http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspxBy Mary Murray, NBC News Producer Sex, cheating husbands, AIDS … That’s the talk at Havana’s Aphrodite Beauty Parlor and it’s enough to curl your hair. The salon — located in Cerro, a dense urban district with the fourth-highest incidence of HIV infectionen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75795Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:27:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75795Alicia Celorio Miami, FlIf the cuban government has been so succesful in controling the aid epidemic in Cuba why is this lady so concerned? It seems to me maybe things are not as good as the goverment claims. Aliciahttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75804Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:36:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75804Mike Lewis, Fort Worth, TXGreat article of the Cuban populace in their battle to educate themselves further on the dangers of AIDS/HIV. Teenagers and Young Adults in the US are also uncomfortable discussing this subject with thier seniors, but it is a subject that can't be ignored. These senoirs have experience because they were participants in this arena oo life, long before these yound adults were in diapers and the teenagers were thought of. Take it from those who "have been there and done that", they know what they are talking about. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75833Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:57:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75833Mark Rushton, Zacatecas, MéxicoAs Africans infected with AIDS continue to die because western pharmaceutical companies refusdoes thee to make life-saving drugs available, or permit local governments from producing generic alternatives, here is little, poor Cuba making its own cocktail patients. And what does the US do? Since Cuba can make its own AIDS drugs, surely it's capable of producing biological weapons. America, you are an embarassment.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75853Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:15:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75853J. Ashcroft, Oklahoma City, OklahomaAnother example of the moral bankruptcy of Castro's Cuba. The Republican Party does not tolerate people talking about sex except to demand abstinence from everyone (but Republicans).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75882Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:34:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75882Janet, Miam, FL.I am an American citizen. I am proud that a journalist, in this country, has freedom of the press and is able to write about anything he/she chooses, even when they have no idea what they are actually writing about. But what I am most proud of is my beautiful Cuban heritage. My grandparents fled their beloved Cuba, in the 70’s, from a dictator and murderer to start a new life in a foreign country. And here I am. It makes me sad to read articles about Cuba that are not only promoting a dictator but are also denying the truth to people who read these articles. I support any type of group trying to find a cure for AIDS but what I will not do is support communist-backed groups fronting as "beauty parlors" to help people with AIDS. I think this article lacks several key points: 1) Electricity probably only runs, A WEEK, between 5-10 hours. I wonder how the beauty parlor works those days 2) Cuba does not have a "sophisticated biotechnology industry" you can research this on www.therealcuba.com and see people in hospitals without proper attention or hygiene and no medication. 3) All Cubans know that people like Laura Cuadra and everyone working in the "parlor" are communist and support the dictator. 4) Unlike this journalist, who is able to express her views, the citizens in Cuba are not allowed to disagree or even comment on anything regarding the government or you can be jailed for years 5) And finally, it never mentions that Cuba has no human rights. There are other factors but I want people not to read my comments and agree or disagree but search on this website www.therealcuba.com so everyone can see for themselves what this brutal dictator and his regime have done. I also wanted to express that I am not a right-wing conservative republican but actually a registered democrat and 26 years old gay woman. You don't have to conservative or republican to see the truth. America needs to wake up and realize that articles like this don't benefit anyone but Fidel Castro. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75888Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:42:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75888Chris Brown, Indianapolis, INGreat story.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75913Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:03:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75913Rick Praml, Winchester, VA 22601This is a great program for women, and I applaud the Cuban government for their pro-active stance. Unlike other socialist governments like China and South Africa, they are facing a serious issue head on without resorting to blaming other countries. I just wonder if they are considering programs aimed at men as well. Based on this story, they are the source of the problem, and not their monogamous wives. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75931Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:17:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75931Jhon Doe, Seattler, Wash.Of the very few good things one can say a about the cuban system is that, they don't care about corporations, the stock exchange or the drug industry lobby, the make drugs the people need and gives them for free.