Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

J Sanchez, Arlington, TX — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:27:16 GMT

If the so called "Cuban-American" are protesting against what the US is doing in regard to Cuba then they are NOT Americans and should go back to Cuba to live. If they don't support the US then they should leave. This goes for EVERYONE who calls themselves anything other than an "Amerian". When you come to the US you conform to us, we don't conform to you. Either become one of us or get out!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Lauren Chollet — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:33:37 GMT

South Florida has known the praticality of Cubans for many years. These Cubans have lived but 90 miles from their home and live year after year in desperate hope that Castro would lose his power and that they could return to their home and the loved ones left behind. Those years of waiting have grown into 2 and 3 Cuban generations born on American soil. As they waited and still wait they have turned South Florida into home. Cuban business thrives here in South Florida as do Cuban politics. The fact that the Cuban culture was rooted here in Florida brought many South Americans to the area as well, bringing with them their cultures, politics and business. So if you want to see pratical come to Miami where thousands of Cubans live in exile,yearning to return home to a free Cuba one day, then look around you at the booming city and the pratical Cuban people that have made this foreign city their own. So the motto is when you get lemons make lemonade or better yet if they are limes make a Mojito!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sicko Antrim NH — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:34:54 GMT

Why doesn't M. Moore tell about the "multiple-income average family here earns the equivalent of between $60 and $75 a month" in his movie. Talk about cherry picking, he is the King. I don't believe a word he says.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Robert Suarez Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:40:48 GMT

What I really don't understand in this day and age of world terror, and nuclear alliances is, why is it that the US allows a defiant tyrant who pubicly opposes the U.S. to sustain power. Okay, If he's half way around the world is one thing, yet 90 miles from the U.S. coast is ridiculous. And even worse is the fact that no one mentions it, nor the media. Are we going to have to wait for a crisis to happen before the issue get addressed. For crying out loud, does anyone remember that Castro purchased various weapons from Russia 40 years ago. Or are Americans going to wait until they recieve a strike first ? I don't get it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Armando, Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:45:54 GMT

Your video of Castro's legacy is disgusting. It is wrong to paint him as romantically as you do in the video. There is nothing romantic about a murderer and despot.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Francisco Vazquez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:58:48 GMT

It is true, Cubans are very practical people.
What else can they do if they go to jail just for saying they do not agree with the government.
What else can they do if the only media permited comes from the government and they say what they want cubans to know; so there is a complete blockage of information.
What else can they do if when they try to organize themself against the government, they are put in jail (remember the black 2003 spring?)
What can cubans do if they are not permited to have weapons?
What can they do if they are paid with a currency that is worth only 5% of the second currency used for tourism?
But yes, we are very practical people.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Harvey Henkelman. Brandon. Florida. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:01:29 GMT

Fidel has probably been dead for a while now, and the Cuban government has him 'propped up' to maintain the illusion of strength and well-being for his people.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Kevin McLaughlin Visalia CA. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:11:10 GMT

Here, in America people get to see all the negitivety about cuba. We have only seen how their peple and economy are at the rate of collapse. Castro and now his brother really need to search their hearts,knowing the people of their country must now be developed to a new growing world. Trade must be now developed with the states,and other countries wich at this point seems lost in translation. Personally I would like to see the people of Cuba prosper in all aspects of life. we can only hope the leaders of these countries put aside everything and start Anew! the world needs to change as fast as our technolagyis growing.please WAKE-UP,leaders of sort, do it now before Castro dies and the situation gets worse!just remember one thing all should no, God is their in your heart just waiting for you to ask?, for help and understanding. thank you for your time in reading this comment.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Marissa Peasnall, Safford, Arizona — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:21:39 GMT

THe Cubans are not simply practical, they are so busy just trying to survive in a communist environment that many of them simply don't care

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Erik West Palm Beach — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:22:45 GMT

Dead for the Castros and all the Comunist people, I have to leave my country when i was 5 years, because the want to my family in jail for have diferents ideas.
DEAAAAAAADDDDDDDDD

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

William Stephenson, Vero Beach, Fl. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:23:25 GMT

His strong will, tenacity,as well as tenure give him credibility rarely seen in modern times. Too bad he is not on the side of democracy.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Terry C — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:32:25 GMT

I guess SOME folks don't NEED a "daddy" figure to get by.

Got THAT, Chris Matthews?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Nick, Boston — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:32:33 GMT

Fidel is in my Death Pool this year, and so is Raul. One can always hope...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Steve Drury Avondale AZ — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:37:05 GMT

Communism is not supported in these rough times of today. I am sorry that Cubans are put through missery. I hope to see a more fruitfull nation after Castro is gone.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Eduardo, Houston, Texas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:37:34 GMT

Life in Cuba???. What life????

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Doerr, Topeka, Kansas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:39:26 GMT

You write...
Living for decades under a centralized island economy with limited international trading opportunities...

Well if the US hadn't imposed an economic embargo on the island 35+ years ago then it would probably doing much better than it now is.

USA motto: "Never let another system look (work)better than ours". Disrupt it before the US consumer starts asking too many questions or ponders...hmmm... there are some good things going on over, there why can't we try that.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Yemane T.Abay — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:39:39 GMT

As a foreigner who visited Cuba in the Soviet Erra and lateron lived there for a tour of duty,I could say the aticle conveys more or less accurate situations in that country. True, Cubanos are creative (converted the 50s and 60s Americn cars into TAXIs)and at the same time were eager for a capitalist way of life. I'm sure, now that Fidel is out of the limelight, they might not want to live under the same system of economic development. In any case Cubans are happy-go-lucky people. Just getting a bottle of Ron and dancing to the tune of a popular music seemed to lift of the burdens of social and politcal life - as I observed then, but I do not know if that is true in today's Cuba. I wish them all the best w/or w/o Fidel.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Nick Fernandez, Chicago, Illinois — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:46:31 GMT

It is remarkable that after 50 yers in power ,not only the US Presidents but also the newscasters do not understand the tremendous power of the most brutal regime in this hemisphere. You allude at a people uprising or a power struggle. Forget it , talk to the the people who fought Castro, talk to members of the armed force. Nobody can even hint a change they
will be shot or a 30 year prison term.
We in the USA will have a new president in 2008.In Cuba is the Castro brothers, then the Castro's children . Can you not understand that these criminals
unlawfully took the control of an entire country and they are not given it back. They are billionaires.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ines chirino — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:53:09 GMT

Cuba; cuban people. I remember how the cubans enjoyed to stone defenseless "gusanos" on the etreets back in 1984 when Mariel came alone. When many said they wanted to leave the country and declared not liking communism or Castro's reighn. That country deserves a chance, it is a beautiful island, like any other island nature has given the land astonishing beauty; but the people inhabiting the island... Cubans deserve what they have. No one rules a country for 50 so years without the support of their own. Cubans deserve what they have and will get worse with the new people. So much hate and unjustice to few from the bulk of population is not paid with 50 years of hunger and missery; the cuban people deserve another 1200 years of missery and sorrow. let them enjoy their communits leaders and system.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

raul,miami fl — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:56:31 GMT

long live fidel, via fidel!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Brian Wilson, Ontario Canada — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:57:55 GMT

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Serge Corvington, Huntsville, Alabama — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:58:18 GMT

Cubans stateside demonstrate the same resilience to survive as their counterparts in Cuba. The main difference is that those who crossed the ocean, as well as those who were born and raised in the U.S., have the opportunity to make reality of their dreams of leading a successful life, and ensuring a secure future for their children. Having integrated into the U.S. societal fabric Cubans have added their cultural blend into an already diversified portrait of what I call "Americanism", and strenghthened it with their values and faith. I have been blessed to meet many Cubans during my lifetime, and every single one of them has impressed me, no matter what they did for a living. America is a portal of opportunities for all to enjoy and benefit; this portal could exist in Cuba if it were not for the few in power that prevent it from happening. The U.S. is not the foe, the ennemy is within the Castrist regime, which subjugates and holds its population prisoner and hostage within the confine of their own beautiful island.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mario, Atlanta, Georgia — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:58:39 GMT

Do you think that after Fidel Castro is gone, we will get back our confiscated properties in Cuba?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

D Jaxon Pronto, Al — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:59:51 GMT

Our CIA plots to assassinate some guy in Iran and they cant take out Castro 90 miles away in 40 years. Bullpuckey, if they really wanted him, he would have been dead years ago. It cost Kennedy his life.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Robert Riley, Portland, OR — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:00:30 GMT

To J. Sanchez from Arlington, TX:

I think you might need a refresher on American history: Please remember that the only true American is a native American. The original settlers did not exactly confom to the ways and beliefs of the Indians here. Further, have you heard of a quasi-relevant document called the U.S. Constitution? It sort of guarantees "freedom of speech". The very fabric of democracy is the ability and right to disagree with all that you deem improper or unjust, even if your criticism is directed at the government. At the risk of sounding a bit politically uncorrect, please note that many in the U.S. would not even consider you a true American, based on your last name. Kinda sucks to not be accepted, doesn't it ?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Abrigaila Ayala, Long Beach, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:01:23 GMT

I don't believe it is a battle for the US to fight with regards to Cuba. Cubans need to fight for their own country. If you don't like what is happening there then make the change! Do not run and expect someone else to fight the battle for you. I think it's time for the masses to take a stand. If the majority of Cubans do not want that way of life then it's time to revolt and take that stand. If America is not your heart and you are not proud to call it your own then go back to your country and take a stand for YOUR land and for YOUR people. Stop running!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mashan Benbow — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:01:26 GMT

One of the writers above is probably fairly young in age and doesn't quite "get it" as it relates to why the US Government has allowed Castro to remain in power for almost 50 years. The bottom line is Cuba, the country, the land, has nothing of substance to offer the US. In its "hey day" prior to 1959, Tobacco, sugar and tourism were it major contributors to the US market. When you look at either of those commodities, particularly today, they can be provided in more than adequate quantities right here in America. Now if Cuba and Castro was sitting on a substantial supply of oil reserves, those Cubans wanting to go back home could have done so in the mid-70's as soon as the first major gas crunch hit the US.You can believe that.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Tacoma, Wash. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:01:31 GMT

Mr. Sanchez, I beg to differ, you sound like Bush. There is not only one ideology, of course your right, if you live in America then you should be American!! Thats a given, but this country is built on immigration. We bring with us to America our own ideas and values. If it doesn't go with typical American culture, I beg to differ we ship people out. You sound like you would have bias attitude to immigrants, and that is sad. It's not about conforming or accepting, and it is definitely not about shipping people out that have different views. This is America and that is why we are such a great country. You almost sound like a jihad on the other side, either become one of us or get out? How radically extreme.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jose Luis Lopez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:01:42 GMT

The cubans came to America and still coming for the money (dollars) no one in the last 30 years came to America for the represion they found in United States his residence, money, housing, food, and in a year the citizenship, they came to AMERICA for the dollars as all the people around the Globe.
If the cubans wanted a change in the last 50 years could be done if Fidel is so unpopular the milions in the streets could be the diference, as any Latin America country if a president is so bad they trew from power as has been done always in PERU, BOLIVIA, ARGENTINA, ECUADOR, or any other country, I never seen in the last 50 years in Cuba even when the Pope Paul VI was there hundreds of thowsand in the street and Fidel seat with him in peace, and the Pope helped to the fall of USSR and all allied countries. The Cuban revolution has been a reality and blocked by USA for 45 years and still the same rule.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:03:32 GMT

Sicko needs to get an introduction to economics book and read through it. 60-75 doesn't seem like a lot to us, but our money has inflated to 1/20 of the value it was 50 years ago.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dougblas Thomas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:03:47 GMT

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Adam Evans, New York, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:04:05 GMT

Comment #1 was written by a complete moron. "When you come to the US you conform to us, we don't conform to you. Either become one of us or get out!!!" What happened to free speech, you dolt? You sound just like Saddam or Castro. What makes this country so great is that we are entitled to express our opinions, even if EVERYONE doesn't agree with them. THAT'S what makes us Americans...not the fact that we all think alike. Our laws allow us to agree to disagree. If you don't like those laws, then maybe it's you who would feel more comfortable living in communist Cuba or China.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jerry Crawford, San Diego, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:04:50 GMT

The U.S. should never have given Cuba it's independence after the Spanish-American War. It would have done much better as either a territory or state instead. Or, we should have stayed out of there over a century ago and let Spain keep it! I hope the country goes democratic after Castro dies...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Bridgett V. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:05:14 GMT

Sorry, but Castro is not a nice man & never was......Just because his health is failing, I'll not forget he has killed thousands of his countrymen just as Saddam killed thousands of his countrymen.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Les Calvert, Des Moines, Iowa — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:06:41 GMT

It is a shame an ordinary layman cannot visit Cuba and tour without fear of being seen as a spy and that a Cuban cannot talk to the ordinary layman freely without fear of retribution for frankness about the conditions of the country.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Cliff Morris — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:07:42 GMT

I say if you fly a communist cuban flag you are a commnunist.There are two types of Americans.Americans and unamericans.If your hart is in cuba grow a spine and take your communist country back.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sibella, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:09:44 GMT

After putting all the propaganda aside, Fidel is and forever will be an example of man who didn't beleive the lies, a man who faught for the freedom of his people, a man who stood up to corruption and tore it down. Being an American doesn't mean be ignorant. Yes, I am an America, a proud American. One thing I will not do as an American is close my eyes to the injustices caused by the leaders of this country. It is one thing to be a proud American, and another to be an ignorant American. Open your eyes people your heads have been filled with lies, the leaders of this country aren't going to tell you the truth, because the truth won't get them re-elected. Why is castro still in power you ask, because cuba has nothing to offer to the gov't. There is no oil that the American gov't can steal. We aren't interested in the welfare of the Cuban people, that is more than obvious. The only way we will help the Cuban people is if we get something in return. Prime example...Iraq. I am a proud American, one who won't allow myself to be brainwashed with propaganda, one that is thankful to live in a country with opportunity, but one that knows that the leaders of this country aren't as innocent as they portray themselves to be. Viva Castro, for his strength and determination to overcome the lies and corruption that overcame his country. God bless America, I pray that Americans will open their eyes and take a good look at what is happening around them. One last thought...maybe some of you should pick up a book and research what true communism is...I promise it will be an eye opener.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Carolina Calzada, Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:11:30 GMT

Really, J Sanchez? I take it from your name and geographic location you are a "Mexican American"? Well, as a "Cuban American", I pity you. Here are few well-known facts about Cuban-Americans as compared to your people and other Anglo-Americans (stats are about 10 years old, but still relevant today)...Talk about conforming:

Cuban Americans have acquired an enormous amount of wealth and prosperity in an extremely short period of time; no other immigrant group has achieved this
as quickly as the Cubans. Many immigrants have never achieved it at all,despite being in this country far longer than Cubans.

Second-generation Cuban-Americans were more educated than even Anglo-Americans. More than 26.1% of second-generation Cuban-Americans had a bachelor's degree or better versus 20.6% of Anglos. Thus Cuban-Americans in 1997 were approximately 25% more likely to have a college degree than Anglos.

Other Hispanic groups lag far behind. Only 18.1% of South Americans had a bachelor's or better. Puerto Ricans, despite being U.S. citizens by birth, recorded a disappointing 11%; Mexicans only 7%.
In 1997, 55.1% of second-generation Cuban-Americans had an income greater than $30,000 versus 44.1% of Anglo- Americans. Thus Cuban-Americans are approximately 20% more likely to earn more than $30,000 than their Anglo-American counterparts. All other Hispanic groups lag far behind in average income.
In 1997, 36.9% of second-generation Cuban-Americans had an income greater than $50,000 versus 18.1% of Anglo- Americans. Cuban-Americans were twice as likely to earn more than $50,000. Also, approximately 11% of Cuban-Americans had incomes greater than $100,000 versus 9% of Anglo-Amer icans, and less than 2% of other Hispanics.

Cubans comprise less than 4% of the U.S. Hispanic population, Mexicans 65%,Puerto Ricans 10%, Central and South Americans 11%, and "others" 10%. Yet of the top 100 richest Hispanics in the U.S., more than 50% are of Cuban descent (ten times what it should be on a population basis), and 38% of Mexican
descent. The rest is scattered among all other Hispanic groups.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jose from Tampa FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:14:10 GMT

I was born and raised in Cuba, after coming to the States in 1993, i joined the US Navy and served for 11 years. During these yeras i have grown to lear that Cuba is only a political excuse for every candidate to gain the votes of cuban american people. Castro has been in power since 1959 because he does not represent any danger to this country. He will be wiped out of earth without even having to go to cuba.We need reforms, we need more oportunities and flood cuba with tourist and visitors from the States to undermine a country in his way out of comunism.

Jose

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ed Perlicz — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:14:30 GMT

Fidel will die sooner or later, like we all will. The US has pursued a policy of personal vendetta against the regime, hurting in its path all the Cuban people, and probably bets on a triumphal return once the hated leader is gone. I'm afraid we will find out we are still not wanted, that other countries have an advantage for trade built up over decades. Of course, our arrogant government could still invent another war (if in God We Trust, may God Forbid)but that's not the way to build friendships. South Floridian Cubans may say they want to go home, but trust me, few of them ever will.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Joaquin (John) Cabrera, Santa Clarita, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:15:17 GMT

It's time that we come together and focus on a new CUBA, we need to stop the non-sense. I'm a second generation Cuban, I feel the sadness and pain of not being able to visit our Homeland like others do where you can fly back and forth on vacations to their country and visit with family and friends. The hate held by so many of Fidel and he's regime is long and painful for many. But when the time comes are we going to be ready to unite???

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jeffrey Klein, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:16:38 GMT

There have been plenty of "strong willed, tenacious" totalitarian dictators in history, but that does not necessarilly lend them credibility. In addition, their "tenure" is derived from decades of crushing oppresion. Castro may have won all of the "battles" against the U.S. and 10 of its presidents, but lost the war. Cuba's people live in squalor and the goverment is probably too poor to even by one missle from a renegade country, so no agression is need. The best thing is to just keep letting Cuba keep rotting until its people rise up and demand change. Everybody's had to fight to be free; it shouldn't be any different for Cuba.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

JO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:17:47 GMT

Unfortunately if change is to come for any country, it has to be rallied from the people living in that country. Other governments can try and help but it takes the people actually living there to create the change. It's not our business to change their government unless they ask for our help. That stinks because we want everyone to prosper and we hate to see innocent people in poverty but we can't just force ourselves on them. Their people have to want it and fight for it and we have to back them up (again, if they want it).

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Suez, Calgary, Alberta, Canada — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:21:20 GMT

Why don't you americans stop being the bully on the block and get over it. Cuba is no threat to you. You were gilted gereations ago It's time to lift the embargo and made peace. open the workd up for the average Cuban. I have been the along with many Canadians and Europeans and the country and people are beautifull. Move on and love thy neighbor

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

R. MARQUEZ, US NAVY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:21:48 GMT

What a shame of video, but what we expect from a bias-media in this country. That's the reason why the Cuban community always votes republican. Even do deep inside we are more democrat than does than called themselves democrats. At least we know who our enemies are. FINALLY, CUBANS NEVER FORGET NOR FORGIVE!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

jose miguel, Miami FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:23:14 GMT

I guess we should get back to what my old granma used to say. Sunny no one else feels your pain the way you feel it. I am a proud Cuban and realy proud american. I did and will do my share defending this country, but i aslo like to see a different kind of policy regarding cuba and the cuban government.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jeri Minnesota — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:25:53 GMT

All immigrants from Latin America are not lazy, most learn to speak English. All Hispanics are not lawless. Are all people with the last name of Thomas bigots?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

T M — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:31:47 GMT

J Sanchez said "If the so called "Cuban-American" are protesting against what the US is doing in regard to Cuba then they are NOT Americans and should go back to Cuba to live".

