President? No, Cuba's dictator! I'm sick and tired of the US press calling dictators like these terrorists Presidents.These dictators took over the govenment of another dictator(Batista) by force, and then they themselves became dictators. To call these terrorists presidents is an insult not only to democracy, but also to defenders of human rights. Gettting rid of Lage and Perez-Roque won't mean a thing. Cubans,along with the US need to stop placing their hopes for change in Cuba. Change in Cuba will never occur as long as these low life Castro terrorists remain in power, as they've been for over 50 years. The US has tried to better relations with Castro's despotic regime many times,but the Castros refuse to give any concessions like freeing its political prisoners, returning to the US criminal fugitives hiding there, allowing for free, multiparty elections, free speech and freedom of the press! Its time the US wakes up and realizes that the Castros have no desire to share power, or let go of their repressive methods to remain in power. PEOPLE WAKE UP!!!!!!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Curtis White Winnsboro, LA 71295 — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:07:14 GMT

It is time for the U.S to try to gain new relations with CUBA. It may help our on problems

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Luis Grave de Peralta, Lubbock, Texas — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:11:28 GMT

Now there are more army generals in the Cuban goverment...this is a change for worst. The Castros just changed their employees in the goberment, that's all!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Buddy, Florida — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:14:50 GMT

Emulating the practices that makes a democracy work but not giving the people the rights that make a democracy work is like the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages,” 1 Timothy 5:18. Notice it says “The worker” and not everyone deserves his (the workers) wages. God’s children deserve the right to have their freedom, their choices, and own their government. Governments can never earn the right to own their people. If Cuba wants to pull itself out of the hole they have been sliding into for the last 40 years Raul would do well to do something remarkable and declare Cuba a Democracy and make peace with the rest of the nations that could make him and his people very wealthy. Cuba is a gold mine of opportunity and beauty. The people of Cuba could have better heath care, education and quit jumping on rafts to escape one of the most repressive regimes in the world.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Jose Guerra Tampa, Fl. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:16:21 GMT

Amazing. Mr Peron, please, I apologize for maybe being naive to the Cuban Peoples plight, but wanst Che Guevara a communist? The Castro Family certainly is. May I point out that I dont see alot of gusanos trying to make their way back to Cuba, but if thats how you truly feel, Please Contact Anyone in the good ol' US of A that would be glad to tow the raft wish to return to Cuba on at least 1/4 of the way out for free. Its a shame you are one of the ones that made it here and didnt die trying. As is said in the Scarface Classic Movie--No te Mueras Cabron!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

annonymous — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:19:07 GMT

The person who wrote "long live the resolution, Che and god bless the Castro family is either too stupid understand what he has written, or perhaps is a jokester. I hope it’s the latter.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Mike Upyourseddie, Phoenix,AZ — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:19:49 GMT

Longshanks - You idiot! Ever heard of Angola?? How about Grenada?? You can move to Cuba when you're done in Kuwait.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Carlos — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:20:06 GMT

Eddie and Juan Peron: you just forgot Angola's war where cuban gov. sent troops and killed 10's of thousands too. Castro can't do the same as Bush just for one simple reason: he doesn't have the money or power to do so. If he had the power, he would have invaded USA long time ago. Castro's brother is the same thing, with different clothes. If you think Obama is bad, you should go to Cuba and live AS A CUBAN, not as a turist, and you will change your mind in 5 seconds. I lived there for too long, and what I saw and learned is enough to give you nightmares for years. Half the people who speak here, knows nothing about Cuba at all.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

hannva, Cuba — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:22:55 GMT

Hey I was in America living with my cousin, Presidento Cinton made me go back to my dad, my cousin cried, I cried, I wanna go back to Americo

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

bosco,livonia,Mi. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:36:08 GMT

Say, how is that embargo going with Cuba? Forty seven years of U.S. isolation should have brought their government to it's knees by now. Let's just give it a few more years and they will be crying for our help...sure.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

shyney — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:36:52 GMT

Rock n Roll, Hamburgers and Jeans were what ended the Soviet Union, NOT Politicians, NOT Reagan. The same will change Cuba, when we open trade and tourism. Plus now we have the internet, the key to world communication. Communication will end this dictatorship. It's that simple. Viva la revolution Elvis.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Dorby — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:37:43 GMT