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75932Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:18:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75932Alex Valdorf, Miami Beach, FLIt is great to share appraches to educate people about Aids and how to prevent it! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75946Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:26:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75946Bill SweetsirHey, it is against the LAW for US citizens to travel to Cuba 99% of the time...so who cares what their HIV rate is or where to get a good haircut?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75984Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:51:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75984Mercede Ortega-Kennedy Palm Springs,CA.In response to Alicia Celorio Miami, Fl (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 9:27 AM)Your comment lacks the presence of an intelegent thought process. To say that if a problem is not that bad people should not be so worried about it is not reasonable. Did you stop to think that maybe the problem is being controled from ballooning out of control because of efforts of people like these women and progressive governments like Cuba. Please tell me where in Miami or anywhere in the US any HIV/AIDs infected person can go to obtain free medical that is provided by the US government. What these women are doing is incredible and they should be comended on their inovative program. This model should be duplicated in the US and around the world. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#75987Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:54:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:75987Eryka LongestGreat story! It shows that cubans are educated and sophisticated despite the embargos and isolation. Wish I could visit, but I'm american---too bad!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76009Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:04:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76009Aaron, Washington DCIts interesting to hear the Cuban Americans and other anti communists lie about anything that sheds a positive light on Cuba. Sure its a communist country where some human rights are suppresed, but it also provides excellent health care in comparison with the US and many other "democratic nations". Furthermore, pre Castro Cuba was just as bad in terms of the suppresion of the opposition and the US was a willing partner. The only difference is that it was a right wing government. I do not want to diminish the atrocities that many Cuban Americans fled from however one should ask some serious questions about their actions in a "democratic" Cuba. Far too many Cuban-Americans are simply angry they lost their corrupt wealth during the revolution.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76015Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:06:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76015Nicole Daley, Boston, MADear Alicia, It is not always an issue of the government trying to hide something. The rates are so low because people in Cuba practice prevention. You have to be proactive to keep the numbers from getting higher. What would you rather her do? Do nothing and then years from now when the numbers sky rocket attack people for doing nothing. Every country has been where Cuba is in terms of their low number of people infected. It is what they did to protect their small rates that is the key. Maybe if Sub-Saharan African governments did what Cuba did they wouldn't be in the predicament they are in now. (And trust me I don't blame them because the issue is bigger than just the virus itself.) But if you actually look at America's numbers the percent of people in the population who are living with the virus is quite low. There are roughly 1,185,000 people living with HIV or AIDS in the US compared with the 281 million people in the population, that is not even a full percent of the population, but why do we push the issue because this disease will get out of control if you don't do prevention http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76016Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:07:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76016Alicia Perera, Miami, FL It is so obvious to me by reading some of these comments how ignorant some people are about the Cuban government. The most important issue that you should gather from this article is the issue that AIDS is increasing in Cuba. This woman lost her friend and decided to do something about it. We hear these types of stories on a regular basis in the United States, yet no one acknowledges the government for any support they may give groups. They acknowledge the people who are running the groups that are making a change. The Cuban Government did not take a step to make a difference to prevent the epidemic that they are facing. If this woman had not come up wioth the idea, there would be no change and the problem would continue to grow. John Doe, I see your strong support in this type of system(hence the name, city and state you put for your comment). The Cuban government doesn't care about those things, because they do not allow those things to exist. They own and have control of everything! We have the freedom and power with our knowledge and vote to make a difference in our country. If you don't like how something in the government is being handled, you can vote, speak, or LOBBY your point of view. Or if you really love how things are run in Cuba, why don't you live there and see if you appreciate being told what your job will be, what amount of food you can eat, how much electricity you can run, what you can or can't have, what can or can't say. Try that on for size. I am grateful to God and this government for giving me the opportunity not have to live through that. I am grateful that I can disagree with their positions and not fear persecution. I met a man in Tallahasse that I later became very close to that suffered because of speaking against the governement in Cuba and was jailed for 22 years! I admire that man unlike any leader here in the United States. Luckily, he lived to tell his story and come to the US to be reunited with his wife and children whom he had not seen in all those years. That is a story that should be published. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76021Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:11:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76021Kurt - FentonIf people think that the Cuban government has spent 1 cent on making drugs to treat HIV or AIDS, I got a bridge in Brooklyn I'd lilke to sell you. If living in Cuba under this brutal dictator is so great, why are so many people trying to leave? I know this is America and people have a right to speak their mind, but if America is such a horible place to live, why don't you just relocate to Cuba, North Korea, or Iran and enjoy all the freedoms they have to offer. Give me a break!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76053Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:32:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76053Jay Hoss, Denver, COThis lady is concerned because she doesn't want it to become a problem. If the government hasn't been truthful, and it is a problem, then she is doing the right thing. Either way this woman is helping the community. Its a win-win for everyone she reaches out to. I think people like her go a long way in educating an otherwise uninformed public in Cuba.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76062Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:37:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76062Marlene Balmaseda, Orange County, CA. Well said Janet of Miami, Florida. And while I'm also an American citizen (born in New York), I'm most proud of my Cuban heritage. My parents were Cuban and, unfortunately, I experienced first hand what it is to live under a dictatorship when my family was FORCED by the communist regime to remain in Cuba against their wills due to being professionals (my mother a teacher and father a doctor). We were caught up in the Castro take over while on a family Holiday visit to Cuba some 48 yrs ago. My grandmother died in Cuba because of malnutrition and lack of proper medical care. So, while I understand this article may have great intentions attempting to show how we in the US can make a difference battling AIDS - it portraits the WRONG picture about a horrible government whose citizens have NO freedom whatsoever under a brutal dictator. And, by the way, I'm also NOT a republican, but a proud democrat, who, for the obvious reasons above, HATES to be referred to as a "Communist" because of my political affiliations. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76067Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:39:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76067Terri, Hialeah, FloridaI totally agree with Janet of Miami, Florida. I am also a Cuban-American, who's parents fleed the Island because of the Tirant, Fidel Castro, whom many choose to call President, but he is no President. I doubt whether there are even enough condoms to pass out, when there's no food, nor civil rights. This is clearly one of the dictator's plots to appear pro-active, when he clearly doesn't care about the Cuban people. Furthermore, the article does not say that young Cuban girls have to resort to prostitution in order to get a meal for themselves or their children and that the Cuban government promotes prostitution for its tourists. I wonder if the govenment supplies the prostitutes (gineteras) with condoms. Do any of you know that the Cuban people are not allowed anywhere near the tourist hotels, restaurants, or shops. Yet, they want the rest of the world to believe they are actually doing something pro-active....right. You have to live it to actually understand how things work in Cuba.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76099Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:56:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76099Mickey Raton, Linda Mar, Calif.Don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Lives are being saved, isn't that what's important? Criticism of the Cuban government, however valid, is a separate issue from somebody, whoever, is "saving lives." http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76100Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:56:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76100Janet Gracehey Bill, it may be against the law for us to travel to Cuba, but they sure can come to the United States, so you should start caring...they are human beingshttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76106Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:06:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76106Peter, Manhattan, KansasThis shows the failure that this communist dictatorship has been for the healh care system in Cuba.