What a joke. America is about differing opinions and how we handle them. I protest racists and bigots, but I don't try to run them from their homes and lands. Get with it Sanchez, you are giving Texans a bad name.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

MIKE DIPILLA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:34:51 GMT

I AS AN AMERICAN,HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT CUBA SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUR 51st STATE,CASTRO STILL COULD BE IN CHARGE

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Kristen, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:36:21 GMT

So Fidel purchased weapons 40 years ago. Wah Wah, I want my mommy! He hasn't used them, but Americans still fear and hate him. If the guy wants to be a Communist, that's his business. The tiny island isn't going to attack the world's superpower. Every country wants to have weapons for defense -- probably against American aggression. Americans need to quit being such paranoid fearmongers.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Rosana L, Oceanside CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:37:20 GMT

J Sanchez,
It seems to me that you would fit very well in the Fidel regime: "either you agree or get out"...
I guess people in the US has to be a blind supporter of the government, no matter what.
If it was by people like you, the US government would do whatever they want, without giving anyone any explanations for their actions. .(Does it sound familiar - Communist Regime -)
So much for the so-called "Land of Freedom"

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Raphael, Virginia — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:37:49 GMT

We Cubans have no allusions of the abusive power of a 45 year dictator. Most of us chose to flee, as my father did. What people do not understand is that for many years the US government refused to eliminate Castor for fear of reprisal from the USSR. After a period of time, Castro no longer possed a threat. Since the Kennedy mishandling of the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile crisis, there have been no international incidents with Cuba. So why would the US do anything now. Its not like theres oil in Cuba...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ted Schmidt, Miami, Florida — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:38:12 GMT

So, since my ancestors came before your ancestors, then you have to conform to their idea of being an American? Hogwash. North American, South American etcetera. There's nothing wrong with having an opinion; it's what you do with that opinion that might encroach upon the rights of others that makes all the difference as "Americans". Hint: If your last name is Sanchez, I suggest not taking offense when someone asks where you're from even if you were born in the USA, try learning some Spanish so you don't cause embarrassment to your ancestry.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mrs. H., Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:41:12 GMT

RE: J. Sanchez-
For those of you reacting to what he said, think about it. Yes, we are a nation of immigrants, but we assimilated into the American culture. Historically, we did not remain isolated within our little ethnic groups for 2-3 generations. We learned English and conformed to the general culture. We kept of ethinic ways for family celebrations/holidays.

Today, we see immigrants wanting to come here for US benefits: freedom, security, opportuntiy, etc. BUT many now come and start demanding that the US culture and institutions conform to their ideologies and language. They fly their native country's flag when they protest. They start law suits to do so. They isolate themselves, not wanting to assimilate.IS that right? Like Mr. Sanchez says, You do not have to live here. Go back if you don't like it here. We are not perfect, but we can't afford to have a country broken up with little Cubas, little Somalias, little Mexicos, [etc.] WITHIN the boundaries of the USA.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

AL BENTLY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:41:18 GMT

I had visited cuba and asked some of the people living there,"how can u live like this:, and they replied,"it is our way of life we don't know any other", castro is great they say????!!!!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jared A, Portland, Maine — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:44:32 GMT

The "Fidel Castro Legacy" video was ridiculous, made Castro look like the good guy.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

D. R. San Rafael California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:45:30 GMT

Erik from West Palm Beach, you stated you had to leave your country (Cuba?) when you were 5 years old? If you had stayed in Cuba your ability to express yourself using proper grammer and sentence structure would be better as Cuba has a high literary rate. Have you not learned how to write properly or did the U.S. education system fail you?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Matthew Grebenc, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:47:55 GMT

Democratic capitalism is only one model of economy. Does the whole world need to be this way? Can we not find a way to integrate more ideas, economies, and values into a larger global picture, without saying "It's our way or no way"? -- which isn't even a coherent democratic-capitalist stand to take in the first place!

Can’t the world be more complex than free markets and elections for all? There are other ways to organize and exercise choice and power which are legitimized by social arrangements that are no less just than something based solely upon an individual casting ballots and purchasing goods. What worked for the United States in the 20th century might not actually work for Cuba (or for that matter China) in the 21st. Clearly communism has failed on a large scale, but on a small scale on a tropical island it may work to an extent. If Americans instead attempt to reach out and invite them into trade and positive dialogue, Cuba could actually moderate and become more democratic and more open even if it doesn’t feel like a jump into the bewildering chaos and corruption that free Russia has “enjoyed” for 15 years.

Continuing an embargo against and rhetorical hatred of communist Cuba isn't solving anything. Worse, it bolsters their case! If it fails now, what can Americans claim other than "with our vast efforts and resources we were able to kill the tiny Castro regime and it only took 50 years"?! That is not a convincing victory by any stretch. More like a waste of everyone’s energy purely for the sake of narrow ideological purity.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Kara, DC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:49:12 GMT

Personally, I think we Americans need to realize that the Cold Was is OVER. People stuck in this mentality will never move forward. Fidel has done bad and good for his country, as have our presidents. Open up trade and and trust and I guarantee that Fidel/Raul will give his people more freedoms. If not, then we can deal with that as it comes, but at least we will stop being such a bully. Other Western countries have no major problems with Cuba currently.

This is a silly petty fight that should have been over in 1989. Who cares if they have a Communist regime anymore? It's proven to be not effective and guess what, it's not a threat anymore, it's just a different way of doing things.

PS there are interesting things declassified from the national security archives all the time. Google them (they are located at GW university) and show govn'ts were nasty in general in the 60s, ours included.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Lisa, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:50:04 GMT

Maybe now that they have found mother-lode oil reserves off Cuba's coast, the island, it's people, and it's politics will become a much more focused subject on Capital Hill. Don't think for a moment that this discovery has gone unnoticed by American oil companies. As strong as the oil lobby is, Cuba could well be looking at a future as #51. And to think that I thought that honor would go to Puerto Rico...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

George Washington, Arlington, VA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:52:38 GMT

Welcome to the USA. Did you marry a North American man and he works? Great! Now you can actively preserve your traditions and language in your home as you raise your children, take care of the home and your husband. Oh,no! You didn't marry a North American man? Then go get a job at McDonald's. Don't worry about speaking English because what little you do learn, you can always act like you don't know any English when it is to your advantage. As far as Communism goes and stealing oil-egads woman get a life. Go buy a PS3 or get a hobby because your ability to analyze foreign politics is a failure. Everybody who wrote here, but me, owns at least one foreign built automobile. So what makes an American anyway? Domestic based company or foreign based company with domestic labor force? 50 years ago, It was un-american to buy a Japanese car or even a Mercedes, so what happened? No, all that have written here are probably a bunch of hypocrites anyway-buying "Made in China" clothing/hard goods, "Assembled in Kentucky/Owned in Japan" Cars and then having the audacity to complain that this administration or this country has ALL THE FAULT with any negative signs in our economy! Duh! Buy ONLY American owned/American built/American assembled products from American materials and you'll see a change for the better in this economy (even if you have to pay a higher price)[if the quality isn't there, then why not start your own business and make it the best in quality!!]

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

KATHY PEREZ, MURPHY, NC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:53:09 GMT

TO Abrigaila Ayala, Long Beach, CA, IT IS EASY FOR YOU TO SAY THIS, BUT YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED WHAT THE CUBANS HAVE. THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO STOOD UP FOR THEIR CAUSE, BUT YOU WILL NEVER MEET THEM BECAUSE THEY EITHER IN JAIL OR DEAD. CUBA IS A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND ONE DAY WE WILL ALL BE ABLE TO VISIT AGAIN OR FOR THE FIRST TIME. I HOPE TO VISIT ONE DAY AND MEET ALL OF MY HUSBANDS FAMILY.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Donald Jarmon , Honolulu HI — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:54:07 GMT

Comment to Adam Evans of New York, while I don't agree with the comments of #1,just the mere fact of arriving in the US doesn't make you a citizen. There
is a process that one must go through. As I un-derstand it, one has no constitutional rights until
they become a citzen.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

GP Hickory NC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:54:54 GMT

Why should average americans care. When the small island opens up again it will just be another vacation spot to go too .With a lot of poor people .

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ali, Houston Texas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:55:05 GMT

Carolina,

You couldnt of put it better! Not quite sure where this sanchez came from, but being a cuban/mexican latina its disapointing to see someone of latin decent being ignorant on such a subject!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mike, UK — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:55:14 GMT

Has anyone commenting here actually been to Cuba ? I feel safe walking around Cuba at night even if there has been a power outage. I am not sure if I would feel the same in many parts of the US where anyone can be carrying a gun. They don't have a joke society where people are constantly being bombarded by advertisement for needing this and that, a new car, new house or new complete gym system. In the US many people feels inadequate in terms of job, salary or standing because they can't live up to this advertised image of what success is. It is the US lifestyle that is going to destroy the environment of this planet not Cuba. Why doesn't the US devote it attention to Haiti instead, Cuba sends more doctors to help there than the mighty US.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sam Alvarez, Greensboro, NC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:56:00 GMT

Born with a Cuban hart, raised with American ideas, innovations, food, products, ideas and the all mighty dollar; that is how I feel about myself. I came to this country when I was 5 with my sister who was 1 and my mother at the young age of 25 to start a new life, because of the fascist’s country that my parents and grandparents called home, literally gave us a one way invitation out of the country in 1980 also know as the “Mariel boat lift”. My dad was not allowed to leave with us because the government randomly selected who can and cannot leave, as if like choosing a random gave of kick ball.

The reason Cuba is the way it and has been, is not because of the Cuban government or the US not doing enough. Plainly there is no interest in Cuba other then again, the all mighty dollar. I will be looking forward to the day that Cuba and my extended family in the island are free to choose how they want to live their life and support their kids. I will rejoice in the celebration with my fellow country men, but I will not be in a hurry to visit or buy a piece of property.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Donald Jarmon , Honolulu HI — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:58:05 GMT

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

j cheatham, atlanta, ga — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:59:51 GMT

To Carolina Calzada,
Your stats are very impressive but you overlooked the simple reality that no other ethnic group has ever received such a lavish assortment of government subsidies and political considerations as the so called"cuban exiles" residing in South Florida. I imagine all groups that you mention could boost their stats with that much help.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Lebanon, Oregon — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:00:20 GMT

All you wealthy, educated Cuban-Americans should buy Cuba from Fidel.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

B Vaughn — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:01:46 GMT

Castro's rule has caused a lot of Cubans to come to the U.S. to seek a better life. This has not changed since the early days of immigration to this country. We are made up of immigrants or the decendents of them. The difference is that the immigrants of old were more likely to adopt our language and customs that many of those today. My grandparents immigrated from Russia before the Revolution and would not teach their children Russian. "You are Americans now, learn to speak English" was what he told them. Immigrants contribute a lot to our society, but by making it easy for them to get by without learning the language is only going to contribute to the Balkanization of this country in a few decades. Not to mention the dangers of being unable to communicate with a health provider in an emergency if they do not know your language! Just look at what happened to Canada a few years back. Quebec, a primarily French speaking province, wanted to secede. How long before Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona want to do the same?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Leila, Washington, DC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:06:02 GMT

R. Riley,

You are right on. Most Americans speak of their roots in other countries with pride. ("I'm Irish," says the redheaded 4th gen American, etc.) It would be unAmerican to never question American policy, to let the government act in any way it wishes. Freedom of speech keeps the government in check, and should not be denied just because a person identifies with two cultures. To think otherwise, J Sanchez, is to embrace the ideals that put dictators in power.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

E Harela, Toronto, Ontario. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:08:35 GMT

Having visited in Havana a number of times this year, I can say that the article by Mary is very accurate. Cubans are very practical people because they need to be in order to survive. With better opportunities, there is no reason not to believe that they will do as well as their Miami cousins. A look at history will demonstrate that there are very good historical reasons involving actions by the US as to why Castro became a communist, why the US never invaded Cuban after the Cuban missile crisis and why he is still in power. At least the Cubans have had some level of stability and security over the last forty odd years, albeit at some cost in term of human rights and freedoms. The Cubans that I have encountered have by and large been friendly, helpful, educated, clean and generally well dressed and the school kids seem genuinely happy. Change is inevitable and Canada's foreign policy has always tried to foster that by maintaining good contacts with the Cuban government.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

rob, oakland, ca. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:08:52 GMT

A third-world dictator ruling a police state with ruthlessness, and a not inconsiderable assist from the old USSR for many years, will soon pass away. Watch how fast Cuba then becomes democratic and capitalistic, though no doubt there will be some bloodshed. Chavez from Venezuela no doubt will then feel very uncomfortable.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jasmine Salazar, Mauricevile,TX — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:09:05 GMT

To: Robert Riley, Portland, OR.

Well said..

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ron Baxley, Montgomery, Alabama — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:09:59 GMT

I grew up in Hialeah on West 10th Avenue and watched the changes that were taking place over the years after the Cubans came to Miami. There used to be placards in the windows of stores in English, but now they are in Spanish. English speaking Americans are forced to take Spanish in school, instead of forcing the Cubans to learn to speak English. You cannot get a job at most businesses if you do not speak Spanish. There are statues in the parks of Cuban leaders and patriots. You can go into a Cuban restaurant and order in English and get a really small portion on the plate, but order the same thing in Spanish and you cannot eat it all.

As one person put it Cuban - Americans (well that is just wrong as you are either a Cuban or your are an American, be one or the other and not both) they ran from their country and landed on American soil. During the boat lifts, Fidel sent all of his criminals to Miami and the crime rate went up.

As for education scholarships are more available to young Cubans and American born students have to rely on student loans. Plus there is a difference between the GPA requirements for hispanic minorities (this too is an understatement as American born citizens in South Florida are the minority.

I left the Miami area a long time back and have returned on several occasions and have no regrets for making the choice to leave.

One last thing to point out is that the Construction Building Code for Dade County had a very safe Hurricane Code until Cuban contractors started to short change the system and make short cuts that were clear code violations. Take a look at what Hurricane Andrew did to South Miami. Buildings that were built before 1970 were mostly in good condition, but buildings built after that time period were not built to the "tie-beam" type of construction with "post-tension slabs" which resulted in a great number of buildings falling over and being blown away. Granted that there were some tornadoes in this hurricane, there was also a lot of shoddy construction.

I could go on and on. I do not hate Cubans, but dislike the way the our government gave them social security when they hit the ground. Either you fly the American Flag and Florida State Flag on American soil, but to display a Cuban flag with no American Flag is just wrong.

I like what the guy from Arlington, Texas wrote "If the so called "Cuban-American" are protesting against what the US is doing in regard to Cuba then they are NOT Americans and should go back to Cuba to live. If they don't support the US then they should leave. This goes for EVERYONE who calls themselves anything other than an "Amerian". When you come to the US you conform to us, we don't conform to you. Either become one of us or get out!!! The same holds true for the Afro-Americans (whom most of them have never even been to Africa) and this makes no real sense either. I assure you that when I hear someone say something about Mother Africa I reflect back on what I have personally seen in West Africa, where the slave trade started -- it is not a pretty sight and they are really poor. Having lived in South Texas I made the mistake calling a Texan of Mexican heritage a Mexican and was promptly corrected by him "I am an American by birth and a Texan by the Grace of God."

What is ironic is that after leaving Hialeah, my best friend lives in Georgia and both of his parents were born in Cuba. He is a good ole Southern Boy who speaks Spanish, travels to Cuba to visit family via Mexico or Venezula yearly and will tell you he has no desire to go to South Miami because of how Americans are being treated by the Cubans who fled Cuba to seek refuge in South Florida.

One last question for all of the Cuban people living in America -- If the Castro's were out of power and had not political influence in Cuba, would you leave the properity and the life style you have established here in the USA and move back to a poor economy that barely feeds its people...would you give up that $50,000 a year job for a $3,500-$4,000 a year job...and finally Cuba is a small island -- just exactly where are all of these Cuban families going to live...Let's be realistic!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Carolyn Schuster — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:10:46 GMT

Castro is afraid to die! He hangs on and Cuba still suffers-what a shame for such amazing people as the Cubans.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sandeej, Covington,LA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:11:06 GMT

To Carolina Calzada, Miami
This is very interesting information, what bothers me is that if this is so, why haven't these "wealthy and intelligent" Cuban Americans done anything to help their fellow Cuban Citizens? Education and money are powerful tools, it seems to me that these types of individuals would GO BACK AND ASSIST THERE COUNTRYMEN, unless as other writers have stated "the people are satisfied" with thier way of life UNDER the Castros. I ask the same question to the Mexican-Americans. Why not take your knowledge and money and go back to your country and CHANGE it for the better. Why run to America and then demand we that we give you benefits, free education, and that WE have to speak YOUR countries language, so you can have a better life. Someone has to take a stand at some time, the slaves were not freed because it was the right thing to do ~ Americans in the North had to MAKE (the CIVIL war) the Southerners do the RIGHT thing. Americans also fought the REVOLUTIONARY WAR - to be FREED from OPPRESION!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

D.W. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:11:28 GMT

Cuba is just another example of the failure of every country ever settled by the Spanish. Where is one example that truly turned out different? Corruption, poverty, insane belief in socialism seems to be the norm from the Rio Grand south. If the U.S. doesn't get a wall built and start enforcing its border laws Cuba will be like all the rest of the failed countries in about 5- years. Great for business entities though, abundant ignorant cheap labor at poverty wages. Castro or no Castro nothing will change in Cuba any more than it has for South and Central America, its a cultural thing.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jason Santinelli, Kansas City, Missouri — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:14:17 GMT

Sibella:
You obviously have communist tendencies - or better yet are a full fledged one. Granted, our leadership has not always been top notch, but thankfully we live in a democracy where the constitutional checks and balances gurantee that jerks such as yourself can still have a forum like this to defend a ruthless and murderous dictator like Fidel Castro. Sadam Hussein, Idi Amin, Ayatolla Homeini, and Fidel Castro can all be lumped in together. Castro has been lucky enough to have been propped up by the Soviet Union and now by Venezuela, that is why he has lasted so long. He couldn't care less about his people.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Tired of armchair warmongers, Mainstream America — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:14:17 GMT

Cuba got weapons from the USSR to deter further invasion from the US (we tried it once - Bay of Pigs; not for a first strike against America. Those missle bases were abandoned after the October standoff between Kennedy and Kruschev. Message 4 suggests we should not tolerate defiance so near our shores. We don't own Cuba, I promote free speech, as did our founding fathers, and to attack Cuba because they don't agree with us politically, or bow to our will would make us the "terrorists." Message #4 suggests trashing American values so some guy in Miami can get his personal revenge. One must keep in mind the criminals and mentally ill Castro allowed to leave via "boat lift," and discount some of this mindless bravado.
Cuba has never attacked the US, and I don't believe Castro ever thought of this as a viable alternative. He seems too reasonable to try something that stupid. The 19 9/11 hijackers (mostly Saudis) were practical too - they knew we wouldn't attack Saudi Arabia with Bush to protect them.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jack Empson — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:14:32 GMT

Carolina Calzada...Are you taking into consideration on your stats that you are only 4% of the population. As the poulation increase so will the amount of peolple out of work and people not wanting to work. They're other reasons the smaller population will have better percentages, however, it is good cubans that are hear want to be educated and be part of the economy.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Emily, Minneapolis,MN — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:15:39 GMT

i think thats funny how it says above the comment box that they screen the comments...obviously not because alot of the comments up there are attacks against each other and really have nothing to do with Cuba.Yes America is built on immigration but everyone should become legal.immigrants dont take jobs from americans..they just do the jobs no one here wants to do like cleaning and fast food work. and for alot less pay too becuz alot of them are desperate and wont turn their company in.We should encourage them to become legal and advance in their education..like go to college and stuff..it would help out alot.I dont think they have to give up their culture to live here but they should conform to our laws and respect our country.but who knows maybe after castro some good might come...ya never know..