AS a Caribbean Man I speak with historical backing. It was my family and others of Santiago de cuba (people of the Danish West Indies, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad anmd other parts that first defeated Spain and aided Teddy the bear Roosvelt and others at San Juan Hill. Again, It was the People of Santiago de Cuba who assisted most in the Revolution against Batista. Incidently He was backed by the US.
Another case. It was the US Government that destroyed the Totally Black yet organized political Party in Cuba by asasinating the members and their families. That situation caused such trauma the event was a major secret in the lives of the people of Santiago for generations of time.
And yes, there if the sinking of the Maine, which as we speak is said to be engineered by US Congressional folkes.
So all American'ts who are in opposition to a reversal of wrong doings of the past, must know of the history of America the not so brave of yesterday.
The change which was spoken of coming has caused a world acknowledgement of the shackles wnich cause everyone to be in a state of servitude.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Eric, Troy, NY — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:40:20 GMT

Eddie, since you seem to let your opinion of politics be shaped by the liberal traitors in washington, try reading and googling to verify the facts before you take for fact what they spew. In your spare time try reading about the history of this country and do read the federalist papers too. If you still think you know enough to badmouth this country, try reading world history. If that fails to give you a perspective much different, there is no hope for you and a communist state is right where you belong since your brain does not function well enough for you to live without daily control.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Mike, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:44:57 GMT

Wouldn't it be nice if Cuba's communism were to collapse while Fidel and his "minion" brother are alive so they can witness the Cuban people "dancing in the streets" over the "revolution's" death. Then the people could put them on trial for holding them prisoner on their island. Cuba Libre'

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

William Morales from Cubans Gone Wild, Lyndhurst, NJ — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:54:13 GMT

Obama, Look I want a new democratic Cuba fast. Obama, I want "Change" too and that is to hand over Guantanmo Bay Military Base to the Cuban Exiles here in the U.S. and abroad. This would be a start to a whole new revolution. We need a place to call home beside the U.S. We deserve it after 50 yrs of playing both sides of the fence. Vive Cuba Libre!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Buf Ferrell. Waynesboro,Va. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:57:53 GMT

Cuba won't change until after the death of both Castro brothers. Afterwards, a sensible, devoted Cuban-American will return to his native home and win over the Cuban people with his democratic agenda. There are many Cubans who are now American citizens who would be good candidates for leading that island nation to recovery. To me, this is the only way Communism can be defeated in Cuba.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Will, Toronto, Ontario — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:58:14 GMT

I've visited Cuba and enjoyed meeting the people. I think the embargo against Cuba should end. I don't think it's those in the government that are having to do without. It's only the average citizens that are affected. It's not as though they chose to be born into a dictatorship. In light of all of the hurricane damage they have sustained in what was already inadequate housing, I think the need to re-examine trade policy with the Cubans should be looked at sooner rather than later.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Juan, Miami, FL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:10:23 GMT

About Cuban invasions - anyone ever heard of Angola?

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Roland Bizumonte' Tampa, FL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:10:59 GMT

Buddy in FL:

Make a democracy work- its not working to good right now, Brother.

And yes, Castro is 10 times the moral leader, BUSH ever dreamed he could ever be.

I agree totally with comments that Castro never invaded another country on lies and killed thousands, innocent blood on American hands.

Viva Cuba forever- alos agree about the Cigars!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

bsoten, San Marcos, CA. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:17:31 GMT

Time will tell. Maybe Raul is simply waiting for Fidel to pass away before he opens the flood gates of democracy. They've never known the freedoms of countries like the US,so why would they be in a rush to quickly adopt it. The past isn't as important as the future. Time will tell. I have a good feeling that within two years, Cuba will be a world paradise (to the US as well). At one time the US was a slave holding country. Now we have a Black President. It takes time for people, usually the ruling class, to get their sh*t stright and figure out that their view were no really in the best interests of the people.

Cuba is messed up, and no one would disagree with that. Those that were born there or have parents directly from there know the worst of the worst about Cuba in general and Fidel in particular. But I time heals all wounds. No good thing happens soon enough for the masses. But good things do happen. Patience...patience...

My only fear is that after the democratic flag is raised above Cube...the greedy money horders will try to rape Cuba for all it's worth. I hope that officials, and not just Cuban officals, realize that Cuba is like a young child. A yound child in that it can't be introduced to all of the worlds charms all at once. You can't expect Cuba to do a complete turn around over night and not expect some serious, long lasting, damaging issues if it simply opens it's borders, and economy too soon. Though the poeple want their freedoms, which they rightly deserve, they should not get it over night. There are a lot of evils that go along with a completely free and open society. Just look at where you live now...