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76117Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:14:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76117Eddie D. Miami, FlaMost of these comments come from ignorant people who don't understand what communism means. Like the gentlemen from Mexico, you are using this forum for your gripes against the American goverment. It has nothing to do with the embargo or meds we can or can not get to Cuba. I guess you forget how Cuba touts it's "medical system" as being one of the best in the world. When you have to bring your own needles and blankets to the hospitals because there simply aren't any available. Maybe he needs to remember how many Mexicans want to come live in this country. The guy from Washington, well what can I say, free medicine WOW that's a great thing for the Cuban goverment to do. Only if they could feed there people like they provide drugs to keep the "gineteras" or prostitues working to keep the tourist dollars coming. I just have a hard time reading peoples comments who truly don't understand what they are talking about. By the way, they just don't open a beauty parlor back up for the betterment of women or society in Cuba. It's a front for the Communist party to spread their propoganda about AIDS and other ideals. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76119Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:15:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76119marc rowan, Montreal, QuebecTo reinfoce the facts presented in this article I reference you to the CBC (canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and in the search type "Nature of Things" & Cuba. This will bring you to a description of a 2 hour documentary on Cuba. This discription more than refutes the claims of Ms Miam. In Cuba: The Accidental Revolution (Part 2) we learn that the country has been blockaded since 1961, but today Cuba has the highest quality of life in the region, the highest life expectancy, and one of the highest literacy rates in all of Latin America. With the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, Cuba lost the foreign exchange needed to pay for expensive drugs and medicines. As a result, much of Cuba's medicine today is based on medicinal plants. These are grown on farms, processed in small labs and made available to patients through an extensive network of medical clinics. Today Cuba's advances in alternative medicine could have important consequences for other countries around the world. Photo Credit: Peter Janes Photo Credit: Peter Janes Cuba boasts other firsts as well: The Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana is regarded as the flagship biosciences lab in the developing world. Cuban scientists are working on an HIV vaccine, a meningitis vaccine, a Hepatitis C vaccine, and other pharmaceuticals. Cuba has also embarked on a program of medical internationalism. There are 25,000 Cuba doctors serving in 68 poor countries around the world. The Latin American School of Medical Science has 10,000 students from developing countries primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean. They are educated for free with the understanding they will return to their home countries to practice. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76120Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:18:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76120GConde Miami, Florida Janet in miami. People like you make me proud to be Cuban American. Half these people on this blog have no clue what they are talking about. Clearly they have no idea what our families have been through. Nor will they ever know what its like. They have no idea that the common person does not have access to food much less medicine. People there are dying from things that have been eraticated here for year. For all of you making stupid comments try speaking to someone Cuban before talking smack.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76122Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:20:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76122John S. Smith , Sacramento,California There was no mention as to whether the large numbers of HIV positive women aged over forty years was consistent with the age profiles of women from other Carribean countries. It is worth remembering that in the 1980's, Castro sent large numbers of Cuban soldiers to Angola to do their "internationalist revolutionary duty". What percentage of them returned to Cuba infected with HIV, and how many of these older women were the wives and partners of these veterans? Chances are slim that Cuba would release any believable figures or statistics on this....http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76125Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:22:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76125Georgyi BushinskiEveryone knows that the US government of Carter, Bush I,Clinton, Bush II and whomever comes after, that propagate AIDS and other catastrophic plagues to prop up Drug companies. If you believe that, I have some marsh land to sell for $50.00 per acre on which to build your dream house, you conspiracy theorists. Don't forget, every thing has a conspiracy behind it and every conspiracy has a conspiracy. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76135Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:26:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76135G from BostonLoved that last comment!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76136Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:27:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76136LesI agree with Janet. I have no Cuban Heritage, but I do read about different cultures and government. The fact that the Cuban Government is taking a proactive stance on AIDS is good; however, the system, as a whole, is terrible. Sure, I believe that any human being, including U.S. enemies, needs to be educated on AIDS, but the citizens of Cuba deserve that and much more.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76144Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:32:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76144Lidia Flores, Ft. Lauderdale, FloridaIf you "Americans" believe this story you are all very naive. There is no freedom of speech in Cuba this is all communist propaganda, they want the U.S. to end the embargo so that they can keep the people in Cuba suffering as they get richer and keep spreading communism across the nations. Don't let an article fool you.