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Michelle Gothart-Goethingen-DE. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:15:44 GMT

I was NEVER big in politics. But, I am NOT blind or stupid either : Why are we ALLWAYS preocupied with NOT ONLY Cuba, but the whole world ? Souveranity of a country should be respected ! Their political system should be NEVER a other country bussiness ! I am afraid that ONE DAY we can't travel anywhere in the world, because when they find out that we are from US ? Great HARM could come to us! Allready world wide, not ONLY in the arab world, do hate us !
We put our noses in EVERYBODIES BUSSINESS ! :O( That my friends NEVER bring peace and love for us ! :O( I am a type of person who " Like to live and let others live" !! I wouldn't like anybody to come and try to change my daily way of living and thinking ! OR tell me that: what I like they don't, and then they come with deadly guns and exterminate whole cities around me. I am SURE, that: this way, people would harden EVEN more their beliefs, and their DEFIANCE would be an EPIC PROPORTION of resistance ! And nobody would change them, because there would be more fights, more resistance ! IF we don't like some thinks ? We should NEVER raise our sword against an other country ! WHY ? JUST WATCH the NEWS ! People are loosing their lifes, but NOT their beliefs, OR their way of living, and they do fight against the ocupant foreign troops ! Was everything in vein :O( so many lifes lost ! NOTHING established, EXEPT global hate. HOW SAD :O(

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

joe newyork — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:15:52 GMT

Americans don't want anything to do with helping cubans because obviuosly they don't need it. right carolina calzada. anyone who trys to compare there nationality to that of a mexican is well 95.57834% retarded.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Oliver Grill Palmdale, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:16:13 GMT

I'm so suprised that no one has mentioned the fact that Castro was put into power by the United States
government. He was born with a golden spoon in his mouth much the same as our presant leader was. We
Americans will get what we deserve, sooner or later!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Bob, Atlanta — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:16:54 GMT

I think most people here should stop trying to tell other people what to do with their countries considering how well it worked out in Iraq...different strokes for different folks, right? It's the "I know better than you" attitude that earned the scorn of the rest of the planet.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

FUTRIACO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:19:03 GMT

JOHN DOERR FROM TOPEKA HAS SAID IT, CUBA IS IN THE WAY IT IS BECAUSE OF THE EMBARGO,WHOS FAULT IT IS? THE EXILE AND THE USA, OH YES I AGREE, THE EXILE NEEDS THE MISERY OF THE POOR ONES LEFT BEHIND HOW ELSE ARE THEY GONNA MAKE A LIVING? THEY NEED A CAUSE ,SO THEY CREATED ONE...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Anita — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:23:49 GMT

I read the comment, "When you come to the US you conform to us, we don't conform to you. Either become one of us or get out!!!" Well, well, I believe that it was the white european that came over her and slaughtered, raped, and stole. I know that it was european americans that stole Africans from their native land and abused them. Made them live on garbage to eat, stacked them in ships like sardines, made them urinate and deficate in the same position, pushed many of them (chained together) overboard when they thought they were about to get caught. YOU want to criticize another country's leader, and their people?? YOU are a bunch of hipocrites, liars, thieves, murderers and rapist. If the cubans had any sense, they would try to get the H out of here before this "great country" finds away to enslave them too. All hail king Bush....what a joke.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jan Valdez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:24:40 GMT

Next Presidente of Cuba will be Elian Gonzalez who won't forget how he was treated in the US.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Carl - Stockton, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:24:49 GMT

Carolina has really done her homework. It is always impressive to see someone actually do their research before just blirting out sentences. Now I could be wrong, but I understood from her informative posting a strong sense that a fair amount of Cuban Americans do not use their origins as a pity tool, but as a strength to draw from on their quest for life libert and the pursuit of happiness. Now, I may be off here a bit so feel free to correct me (in a constructive manner) if I am. But when Batista (sp) was in power and was in danger of being overthrown by Castro, the U.S. did little to intervene and thus provided just a bit of assistance in this. Again, I may be wrong in this, feel free to enlighten me as I am a fanatic of history and its accuracy. Castro did not start getting the negative attention from the U.S until after he started controlling the bussinesses in Havanna and thus took control of the gambling establishments, which made certain americans a bit angry.

Do not misinterpret by my post that I am a Castro supporter, I am a supporter of "TRUTHFUL" history and information. The United States of America has one of the best goverment systems in the world, on paper, it is still run by people and their beliefs. There is a fine line between censorship that is done outwardly and when it is done subversively. If I have typed anything here that has offended you, then my apologies go out to you. To the cuban-american people who have taken lemons and made lemonaid, I applaud you and respect your achievments (sp) as a role model for ALL americans, whether born here in the U.S or not.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

FUTRIACO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:25:28 GMT

CAROLINA CALZADA WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR FIGURES FROM? EGO-INFLATED CUBANS KNOW VERY THAT TO BECOME RICH LIKE YOU SAY THEY HAVE TO BEND CORNERS AND DO IT IN THE SHADE

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Lumin, New York, New York — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:26:17 GMT

How about everybody stops, thinks, and define what a communist is. Communisum today is very rare and in fact very controlling. Who knows what would become of cuba if it were change systems. There are always pros and cons in these serious situations. Then again we [United States] have a president who acts like it is democracy, but actions speak way louder then words. Not every leader is perfect, and not every system is perfect.................But then again the world isn't perfect. If we (civilians) did what we were suppose to do, and ya'll know what I mean, then maybe a change can occur. The longer you sit and wait, the faster nothing happens.............................

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Larisa, Anaheim Hills, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:27:39 GMT

I love Cuba, I love my culture, and I love my people, but I will never leave the "practicality" of the U.S. I will never go back to Cuba no matter how practical it becomes in the future with or without the Castros.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

SuperGlide, Charlotte,N.C. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:29:39 GMT

America, Wake Up!! This is a Heinz 57 country now. Soon there will be more of them than us. Close the borders, throw the bums out, and we can start at the Whitehouse. I fought for the right for foreigners to be here. They came here to better themselves. Conform to our traditions or get the hell out. AMERICA, WAKE UP !!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Phil, Miami Beach, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:30:24 GMT

Señor J Sanchez:

It's telling that you react in such a hostile way to the report of Cuban Americans protesting US policy on Cuba. It speaks loudly of someone so unsure of their own identity that he has to aggressively assert himself in opposition to those "outsiders."

Take a look around you, amigo. America is changing. We're going through an immigration surge that's larger than anything the Irish, Italians, and other Europeans brought at the turn of the last century, effectively changing the face of American society. Check out the latest Yearbook of Immigration Statistics from the Department of Homeland Security. So, I ask you, what does it mean to be an "American"?

We must remember that most Cuban Americans didn't come here by choice. When my grandfather and his family fled the island in 1960, he was wanted by the government and would have been killed. Even those that "chose" to come later, came out of desperation to leave a country whose government is oppressive, whose economy has collapsed, and whose opportunities are limited even for the most educated. This is the situation for most immigrants who come here. The outlook is even bleaker when you consider how the American government has played a hand in ousting so many people from their countries through flawed foreign and economic policy that creates refugees (e.g., US government financing of the oppressive and murderous regime of Duarte in El Salvador).

As our friend Carolina Calzada points out, Cuban Americans have been incredibly successful upon their arrival in the US. And as scholars point out, it's precisely because they didn't acquiesce to traditional American power structures (e.g., Garcia, 1996; Portes & Stepick, 1993). By creating an ethnic enclave in Miami, Cubans were able to largely avoid the menial jobs that are effectively forced on most immigrants by denying them the ability to maximize their potential (i.e., education, work experience, qualifications). So, they were able to create their own schools, and maintain their Cuban identity. In fact, other scholars report that becoming "American," actually hurts immigrants' chances of success. Lawrence Steinberg (1996) studied 20,000 high school students across the country and concluded that for immigrants "becoming Americanized is detrimental to youngsters' achievement, and terrible for their overall mental health."

How could that be? Let's think about assimilation. The general rule for successful, upward assimilation in America is that the lighter your skin, the better chances you have of becoming part of the mainstream. This isn't hard and fast, but consult the statistics and you'll see a trend. When immigrants assimilate, it's not a matter of them conforming to society; it's a matter of which segment of society they will conform to. If you weren't aware, there is an underclass in the US that is being woefully educated and stripped of its potential. In education, it's called the "achievement gap." In economics, it's called "income disparity." Look at which ethnic and racial groups are where in terms of educational achievement and income, then think about how immigrants will be divided along similar lines of culture and color. When you think about how certain immigrant groups will be pigeonholed into an underclass that has developed anti-social and anti-mainstream behaviors because of years of repression, it's no wonder why becoming “American” can be so harmful.

So, again I ask, what does it mean to be “American”? To me, it means to uphold the values of democracy and freedom. It means to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. And, the longer resident Americans continue with this trumped-up notion of what American culture is with a hostile insistence that immigrants “conform or get out,” the longer we squander the wealth of resources available to the best country in the world. What other country has people speaking 300 languages? Think about that language diversity in terms of being able to do business around the world in an increasingly global economy.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

R Mutzabaugh Harrisburg, Pa — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:30:49 GMT

Yes, I think if the US thought there was something valuable in Cuba, Castro wouldn't have been able to stop it. Current Administration as point in case. Was there not, many Iragis that said if US could just get rid of Saddam they would follow and be able set up a viable Government. Well, we did and they haven't. Would Cuba be the same?
Don't blast the People that have come here to make a better Life for their families. My Material Grandparents came from Romenia before WWII. They thought it their duty to learn English in order to show respect to their new home. Coarse the War may have had some impact on that too. From their County they brought many things that they shared with their comunity. I just wish I would have learned more from them than I did. We all bring many things to the American Table. By you sharing your gifts with others, you if fact will prosper. Governments original job was to make and inforce the Law and to protect us from our Enemies. America's History and it's Government has had many a dark side. Though it gets better we still have our bumps in the road and still a ways yet to go. We the People need to get together with all that are here and Carry Ourselves instead of asking the Government to do so.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mario Rios Pinot, NY NY. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:32:09 GMT

I happen to like Fidel. He is like a David vs. Goliah (read USA). He is better than the previous dictator Batista. Now there is free health care for everyone, maybe the USA could learn something on how to do this from Cuba. We have to be careful with our superpower attitude some people do not like it and you know what payback is, anti-american terrorism.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Maritza Ibarra. San Diego, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:32:21 GMT

Fidel is probably dead by now and no onw knows it yet. As far as the American not getting fidel Castro out of power. I think that there is a lot more to it. And it has to do with the bombs or arms that Cuba bought 40 years ago from Russia. I also think that it is very sad that Cuba is under this kind of regimen.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jenny Cooper, Washington, DC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:32:27 GMT

Fidel is still an atheistic, Communist dictator despite all the BS written. The people remaining in Cuba are either gutless or immoral like him. You can make excuses but that's the bottom line.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Roberto Perez,Miami Fl — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:32:38 GMT

I was born in Cuba and came to this country in 1970 at 8 years of age. Eversince I have hoped for a free Cuba not to go back beacuse I love this country and this is the only life I know, but just to be able to see this nightmare come to an end. the so called revolution is a joke. there might have been political corruption before Fidel but the country was moving forward and the people had freedom and a future to look forward to. now the standard of living is at the same level as Haiti and all the people can think of is leaving the country to have a better life, while a handfull of gansters at the top live like kings and keep their countrymen as slaves. Cuba has turned into an island prison full of hostages that are sent money and other necessities by their relatives in the free world. to hell with Fidel and all the brainwashed sellouts on the island, and the ones that have infiltrated Miami.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Pratt, Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:35:17 GMT

"I think you might need a refresher on American history: Please remember that the only true American is a native American."

"Native" Americans are no more native to North America than any of the rest of us ... their ancestors just arrived here earlier.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

demir — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:36:40 GMT

Sanchez, when europeans came to america, did they conform to American Indian's ways? What makes you more American than those who protest America? They might have a point. Once their point of view is majority, that will be the "American's" view. Then you will be the minority. Do you want to get out then?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Angel Lemus — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:37:29 GMT

I don't have any idea what going on, MY COUNTRY IS A MISTERY NOT ROMANTIC tale sugest any chabge in the cuban life My idea is nothing going to change, comunist is a cancer and need tu cut the bad part an a new start, Angel

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

b.k.m — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:38:43 GMT

He will go away when the Jesuit-run Vatican says he will go away.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

LILY WHITE , EDMONTON — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:39:18 GMT

WE ALL HAVE OUR COMMUNIST LEADERS THAT WE ALLOW TO RULE OUR LIVES. IN CUBA IT IS FIDEL AND IN CANADA AND USA IT IS THE GOVERNEMENT. POVERTY IS POVERTY AND OPRESSION IS OPRESSION NEITHER LIVE BY REAL ESATATE BORDERS. WE ALL SEARCH FOR SOMEPLACE BETTER TO LIVE AND YET WHEN WE GET THERE WE BRING OUR BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS WITH US. ALL OF US KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS MOVED TO OUR COUNTRY TO FIND A BETTER LIFE ONLY TO COMPLAIN THAT WE ARE BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY BECAUSE OF OUR BELIEFS THAT WE BROUGHT WITH US ARE NOT UNQUESTIONLY ACCEPTED IN OUR NEW COUNTRY. SO WHY IS IT WE CAME HERE ? IF WE WANT TO HAVE THE SAME CONDITIONS THAT WE LEFT WHY BOTHER MOVING OR DO WE FEEL THAT YOU SHOULD MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY AND TRY TO SCREW IT UP LIKE THE ONE WE JUST LEFT. IF YOU ARE NOT OPEN TO CHANGE STAY WHERE YOU ARE. AFTER ALL YOUR NEW COUNTRY OFFERED A NEW LIFE WITH NEW BELIEFS SO DON'T COME IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE .

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ed, Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:39:46 GMT

First of, to the first poster. Mr. Sanchez, with a last name that in any latin country would fill about 25 to 30 percent of any phone directory of any city, you need to wake up a bit. This is a country of differences, and it is those differences that should be embraced. After all this is a "melting pot" of a country. Yes, there are some of us cubans, mainly the older ones that never became citizens, refer to themselves strictly as cubans, and consider themselves as exiles that are waiting for his fall and their return to pick up their lives and property were they left of when they fled. They ARE delusional and that is why the don't call themselves Americans. But the Average Cuban American, like my parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, older island born cousins, are practicle enouh to realize that their Cuba has ceased to exist and never will again, much of it based on the way of behaving demonstrated by each successive wave of exhiles to flee communist Cuba and the stories the tell f they need to do to survive. I have a cousin my age who arrived a few years ago and it is hard to believe that by his manners and morals that he can be family. You have to understand that Cuba went from being a second world, boderline first world, to third world. It went from being a place with a huge middle-class and sizeable amount of wealthy, to a country of massive property and distrust of everyone, even your children that were brainwashed at school into spying on their parents for the good of the revolution. What the average cuban american wants is to see his fall and communism leave the nation and prosperity return, knowing that to go back is pointless because those who suffered have dibbs on the little left. They just want a place for vacations and nastolgia, since they have a better life here in their new home. They want to see him fall to stop the atrocities carried out in the name of the "good of the revolution." They want the beatings and torture of anyone who dares speak their mind end. The imprisonment of those who do whatever it takes to feed there family. I have family that has suffered both fates, from an uncle of my father's being executed on national TV by "El Che Gavera" shortly after their takeover and having pictures of him with the back of his skull blown out used as propoganda, to a friends cousin who was sentenced to ten years of jail and has scars from burns, whips, and knives all over his back and uses a cane at the age of forty because of the amount of times his legs were broken. All of that for hiding two chickens from the revolution to provide eggs and protein to his girls, and cutting meat from a horse when his little girl cried about how sick she was of eggs at every meal. This is why Cuban Americans want democracy in Cuba, the same way America wanted it for Eastern Europe. No more, no less. If you have an issue with that, an issue with eliminating a brutal communist regime, then you are un-American.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jack Clement NJ — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:40:29 GMT

How uggly is to wish an other humans death because YOU do NOT agree with his or her political beliefs ?
I am not a cuban nor any latin american or indian. WE talk always about US AMERICANS ! THE ONLY realy american is THE "AMERICAN INDIAN" ! There is NO ifs and buts about it ! What we did with the indians, we are doing it in Iraq,Korea,Japan,Vietnam, Afganistan soon Iran, etc... And this politicians and those in the past wanted CUBA too. They still salivating for it ! I have NO idea why ? May be billions of $-rs in turist industrie ? Like HAWAII ! We took Hawaii too ! For what else this political body of our is salivating in the future like LIONS with RABIES ! This "blood thirsty behavior" wants NOW the whole world ? Is scary for us, because ALL empires DO FALL allways ! ONLY matter of time and patients of OTHERS in the world, we are NOT respected, we are hated allover the place globaly ! That's NOT good ! Who you have to thank for this ? Think about it YOU are not dumm people !

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Steffon G — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:43:20 GMT

How is Castro Hurting the U.S?

Maybe folks that left Cuba have an issue, but so what? I'm not affected by what Castro has done, nor are most Americans.

When Castro finally leaves power, I'm STILL not gonna care. In fact, I kinda like the fact that he has spent almost 50 years stickin it to the man.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Derr, Charlottesville, Virginia — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:46:07 GMT

In 1958, my dream was to go to Cuba; but in the same year Fidel came to power. I'm still waiting to go. It's a beautiful country and I look forward to a visit. I was raised in Sarasota, Florida by my dearly departed mother and father who were of German heritage.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Chris W., Lancaster, PA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:48:59 GMT

I can't comment on the Cuban economy or Castro's leadership, but many of these comments ask how the US could "let" this type of government exist. Let's be clear about one thing: the United States is not now nor has ever been in a position to dictate by what authority other countries are governed. This is not something the United States has ever done well, and our situation in Iraq should have disabused you of this notion, oh, about three years ago at least.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jim Hamilton Shomo, Taos, New Mexico — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:49:42 GMT

If Fidel would notice in the last scene of the Blues Brothers movie: On the wall it reads "It is never too late to do good" I love the idea of fishing and smoking big Habanas in Cuba when Fidel is gone and the land really goes back to the people. Get God and be happy. Jim

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Lyle Aberdeen,WA. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:49:50 GMT

The American public has been brainwashed to forgot what Cuba was before Castro. Castro got the mafia out and started some much needed socialistic programs just as our Kennedy was trying to do here before he was (disposed) of. The US got Cuba from Spain and then exploited it and its poor people.If castro was so bad the main Cuban populas would have supported an invasion rather than thwarfed it. The main hurt on Cuba has been the embargo placed on them by the US as Castro would not play (ball) or puppet with the US.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Abby, Cherokee Nation — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:51:17 GMT

bla bla bla bla...my people should have fed all of your ancestors...then put their butts back on the boat and sent them back home where they came from!...ha

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Roger A. Phoenix, AZ. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:03:27 GMT

It seems "Comrade" Brian in Canada seems to think HE knows what is best for Americans !
Unfortunately, opinions from a known Socialist country with ultra Liberal ideas doesn't wash down here in the U.S.A.

Why does't he move to Cuba and enjoy the "good life "?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

jose avila — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:06:37 GMT

I happen to be one of those Dr form Cuba, and i really think that miss communication form the cuban government has led people to believe in is helth system. In cuba if you dollrs you can get what you need in the medical field, if you don't you are done.

Pepe from Tampa

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sibella, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:07:40 GMT

It's quite interesting how many ignorant comments come from the middle states. Not to isult anyone, just an observation. Superglide you are comedy. Maybe the natives of this land, Native Indians, should be telling you to get out. I won't do that though, I say get an education, not high school history, dig deeper man. This is not your land you stole it. By the way your already out numbered. :)

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Nathan Pace, Salt Lake City, Utah — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:10:31 GMT

I have only the best wishes for the Cuban people.