B

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Steve Solomon, Vancouver, BC. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:27:28 GMT

Hmm...A doc and pharmacy on almost every block, 90+% literacy, Organic Farming on a nationwide scale, Urban Gardens on a nationwide scale, museums, music and dance.

Seems a good place for us caught in the $ tsunami to suspend judgement and learn from those with experience in Low External Input Lifestyles.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

PC — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:35:51 GMT

"Come to think of it when was the last time Castro made up some false intel and invaded and occupied a country, and in the process slaughtering 10's of thousands?

Hum, let's see, the answer is NEVER!! "

Hey, Eddie "Longshanks" King KOCT/MPRI Kuwait (FOB YANKEE),
Check your history books. When Fidel took over Cuba by force back in 1956 it is estimated that Castro had over 30,000 Batista supporter murdered. This is just an official figure, some human rights activists have suggested this figure could be as hight as 100,000.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

DAVID DALZIEL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:37:27 GMT

The United States is heading down the path of socialism as I speak. The Cubans don't want it. They want free enterprise.
Socialism has failed everywhere, yet some Americans seem to think it is a good thing. I say - they should move to Cuba!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Freedom+Responsibility — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:44:02 GMT

Communism is defeated one way, one way ONLY - guns, full stop.
Normalizing relations with Commies in charge just means they have more to skim off the top (and bottom, sides and middle, stealing anywhere they can)
Kill the Commies now, the ONLY hope.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Jose Hialeah Florida — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:02:07 GMT

As Cuban American born in Cuba, but adopted by this beautiful country, which I am proud to be a US citizen and love this country I say that it's time for change, lets end the embargo. The many decades of the embargo have not brought down the Castro regime and in the end the cuban people are the ones who suffer.
Time for a new strategy.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Retired Army, Colorado Springs, Colorado — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:16:26 GMT

First, America is not a democracy - its a REPUBLIC.

Remember the pledge, to the REPUBLIC for which it stands.... Liberation of Cuba? Do we remember the Bay of Pigs?

The only benefit of liberating Cuba is to have another vacation spot - that unfortunately no one can afford at the moment.

Cuba can change overnight with a people's revolt. Its economy would change overnight after the revolt - as the embargo would be lifted.

Fighting for liberty has to be more than posting on some stupid website remarks column.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Ignacio Silva, Indialantic, FL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:31:40 GMT

I am 86 years old, born in Cuba, was there through Batista and Fidel, and came to the US in June 1960 - four months before Fidel nationalized the whole economy including my former employer. I am as much American as I am Cuban and I have lived from the great depression years through WWII, Cold War, and all Presidents since Eisenhour. I've lived and worked in the Northeast and retired in Florida. My view in the news is that Raul is preparing to select his own successor (not Fidel's). He has just let it be known that neither Roque nor Lage - who the US media has highlighted as possible heirs - will be the one. The task for reform will be lengthy due to the hurricane setbacks and Raul is taking steps to put his governing machine on a more efficient basis. That can be best undertaken under the efficient military machine that he has built and headed for decades. I think he will build up "one" of his younger high ranking officers and groom him to make him Vice President hopefully while he's still living and he has his close older General friend as Vice President for any short term. It's possible the person selected will participate in an elevated position in the reform program (whatever it yields)and be built up as a leader who would continue according to Raul's long term plans. Raul follows China, he wants his name in history. I suspect Fidel is already dead. Chavez is the only one keeping him alive, and perhaps Lage and Roque might have been getting too close to Chavez. The person could also be on a ticket (in the event of an election in the future) a la Chavez in Venezuela.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

greg , nashville, TN — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:38:31 GMT

Let's pray for our neighbors to the south and all the live under such evil governments. Let us all remember the toll and sacarfice our own forefathers toiled through to achieve our freedom. For all you idiots still harping on the new Socialist America, only the ignorant and morons listening to good ole Rush still think this. Even your own moronic leaders refute this socialist concept. Got to Cuba or Venzuala to see a real socialist country, quit trying to hold our country back you lost. you lost big and because your ignorant party is behaving like a bunch a children, you will lose more the next cycle and then more after that until your stinking conservative party goes the way of the Wigs and the Moose party. Just an ugly chapter in our history of failed parties. Long live Obama, may his policies and ideas be successful. May they help Americans realize their full potential and bring equality back to the American Dream. May all republicans open there eyes and realize the world has changed, and if they don't they will be swept aside like pages in a book.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

ace, Tallahassee, Florida — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:52:03 GMT