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76149Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:36:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76149Jane Anderson, St. Paul, MNHey, great messages everybody. But, the article is a joke. 1. The beauty parlor in the photo is a government sponsored propoganda center. Few Cubans, except communist party bosses and foreign tourists, have the financial means to go to beauty parlors, unless it is in some communal residence kitchen. 2. .01% infection rate--maybe within the Cuban commu nity on Mars. The Cuban government is incapable of being honest about this type of public health threat. 3. "Cuadra, an insurance agent," is mentioned. What is insured in Cuba? The government owns almost everything. The paltry amount of personal property in Cuba couldn't generate enough premiums to support a two-man national insurance company. 4. Macho men cheating on their uninformed wives. Yes, this sounds like the male-dominated Cuba, where one guy and his brother run the island like their own private slave plantation. Cute article, but let's get real. Cuba is dictatorship with no social and political activism, except what pleases the Castro brothers. Don't romanticize the place. Radical muslims have their jihadist bombers; Cuba has its suicide balceros, trying to reach freedom. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76152Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:38:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76152Maria, Chicago, IllinoisI agree with Janet from Miami! Read www.therealcuba.comhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76155Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:38:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76155monreal, austin, txI traveled back and forth to Cuba for a period of 14 months. I visited some hospitals in Havana and was amazed at the care given to Cubans by the staff. I had a girlfriend in Cuba as for STD's, I took my own protection with me and she didn't seem to mind the use. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76160Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:46:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76160Bea Collins, Miami, FloridaExcellent article. Since Non-Cuban U.S. citizens are barred from visiting the island by our government, and Miami Herald articles have a strong anti-Cuban bias, it's nice to be able to read an unbiased article on Cuban women trying to make a difference in their community. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76178Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:54:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76178Hector BarreraWow! Everyone has an agenda or platform. Why not discuss aids prevention and treatment more openly. Politics should not be the focus...always. People are people no matter where they are living. I applaud the merits of the article as far as the comments...some people have trouble seeing anything positive even if it hits them on the head. Too bad we always want to throw the baby out with the bathwaterhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76181Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:00:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76181Will Stroder, Atlanta, GAGood and very informative story. Interesting that the person from third world Miami is the only one seeing that it was really a story about the communists and Fidel Castro.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76190Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:06:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76190andrea, new yorkthe reason we should care what their HIV rate is or where to get a good haircut, Bill Sweestir, is that in the end we have to think of eachother, and even if this article didnt mean a thing to you,it probably did to many other peopl. so think twice befor you talk. Andreahttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76198Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:12:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76198Maddie de Leon, Miami, FL.I'm Cuban-American. My family fled Cuba in the early 1960s. This article in no way endorses Fidel Castro's government. It's just one idea to combat AIDs. I think it's a great idea. I really wish my fellow Cuban-Americans were just as concerned with George Bush's oppressive policies as they have been with Castro for last 48 years. As my Cuban grandfather has pointed out Bush has become like Castro. Spying on Americans, lack of habeous corpus, threatening journalists and calling anyone who disagrees with the government a traitor are the very things I was told to fear about communism. I'm dismayed to see these things happening in America.