My other wish is that the US government abandon a near 60 year effort to assassinate, subvert, invade, corrupt, and defeat the current regime in Cuba.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Gus, Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:10:36 GMT

Cuba will be free sooner or later. History already proved that. What we need in the next Cuba is tolerance, respect, understanding and rebuild the country without hate and punishment. Whoever committed a crime must have a fair trial and pay for the crimes. I don't want for Cuba all those "old dinasours" in Miami full of hate and revenge who are as intolerats as the comunist in Cuba. With this people we don't go anywhere. Cuban people deserves a second chance.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mike Doe. Birmingham Mi. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:13:52 GMT

Hey John Doe,
Sorry to confuse you with the facts but save yourself the time and trouble of having to read through your introduction to economics book, and instead invest about 30 sec. finding the following statistic on the internet:

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION FROM 1957
... Dow Jones Industrial Average · Owing to inflation, $1.00 in 1957 is worth about $6.20 today according to US ... 1957:

You should find your claim that our dollar has inflated to 1/20 of the value it was 50 years ago. .
isn't even close.

To save you the trouble of having to calculate the 4th grade math these figures reflect an inflation value of a little over 1/6.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Maria, New York, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:19:29 GMT

Cubans in the US have more than contributed to US society via economy, culture, etc. We do not need to apologize for the concern we have for the country we and our parents came from. We are as American as anyone else--we work, pay our taxes, vote, etc. We, as any other Americans, have the right to be heard by our politicians about our concerns, including US foreign policy. Americans of Cuban descent have varying opinions on what US policy toward Cuba should be (pro embargo and against) yet we all work toward the same end--freedom for Cubans.

Some of the comments above are so ignorant that they do not deserve to be aknowledged. The vast majority of Americans understand the Cuban plight and many oppose the embargo and travel restrictions imposed on them by the US government.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sergio Bello — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:19:39 GMT

1. I am so surprised at the comments about how the Cuban people should grow a spine and take their country back. I would never advocate violence but all I have to say to those of you that believe rebellion and violence, other than peaceful protest and democracy, is the way to get things done is that Castro has more spine than any of you. He led a revolution with less than 100 people to overthrow the US backed government. In addition, Cubans have tried getting their country back and where even trained by the CIA! Despite being backed by the US government, the Bay of Pigs failed. As the son of a Cuban exile I am grateful to be in the US but just because communism is not our ideology doesn't mean that the people of Cuban don't want it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

so over miami — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:21:48 GMT

i lived in miami for many years and cubans still live with that communist attitude deap routed in themselves, whether they realize it or not, even though they have come here to escape all that. they are an angry, frustrated, and racist group of people. they treat americans (namely white people) like crap and they act like they own south florida, yet all they have done is turn it into one giant ghetto. i could have never imagined being treated so disrespectfully on a regular basis as I was when i lived in Miami. It is so bad that i moved out. I felt like i lived with castro!!
if you cubans are going to come here, adapt...also act like you like the place and the people who were here before you and treat us with some respect. after all you did risk life and death to illegally come here, and we are providing refuge from your tyrant leader. maybe you cubans forgot but we have been more than accomodating, even changing laws for you in regards to immigrating, or should i saw swimming here. Miami is just one more tropical paradise they have ruined. I hope things do change in Cuba so most of Miami can go home were they belong.

maybe cubans should take a lesson from mexicans, who have also illegally flocked here to escape bad situations, and be greatful for what we (america) have provided for them.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Anton Batey — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:22:24 GMT

Listen, you selective morons, George W. Bush has killed more people since 2001 than Castro has killed since 1959. If you want to learn about real, illigal terrorism, study Operation MONGOOSE. The United States has supported dictators FAR, FAR worse then Castro. Castro shut down US corporations and kicked out the mafia, which was his real crime.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Bruce Armstrong, Vancouver, B.C., Canada — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:22:51 GMT

Now that Castro is on the way out, it's about time the United States afford the same policy of engagement it has with communist China to Cuba, instead of perpetually isolating a country to the detriment of both Americans and Cubans.

Remember that, as the economy gets better and the people become more affluent, political aspirations for a truly democratic government become stronger. Just look at South Korea and their move from a totalitarian regime to democracy.

Nothing is easy or quick, but it behoves us in the Western World to help those who need help in a way that benefits all the people, not just the elite, right or left wing. Democracy wells up from below, it can't be imposed from above.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John, Santa Barbara, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:24:03 GMT

That first message is sad. This country is all about the right to protest. Anyway the reason this country is against Castro is that he stopped the USA and the Dutch from conducting unfair business practices and profiteering. They just use the fact that hes also a bit psycho as their excuse. Our country has supported much more psycho people in the past than Castro...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

alive, Denver, CO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:27:00 GMT

Everybody loves to rip into J. Sanchez....chill out people. He's just venting and bluntly putting into words what sleeps in many many American's hearts. You all love to present the 'perfect immigrant' who comes to us in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, but what about the huge influx of parasitic immigrants looking for a free handout?? What about hostile immigrants looking to do harm?? No one talks about them, why?? This is the scourge J. Sanchez speaks about. In fact, all you arguing against his point need to WAKE UP and look around you. Go jump on a message board concerning the illegal Mexican immigration across the Texas border...there you'll find thousands of naturalized immigrants rallying support a take over of the south western United States. They want to reclaim this land as rightful Mexican property and are willing to kill YOU (bleeding heart liberals and republicans alike) in order to succeed. J Sanchez is talking about the punk immigrants at a Californian high school who ran the Mexican flag up the school's flag pole with the American flag underneath and upside down!! WAKE UP PEOPLE, many immigrants are not beneficial to this country...don't try and hide this fact with your blithering comments about Democracy and Free Speech.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Josh Welsh — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:27:37 GMT

I think the type of attitude shown by Mr J Sanchez is the greatest danger to our "American Society".

As of late, I have seen our "US" society develope into a totalitarian police state where we are turning into blind, robotic, political "hate mongers" instead of rational free-thinking individuals (what we used to be)!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mike, Westminster, Maryland — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:29:16 GMT

Wow, you all seen to bee a little touchy about this subject. Let's look at one major thing that it takes to be an American.
"To support and defend the constitution of the United States of America".
That's it. If you do not support and defend the constitution of the United States then for all means get the hell out, go back to where you came from and stay out. Learn and use the english language and obey our laws.
I am one who has put my life on the front line to protect this country and yes, there are issues i am not happy with in the government and there are ways to voice concerns. It's called free elections!!! But if you can not treat each other with respect and dignity then maybe you should think twice if you really are a true American.
Weather Castro is dead and his brother takes office permanently or not doesn't matter. What matters is when the people of Cuba have had enough of living under a regiem of threats and killing and want to be free they will be if they have the guts to do somethng about it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

St. Louis, MO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:30:01 GMT

to Sibella, California, Jose Lopez and a couple of others, Amen to your comments. I don't like being fed a lot of propaganda either. A study of Cuba, presented by Cubans, was a real eye opener. The dictator Fidel Castro overthrew when he came in to power was a hideous monster. While Castro isn't perfect, no one is, I don't approve of everything he has done (the Russians did have a hand in the missile crisis), but thanks to him health care and education is free to everyone in Cuba. The shortage of medicine is acute so the sickest get it first. Sounds fair. But a shortage because of embargo doesn't. The literacy rate in Cuba is about 99%. That means that less than 1 or 2% of the people in Cuba can't read - the rest can. Yes the people are poor, they are all poor. But the rations are equal, small yes, but equal. They do the best they can with what they have. This never ending embargo is like a foot on the throat of this country. Yet the US has an Army base on their land?? Russia stopped helping Cuba. Tough got tougher for this little country. And why continue the embargo..because the US doesn't like Fidel Castro? Cuba was granted their independence yet the embargo continues until they get rid of their leader?? and choose one we approve of??? Russia was Communist, China is Communist - we trade with them, we can visit these countries, why is it practically illegal to even visit Cuba? If it was so bad in Cuba, someone would have overthrown Castro a long time ago, just as Castro overthrew Batista. Fidel Castro offer to send help after Katrina hit New Orleans. I find that huge. Cuba wanted to help. And they were turned down. I find that sad, it might have been an opportunity to begin to change things between the US and Cuba.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

lee — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:32:46 GMT

People say people make or break a person,but I haven't seen or heard anything done.It's easier said than done.The people living in Cuba some have no choice to be there or live in the condition they do.Lots of people hear talk we'll kill destroy fix go back but I think once you are here in the confort of the USA you forget to do what you promised send money call ever week help in any way you can claim family when you came hear.One person can't do anything but all cuba we help castro so we can't help so forget about your family friends an people that dont have anyone to help them.Cubans here could of done something to help Cuba in their needs but no if we help we are bad people or stupid.USA can't and wont go to war with Cuba cuz I think they know that would be crazy.We have our loyal people that fight and protect us here in USA and Cuba has there's we die for our people and Country and so do they even if you think that castro has noone you would be amazed how many people would die or kill for him.So it's hard to see USA against Cuba cuz the fight would be bad.Then we are not thinking of our families friends nor our beautiful Island that can't take any type of hit.We can only hope an pray that one day it will come to an end and we can help an be free like hear in the USA.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Rosalinda, Houston Tx. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:33:26 GMT

Cubans can not miss something that they have never had, freedom and everything that goes along with the word.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jasper Anderson Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:39:49 GMT

One reason Cubans have been more successful in this country than say Mexicans is that Cuban refugees tended to be middle class and professional, as the Cuban revolution was a peasant revolution, whereas most Mexican immigrants tend to be poor, from peasant backgrounds.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

jose avila, Miami FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:41:13 GMT

Suouns like a lot of hatres and soreness around the horn. Are we doing this during working hours or just seated at home?. Unless you are rich, better start working towards a more productive way to spend your lives.

I am a proud Cuban-American, no like a bunch of you ignorant tunnel vision people.
Pepe from Miami(capital of Cuba)

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

mary frances orsini — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:42:15 GMT

First, I am amazed at the literacy level exhibited by most of the writers. Second, I am amazed at the stupidity of some of the statements. For example, "I take it by your name.....you are a Mexican American". Really??? Sanchez???Umn...check out its origin if you have the time.
Third, we all have opinions; some based on fact; some based on historical experience; some based on emotion. What has governed our policy has been hypocrisy and politics. Many of the very people thriving in Miami were responsible for Castro's assencion. But when reality hit, they cut and ran...into the arms of a welcoming government that bent over backwards to ensure their success. Yes, the Cubans in Miami have thrived and succeeded. However, despite the sad stores of professors working as janitors...while true in some cases...does not speak to the enormous benefits offered Cuban immigrants from low interest business loans to very low interest or free college tuitions programs. So give me a break that kept them in those "janitorial roles" for a short time. CASTRO is a convenient scapegoat for any politician that wants to carry Florida (closely followed by New Jersey and LA). The facts are: the US policy towards CUBA has FAILED. Had economic sanctions been lifted, the politicians would have you believe that benefits would have lined Castro's(the regimes's)pockets. Maybe yes and maybe no. Regardless, some benefits would have filtered downward to the populace and once a person tastes the fruits of economic freedom, there goes the card game. What's happening with China? how about Vietnam? UMH Looks, like those evil empires aren't so bad anymore. Give me a Break!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Tom Ventura, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:48:01 GMT

If there was a significant oil supply in Cuba, the U.S. would have waged a "war against communism" a long time ago. Our lack of involvement with Cuba comes down to the fact that we do not rely on Cuban exports for anything so who cares that an entire nation a few miles from our coastline lives under oppression. It's sad, but nonetheless true.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

R Johnson — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:52:41 GMT

We often give dictators more power when we go to great lengths to try and topple them. Our (our government, that is) embargos, funding of internal anti-establishment groups, and name-calling often result in the foreign citizen populations becoming defensive. The end result is that the foreign citizen populations rallying behind a leader that they might have despised under other circumstances. We should be fighting dictators as much as possible by letting money flow. Capitalism and the wealth that it can bring are hard to beat. By keeping wealth out of Cuba, we are not allowing the Cubans to taste what they are missing. Let any population taste prosperity and they'll soon be tossing those who wish to control it.

J. Sanchez, shame-shame. Looks like you're the most un-American of all. Many have died in battles past to obtain freedom of speech. Why do you spit on their graves and the Constitution?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

W.H. Lynn, Dallas, TX — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:52:42 GMT

I agree with J Sanchez, Arlington, TX 100%. People can't just come to this great country of ours and expect to automatically have the same "Constitutional" rights as do it's citizens. Sure, they may have "human" rights - but "NOT" Constitutional" rights. Those, despite what the ACLU and other life threatening groups think, and NOT one in the same. They think they automatically have our Constitutional rights as soon as they set foot on our soil but that is not true and there are laws to support it. Although a lot of liberals think they should. Well, all that does is nullifies the "Constitutional" rights of all the proud citizens of this great country and makes them totally meaningless. We become equal except we had to fight for to get that way. We can't go to any of their countries and expect the same thing so why should they come here and expect these rights from us? That makes so little sense that it would have to gain some sense to mean none at all.

I remember Chavez coming to this country not too long ago to address the UN (he really intended on addressing the people in this country) and calling President Bush “El Diablo” (The Devil) and walking away with a smile, along with that loser scum bag Danny Glover. Also, President Tom (from Iran) did the same thing. OK. Let's see what happens when someone goes to their toilet of a country and do the same thing. I “triple-dog dare you.” You will come back dead in multiple pieces - if you get to come back at all.

We are a free people with free thought. But that does not come without cost as all these illegals tend to think and all the liberals support. You have to want it, earn it, and above all - support it in time of need no matter what the cost. It has to be defended with life itself if required. Otherwise we will end up like the rest of the oppressed world (Mexico, Middle East, South America, Cuba, the list goes on). We will even lose the freedom to think freely like many other countries. You think like they tell you or you die for it. Not hard to understand and not a question for the “rocket scientist exam.”

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mimi, Bronx, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:55:58 GMT

J. Sanchez, Be easy guy your buggin, but then again Texas? BUSH? see the coinsidence hummm???
Raul??? why do you live in Miami????

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Grant, Honolulu, HI — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:59:53 GMT

It doesn't look like Fidel will be talked about in relation to running Cuba anymore. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2641844720070726
Once we get rid of our own dictator, then maybe some progress can be made for Cubans (and US).

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sheree, New York, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:07:41 GMT

Your comments seem to match the communist regime J Sanchez- "Either become one of us or get out!!!"

If you are an American citizen, you should know better than that.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

JIm Lund — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:09:35 GMT

John Doerr,

Economic Embargo, there was a reason behind this,not just to oppress the God fearing communist (oops my bad).Doesn't anyone remember"The Bay of Pigs", I know my dad does.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Guillermo, Hialeah, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:10:12 GMT

Vive Socialismo, Vive Castro, Bajo Yankee imperialism...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sheree, New York, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:10:44 GMT

And by the way J Sanchez- for the Americans that protest against the war- where do you suggest they go considering the lack of support against their own people?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Uncle Rice, Detroit. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:11:53 GMT

Fidel is a political boogy man here in the US. once the Castros are out of power, I expect the support for the embargo to colapse. Right or wrong, it seem the most practical way to dethrone this type of regime is to trade with it. Even the massive China is creeping in this direction.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Leida, Fort Lauderdale — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:15:22 GMT

I am also a second-generation Cuban American, and even a half-blood at that (Anglo mother). Growing up, I had to learn to straddle both cultures. I have had friends who speak outright against "all cubans" never knowing I am one. It was comforting to read the majority of these posts, with the few exceptions of Sanchez and Thomas.

Sanchez: You sound like CASTRO. Read up on Mariel. Look up the colloquial definition of "gusano". Translate some of his speeches. You two should get together for some tortillas and cigars one night, pendejo.

Those 90 miles of water have become somewhat of a modern day "Berlin Wall". There are many second-generations that wonder what our parents and grandparents will do if (big IF) the regime falls. The answer I received from my grandmother is this: "I have lived more than half of my life in this country. My family is here. My career. My LIFE is in America. Why would I go back to a country that wouldn't even recognize me?" For this alone, do not assume that all Cubans are clamoring to return.

IF the regime falls, I would like to see its people pick it back up themselves and not be gobbled up by the US like PR. The change will take years, if not decades. You are not only changing the political culture, but also the entrenched ideologies of its people. Instilling the concept of hard work = payoff is foreign to many of them used to knowing that the minimum will still guarantee a stipend. Remember, the ones here are primarily those families who were middle/upper-middle class citizens who had the resources to leave. What stayed were those who could not afford to leave, and who thought that the new regime would bring them opportunities to imrpove their lives - many never imagined the state they are in today.

If you all want to know what it is like to be a Cuban-American, watch "Cafe Con Leche". It is a wonderful documentary that shows you Cuban Miami, which by the way THOMAS, happen to be the most cleanly kept, least crime-ridden, proud, modest and honest parts of Miami. Next time you come do not assume that all of Miami is Cuban - LIBERTY CITY IS NOT CUBAN.

Amor y besitos por parte de una muchacha muy orgullosa de ser Americana y sobre todo, CUBANA-AMERICANA.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Officer Jive, Washington, DC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:16:40 GMT

Once the old fart dies, they shoudl drag him around with sunglasses on like in Weekend at Bernies. Or the Oscar-worthy Weekend at Bernies 2.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Chuck, Boston — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:23:47 GMT

For the people that are trying to pick apart J Sanchez's comments. Part of what he is saying is true. I'm tired of all the people coming to this country and taking everything that we hand them and then turning around and bad mouthing this country. If you don't like it here then go back where you came from. You should read the quotes from Theodore Roosevelt on Immigrants and being an American. http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/troosevelt.asp
He is probably rolling over in his grave.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mr. H., Covina, CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:25:46 GMT

To Mrs. H...since you're in Minnesota, i'm assuming you're aware of the fact that there are many areas of Minnesota that were founded by many recent immigrants to the United States who sought to form new communities with other settlers of similar ethnicities (e.g., New Ulm was founded by settlers who were originally from the Province of Wurttemberg, Germany, of which Ulm is the principal city). These early settlers sought to create ethnocentric conclaves where that were remniscent of their homelands.

Moreover, the early settlers of Minnesota were not alone in their desire to recreate some semblance of their old hometowns in their new hometowns. In fact, from the beginning of the settling of what would later become the United States, the early settlers would often remake their adopted homeland in the image of their homelands. The Jamestown colony, for example, was built in a fashion more reminiscent of a British town that it was of an Indian village. Additionally, the colonists tended to keep to themselves and maintained their old world ways, except when it came time to trade for needed goods with the locals.

Even after America was established and settled, as new waves of immigrants settled upon the shores and in the heartland of America, this process of keeping to one's ethnocentric group was reiterated ad infinitum. Hence, the development of ethnocentric burroughs in New York (which also was in part a result of the alienation of the immigrants by the already established communities), as well as the segregation of ethnic groups from one another in large cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.

The fact that the recent immigrants to the United States continue this pattern should not be a surprise nor an indication of their inability to assimilate. Nor should it be looked upon with scorn and derision. If anything, it just follows the early examples of the previous settlers and immigrants.

Furthermore, your assumption that generation after generation refuses to assimilate and integrate into the general social apparatus of the United States is erroneous. In fact, as a naturalized citizen who first set foot on American soil in 1984, I can serve as evidence that we do become integrated into the general mainstream culture--in spite of the fact that this culture often seeks to alienate or otherwise marginalize us as well as our families.

As for the lawsuits to allow the protestors to carry the flag of their native country, the protestors are merely expressing their right to free expression as well as their right to have their grievances heard in court as is granted to everyone in the United States under the Constitution of the United States of America. Additionally, the fact that they protested and brought suit in court actually undermines your argument that the immigrants refuse to assimilate to the cultural norms of the United States. If anything, these are two of the most cherished values of the American culture--two values that you will not find in every culture. Consequently, that the immigrants would protest to practice their Constitutionally protected right to free expression as well as their right to sue to guarantee themselves the right to freedom of expression is a clear indication that they are assimilating to American norms. The fact that you may fail to understand this fact does not make it any less valid.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Karolina Dembinska-Lemus — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:28:26 GMT

To J. Sanchez from Arlington, TX:

How can you say "If they don't support the US then they should leave. This goes for EVERYONE who calls themselves anything other than an "American"?"