Born in Cuba in 61; emigrated to the US in early 60's; a proud US Citizen....Only comment I would add is that many folks in the US, particularly the "old guard" exile generation in South Florida have lead many to beleive that Cuba will be "free" shortly after Fidel is gone (free market/embrace the US/welcome back the Exile community). I think this is a great miss-calculation as 2 or 3 generations of Cubans have now grown up in a Communist/Socialist regime that truly despise the US, it's leaders, and most importantly, it's policies (embargo) against Cuba for all of these years. Very dissapointing to see this "conservative" purge and trust me; it will probably take several "decades" to normalize relations between the US and Cuba after the Castro regime, and it's remnants, are gone...Good analogy?....Ask the North Koreans to suddenly embrace the US if Kim Jong-il dies or is out of power after years of brainwashing their popluation that the US is "evil"......I think that this is the same in Cuba.....

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Josh, Miami, FL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:53:41 GMT

Isn't it best to judge a peron's actions by putting yourself in their shoes and then asking what would have I done? The reason I say this is because I understand why the Cuban Revolution existed and why the majority of its leaders became "Communist." They saw an island being exploited by the rich while its poor lived in dire conditions, and they wanted to make sure everyone was equal.

I am no Communist but at least I understand their logic and respect them for taking action.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Navajo Nation — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:00:02 GMT

Hey,, I am an American Indian from the SouthWest,,,,, I think ya'll should go to Cuba, like your people came to this country & murder, rape & pilage.
What BUSH is, is what your European ancestors set forth.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Carlos Diaz, Philadelphia — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:00:21 GMT

Hey Anita Lobotomi...who told you Cubans want young americans to go there to fight for what they are supposed to..? Where did u get that from...? it seems the most outlandish thought to me. Revolutions do not happen overnight, the goverment in Cuba controls everything, the media, the army, everything, and many among the people still have to wake up to the fact that they do need a change, younger generations are realizing that, older generations, many of them, still feel some sort of simpathy for those insane leaders..it takes people's unity to accomplish that.
I do feel proud of those americans of one time that stood up for their ideals and were able to fight for it, for all of us to enjoy what we now have in this great nation of America...but let me ask you this: What young americans are you talking about..? all those kids that spend the whole time texting on their cell phones phones and playing video games, who do not even know what their freedom cost and take all the blessings of living in America for granted...????? LOL..LOL..LOL
But for you to now, a cuban girl, Yoani Sanchez, from within Cuba, a country that bans internet access to its citizens, has created a virtual blog to unite the cubans...a blog that portraits the reality of today's Cuba...she has become one of the most 100 most influencing people of nowdays according to TIMES magazine...there are a lot of young people like her all over Cuba...so we do not need young americans there...at least for this purpose....

Just go check it out at: http://www.desdecuba.com/generationy/

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Sharon Walker folsom, Ca — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:29:13 GMT

Bush never tried to take over the middle east. Anyone who suggests this is acting as a terrorist and cannot read at least not with literary understanding. Clearly they also do not know that the powers of our government are not just with the Executive Branch and that Prsident George W Bush Jr. was dealing with lieing and a lamb duck congress. You do know what that is? We are seeing the results of this now!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Sharon Walker folsom, Ca — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:29:33 GMT

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

dan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:44:13 GMT

hold on to your caballos people. The government is shutting down legitimate churches for no reasons, kicking out the pastors, people and taking over properties, They are still up to no good. Love the peoples, not the government

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Lunchbox — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:18:01 GMT

Cuba is not a socialist paradise, and Castro was a butcher, however hes pretty much gone, and I want good cigars damnit. That was just a little sarcastic I know, but I think it is time to normalize realtions with Cuba, we could use the export market.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Felix L. Pereira, Miami, Florida — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:26:04 GMT

OK. I read a lot of these responses and realized that everyone is entitled to an opinion. I would like, though, to make a fair suggestion to those that still believe the Cuban dictatorship is a good thing;
You can go to Cuba through mexico, they will not stamp your passport when you get to Havana.
Then you can spend a few months in Cuba in some small town, and share your thoughts with people in the streets. Now, to get a real opinion you should not have any dollars with you and make believe you are anti-Castro, and live like an every day Cuban does, I mean, no special treatment for being a foreigner; I also advice that you speak your mind freely, if you think the goverment stinks, say it loud my friend, do not be afraid. You will soon find out why 20% of the Cuban population left the island.
good luck!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

SeatTeam 0 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:50:25 GMT

There are hundreds of thousands in this country who are poor, without jobs, housing or healthcare. The Cubans who came here after receiving a excellent professional educations can always sit around and pontificate about how bad "Castro's Cuba" is. What about the BILLIONS of dollars stolen from hard working Americans under the sunny smiles of capitalism? I love this, MY country, but I can't stand her hypocrisy. How free are you when there is always someone deciding that you aren't as important as the rich guys and regulation are passed to make sure that the economic advantage stays on the same side of the tracks?