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76211Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:21:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76211Gil Torres, Brooklyn, NYWith tourism being such a vital industry to Cuba's economy, it is understandable that the regime would focus the resources of its biotech industry on combating a disease whose widespread presence could threaten the influx of tourist funds. So it's not inconceivable that Cuba may have a sophisticated arsenal to combat HIV/AIDS, at the expense of neglecting treatment for the more common illnesses which affect the population in general, but not the tourist trade. "Cuba, low blood pressure tropical paradise" doesn't have the impact of an "aids free vacation". That could explain why nearly every Cuban family in the United States regularly sends easily found medicines to ailing relatives in Cuba who claim that they are not available for money much less for free under the current system. Given the blight of sexual exploitation that often afflicts countries with poor or failed economies, I thought the country's policy of mandatory HIV testing or even isolation for certain infected groups may actually have been an effective way of protecting the population. Ironically, it's also a rare instance where Castro has heeded the outcry over violation of civil rights and has relaxed his policies. Obviously, this is again a reaction to the potential negative impact on the tourist industry. It's not the native Cubans clamoring for human rights, since they are so accustomed to being ignored or prosecuted that they have stopped protesting altogether. It's the protest from the outside nations, where the tourists come from, that forced the reversal. After all, Fidel doesn't want to stop the flow of foreign cash from tourists even if they spread a little HIV while they are having fun. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76217Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:25:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76217EDUARDO OCHOAI AM SORRY FOR THE WRITER MARY MURRAY, AND FOR THE INGRATITUDE OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE THAT DO NOT APPRECIATE WHAT THEIR LEADERS GIVE THEM AND ARE WILLING TO DIE AT THE SEA AND NOT TO LIVE IN THAT PARADISE.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76223Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:31:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76223jose carlos garciathe article was good, why some people here are talking about politics??, and keep feeding the hate in both sides, cubans in miami or havana, both sides are the same communist!!, in america we don't care about AIDS, is better to know what PARIS HILTON is doing in her room that whats going on with the starving children of the world, che scchifo!!!!, jose carlos, austin, texashttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76227Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:39:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76227Lis, Toronto, CanadaBeing concerned, and doing something to educate people, as this Lady does, helps keep the rate of HIV and AIDS at a low level! Hopefully, there are also places like this for the men to become educated! Wether or not this program is funded by the communist government is irrelevant. It is helping to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. Governments in all countries should look at Cuba as an example! The rate of live births in Cuba is higher than the rate in the U.S. Likewise, the Cubans live as long, or longer, than Americans. Their literacy is on par with the U.S. and Canada! And, their rate of HIV and AIDS is lower than in the rest of North America, according to world tatistics! !http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76243Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:48:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76243Lucy, Los Angeles, CAI love to see public health work at its best. I am in the public health field and a topic such as sex is hard to discuss. This parlor has found a way to tap into the most vulnerable population, women, and connect with them and give them information. I give them a big thumbs up! As for those people from Florida who can only comment on the "Communist" regime. Let me tell you that in America things aren't like they always seem. In a country where we have everything at our disposal (or so it seems) children are dying from simple things such as tooth decay because our system of health care is one of the worst. There are some cities were citizens don't enjoy running water or can't get electricity and suffer from food insecurity. Where is America's great system here? Lets look at the bigger picture and see that the efforts Cuba is putting forth are working and let's figure out how to implement the good they are doing instead of just concentrating on the bad.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76285Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:23:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76285Till, San Juan, Puerto RicoGreat Story! Cubans are ahead of many other nations in other sectors such as literacy, healthcare and environmental resource management. If only the Republicans would wake up! This has nothing to do with politics, just the future of our hemisphere's health and well being.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76286Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:24:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76286Fran J.Interesting article, on healthcare issues and initiatives. Sadly, Cubans continue to exhibit the same kind of obssessive focus on Castro--the same individual that they have cowardly allowed to stay in power for almost 50 years. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76293Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:33:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76293Cary, Atlanta GA. I'm Cuban and unfortuantely, many of the Cubans living in th U.S.aprticulary in Miami associate everything & anything to politics. It is great what this woman is doing to educate teens on HIV ther should be more people like her in the U.S. All of my family is in Cuba with the exception of my parents and siblings and unlike *Miami residents that wrote in..when you go to a hospital in Cuba you get medical attention walk in or thru Emergency room free. Not liek here that if you come in to ER at a hospital if you do not have Ins. they are not touching you. HIV education was the intent of the article not "Fidel is is bad that's what my mom & dad taught me to" say.. People please...grow up get an open mind. or rent one. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76294Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:35:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76294Robert B, San Diego, CaIt seems all the anti-Cuba posts on here refer to a web site called "TheRealCuba.com" That alone should be enough of a tip-off. If you can't find the same "facts" published on at least 3 or 4 indepenmdant websites, they are probably not facts, but opinions, lies or distortions. Try googling biotech Cuba for starters, and see what the international press reports. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76315Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:55:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76315Carlos Santana, Chicago, ILIt appears that Mary Murray was fed and gleefully swallowed a line of cra*. More offensively, she tries to regurgitate this propaganda for domestic consumption. This comment will probably be deleted as Murray and MSNBC won't tolerate any constructive criticism. All are leftists working for Fidel, Raul, and assorted thugs.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76342Thu, 01 Mar 2007 21:19:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76342Alf Miami,FlWill Stroder Atlanta. If you knew what was really going on in Cuba you would not make supid comments like that. The point is that story was B.S. and ignorant people believe it. Obvously you have not been to Miami. Third world country. You wish Atlanta was anything like Miami. Been there nasty.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76355Thu, 01 Mar 2007 21:26:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76355Charlie R., Miami FLI would venture to guess that more people have died from starvation related illnesses in Cuba than from HIV/AIDS. I would feel better if she were handing out bread instead of pamphlets.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76434Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:49:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76434Olimpia Aneiros, Boca Raton, FLSince the revolution Cuba is a third world country. Those who make comments about the greatness of this country that has been in the hands of a gangster for almost 50 years, ignore the truth and pay attention only to the propaganda. How do you call a person that used a gun to get his grades at the University? Whatever he has done for Cuba is to demoralize the country and destroy the dignity of the cubans, probably because he nor his collaborators had dignity ever.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76624Fri, 02 Mar 2007 02:14:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76624Marc Rowan, Montreal, CanadaReading these comments by Terri in Florida "Furthermore, the article does not say that young Cuban girls have to resort to prostitution in order to get a meal for themselves or their children and that the Cuban government promotes prostitution for its tourists... Do any of you know that the Cuban people are not allowed anywhere near the tourist hotels, restaurants, or shops. Has anyone noticed the inconsistency of these two statements. First we have the government promoting prostitution while at the same time preventing cubans anywhere near the tourists. I wonder how the girls meet the tourists. Having visited Cuba 5 seperate time at 5 different resorts I have never seen a single prostitute at any resort. Visiting Havana I never saw a single prostitute and was never approached by one. As far as meeting Cubans it is easy to do so. At the last resort I visited there was over 300 staff. In total I would estimate that there are over 50,000 Cubans working in the tourist industry. Many of them are bilingual and trilingual and regularly talk with the guests. This is not to say that they are free with there comments but it is not hard to develop a level of trust and get honest information about life in Cuba. If conditions were as bad as Americans say then I am sure that the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Cuba each year would have carried the message to the rest of the world. Visiting Havana the guides take you to the ration shops and openly discuss the food situation in the country. I can also say that I saw very few overweight people but I can also say that they vast majority of people looked very healthy. I can also say that I never saw any signs of hunger. Traveling across Cuba from the resort area of Cayo Coca to the city of Trinadad we passed through many small villages. The housing was poor but we saw many children in their school uniforms. They were cheerful and looked just like the kids next door. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76665Fri, 02 Mar 2007 03:03:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76665George, Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaHapilly for me I have been to Cuba several times. For sure the average person does not have a plasma t.v., an electric toothbrush, an air-conditioner or a jacuzzi and doesn't strut around in Nike's and Tommy Hillfiger clothing but I defy anyone to look at a bunch of Cuban kids at play and tell me that they look sick, malnourished, unclean or most importantly unhappy. If you really took the time to research it you would find that their pharmacutical industry is the most advanced in the Carribean and possibly equal or better than that of any central or South American country. You also don't have to mortgage your house and eat Kraft dinners to be able to give your child a decent education. For those that fled Cuba I fully understand that those were tough years but in spite of being a "dictator" I have found no indication that Fidel Castro lives the life of a billionaire despot