So African-Americans shouldn't use that term? And neither should Native-Americans? The problem is that "American" for a lot of people equals "Caucasian". Adding a heritage adjective to your American identity is simply a way to honor your heritage, and not to deny it. The true genius of this country is its diversity. Why on earth would we all want to be the same? Calling yourself "Cuban-American" is not the same thing as calling yourself "Cuban". I would think that a Latino like yourself might be a little more aware of the identity and heritage nuances involved with self-naming. If you don't like being called "Hispanic-American", perhaps you should change your last name from Sanchez to Smith. Where are you going to draw the line? Give me a break.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Gideon Windermere, Annapolis, Maryland — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:30:13 GMT

I must take exception with Mr. Sanchez (who, judging by his surname, obviously came over on the Mayflower)and any who defend his radical views on what it means to be an American, or to live in America.

What makes America great is our Constitution, and the ideas conveyed within by our forefathers. It is that which "we" as "real" Americans hold dear. The "we" being those of us that appreciate and uphold the genius that is the US Constitution!

The Constitutions main objective is to guarantee and define our rights and liberties as citizens. It says nothing about picking and choosing any specific philosophies or ideas. It is universal. As much as I loathe the KKK (or any touting supremacy of their race, culture, etc), and as angry as I was on 9/11 watching Middle Easterners (some citizens, some not)living in the US celebrating in the streets the twin catastrophes in DC and NYC, I 100% support their right to do so, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Were the government to try to step in and censure them, I would fight to the death for their rights to do and say what the want. No matter how personally disgusting I may find their rhetoric or actions. Why? Because the US Constitution guarantees them the right to do so. And without our Constitution, and the rights and liberties it extends us, we are no different than Cuba, or the now defunct USSR. You may hate what another American may say or think, but it is your duty as an American to defend his/her right to say or think it. That's what makes you an American. I just wish the President and his ilk understood and upheld that philosophy and the clear views of our amazing Constitution. So before spouting off on what real Americans should do or think, ask yourself, "Would I fight to the death, for the rights of someone whose ideology I find offensive?" If not, perhaps you should be the one who needs to think about relocating to another country.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

SunnyinTulsa — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:30:20 GMT

Interesting to read those who say, if the Cubans want to be free - i.e. demoracy, they need to stand up and fight for their freedom. Do you believe that should also apply to, say - Iraq?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Nic, Vancouver, BC Canada — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:44:10 GMT

What exactly does "become one of us or get out" mean?What does specifically being American mean? Is the definition a free person entitled to work hard and prosper (legally), say what you feel and say it whenever you feel the need to say it? If so how is that different from what the Cuban -Americans, you referred to, are doing?
FUNNY!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Gabe, Miami Beach FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:47:18 GMT

To J Sanchez, Arlington, TX:

Do you really think that being American is about conforming to anything? Go check your history books!!
Us Cubans come from a country that didn't allow us to think for ourselves, that didn't allow us to ask for change. Do you really think we're going to shut up now? You really don't understand democracy. That's a shame

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Cory Gibson, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:56:39 GMT

I have to reiterate what John from Calgary said, its time to move on and embrace your neighbour. We in Canada sit in a very interesting situation being one of, if not the biggest trading partner with both the US and Cuba. We travel freely to Cuba to vacation as well as to the US. Even when our former PM, Pierre Trudeau past away, both Fidel Castro and Jimmy Carter were in the church for his funeral. If we can be friends both economically and socially, surely your two nations can find some common ground.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Frankie from Miami — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:56:41 GMT

The simple fact that Cubans who live on the island are not even allowed to use the internet to read a story like this should be enough to show what an oppressive regime they live in.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

An angry American — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:56:55 GMT

Fidel, like all the other dictators that this world has known, have claimed their power through armed aggression. He has a dubious distinction of holding power for quite awhile. Like the others, he has had a network of spies aand informants that have aided him in crushing all opposition to his regime. He chose the path his country would follow and no one dared to oppose it. He also had a part in having the U.S. impose the santions and embargos that were levied against his country. Not only did he impose a tyrannical rule but also rejected having any ties with the U.S. Yes, he bought Russian military equipment and had close ties with Russia during the early stages of his coming to power. It was perceived as a national threat to the U.S. because the Russians and the U.S. did not see eye to eye. Although the cold war has ended, Fidel has not relented his position nor given any indication of wanting to do business with us. I agree with some of you that the people should the country back and stop blaming the United States for all of their problems. Yes, it may be true that a lot of Cubans have been successful whils being in this country but, like all immigrants, has some that do deal in crime to make their living and prey upon the people in a different way. You Canadians that are so critical of our country and our leaders should not shoot off your mouths for something that you have no part or say about. If you have such great solutions to our problems, then you need to be living here and get involved in the process. Beings how you aren't living here or are involved in our processes, you have no business stirring things up with your cowardly cheap shots at our government. Canada chose to sit things out in Iraq and that tells me that you have no stomach for fighting terror but rather a penchant for embracing it. That's the trouble with this world and our Democrats. That have an opinion about an end but offer no real plan to get there. Don't start none, won't be none!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

DS, Kansas City — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:00:54 GMT

Miami's Cuban exile community is too close to the situation, and the rest of the U.S. just doesn't give a crap. The only exception is every four years when the Republican party goes to Calle Ocho to use and abuse the exiles' hatred of Fidel in order to gain political office. ("Jose from Tampa FL" is so right!!)

If the Cuban-American community were not so united on this issue, the electoral votes in Florida would be a lot more difficult to earn. You wouldn't see so much brown-nosing of the exile community by politicians. Truth is, the vast majority doesn't give a rat's ass, not Ronald Reagan, not George Bush I nor George Bush II. On the global stage, Cuba is irrelevant.

The only ones who really care about Cuba (other than Cuban families) are the those who want to lift the embargo for humanitarian and trade reasons -- hmmm, last time I checked, mainly Democrats, a few corporate execs and Hollywood types favored doing that. The hard-line Republican right definitely does not.

DS in Kansas City

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

jim koricki — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:05:39 GMT

As a Cuban born American citizen I am very critical of the shameful cuban exile community. they ran like cowards and left the beautiful country and their fellow citizens holding the hot p;otato. If 3 million cuban exiles, who have been bla bla blaing for 48 years sayng they were going to overthrow kastro would have stayed, perhaps he would not be there. the worse ones are the sick cuban politicians in exile.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John T. Fowler Jr. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:07:53 GMT

I just don't see why the U.S. Government has such a problem with Mr. Castro. He is not a saint but if I had to make the choice I would take living in Cuba any day over China. (China is just one example, and no I am not Chinese!) In Cuba there is good universal health care, people are adequately fed, etc. It amazes me how we can welcome Chinese trade with open arms, yet hold such hatred for a man that has probably done more good for his people than harm. From what I've seen for myself in about 19 countries I've visited and others I have read about, most people are not smart enough to govern themselves. I'm afraid that even rings true in the U.S. in a lot of cases. (Look who was put in the white house.) I plan to someday visit Cuba myself with or without the government's approval.(Oh, wait, I thought this was a free country!) Grow up people! Castro is probably the best thing that ever happened to Cuba and perhaps the so called politacal prisoners should have shut the hell up and quit trying to overthrow the government. I honestly believe if Castro were to fall that Cuba would be in much worse shape. One more rant. For God's sake people, please learn how to spell!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mark, Mokena, IL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:10:04 GMT

So oppressed people are able to stay alive without the country's tyrant exercising his rule while sick?

Only liberals would naively think that Cubans "need" their dictator to take care of them.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sam, Provo, Utah — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:15:51 GMT

Maybe now there are only two triumphs of Castro's revolution since medicine drops from the list--they can't cure Castro of an intestinal ailment so athletics and science are the only remaining trimphs. Of course, the three failures of the revolution are breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jack doe — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:15:55 GMT

The U.S. public doesn't realize that the Cuban people can't just organize and revolt. Castro's regime has been perfectly honed over the years to have absolute control on what the Cubans can do(and think). Every two blocks there is a "House of the (communist)Committee" whose sole job is to report the activities of the all people who live within view. People who are even suspected of counter revolutionary(i.e. Democratic) thoughts or activities are quickly reported. Castro's police quickly show up in the night, kick the door in and they are sent to jail. The next day there is a "trial" and those people are sent to prison for 20-25 years! Period!! That's the reality of Cuba. How can they overthrow power like that, they don't even have small weapons. What other country arrests it's citizens who try to flee in raths or boats? The Cuban people only have electricity and running water for a limited number of hours each day. They don't even have toilet paper, they use small scraps of newspaper to wipe.

The video depicting Castor as a successful anti-Batista reformer is just wrong!

The Cubans need help. Even if Castro dies his brother and nephews will stay the course, that way they continue to enrich themselves.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Houston,Texas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:16:17 GMT

To bad the Bay of Pigs Invasion turned out to
be a failure. Does anyone remember the "Cuban
Missle Crisis ?" Well I do.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Eric, Albany, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:24:40 GMT

A few posters seem to forget where they live and enjoy freedom. They also forget the price paid in blood to keep it that way over the years. They forget that tyrants speak words laced with sugar so people who are gullible will stand in defense of their atrocities.

Fidel wasn't just a face he was and still is the head of a military might entrenched in Cuba, dominating its people and economy, for profit. Make no mistake, his fortune is divided up by loyalty not need or social standing. There was a guy named Saddam just like him only worse, imagine that!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

JOSE AVILA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:30:45 GMT

To Mr Baxley from Alabama,

We are discussing life after castro and we don't care that you were unable to learn how to speak spanish and run from Miami(Hialeah) just like the cubans are running from castro.

People like you let themself being consumed by jealously, and hatres.

Castro was and is a reality wether we like it or not. You just stay back in your sweet home alabama, where the sky are so blue. LOOSER.

PEPE FROM MIAMI, CUBA

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

GRACIELLA FDEZ. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:39:35 GMT

THE CUBANS DO NOT KNOW ANY BETTER.... THE EMBARGO SHOULD BE LIFTED IN ORDER FOR THEM TO KNOW WHAT EXISTS IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD.... THE CASTRO'S ARE JUST USING THE EMBARGO AS AN EXCUSE!!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Laurie, Madison, WI — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:41:01 GMT

I'm so "proud" to be an American where I have to wait six months to get a "license" to visit my husband's family in Cuba, where we are only allowed to visit them every three years, where we can only send them $300 four times a year to help them out. Nice little made up rules, Bush. I'd like to see you go three years without seeing your precious daughters or parents. Thank you for preserving our family values and basic human rights. The only US president that I will ever respect is the one who puts a quick end to this foolishness. Though it's a miracle Bush has lasted two terms, I'd love to see him last 40 years. Hmmmm....

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

J. Reyes — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:41:09 GMT

Viva el Comandante, CHE and the Bolivarian Revolution!
There are many Central American countries whose governments are with the U.S. and who's people's standard of living is inferior to that of Cubans. In fact, many of those governments have committed hideous atrocities, killing hundreds of thousands of their own people under the clout of fighting communism and keeping Washington happy. Yet, no one here seems to care and refer to those people who are now fleeing financial oppression from those areas as illegal aliens and want them shipped back. At least Fidel had the intestinal fortitude to do something different, free from U.S. tutelage. Other leaders just cave in and sell out when ever pressure is applied from the North. Fidel's biggest sin is to stand up to the Yankees.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Brian Moore — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:41:25 GMT

Oh please, what a bunch of BS. Crap hyping capitalsim which clearly is more failed than communism, although the answer like all things lies in the middle. Didn't mention that Cuba has less poverty than the U.S., has a lower rate of aids, has much less crime, $75 bucks in Cuba per month is equal to about $5000 in the U.S. considering the absurdity of the monopolized pricing here in this so-called "free market" economy. It's only free for the super wealthy.

The world needs to start over. Limit people's incomes and everyone could live like a millionaire would. Once your personal wealth reaches 100 million you should have to disperse anything additional to the poorest folks in your community. That's the Christian way as Jesus wanted.

Begin the class wars!! Down with the Repulicans and Democrats (nothing but sell outs and cowards) and up with great leaders like Fidel was and Hugo Chavez is!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Alvin ,Barbados — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:43:40 GMT

Every master has an apprentice and its a poor apprentice who does not surpass his master.

I'm sure Fidel has an apprentice.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

chuck, tempe, az — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:44:20 GMT

let cuba be cuba. we never learn.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Brian Moore — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:46:20 GMT

Sam Alvarez....Cuba is communist, America is facist. Communism serves community, Facism serves the wealthy...you need to educate yourself and not believe the propaganda that is the U.S. Media...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Holly, Kihei, Hawaii — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:48:11 GMT

As usual, the unqualified to comment are the ones who scream loudest. Which of us really knows what life in Cuba has been like for the last 50 years if we've never been there? Of course Castro is a despot. This, we do know. But we don't see Cuba invading other countries for oil money, do we? Maybe Castro would have if he'd had the resources, but they don't, so the point is moot. I've always wanted to visit Cuba and think the whole economic embargo was political claptrap that has been around so long that nobody wants to go down in history as the one who lifted it. I hope for the best for all Cubans, as well as everyone else in the world, and wish this government, which considers itself God's right hand, would get over itself and realize the damage it's done to this country and the rest of the world. Love it or leave it, you say? Well, we may do just that. I've never known a better time to become an ex-pat than now. Thanks, Bush et al.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Veronica — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:00:18 GMT

Castro has brought fear into all Cubans, and I must say that two is greater than one. Casualties and deaths have been since he began his reign of terror, in my opinion the people of Cuba should have stood and fought, then at least those lost souls would have not died in vein. If you want to persecute me for my opionion that is fine, but remember it is mine and mine alone, without war you cannot have peace. Before any of you say something about that comment, I've been there, have you.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Eva, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:04:54 GMT

I'm almost w/you on Castro, Kristen 'cos you got good points! We've got to give Castro some credit but otherwise, he was once untouchable scoundrel who the Soviet Kremlin protected. What we think has long cease to exist, these days Russians have their own assissins who go anywhere in the world & take out their targets! So wonder if the CIA's a bit intiminated by them 'cos the US never mentions Putin's ex-KGB hit men like the UK does - wonder why that is - 'cos Bush saw Putin's soul in his eyes?;)))

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dusty, Orlando, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:05:14 GMT

Just came back from Cuba last week after traveling there on a humanitarian license from our own government. Cuba is still a beautiful country, mainly because of it's people. Castro was and is one of the most cruel, conniving, hypocritical national leaders of all history. When his health failed, he sent to Spain for a doctor, medications, support. His own people can see a doctor for free but a doctor that has little or no diagnostic instruments and even less opportunity to medications relevant to that condition. Food is scarce, electricity is sketchy, public safety nominal outside the tourist areas, public transportation almost nonexistent. Communism is a terrible system that takes the ambition out of its youth and creates an elitist group of power mongers that preach one thing, live another. The embargo hasn't hurt the government of Cuba, just the common people. We need to reach out to this island nation now regardless of what happens to Dumb or Dumber.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

David,Ripley,WV — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:05:41 GMT

Kristen,Japan was a small island,remember.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

rebel123 — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:09:08 GMT

Oh please....get over the whole "Cuba and Castro are a threat to the US" thing. When the Soviet Union was behind them, sure. Once that ended, Cuba is a tiny country with limited resources and no nuclear arsenal or even strong enough military presence to be of any threat to the United States. We have a relationship with China, but we still embargo Cuba. Talk about stupid foreign policy. And for those Cubanos who are waiting for us to overthrow Castro so they can go back home.....GIVE IT UP ALREADY! Clearly something is working right for Castro to have stayed in power as long as he has.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Debbie, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:11:00 GMT

I support communism in theory, just not in practice. In theory, people should be able to choose to live together in a communal environment, each providing what they feel they can, and each taking what they feel they need. The group should be able to set rules for the giving and taking and kick people out of the group who are not participating fairly. However, the group should never, ever, ever, ever be able to force through threat of bodily harm the participation. And they should never, ever, ever be able to prevent people from leaving the group and traveling to another country. Castro's version of communism does both of these.

Communism does not raise the average standard of living as high as capitalism. This is obvious by a comparison of the small towns outside of Havana to those outside of Miami. "Average" people one hour from Havana do not have bathroom tissue. "Poor" people one our from Miami have X-boxes and name brand sneakers.

Admittedly, there are values other than financial and a communal way of life may provide those values. Citizens should be allowed to choose that way of life and those values. But should never be forced. And the problem Castro would encounter if he did not force his citizens to live that way is that most (not all, but most) of his best, brightest, and most ambitious would choose to leave that economic system. He can't afford to lose that segment of the population, so he must force them to stay and participate against their will.

In forcing them, he has imprisioned people and even killed them. Not because they were a physical threat to another human being, but because they were a threat to his economic system. That is not something I can condone. While I do not believe that my tax dollars should be spent to depose him on these grounds alone, I do hope he dies a very painful death. I hear that intestinal problems can be quite uncomfortable and I hope that is the case for him. It would be icing on the cake for him to hang around even longer, and for his country to convert to a more capitalistic system, and for him to be too weak to do anything other than lie in bed and listen to what he would think of as the bad news.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

oh please — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:11:24 GMT

What goes on in Cuba is nothing different then what goes on here in the states, only difference is we are kept blinded by the media. And as for Castro, I give him great amount of respect, because if anyone would go back in the history book and I dont mean AMERICAN history books you will find out the good he did for his country. Keep in mind, I am an Afrikan Amerikan the same propaganda that they use to define who we were (for example: uncivilized) at that time a lot of "Americans" believed it. So it's the same propaganda being in use to describe Castro. The "TRUTH IS IN THE BOOKS, NOT THE MEDIA". WAKE UP AMERICA

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Bob Malone, Washington, DC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:11:56 GMT

These negative comments reflect the typically biased news coverage on the subject of Cuba. However, this article is more honest.
Every nation in the world has normal political and economic relations with Cuba. The reason the U.S. does not is due to the electoral system for electing the President. As we saw in 2000 it is not the candidate who wins the popular vote but the electoral vote who wins. Florida (again, remember 2000)represents a big haul of electoral votes and the anti-Fidel/Revolution crowd in Miami represents a big portion of the Florida electorate. So all the politicians play up to them.
The Miami folks dream of returning to a Cuba that permitted people, including the Mafia, to get fabulously rich off the backs of the majority of Cubans. True, there are things to criticize about revolutionary Cuba. But it is far better than what it replaced and has provided all Cubans with the basic necessities of life, while in every other Latin American nation there are many (sometimes it is a majority) who are desperately poor. The economic status of Cubans should not be compared to North America but to the rest of Latin America.
Read a little more widely than the mainstream media and you will develope a different idea of contemporary Cuba.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mike central ga — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:14:58 GMT

Cuba had Castro, and WE have Bush, seems as tho they have the better of 2 evils................

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Stefan Misic — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:20:56 GMT

"It is a shame an ordinary layman cannot visit Cuba and tour without fear of being seen as a spy and that a Cuban cannot talk to the ordinary layman freely without fear of retribution for frankness about the conditions of the country."
Les Calvert, Des Moines, Iowa
I don't know where you got that information from Mr. Calvert? I visited Cuba several times in the past as a tourist I talk to many Cubans and no one accused me of being spy and no one who talk to me didi't go to jail. But I can tell you one thing I did have better time in Havana than in Miami.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Laura, Vancouver, BC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:27:19 GMT

"not on the side of democracy"
and America is? look who you voted into power?
i don't get how the southern states, some of the poorest people in the country can vote for a republican leade. shows how brainwashed the country is.
everyone hates Castro and they don't even know why, yet they are lead by a joke for a leader who is so corrupt that he can't even get called out for his corruption

-AMEN! FINALLY someone who makes some darn sense! Bush is a corrupt, evil war-monger....Americans shouldn't be focussing on what's going on in Cuba, they should be focussing on how to gain the respect of the rest of the world back....