How can we trade with the Saudis, Chinese and Russia for crying out loud and have such a hard line against trade with little bitty Cuba? It reads all too easily as the old guard's ego. Cuba could have been a friend to the US long ago. On a respectful basis, we could have suggested reforms as trade partners. That would have been too much like respect for brown people. Oops! I thought you knew.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Tony Delgado, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:29:18 GMT

I feel all the people expressing their thoughts have done so with intentions of being heard. What some have forgotten is that nothing in life is FREE! If you want a better life or opportunity you MUST do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to get it!
YOU want FREEDOM, it's NOT FREE! YOU HAVE TO EARN IT!
A number of generations now, younger folks now grown into adulthood in America have become accustomed to asking and getting what they want from their parents or Grandparents "without" having to do anything for what they asked for. In other cases they have taken or stolen to get what they wanted or want. Cuba was taken over by the Castros and their followers who cared enough to sacrifice, even their lives, to get a
change of government. They took over everything that permitted and allowed capitalism to flourish where a
man or woman could own a business, have employees, own a home, a car, a boat, a farm, a gas station and offer opportunity to anyone desiring to work to make a living. I didn't say the wages were great but was Cuban uprising or revolution a better alternative to
the Cuba of today? You be the judge. Is this what we citizens now demand here in America today? Life is not fair and who says that you should work for the good of those that won't and you should share your money with those on welfare who don't work? It soon will be this way, by law, if you're paying attention to new legislation being passed in Congress. Cuba is
in the predicament it's in because most of its people did nothing against Batistta and joined the ideas of a Socialist Cummunist "everything free" propagada. Do
NOt fall for this like in America today. There'll be consequences like in Cuba.. Can you imagine America being like Cuba 100 years from now? Think about IT!!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Marty Cordova — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:45:38 GMT

We went to war against Japan - they killed 1,000's of our young men - we helped them become one of the World's greatest economies. We went to war against Germany - they killed 1,000' of our young men - we helped them become one of the World's greatest economies. Ok, ok, I get it they became democracies.

We went to war against Vietnam - we've helped it become one of the worlds strongest economies. It's a Communist repressive Country. We beg China to lend us Billions of dollars, spend billions there during the Olympics - It's a communist repressive country.

Will someone please explain to me why we don't recognize Cuba and at least began to talk to them? Heck, if Cuba wants to become a World economic power then it should declare war on the U.S. - loose - and let us rebuild them.

I just don't understand all this hate that is spewed over something that should be resolved.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

joe — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:45:17 GMT

this sounds similar to whats happening in this country today.particualarly the comment on governmental wasteful spending by raul, and the comment by the student saying people need to stop relying on the government and promotes a bigger private sector.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Pedro Navaja — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:04:30 GMT

I pray the current administration sits down and conducts consructive dialogue with Cuba. Cuba needs to join the rest of the "Americas". The economical blockade has to end soon. At least, we should allow Cuba to start off as a "Commonwealth", like the island of Puerto Rico.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Tyler Eichman. San Diego, Ca — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:40:06 GMT

The U.S has complete fault in the way Cuba became communist. Yes, it would have still became a communist state but not the one Fidel turned into due to U.S indirect invasion, economic policies, and constantly pointing there finger that Cuba isnt as good as the U.S. I am acutally impressed actually and happy that Cuba is the way it is, it has been defiant in operating the way the U.S does. Why is it that the U.S thinks all countries should be like them. Its citizens are blind to see the true realities of its policies and acts around the world that have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousand if not millions of innocent civilians life for its own self-intereted and selfish ideolgy. Look at todays situation. The U.S has complete fault of the world financial markets to collapse and as a result of that millions are suffering and will cause even more deaths due to lack of funds to support families in third world ountries and so forth. Look at the big picture people. And all those who call themselves Cubans that live in the U.S living these comfortable lives will never trade it to live in Cuba even if the regime completely changes, most have lost there cultural connection to there own country. Who is it to say and assume that all Cubans want to leave the island because they are "suffering." Your trying to compare lifestyles of two very distinct countries with different cultural values. Even the most poorest countries have the highest "Happiness" ratings, why? becasue there outlook on life isnt based on wealth, luxuries to define there social status.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Lazao, Orlando — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:52:22 GMT