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Vanessa, L.A., CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:28:59 GMT

Some of the comments written here can only be judge one way.... Ridiculous. Yes, this country is based on the idea that everyone has the right to their own opinion. I hate to break it to you, but that includes J. Sanchez. It seems to me that the people atacking him/her are doing exactly what they are accusing him of doing. Either believe the same things they believe or shut up. Get over yourselves people!!!! Besides that... The ELEMENTARY comment that "the only real American is a Native American" is completly a show of overreaction. "Native Americans" themselves are not American, if you want to get technical, because they each belong to their own tribe. This country was formed, not discovered, by an array of people. It was brought together and made into a union for all to enjoy as a whole. Prior to that it was free land with openness and seperation. There is no reason for the US to get rid of Castro. It is his country until he dies and his actions don't effect us. Until they do, Cubans will continue to enter THIS country and seek asylum. And that is something we all have to live with.... even J. Sanchez. But I will give Mr. Sanchez one thing.... Those that come here, chose to come here or were brought by someone who was respondsible for their being. He is right to say that if you choose to come to this country you should accept and respect the laws. if you do not like the way things are done here, then leave!!!! Go to Venelzuela or Peru. Go someone that is more to your liking! There is no one forcing you to stay here, just as there is no one forcing us to pretend it would make a difference. I AM AN IMMIGRANT. A person who legally entered this country and is now grouped with people that have enterred ilegally and by doing so, have broken the law. And you know what, THAT SUCKS!!!!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jesus, Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:31:49 GMT

The end is near for Fidel Castro!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Monique, Pasadena, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:33:35 GMT

J Sanchez,

How dare you? As an American you have every right to question or disagree with what the government is doing - we don't have to support the government for what we believe to be wrong doing! We are supposed to be the democracy not the communist!

If you left your family and home for another, and the new family that you joined began to wrong/hurt your birth family would you let it go and not protest it - would you turn your back on the people and place that you loved and simply conform to something that you know is wrong?

Maybe you are right though, with the current adminstration and "red blooded" Americans such as yourself - it does seem to be pretty un-American to care about human rights, about being fare, and about doing the right thing. It seems to me that allot of people such as yourself (and the other bigots that showed their asses on this blog) have forgotten the principles that this "great" nation was built on.... MAYBE YOU SHOULD ALL LEAVE!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sibella, California — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:44:17 GMT

Jason, a true American, the only way to defend is to attack. Did you read up on communism yet?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

ron blevins,fort worth,tx — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:45:51 GMT

is a shame we as americans dont feel the same way about the mexicans flooding in to our country as we do about cubans.we have punished the people of cuba long enough(50)years.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Scott, San Diego, Ca — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:07:51 GMT

It is truly amazing to read all these comments. What's painful is to read comments by people with limited or no factual data to base their positions on.
First off, Fidel Castro (however corrupt) started off with backing from the Us in order to keep the Batista Party out of power. Then when in power Fidel Castro moved from nationalism to socialism. Because America wanting to control things around her boarders as well as "pushing/presenting" Democracy to others - Castro’s' Cuba became a threat in a Cold War error. USSR's history with socialism turned Communism met with Castro & began to support Fidel. This was no more evident than the "Cuban Missile Crisis". America not wanting to deal with a possible world war left fighting Cubans [Mr. Cliff Morris & Mr. Dougblas Thomas & D Jaxon] for dead as Fidel ambushed the beach & killed many of them. Check your history for the ‘Bay of Pigs’. Kennedy sent them to slaughter when he pulled his support of the rebellion. It doesn't matter why. The US could have over thrown Castro, but we failed the people of Cuba.
As for Mr. J. Sanchez, please get a book & stand in the corner at the back of the class! If you were to have done your research like Carolina Calzada you would have known that of any ethnic culture that came to the U.S. Cubans have become American in all aspects. They have stayed true to their culture; there history - but they indeed are Americans. They have followed the Italian-Americans, Irish-Americans, Jewish-Americans, African-Americans, etc.... Since your last name is Sanchez, backed by your location I submit to you that when you come to America you learn English to become part of America, but that doesn't mean you leave your food, music, language, art & culture behind. These things are what make America - America! America has certain laws, so follow them; we have a language - so use it. We have a constitution abide by it. Just don't come to America if you don't want to be American! If that is so stay where you are. If you don't want to become part of our woven fiber - then stay away. This is the problem in Southern California, where new age illegal Mexicans want to turn San Diego & Los Angeles into Mexico rather than become Mexican-American. Mr. Sanchez, you can now come out of the corner.
Now for Sibella, & Mr. John Doerr, lets’ go to government 101. America believes in Democracy, a government by the people & for the people. I n the last 8 years this is not something that has happened. We know that lobbyist target our statesmen & stateswomen. Our political parties are no longer democrat & republican. It is no more blue & grey than the rainbow is black & white. We no longer have a cut & dry position in any party. We have a president that our democratic congress is trying to oust, but they have no legal room to do it, because no matter what he does, Bush has the powers of office to support his moves & as long as he stays with in them no body can do anything. George Bush our president will not be pushed by anyone & he will always make up his own mind. Is he a true republican? – NO! What about Hillary Clinton? She plays both sides against the middle. The woman waves back & forth like ocean water. The only thing she knows is how to play the game. And she does that very well! Democracy & Capitalism will always have one problem: Somebody will always be on top. Just look our Democrats want to raise the minimum wage. How does that help? Somebody please do the math. If we raise min wage & the cost of living is still high or rises we gain nothing, but we lose businesses that can’t afford to pay people that much. So those businesses raise their prices & guess what… the cost of living goes up. And this is what the Democrat party wants? Would I want to live anywhere else – NO, but politically America is coming unwound very quickly. When the war on terrorism looks like the Vietnam Conflict [Yes Conflict Congress never declared war] we have a problem! Now as for Communism, it’s a good idea if it was done correctly. You know all of that working together, everybody gets a share, and nobody’s left behind, everybody taken care of stuff. Problem is that just like Democracy – somebody is always on top. Somebody is always stuck beneath. Would I want to live anywhere but the US? NO! Do we still have more freedom in the US? YES! There is no way that communism would beat out Democracy & there is no way that democracy will ever live up to its purpose. Human nature will not allow it! Capitalism conflicts with every other governmental form. Sibella, Communism is not all that when you look at its actual implementation & oversight. Before the coffee & the sugarcane, the mob moved into Cuba to turn it into another Atlantic City & Las Vegas. Even if we did take it over it would be a property & vacation coup de tat.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Tom Jones Sydney Australia — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:15:51 GMT

If you consider the quarrels Cuba has had with other countries in the past fifty years and compare this with the quarrels the U.S. has had in the same timeframe I think you can identify the cause of the problem . . .

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Roxanne M Elko,NV — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:24:20 GMT

Immigration is how the United States has become what it is. BUT immigration WAS coming in legally following the rules and laws set up, learning English and becoming American. That didn't mean that you gave up your culture or history of your native land. It just meant that it was important to learned the rules and the language. The immigration problem that we have on our hands now, is because immigrants aren't following the rules anymore.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

C.Y. Hunter Eagle Point OR — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:30:40 GMT

To Robert Riley of Portland OR
Well spoken & Amen.
America is a continent - not a country - and was occupied North and South by true Americans before the European invasion. C.Y. Hunter Medford OR

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Andy, Boone, NC — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:30:57 GMT

What are you talking about? What country are you from? Democracy is not conformity. I hope you are alone in your disturbing views, but I fear that there are more conformists just like you. Baaah.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Fred Aragon, Miami, FL — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:35:28 GMT

As an American of Cuban dissent, I believe all Americans should look at Cuba as a tragedy. It has never had a government that concerned itself with the interest of its people. And yet for 50 years after its independence from Spain, in spite of the corrupt governments its had, its prosperity rivaled that of the United States. But for the last 50 years, b/c of Castro and his supporters it has destroyed itself. I always wonder what could have been had its people not been so visceral towards one another, and so disillusioned that an opportunistic thug like Castro could seize power. I hope that when he's gone, somehow the next 50 years will bring Cuba, at last, a democratic government "for the people, by the people, and of the people." Viva Cuba!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Carlos New York, NY — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:35:50 GMT

Well isn't America Great? Just reading all these different points of view is proof of that. I will now deliver my Opinion. I believe the Cuban people should be in the fore front of any movment to change the goverment.If a communist goverment can fail in The Soviet Union, once the second most powerful nation on earth. What's keeping the Cuban people from changing their system ?????

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

mpayan — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:42:19 GMT

Out of all this mess of opinions, one or two grains of truth were gathered. Mr. Fidel Castro is either a very lucky fool, or a very good strategist. I think maybe he worked out a secret deal with the U.S. government a long time ago so that he could be left alone to run his tiny kingdom. Or, who knows? maybe he is hiding some mighty powerful weapon that could be triggered just in case of The U.S. would attack Cuba. But why? The Chinese are Communist and I don't see the U.S. or anyone else attacking them. Of course the U.S. could have blown Cuba to smitherings a long time ago. Maybe Cuba's foster dad (Russia) was a powerful deterrent too. Whatever the reason, it is probably beyond our knowledge to find out.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Tired of giving money to Morons — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:43:09 GMT

Don't think we a Canadian telling us who to elct as our leaders.Any place that can't even get you proper medical care (don't care if it is free),is a third world burden on the American economy...note to Canada...if you don't like America,stop taking all the money we give each year,and better than that,how about you pay back even the interest you owe us.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jeb, Springfield, MO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:47:41 GMT

I visited Cuba in 1959 as a tourist. The people were fed up with Batista and his moral and financial corruption. Havana was a wide open city with mafia ties and the U.S. owned most of the island's businesses and industry. It's no wonder Cubanos welcomed Castro with open arms. All he had to do was promise a better life for the average person.
It's tragic that he turned out to be worse than expected and his Communist dream was a nightmare for the people. One of the reasons Americans have had 5 presidents since then is that they don't put up with the kind of abuse the Cubans have. They change leadership hoping for a better tomorrow. Don't say you can't do this under a repressive and dictatorial regime. You did it in 1959! You will never have a better chance than now. Your grandchildren will sing songs in school of your bravery and love of country.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Doe {NY city} — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:49:01 GMT

If we as Foreingners, 'Who made it to the uniteded states ahead of others, think that we should be judge and Jury of the World then that makes us As guilty As Fidel castro.He is A dictator and so are WE, we prevent the cubans from triving just as he did.if you Think you are free travel to jermany and see how fast the FBI shows up At your Door, just as they did to my cousin after visiting his sister at the Us base in Jermany, during her break from service in IRAQ. you too Are not allowed to travel to Cuba is that your Choice?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Isabelle, Miami, Fl — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:56:26 GMT

Ines Chirino, did a Cuban do something to you personally for you to say such ignorant and bile things against my people? No people deserve to suffer the way the Cubans have suffered and for those of you that think Communism is a Utopia, surely you have never had to live in a real communist country. It's easy to say you're a communist when you live in this democracy and all you know about communism is what you've read in books. So for those of you that live in this country and want to call yourselfs communist, you go live in Cuba for a year as a true communist and lets see how quickly you change your point of view!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dorothy,Seattle,WA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:59:11 GMT

Where else but in the Greatest Nation in the World; that people can bitch and whine about it's Government, it's domestic and foreighn policy, and live to see the next light of day!!!!
May you all remember that Freedom is not Free until someone is willing to die for it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

LDC, Florida — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:01:44 GMT

Kristen, it's not Fidel's business, it's the business of 11 million people on the island who live under tyrranny with no political, personal,or religious freedom living under despicable conditions.

And Mary Murray, your bias is so transparent. You mention that longtime observers and Western diplomats "fear" and "worry" about Castro's prolonged abscence and political instability. Shouldn't those words be "hope" and "wish"?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dan, Seattle, WA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:04:08 GMT

I look at most of the posts and recognize the arrogance specific to the citizens of an empire, because that's what USA is. As a former citizen of a small country constantly f-ed by Soviet Union, who believed we should have been their 16-th republic, I admire Cubans' desire to preserve their identity. That's exactly what Castro & Co capitalized on and the American ignorance and arrogance played against it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

(Dmitry, Pittsburgh, PA) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:10:21 GMT

George Washington of Arlington: No offense, but do you have any idea how the economy works? I also some elderly person once with a bumper sticker reading: "Be American, Buy American." Do you realize that American products are sold overseas also? And if they were not, our economy and way of life would suffer? Why? If we only purchase American products, regardless of quality, from where would the pressure come on American companies to innovate and improve? A competitive home market is the first step to a competitive international market, and if our cars are of poor quality, they will not sell overseas either, and our economy will suffer and be outdone by other economies in ALL aspects, not just like we are being outdone internationally in the automobile sector.

That is how economy works. The BEST products are the ones that sell. By buying inferior American automobiles (there are some decent ones, but in general), you let our auto companies fall back on a "loyal American base" that will "buy American" no matter what... So they will be less inclined to improve their automobiles and eventually, we will make automobiles worse than China (if everyone actually bought only American).

It's people like you that I don't get. Probably Republican, probably ready to vote for a candidate that supports free trade and globalization, and in the same tune ready to buy only American. What if all countries bought only products from their own country? And where would we get all our "buy American" oil?

Our economy suffers exactly because of people like you, who will buy inferior products, lessening pressure to innovate and to open up new jobs and opportunities while doing so.

You are just very wrong. I am an economics major and this was one of our "socio-economic" issues discussed in some of the introductory courses. Attitudes like yours can lead to a extremely brief hike in the local economy, before the effect of the declination of national products sets in and our globally-integrated economy starts to falter.

Trade with other countries ALWAYS improves an economy in this global era. Remember, buying the BEST product in terms of its value/quality combination rating is the essence of how the modern market works and is very American, as this is how our markets operate.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

T, Seattle, WA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:11:00 GMT

My boyfriend left Cuba 12 years ago for a better life. In Cuba, he practiced as a Family Physician and making the equivelant of $3 a month. The people that have wnet dto Cuba for a holiday have no idea that Cubans are forbbidden to speak to them. He has told me several times of how his family only received real meat only three times a year. Not including fish. At age 8, he was required to work on a banana plantation before school.
Not to long ago, we had called to this brothers and mother, who still live in Cuba. He brother asked when he would be back to visit, my boyfriend replied "When the horse dies." (Note: Cubans that don't like Castro...and there are a lot of them, call Castro the horse.) The phone was disconnected.
So before we all start speaking of the Cuba people, we really don't know what they are going through until we have seen it.
My boyfriend hopes that someday, Castro will go away and the Cuba people will be able to live as free as we do.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

GREG KILROVE — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:12:20 GMT

It seems to be that Cuban society is far more advanced than the crumbling american empire.
VIVA FIDEL!!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dmitry (Pittsburgh, PA) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:23:16 GMT

Roger from Phoenix: Actually, if you look up the quality of life index, countries like France, Canada, Sweden, and Norway, all obviously socialist/communist/evil regimes, are rated higher than our country. This is why it is my duty, as an American, to not move to those countries (and why should I have to? You move!) and vote in a new, more liberal president. So once again, like Sanchez before you, you have a misconception about America. America is a country of diversity and, more importantly, individuality, so what you believe about America is automatically no more correct or incorrect that what any other individual believes about America. I happen to hope that our country becomes MORE like Canada and France, and I am staying in America and using my American rights to fight for this. Deal with it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

B Becker, Overland Park, Kansas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:28:09 GMT

Ed Perlicz's posting is spot-on; couldn't have said it better myself. Also true is the fact that Cuba has nothing of value (read: OIL) and thus the US had no incentive to initiate a "regime change" after the Bay Of Pigs debacle. Once the USSR pulled out, all Cuba represented was votes from Cuban ex-pats.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Jeff C - Temecula, Ca — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:29:01 GMT

Hey Sibella,

It is that type of self flaggalation that is putting us in the spot we are in now. You think America is responsible for all the bad in the world and if we would just put the world on our shoulders everyone would be happy. As far the the "true communism" comment, my God. Hav you read Animal Farm? You probably listen to John Lennon records all day. Communism works if EVERYBODY shares. The problem is that power makes people change. Do you think Castro lives on 60 per month? What a dreamer. Wake up and start appreciating where you live. You want a good example of American effort? Read up on North/South Korea and see which system works and which does not. North Koreans eat tree bark. Ahhh...the ignorance of youth....

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Joel, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Florida — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:34:47 GMT

To me: the Cuban people are too gutless to overthrow this piece of human garbage. Catro simply shows the worst aspects of the Hispanic population. The new arrivals from Latin America are too lazy to learn to speak English and are a huge burden to our society as are many Cubans living in Florida. Miami is not that great of a city (high crime rate) because of the lawlessness of many Hispanics living there.
Dougblas Thomas

Mr. Thomas,
Obviously you don't live "there". I wonder what you would have said 30 years ago when the "lawlessness" was influenced by the mob. I live here in Florida and can tell you and anyone else that Cubans if anything are very conservative, hospitable, proper people. Hard working and resourceful. I am what you would call a white american of european decent. Your broad message of prejudice is noted, you may go back to listening to Rush Limbaugh now.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Grimes, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:34:59 GMT

You know, the only thing that I can't figure out is how this man is considered such a hero by liberals in this country when he has done nothing since taking power but continually drive his country into the ground. Th abject poverty of Cuba and virtually every othe communist country on the planet is the only consistent result of a socialist government. Nearly every communist or socialist country existing today has a standard of living well below that of the rest of the world. Malnutrition, skyrocketing infant mortality rates, abismal educational levels and economies which are depressing even by third world standards are the norms in many of them. On the other hand, democratic, free-market societies the world over thrive. The lower class in these countries would be considered middle or even upper middle class in most communist countries. So if democracy and elected government seems to go hand-in-hand with higher standards of living, why is it a good thing that countries like Cuba are subjected to communist dictatorships? And if socialism is so popular with the people, why are the leaders of these countries always dictators? Why don't they try an election or two and see how popular socialism and communism really are with the masses? If you think Bush is bad for the country, good news. He can only run it as long as we elect him and even then only for eight years. Dictators can stay in power as long as they control the military and are willing to supress rebellion against them by any means necessary.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Kenny Benitez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:37:10 GMT

This is probably a step forward to enlighten others in the world to understand that we do not need authorities to tell us what to do and how we should live our lives in this world. If we are as intelligent as we claim to be we will always find a way to survive without a leader or government. We should depend on ourselves to get things done, are we really going to admit that we are not capable of handling our own problems? If that was the case then how do we handle our own lives if we can not handle our own issues? Why have others speak for you when you have a mouth? The people in Cuba is maybe in its first stages of civil disobedience (Which would allow the people to make the decisions for the good of everyone, not just the authorities and their false ballots!)