Well people this is why this planet of us is so messed up or even worse than the situation in Cuba. We all have different overview of it and even we believe that our idea in how to fix Cuba is the best...some of you think than cubans must figth for a change and maybe that is best idea and others think diplomacy and better relations with U.S should fix the situation who knows...but because power, greed, corruption and injustice will always run trough out some people's veins in charge on every corner of this planet the human being will suffer missery,death, hunger, injustice and every other bad thing that could happen to a person, and when all that is happening in Cuba there is many places with the same situation and no one is talking about them. I am a Cuban American tired of injustice happening all over the world but i can't fight all of them nor i want to die for it. Revolutions are a thing of the past, they called it now terrorist group trying to overthrow the current goverment. If Cubans start arming themselves and start killing people in the goverment with bombs or machines guns and they happen to kill an innocent bystanders or blow in pieces by mistake a bus full of children that were in the same exact place Raul and his entorage were driving by, they would call them terrorist not heroes. And if they pacefully march into Revolution Square to have a demostration those who knows the regime know that would end with a visit to the hospital or the morgue or even worse the jails in Cuba (i would personally prefer the morgue..the hospitals would kill you after all when a deadly bacteria make it his home on you...the jail ..well if you have seen the hospitals..what do you expect?)...So what is the best solution ?...I am not a religious person at all but i said let god and time fix this puzzle. 20 years from now (hoping that Fidel is dead and Raul as well) who knows what fresh blood of new generation would bring. I still have family there and don't want them to die...as i don't want more americans diying in a country so far and so deep in their traditions and confusing religious that not even the soldiers understand why the figthing. By the way we got Sadam now let the Iraqui people fix themselves like some of you think Cubans should.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Proud Voter, Seattle — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:13:56 GMT

As a Cuban-American, I find it interesting that there are people who claim that castro (lower case on purpose)is more "moral" and has never invaded an occupied country under false pretenses. ernesto is a hero? What are you people smoking? castro lied to his own people and for 50 years he has continued to lie to the Cuban people....and ernesto? He was a murderer and assasin, period. Cuban's have great healthcare?...that's a bunch of BS!...free and great are two very distinct words that in Cuba's case are not related. I agree with a previous comment, if you want to go there, then when you get there, tear up your passport, denounce your citizenship, then come back and tell us how good it is down there. Enjoy!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Go Cougs!, Seattle, WA — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:53:57 GMT

Let's close our borders and get our affairs in order. Let this also mean that American aid stops going out. I wonder what the world would be like then? How about if the Marshall Plan never existed? This country isn't perfect, but the generosity of our citizens is unprecedented in the world!

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Dan Jensen Selah, Wa — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:39:13 GMT

Cuba will not gain freedom from lifiting the trade embargo. It will gain a mixture of socialism and capitalism. China is a example of this. China, after years of more open relations, is still Communist. China still is very repressive.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Verde Santos, Wiesbaden, Germany — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:30:26 GMT

The Cuban life style has always been a passion of mine. It's unfortunate that, the people are being strangled by such old and outdated political agendas. It should be up to the people. The Revolution wasn't intended to repress and suppress. Victor Hugo said it perfectly: "Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come." The Cuban people are full of ideas. You hear it in their music and you see it in the way they dance; you see it when they smile, and you hear the deep sound of joy in their laughter. The Cuban people shouldn't have to always look through a peep-hole at freedom, because freedom has no limits. The person, who invented the bird cage, didn’t know much about birds.

Raul Castro stirs up Cuban leadership

Cameron Christos, London, UK — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:30:56 GMT

To all those Cuban-Americans who want the change so much why dont you go back to cuba and do what fidel did against an oppressive gov.t, as you should know about your Cuban history its in your blood to revolt as you threw out the spanish and the americans!!! So why dont you do it?

After all if everyone hates Castro so much as you say and they are so oppressed why dont you free them and everyone will follow.

You need to be as committed as Castro to do that and die for your cause but i doubt anyone would do that now, would you?

Lets face it as for all the people who originate from USA here all you care about is another holiday destination to spend your dollars and take in the natural beauty of Cuba. Cuba is for the Cubans and is nothing to do with the Americian or American people so why dont you mind your own business.

As for the USA Gov.t all they want to do is milk Cuba for what its worth as they did before...