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Grimes, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:40:19 GMT

I love the way all these Canadians are telling the U.S. what to do in their foreign policy. But I love it even more that WHAT they are telling us to do is to "stop telling other countries what to do". Canada is lucky that the U.S. is it's only neighbor. Otherwise, without the U.S. and Mother England to babysit them, they might actually have to conduct their own foreign policy. Big talk from a nation that can rely on others to do their dirty work for them.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sanchez, San Francisco — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:42:41 GMT

Would Cubans be better off living in the pre-Castro era? Havana was the Americans brothel .A Cubans daughter future was to be a prostitute; his son would be a hit man for the mafia. Castro changed all that; but, of course those Cubans who enjoyed their financial richness left, and now their mansions were converted in FREE schools and FREE hospitals for all the courageous Cubans that decided to stay and live their own way, as they chose. The USA should not only stop the embargo, which prohibits even medicines from entering Cuba, which is a humans right crime; but, it also must return Guantanamo to their owners.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

linda marie sioux city iowa — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:46:59 GMT

i am in love with a cuban man. i have a granddaughter that is half cuban. i met some cuban people and it opened up a whole new world for me. i love miami and i can't wait to get back there. it is too bad U.S. didn't keep cuba as a state as we did Puerto Rico. i would like to see cuba free soon and very soon.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Stan in Texas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:51:09 GMT

We need a police force that will specialize in immigration extraction to remove all the illegal aliens from the country, and then give huge fines to the companies where they worked so that they will be out of business as an example to others.
Immigrants from the past which passed through Ellis Island were given English testing as well as medical exams before consideration for entry. Do not forget this the next time you talk about a nation of immigrants. The native americans forfeited the land to the US as war repairations from the french indian wars, so that statement is absurd at best.
The next time Mexicans complain about being hasseled about the immigration policies here, think about the ones for Guatamalans that are shot on sight at the southern Mexican border. What about those poor people. Immigration should station themselves at the public services buildings and hospitals to catch the illegals that go there for social services. These criminals are not hard to find, but the country has to be just willing to do it. This is hte only country in the western hemisphere that does not have permanent professional immigration police patrolling the interior of the country. We need them.. badly!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Newton, Newton Iowa — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:54:06 GMT

I guess these Miami Cubans want to see the cuban economy revert back to the good old days where graft, corruption, greed and privelege for the few ruled the day. You lost the war to revolutionaries with a vision for a better cuba for all cubans and not just a greedy few. Get over it. Castro is not lamenting the loss people bent on his overthrow. He has offered to send thousands of Doctors to the US to help the Katrina victims, and the US refused this needed medical help and opted to allow US citizens to die due to lack of medical attention. Get off of your high horse and get out of the Peter Pan WOrld of make believe some of you are livng in.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, Wisconsin — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:54:44 GMT

The situation in Cuba will slowly change to allow free trade between them and the USA. When that happens, capitalism will win them over. That is the main reason Fidel doesn't want to trade with us. Yes we have an embargo, but he won't trade with us either. There is a reason for it. We had a chance to have him in our corner when he came to the UN back in the 50s, but we shunned him, so he turned around and started talking to the Soviets. They were more than happy to help keep his people down.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Chris, Temecula CA — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:56:09 GMT

Canadians, shut up, you are America's hat. Cubans, if you want your country back, go take it. No one is going to just give it back to you. Right-wing nuts, one word, valium, great for anxiety. Cuba does not have the ability to confront us. They never have and they never will. So, stop trying to create a tempest in a teapot. Libs, get over yourselves, stop looking for a babysitter to wipe your nose for you and take care of yourselves. Mind your own business, and no one will have to mind it for you. Welcome to everyone that wants to come here legally, work hard, and make themselves better. Cubans seem to be adjusting just fine here kudos to them.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Minority — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:57:44 GMT

It is so funny what is considered American and what is considered unAmerican..and WHO is considered American and unAmerican...you people are hilarious

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Rodolfo, San Antonio, Texas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:05:08 GMT

Re: Carl, Mario, Jack, and Lyle; Batista Dictatorship.

Imagine if George Washington and the Americans had run away back to Europe instead of confronting the British royals - No free United States of America.

Imagine if Queen Isabelle and King Ferdinand of Castilla had retreated to France and not faced down the Moors - No Spain as we know it.

Imagine French occupied Algeria had the Algerian(Arab)freedom fighters fleed to the Atlas Mountains or to Egypt and not fought the French from the end of World War II through the sixties in one of the bloodiest freemdom struggles of the twentieth century - No free Algeria.

Imagine Cuba in post Spanish-American War periods of dictatorship after dictatorship up to the Batista period if Fidel Castro had fled to the USA or Mexico or Argentina or Spain(his father was a doctor,he was university educated as a doctor) - No free Cuba, if only for a brief while and then morphing from one dictatorship into another. But, he risked his life for it.

Fast forward past the Castro Cuban revolution into the new dictatorship. Now imagine Cuba if the middle class, educated, financially solvent and internationally connected Cubans had formed a counter revolution risking it all to continue their new found freedom, instead of fleeing to Mexico, the USA, Spain, Argentina - CUBA LIBRE. We cannot judge these expatriate Cubans; we were not there - We can only imagine.

We may despise Castro for turning his back on freedom, but history will give him his due for having freed his country from a vial, corrupt, fuedal government which had sold the Cuban soul and its masses to the world multi nationals, the Mafia, and anyone else who would put money on Batista's table.

He could have been one of the Western Hemisphere's! greats.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, Wisconsin — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:07:19 GMT

Oil has been found in substantial amounts in Cuban waters within the past year or so. For those that think we won't go there because there is no oil can now be rest assured that we will be there within the next 5 years. Castro can not fight against the oil companies because he's too old and if his brother fights them, he is too foolish.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dan Rathernot, Miami — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:08:15 GMT

Someday Castro will be gone and the world a better place, until then we have to put up with the crap that exiled Cubans are giving us, we can't ship them back to that hell hole. It would be nice however that once Castro is gone that all the exiles go back to Cuba and take all their subsequent generations with them.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

T. Schwab, Elmore, Ohio — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:09:29 GMT

Why did Castro come into power....could it be rich Americans and the mafia were using there country as a playground for debauchery, gambling and prostitution. So communism looked a whole lot better then a corrupt democracy, at least with communism people could get some self respect back. But like so much in life nothing is perfect. An idealic system of communism would give everyone a more peaceful life; but money and power corrupt. So there system of government is no better or worse than our own. The 'haves' will always have, and the rest of us will have to work two jobs to maintain a meager exsistance.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

MANUEL VARELA, EL PASO, TX — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:10:06 GMT

MR SANCHEZ, I TOO AM A MEXICAN-AMERICAN AND YOUR COMMENTS
ARE EMBARRASSING TO ME AND OUR PEOPLE. WE LOVE THIS COUNTRY, HAVE FOUGHT FOR IT AND CONTRIBUTE TO IT LIKE SO
MANY OTHERS, YES, EVEN THE UNDOUMENTED WHOM YOU PROBABLY
HATE. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A TIO TACO, AT LEAST UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AMERICAN-FREEDOM OF SPEECH COMES TO MIND. YOU DO NOT REPRESENT THE SENTIMENTS OF THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN IN THIS COUNTRY.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

JB, Boulder, Colorado — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:21:18 GMT

My 2 cents worth is that we should give some consideration as to why Castro is there in the first place. We (the US) were actively supporting a gentleman named Batista, who made Saddam's Iraq look like amateur hour. Yes, Castro's conversion of Cuba to communism has been disasterous for his people, but there is still an older generation who remember 'the bad old days' under Batista. Its humbles and saddens me that we treat the Cuban people the way we do and, at the same time, have active and positive relations with countries such as China and Vietnam. I wish that the earlier comments regarding Cuba's lack of economic leverage didn't have such a ring of thruth.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Soygua Giro — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:24:42 GMT

Ever wonder why Americans neve know the other side of the story? Because media is controlled to rairoad or dillute truth. Fact is, even at $75.00 a month, everyone has free health care, education andare NOT starving. What Mikami Cubans NEVER say is that 80% of them were either cohorts of Batista, leaving more than 20 thousand young people dead during tha last 5 years of the fifties, MAFIA cohorts, pumping Havana as the hemispeheres largest city-whorehouse, 85% of the people DID NOT have college degrees or were functionally literate, except the upper 10% rich crust, most took their money and Batista;s friends and cohorts lft the country bankrupt and, the best
of all, Miami's LUSTER and GRANDEUR is mostly due
to the years of money laundering of Colombian drug money, by that same bunch of crooks that left Havana before the boat sank. Castro is no saint at all,
but most of those living in their 50's bubble, thinking that they can go back and turn back the clock in their favor, are self-hallucinating.
Many have pending matters waiting for them, if not, ask the families of those they killed, torutured or
ripped off... or do you really think that EVERYONE forgets? Last, even though the Cuban lobby IS powerful with Republicasns in power, the 3 generations
of Cubans born after 1959, will not relenquish, if articles from all sides are indeed true, their homeland to returning carpetbaggers claiming to
be real Cubans. A chabge MUST and SHOULD come,
yes, but it will not be under the terms and conditions which an infamous group of 200 Cuban millionaires in Miami want to impose upon the well-being of the American people and new genrations of Cubans which they helped to live in an impoverished island.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Just a Cuban, SF, Ca — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:33:47 GMT

I was born in 1944 emigrated to Fl in 1959 after Fidel took over. I have reached the American dream, a profitable business a good home and family, but I have one goal left to achieve in my life, and is getting closer! “Is to piss on the grave of Fidel Castro” and then, I could die in peace.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

CHRIS THEVENET — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:35:56 GMT

WE WAIT ON THE DEATH OF THIS DICTATOR, AND PROBABLY HIS BROTHER, A REGIME WHO'S DREAM DID NOT WORK AS EVIDENCED BY IT'S POPULATION,JUST ASK THEM. CASTRO HAS HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO PLANT AND GROW HIS DREAM AND YET THE HARVEST SHALL BE SPOILED IN IT'S OWN ABSENCE. IT DID NOT WORK AND WILL NOT WORK. DEMOCRACY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY WILL BE THE ANSWER.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Pablo Escobar, Medellin Columbia — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:40:50 GMT

Listen Mr. Sanchez,

The fact is that “Cuban-Americans” and every other American for that matter who calls the United States and its elected officials to task for domestic and foreign policies that they feel are unjust are the true patriots of our democracy. There is a big difference between patriotism and nationalism. I for one am patriotic not nationalistic. I love my country and am proud that I can bask in the freedom it provides me to call my president a “moran” when he acts like one.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

steve chinburg — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:54:48 GMT

all you that talk about the embargo and how wrong it is who started the thing first JFK,

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

M. Romero, Bloomfield, NJ — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:23:22 GMT

There is free health care in Cuba, but there is no medication; there is free public education all the way to the University but the state tells you what to stody and where to work after you finish your education; why do people with doctoral degres have to sell themself for a few dollars to buy food their families. Fidel was the first president Cuba had that had nothing to do with the US. However; it is time for a change. It is time for free enterprice, for economic freedon, for political freedon and freedon of speech. These are the reason my parent brought me to the US as a child and the reason why I love this country and will never go back to Cuba, but it is time for my people to have the same oportunities in Cuba that I have in the US.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

James Bain, Brewer, Maine(formerly of Ponce, PR) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:52:32 GMT

OMIGOSH, isn't it amazing how few words it takes to get so many people's girdles in a twist.
Some of you even have a glimmer of an historical perspective(applause).
A guarded tip o' the hat to Carolina, whose deft presentation of dry stats shines a light on many cuban's understanding of the value of education and its relation to prosperity-guarded, because all those "educated" cubans are just as subject to the criminalities and corruptions as the rest of the population, as evidenced by close reading of the local news(and state stats) in your part of the nation.
Having said that, I hasten to point out that some of you have the true sceptic's point of view, as evidenced by your varied expressions of the old Roman question which generally preceded any proceeding in court, to wit: qui bono, or who benefits. Most of you chose d-none of the above. Correcto! Hell, America can't even bring itself to admit what Canadians have known for half a century; Cuba has terrific beaches and, if one is so inclined, I'm told, fair to middlin' ceegars.
I guess the upshot of all this rantin' and ravin' is that we all have far too much time on our hands, eh? Time that could be spent, hugging our children, making new friends, invading new countries and spreading Democracy(just kidding, just kidding.....).
But, what do I know-I'm just some dumb-*** Puerto Rican who never got a college education and discovered that, from the looks of things, neither did a stunning number of "college graduates".
Most of you really should either proof-read what you write, or switch on that curious feature called spell check, especially if you think you need to be taken seriously. Just for the record, I understood what EVERYONE tried to say, in spite of the horrendous spelling and interesting grammatical structures and I salute you all for having the cojones to speak your minds.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

James, USA — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:08:07 GMT

think you might need a refresher on American history: Please remember that the only true American is a native American.------------------------------------------That arguement died years ago - The only "true" Americans are those born here or have legally become Americans. I use the word American here in the sense of - USA citizen.
The spanish, British, French, Russians, etc. all came from somewhere else. Yet, no one would suggest that the "true citizens" of those countries were the only true citizens. You need a refresher in logical thinking.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mihai Singer, Toronto, Canada — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:15:17 GMT

It is disgusting to see the way some americans speak about a man how never did anything against them, but instead has been himself the target of countless american plots against his life. Do they really want us to believe that Castro represents some kind of danger to the US? Or they would just like to play god one more time, the same way they did with Iraq, Serbia, and other countries whose only guilt was that they existed? He is definitely not a saint, but at least he believed in what he did - unlike his american detractors.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

t-bone dc — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:21:14 GMT

Become one of us or get out? You mean ignorant, closed minded, and hateful like you Sanchez? So do YOU support everything the US does? If so, I guess that would have to make you both a Republican AND a Democrat. I'll assume you're one or the other. So, by your own logic then YOU should get out!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

David Gregorio Fleitas-Velez — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:27:44 GMT

After almost 50 years, the Cuban population simply shrugs at the transition of a modern monarchy in Cuba. Democracy will be its future. Thank goodness for the Czech Republic in Europe. They continue to fight against Castro's regime for they know all too well what is going on in the island nation. Cuba will be free of the Castro legacy and its people will be free to compete vigorously in the world marketplace. Considering Cuba's historical progress (both BC and SC) in the arts, literature, dance, music, science, medicine and many other fields, Cuba will be a stronger nation once the dictatorship falls.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Nicholas Columbia, MD — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:28:41 GMT

Fidel is a great leader and a perfect example of how the common man can stand against the exploitation of culture for the interest of big business. The United States was abusing Cuba before Fidel. Mobsters and corrupt politicians alike conducting business. The Cubans in Miami are money hungry and sell outs. The common man in the United States should pray that there will be a Fidel like personality to rise from their land say no to coorporate greed at the risk of elxploiting a resource that is too valuble to price... ones dignity and pride. If the United States had that in a leader, maybe then they wouldn't have to worry about "rogue" states. Maybe then there would be no war because they wouldn't be try to force their will on other nations. Its sad that Fidel did'nt have the support of other nations durring his political career. I bet now some whished that they had backed him or backed him more enlight of the U.S. occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

W, R., Kozak, Vancouver Canada — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:43:37 GMT

What about all the American mobsters that were corrupting the Cuban gov't and were one of the causes of the revolution? Why does U.S. think it has to rule everywhere? Too bad you poor Americans (living in your 'democratic' country) don't have the freedom to travel down there to Cuba to see for yourself the beauty of the country and the people. Sure the Cubans want (and need) progress, and they'll get it but only after U.S. lifts the embargoes that have stifled them for so long. Casrto's an old man. So is his brother. This can't last for long and we should be supporting the Cuban people the best way we can, by visiting their country, bringing them goods they need and putting money into their pockets. How is it Canada can have such good relations with Cuba (and we have had for a long time) but the U.S. holds such a terrible grudge? Why are you afraid of that tiny nation? (The rest of the world scoffs at your president. Are they scoffing at Castro?)

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

D Zoza, Texas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:52:15 GMT

Dear Canadians, spare us your aloof short-sighted scything analysis of our system, states and government. Until you vote, contribute, share & live with US, you'll never know us except for the diatribe spoon-fed you by big media which you naively & readily dispense. We voted how we did & live proudly by our decision, sans shame.

This article glorifies that tyrant, his country has supported him mostly because those that dared disagree were persecuted. Do that for a couple of generations and prevailing sentiments will grudgingly succumb simply to survive.

If trade WERE permitted then it would just become another land of spoils & the U.S. would likely be blamed for that as well. However, let it remain the dismal example of anything BUT democracy & it shall wallow & scrape-by because the government is failing its people. Not us.

Has nothing to do with fear or the people:
Honestly, we secretly welcome the occassional slap - it keeps us awake. But expect a holy kick in return.

Besides, the world "community" (scoff) could easily snub their nose in our direction & choose to develop & invest. Does one dare think that familia castro does not expect to be the biggest player - bet your bottom $ their hand will be under your silk blouse squeezing til its purple. Habre los ojos! Its the rest that dare not tread.

Feel free to live in any war-torn country, even an atheist will thank God when its the Red, White & Blue that comes over the hill to set things straight. For God & Country - A

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Ari, Williamstown, NJ — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:04:09 GMT

In response to Anita, pg 2.
You stated that Americans brought African Americans over to be slaves. Now this is correct, but you failed to mention that they were caught by other Africans and turned in for payment.
You know another thing I cannot quite grasp?... how is it that I am a murderer? I have never killed anybody? A rapist, surely not, for I have raped no one. A hipocrite, well everyone is a hipocrite. Theif, nope, don't think so, I have yet to steal. And as to that lying charge you tacked on, well everyone lies, including you, me, the average Joe. Not one person has been 100% hones for 100% of their life.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Roberto Munoz Bakersfield California — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:05:11 GMT

To my friend Carolina Calzada. If the stats you've provided hold truth, Cubans have done well in this country. I will be the 1st to admit that thats something we Mexicans have failed to do but hey were working on it. I will tell you one thing, tyrants in Mexico don't live that long. I think Cuba needs a Pancho villa or an Emilio zapata to put fidel 6 feet under, where he belongs. Carolina,, listen,,you might have an army of wealthy scholars but you lack the courage and determination to rid of pigs like Fidel. Arriva Mexico CA$%#%$^%

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Bill, Salisbury Md — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:05:36 GMT

Hey Raul,

I can't help notice that while you scream "Viva Fidel," you live in the U.S. If it so great there, why are you here?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Clif — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:06:34 GMT

Why do we always thing that if you are not for the USA you are against the USA.It's about time we stop messing with other peoples affairs and focus on ours.Fine example is Iraq. You have been waiting for 47 yrs for Castro to die what is another 5 yrs.Good luck Cuban Americans let see if you will be able to get your country back when Castro is gone.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

jhone doe — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:07:01 GMT

I see all this crap talk about seeing innocent's in cuba suffering and poverty this and that But WHAT ABOUT THE MILLIONS THAT ARE LIVING IN OUR OWN COUNTRY YOUR COUSINS OR MOTHERS simply because a few fat cats want to keep their hands in the money barrel and screw any that ask them to take it out. our gov is like a lil kid that you tell can have one cookie and he just stuffs five at a time in his mouth while you look the other way cause he said look at the pretty butterfly. WAKE UP AMERICA ITS LIKE MAGIC YOU LOOK THERE AND THEY TAKE HERE. Damn.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

J.J. SANDLIN, YAKIMA, WASHINGTON — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:14:51 GMT

I saw Walter Cronkite or Huntley-Brinkley on the nightly news showing the open trenches, the firing squads, the heads jerking as the limp bodies fell backwards into the lime-coated ditches. Castro killed his enemies by the dozens and dozens, then locked up the criminals and surviving political foes, to release them later into Norte Americano society. We, however, allow hundreds of thousands of Iraqi men, women and children to die, in our own "War of Liberation." Castro gave his people universal health care; we allow our children to die without medical care. But our brand of capitalism is smugly being touted as the answer for those desiring the "breath of freedom." (Even if it is their last breath.) VIVA UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE! MUERTA TO WARMONGERING, WORLDWIDE!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Bill. Salisbury, Md — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:15:28 GMT

Hey Kristen from Seattle,

You live in a free country, a mostly free hemisphere, and a mostly free planet because, and only becuase the U.S. has historically taken what appears (and only appears) to be a paranoid attitude against all those people who do not favor democracy, civil rights, freedoms, and public scrutiny. If we as a people hadn't done this, you might now be speaking German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, or in the worst case, French! Well, at least we would have known to surrender to everyone else without the inconvenience of be paranoid.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Walter Lippmann, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:15:30 GMT

Since most people from the U.S. are banned by U.S. law from visiting Cuba, we're very fortunate indeed to have someone like Mary Murry who is living and working there, and giving readers and viewers some sense of what the island is really like. It was particularly nice awhile ago when you had a full day with the TODAY show reporting live from Havana. Why don't you have them go back and spend a full week there?

My father and his parents lived in Cuba during World War II. As German Jewish refugees from Hitler's holocaust, they were not allowed into the United States, so they had to sit and wait in Cuba for several years until they got permission to come to this country. He met my mom here, and that's how it all began for me.

Today we're building a Berlin Wall to keep Mexicans and others out, while Cubans get a special privilege that no other immigrant from any other country on earth gets: an automatic free pass to come into the U.S., if they come ILLEGALLY. Cuba and the U.S. agreed in 1994 that the U.S. would take 20,000 Cubans a year. Yet his year, the State Department just announced that they will only accept ten thousand.

Meanwhile, ALL Cubans who manage to get to the United States get to stay. So those who want to badly enough get on a raft and, if they make it, they're home free. Meanwhile, Mexicans, Haitians, anyone else, they get the boot.

Mary Murray is right. Cubans are practical people.

Thanks for having her there, and this blog here!

Walter Lippmann

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Sean, Oregon — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:30:13 GMT

I implore J Sanchez, and anyone else who questions so-called "quasi-Americans" to read each and every entry here. It's because of the American way of life and the guarantees afforded all of us that such a discussion/debate/mud slinging fest can occur. I thank you all for your input, regardless of your opinions in favor or against this article. This is what freedom of speech is all about.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mady Maguire, Little Rock, Arkansas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:31:02 GMT

Several have already pointed out that the first commentator, J. Sanchez, is mouthing the typical hateful attitude of anti-immigrant American born bigots. J. Sanchez is probably just the pen name of some ignorant Bubba Numbskull looking to stir that foul parochial pot. Either that or Texans must have given J. Sanchez the treatment when he immigrated via the Rio Grande and bent over for them rather than standing up to the bullies. Now he wants the rest of us to agree he did nothing shameful by giving up his individualism to conform to the lowest rung ugly American mold so appalling to many other Americans. Either way, it is sad that some of our people are yet so backward thinking, feeling and acting at this point in our history. How unfortunate, given all our bounty, that America still breeds those with such disgraceful uncharitable notions—but I guess we will just have to live with them—because they certainly will not be welcome anywhere else.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Eric, Kansas City, Kansas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:35:08 GMT

People seem to forget that Castro's revolt against Batista was only successful because the U.S. government sent troops and funds to aid his effort. People only hate Cuba because they've been brainwashed to hate them by our greedy government.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John Amos — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:37:39 GMT

If you want Cuba to prosper and turn into a democracy
let the Europeans invest in it. The European Union has the resources to turn the island into a Carribean Riviera. The US blockade has hurt the democratic process.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Derek Fidelio — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:40:22 GMT

I like the guy.
Anytime a "little people" show the half-victory sign to the bad wolf, I applaud. Now the vultures are gathering in Florida, the same filthy dirty vultures that kept Cuba in chains before Fidel came.
This man salutes you Fidel.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Gary Perez ,Seymour, Ct. — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:51:11 GMT

He should be dead. My dad came over here 50 years ago, if I was born there, I would have killed him myself. Cubans have suffered long enough. How long until a son of a Cuban refugee has revenge?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Terry, Delton, MI — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:54:06 GMT

I guess this is the age of the un-informed. Castro overthrough the Cuban gov't with a gorilla war, financed and equipped by the US gov't. After He gained his Dictatorship, he disarmed the general public, told the US to screw itself, and buddied up
with Russia. When many Cubans tried to regain their
Homeland with the Bay of Pigs invasion, that was squashed by JFK. Castro stayed in power the same way
Hitler, Saddam and other dictators do, with a general
population that fears for their lives who have been
disarmed by their gov't. I used to argue about politics untill a realative of mine who was involved
in politics spoke to me. There are many members of
both parties who don't play by the rules and behind
closed doors deals are made that most people would
find unbelievable. Guess what people, some democratic gov'ts have disarmed their people and others are in the process of doing it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Fred P- New York — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:04:33 GMT

Just as I was about to shut down my computer for the evening, I happened to catch Ms. Murray’s article on Cuba and Fidel Castro. Normally I wouldn’t bother to read the mix of, at best, naïve and uninformed- and at worst, clueless and moronic- comments that make up the bulk of responses by individuals who, in an attempt to exercise their rights of free speech, also make their patent lack of intelligence and common sense painfully obvious, when they put in their one cent’s worth in this type of forum. However, although I'm a long time US citizen, the subject is one which I am somewhat familiar with, having been born in the “Old Quarter” of Havana, and having left the island almost 50 years ago, thanks to Fidel and the men and regime who profited by his ascent to power. And so, some thoughts…
Since there is not enough space in this forum for a complete, point by point refuting of anyone who thinks Cuba is better off now than prior to 1959, I will simply state the following. Ed from Miami’s commentary comes closest, I think, to the heart of the matter. No one who is flapping their gums about how bad America’s government is would be allowed to last more than 72 hours in Fidel’s “paradise”. What stupidity to assume that any Cuban (never mind an AMERICAN) would accept “stability” as Ms./Mr. Harela in Toronto, says, “…albeit at some cost in term of human rights and freedoms…” (would YOU?). What drivel, Mr. Pinot, if you think Fidel “is better than the previous dictator, Batista”.
None of the previous presidents, strong-men, etc. that ran Cuba ever ended up chasing, eventually, over one quarter, if not more, of the population off the island. And, mind you, none of the previous governments were exactly paragons of civic virtue. The mentality reflected in the old joke Cubans used to tell about waking up in the morning, and asking: “who’s running the country?” (answer:“who cares?”) was our undoing, as it has been the undoing of any people who take for granted their freedoms, the rule of law, and true morality.
Over the last 70+ years, the only vision most Americans have of Cuba- other than Fidel- involved Ricky Ricardo, Marlon Brando’s visit in “Guys And Dolls”, and similar stereotypes. Corruption? We had it. Crime? Of course. Poverty? Yes. (Although no one starved in Cuba prior to 1959, the way many continue to do so now). I defy any nation on the planet to say that it doesn’t have these and other problems of human “civilization”.
We also had one of the most vibrant, moral and educated Middle and yes, Upper and Professional Classes, in the hemisphere. Cuba was training not only some of the best doctors in Latin America PRIOR to Fidel’s arrival, but also some of the best lawyers, engineers, architects- you name it, we had them. We were finally, it seemed, on the edge of becoming the best we could become- as a nation, and a people…then came Fidel.
I’ve already gone on longer than I wanted, but hope you get the picture. Totalitarianism- which is the dogma disguised as “The Revolution” and “Socialism” that still chokes and emaciates what’s left of Cuba in the 21st Century- cannot be condoned, explained away, overlooked or supported (as in, to make money) for ANY reason. May you never experience the fear of the knock at your door in the middle of the night… Cuban prisons are still filled with honest, decent Cuban men and women who never did anything wrong, but who opened that door, and were betrayed…by a man named Fidel.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Hale, San Antobio, TC — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:05:33 GMT

Please people... Cuba is what cuba is. If you defend her why do you still come to the US for freedom? Castro is a relic of his time just like N Korea, its over... get over it. Even the "Ex-Soviets" have moved on (but we still have chavez to keep us in sheck.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Deirdre Kingman, Az — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:34:34 GMT

First of all, all you 'Americans' need to work a bit harder on your spelling. I'm amazed how many of you can't spell.(or won't)
But to the subject at hand...Yes, we all have opinions, and yes, we all think ours counts the most. The point I would like to make is this: It's so easy to point the finger at someone (everyone)isn't it? How are you all doing with your honesty in everyday life? How many of you can say you are the best parent or spouse, friend, ect? You all seem to have all the answers for others don't you? Integrity....even know what the definition is? I'm an American and very proud of that fact, but it wasn't me who chose to be born here so I'll not take the credit. I do though see it as a gift and I've learned to appriciate it the more I see others struggle in the world. Others aren't so fortunate are they? They also didn't choose where they were born. Nor were they taught how to run a country as you weren't. So, my fellow Americans, Cubans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and all others who chose to live here....Welcome and I hope you all do the very best you can to be the best you can be so we won't have all of the controversy over who's better than whom. If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

cuca alambrito — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:48:42 GMT

AMERICA: COMMUNISM WITH FOOD!
COMUNISMO CON COMIDA!!!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

David, Cullman Alabama — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:59:36 GMT

Such winey ultra liberal canadians, They are such a wimpy nation you can tell they are french. America is the best country in the world and if you don't like us... Shut up.. Cause we really don't care if you like us. We don't trade with Cuba and somehow that makes us the bad guys, I don't think we stop anyone else from trading with them. Maybe the are on the verge of collapse because communism does not work. Wow that is an idea you will never here on msn or nbc.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mario, Tampa, Florida — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:28:25 GMT

Fidel is dead and that is a fact. He is a very ego-centrical man and be out of camera for one whole year without showing his ugly face or doing those boring speachess for hours and hours is not his style. The cuban govertment is just showing old videos with the same clothes isn't that suspicious???.They are buying time, because they know as soon as the people knows that he is death for real something are going to happens and they do not want it.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

William, Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:38:42 GMT

Fidel is a great man that stood up to the imperialist capitalists & anyone with half a brain knows all the wonderful things he's done for his people DESPITE an ugly, unfair, inhumane embargo which hurt only children. Sanchez (dirty?) sounds like a moron & even more of a dictator than Stalin! You idiot...go educate yourself. Cuba has the highest output of Doctors & Professors per capita than the U.S...by far! And Cuba's healthcare system is 1000% better than what the U.S. has. Cuba's infant mortality rate is as good, or better, than the U.S.--and all that while being trampled on by the bully U.S.! I say "Bravo, Fidel! You've done a wonderful job!" And the video was great.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Robert Wexelbaum Commack, NY — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:43:07 GMT

In order to end the Cubnn missle chrisis certain ageements were made between the US, the USSR and China. The agreements were made by JFK. Some remain clouded in secrecy to this day. It is believed that a agreement was made that if the US was to attack Cuba, then China could attack Qumoi and Matsu islands which belong to Taiwan (Nationalist China). If those island were to be attacked the US would have to protect tham and this could lead to a war with China and thus there is a stalemate which prevents the US from doing anything to Cuba or even permitting ex-Cubans who hate Fidel from attacking Cuba. The only thing the US has done is the trade embargo...but Cuba can trade with other nations, including Canada and the UK. I am 74 years old and I remember a lot of the history behind the Cuban revolution , during which Castro defeated Batista, who some saw as a greater tyrant than Fidel...especially with regard to the poor....and the corruption that supported gambling and prostitution for tourists in Havana.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Julian Perez, Havana Cuba — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:48:10 GMT

If it were not for US ineptitude, Castro would be long gone. Instead of ending his rule, the Bay of Pigs invasion actually allowed him to consolidate his rule and neutralize all opposition. The main error was not recognizing that a Revolution was indeed needed in Cuba, and not working with democratic revolutionaries. Instead, the US (and this includes the Kennedys) tried to replace Castro with puppets from the old-boy money network. This is why Castro is still in power. Cuba still needs a Revolution, but with liberty and human rights. Say No to the Castros, no to the Miami right wing and no to Bush! Viva Cuba Libre De Fidel y de Bush!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

rusty, milwaukee — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:07:19 GMT

Cubans and all newcomers to American, need to show gratitude and regard to the country and people who took them in from whatever they were escaping. Don't force the culture you needed to get away from on us, especially your language. Language is the most basic unifying ingredient in a unified country. Until you except your new land and it's culture, you will forever be a resident of American. But not an AMERICAN!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

rydem Narragansett RI — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:18:03 GMT

Does Canada have any of our oil?

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

carl, houston, tx — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:33:22 GMT

hey john doerr from topeka- comunism doesn't work.
hey brian wilson from ontario- canada isn't even a real country. :0)

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Daniel S Rodriguez Miami, Florida — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:44:12 GMT

Following the way a few strong mental caracters think, the Cubans have to grow an spine an free the island, Then, The Germans where cowards, they carried Hitler. What to said about the Italians and Mussoline? What do they have to said about those that dug tunnels under the Berlin Wall to escape? Or back in time, Those that ran from England during Cronwell. For how many years the communism oppresed Easter Europe? Is their population made of cowards? A short trip to the closest Library will show all the difference between a dictatorship and a totalitarian regime. Hollywood caracters are for entertainment, not for culture. Do not allow anybody to think for yourself or give you an slogan to follow. Read, research, learn and then a real perspective will be created over people' tragedies. Cubans are in no way different from other people running for their lives. Thanks to America for the opportunity to work and be succesful. An opportunity that is the same to all in the Nation. It is easy to blame personal failure to others. Cuba will be free, regardles. An America will be always in our heart like the only Nation that gave us a hand in our darkest hour.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Stefan M — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:09:37 GMT

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Stefan M — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:18:56 GMT

Kristen, Seattle, Wash.
Sibella, California and a like, you are my kind of people and Michelle Gothart-Goethingen-DE you shoul run for presidency not Hillary or Obama

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dennis Wright New Hampshire — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:39:11 GMT

As an a AMERICAN, some of these comment make me want to puke! You "love it or leave it types", you communist hate mongers...start facting the realities of the world! No all of the world want to be "little America". True we are a great nation, but we do have our own problems. Not all the world want to live a life where money rules, " live to buy" is our God and mindless TV/Xbox/Internet has taken the place of human interaction. There is a whole world outside the USA and most of you have never venture or lived outside the USA to have a look.
Time has come for America to stop trying to kill off Forign leaders or over throwing governments we don't like... how would Americans like it if other nations used this approach with our country or leaders? Double standard??? The time has come to deal with the fact Cuba is not and never will be a 51's state. It is not free but that will change over time. The USSR did not "fall" because of our efforts...it eventually evolved because we traded with them and the people. China is openning up..slowly...not because we have guns and bombs aimed at them but because of trade!
You want Cuba to be "free".. thats a Cuban people issue not ours. Want to help them??? Then extend normal relations to Cuba. That will do more to help the Cuban people and evolve their political system then trying to kill their leaders or cutting off trade and pretending they don't exhist!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Nick, Chicago, Illinois — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:52:04 GMT

If I have to read another stupid ignorant comment relating THIS STORY to bush, I SWEAR to you liberal idiots that I will freaking snap. Why oh why must you constantly bash bush and republicans? GROW UP. This doesn't RELATE to President Bush, NOT EVERYTHING relates to Bush, or to republicans. Shut up and make a comment that has to do with the blog entry! For my two cents, it's not that cuba has nothing to offer as to why we do nothing about it, it's not that we havent tried. It isnt that only the cubans should stand up, it's just that with the way things are going all around the world, and how they have been going, it isnt worth going to war with another communist nation. Do you forget that Russia is STILL alive and kicking? The fact that not only Russia but China, they both have fight in them, do we REALLY want to pick a fight with the Commies once again? We're out of the cold war for now, let's leave it that way. There's alot of things in our hemisphere that need to be fixed, but guess what? It's not America's job to fix all the problems. One of the main reasons we don't go after Castro? He doesnt pose a threat! He currently holds very little weaponry and his people don't need the blood of an uprising. I'm sure cuban americans do not want to go back to find their families dead over something like this. Let's be cool, calm, and stop bashing for goodness sake. Remember your TRUE history, washington stated that Political parties will destroy our democracy if they are allowed to freely hate one another. I'm not a peacenick, I'm just soooo tired of the "blame bush" rhetoric. Grow up.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Dustin, Okinawa, Japan — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:38:09 GMT

I don't think any of us would dispute Fidel Castro's ruthlessness when it comes to national security and ideology towards communism. But does one man necessarily make a form of government wrong? We have examples of Lenin, Stalin, and Castro in communism, but what about Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines: a dictator our country knowingly supported during his reign of corruption? Or Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War in the 80's? We've supported several immoral regimes during the Cold War to oppose Soviet interests, and sometimes the outcome turned out far less desirable than we had liked.

We must remember that some of our so-called enemies have come to us for aid first. Ho Chi Ming met with President Truman in 1945 to garner support for an independent Vietnam, because he believed in our ideals of liberty despite being socialist. And of course, we turned him away to support the French, not wanting to get on their bad side once the Soviet Union became a threat. And Fidel Castro came to our aid during the Cuban revolution, requesting support to overthrow the corrupt government there. In the true interests of capitalism, we turned him away because of the damage it would have done damage to American plantation owners' pocketbooks. Both Ho Chi Ming and Castro turned to the Soviets instead and received the request aid and support.

I would argue that with enough time, most any government becomes an oligarchy: a government ruled by a self-perpetuating clique or minority to secure their own interests or power. Look at our candidates: the Democratic National Committee are sizing up their candidiates war chests for election year. War Chests? Why is it that you have to be wealthy to run for president? Is that Democracy?

The Castros aside, what does it matter if Cuba wants to remain Communist? If they go in a direction like Vietnam with liberalizing economics and trade, wouldn't civil liberties follow suit eventually? The Cuban people will decide their fate and their choice of government. We shouldn't be hypocritical about a country or its people before taking a good look in their mirror ourselves.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

V.S. Point Judith,R.I.,U.S.A. — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:23:39 GMT

Today in Fla, Cal,Maine, wherever,no Cuban 2nd,3rd generation really believes Fidel surived surgery to stop the infection last Nov.2006.Lets remember that people from all over come to the USA to start a new life for whatever reason, but in Cuba they were not allowed to work and earn a deceint wage to feed their families so a few hundred thousand fled in the 60's thru yesterday. They will keep comming as long as the USA represents FREEDOM of speach,FREE to own a business, and most of all FREE to protect their adopted new homeland. Very few if any will ever return to Cuba, it is stuck in the 1960's in every way shape and form.This is the reason they came here and will stay is, FREEDOM......RIP FIDEL...

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Mike Waugh — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:58:17 GMT

To J. Sanchez from Texas; How ignorant can you be? I don't remember us conforming to the Native Americans when we landed here. Forced conformity is exactly how the Nazi party rose to power, though I suspect you're something of a fascist yourself.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

daniel, louisville KY — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:32:43 GMT

who gives a rip about cuba?

also, most of you can't spell. this comes from a guy in kentucky.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

Roberto, Miami-NY — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:57:51 GMT

We have Fidel in Cuba today, because of the right-wing dictatorship of Batista. And those Batista followers are in Miami today, cheating on elections, social programs, insurance fraud, drugs, and even terrorism!!!

And to the poster that spoke on Michael Moore's movie, Sicko, he did not have to say how much money Cubans make. His movie was on healthcare, and I KNOW CUBANS IN MIAMI, WHO HAVE GONE TO CUBA TO GET NEW DENTURES.

You Cubans (and I am one of you)have not learned a damn thing in exile!

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

John E., Miami, FL — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:02:50 GMT

If Cuba had oil, we would have invaded a long time ago and told the world we were liberating the cuban people from a dictator (sound familiar)? Of course, Kennedy made a deal with the Soviet Union we will never invade. Wait though, the Soviet Union collapsed! Shouldn't that deal be rescinded? Either way, time is not on Castro's side. The Cuban people will have their 'era of good feeling' once Fidel dies. The ones that wanted to overthrow Castro are here in the States living their lives. The ones still there are living the "Stockholm syndrome," brainwashed by the Castro government where the remaining population cannot escape and is isolated and threatened with death, but is shown token acts of kindness by the Government making cuban citizens believe life in Cuba is really all you need.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

raymond, miami, fl — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:03:25 GMT

Cuba has had tyrants for years. Before Castro it was Batista. By the time Batista fled Cuba he had lost support of most Cuban people. His puppets fled with him as the Cuban people took over. Batista had the support of the U.S.; Castro doesn't. ????

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

DE' Thomas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:28:21 GMT

There may have been a point in the being, a cause to fight, a change had to be made, humm I forgot, perhaps he did to! For over 45 years that little Nation, suffered at the hands of mad men, fueled by a cause that burnt out a long time ago, meanwhile it's leaders danced with the devil, slept in his bed, with the intend to make bastards of us all. I'm sure they all had a blast, just think about it, we came so close to ending it all, it's funny who will come to your aid, when your back is against the wall, I say, "Be where of gifts from men in shinning new suits and the things they gave us, offers too". I can only hope and pray that all Cubans will benefit from better social and healther economic lives.

Life goes on in Cuba, with or without Fidel

howard h queens ny — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:32:27 GMT

the us should use its momies to make fiends not wars.
George B should have learned this at the foot of his father