like the majority of South American dictators whom the U.S. is only too happy to supply with any amount of military aid so long as they lean to the right and not to the left. To it's credit the Cuban government has tried to extend an olive branch to the U.S. Government but for selfish political reasons has been rebuffed evry time. Why can not the most powerful country in the world swallow it's pride and extend an olive branch back ?. Nothing will change for the better by turning your back on Cuba. Try helping instead of criticising for a change and see what happens. Who knows you might even learn something. How to deal with a hurricane would be one of them. No one is left to fend for themselves and die in a Cuban hurricane and Katrina has taught us a lesson that bigger and richer and more powerful and of course "democratic" means nothing if you don't have your act together. For the record I am not a U.S. basher and have the greatest of admiration for the majority of peace loving and caring and generous Americans and would fight to defend them if I had to because I know they would do the same for me but I just think it sad that Politics is allowed to overide what I belive is in most Americans hearts. By that I am referring to God's commandment that we love our neighbours. I don't recall anything in the Bible that attached strings to that commandment and certainly not one that said "unless they are communists". Very few countries in the World have achieved a perfect balance of democracy and freedom and equality without bloodshed and for those that have now reached that enviable plateau it is encumbent on you to help and encourage those that haven't. You don't become a leader by turning your back on those that could most benefit by a little guidance and you achieve nothing by way of resolving conflict if you are not prepared to sit down and discuss your differences. Give peace a chance folks, there are bigger problems in the world than Fidel Castro and I would bet my life that he for one is not plotting any terrorist attack on the U.S.A.. love and peace to all...and don't forget that all men are brothers. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76686Fri, 02 Mar 2007 03:21:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76686LatAm, Washington, DCCuba has the lowest level of child malnutrition in Latin America, despite the dive the economy took after the Soviet collapse in 1991, with effects that lasted until recently, and despite the best efforts of the US to strangle it. Last year, its economy grew way more than in most neoliberal economies, where often, by the way, you find--unlike in Cuba--packs of kids living on the street sniffing glue with no hope of growing up healthy, or even growing up, period. Its medical system still lacks medicines and supplies, but manages to outperform most of America (the continent), and it saves lives abroad, from Pakistan to Bolivia. The US grants Cubans alone automatic residency just for showing up, but the heaviest migration here is from Mexico and Central America and Dominican Republic--all democratic and neoliberal countries, and they are not blockaded--even though they face deportation and detention here. Even Puerto Ricans move to the mainland (go visit Orlando and see). For all of you who want to travel to Cuba: call Congress now to support the Flake-Rangel bill that would allow travel. I came from Cuba long ago, I still have and visit family there, and I invite you all to go. Skip Miami. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#76955Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:06:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:76955rob sequinThis story seems a little bit made up. First of all, the last thing most Cubans can afford is to spend money on their hair. Second, you say the owner has big plans for the salon. No one has big plans in Cuba. You can't do anything without the government approval. Did the author actually go there or was this story "put together" from a distance. Not quite right in my book.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#77849Sat, 03 Mar 2007 18:30:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:77849El CubanitoThe website www.therealcuba.com is nothing more than Anti-Castro propaganda. Th efforts of these women to combat the AIDS epidemic regardless of their political sympathies. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#78949Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:13:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:78949Rosa Blanca, Washington, DCThank you for the article. I love learning more about the realities my fellow Cubans are facing on the island. I feel shame that so many of my heritage who are here in the United States feel that any information regarding life and survival in Cuba benefits Castro. We should all strive to be tolerant and learn from the failures and successes of others. Moreover, if you are only getting your information from one website, then you will end up as ignorant as your Cuban cousins who don't have access to the wealth of information we possess in this country. Regardless of any failures of the government, this article shows the true spirit of humanity - people trying to help and educate others. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#78974Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:29:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:78974Desmo, SGAids cant be stopped...short of having a 'TALK ABOUT AIDS' week... but then, there will always be hookers, lonely men n women, enthusiastic youths..http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#79067Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:24:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:79067David, Columbus OH."The rate of live births in Cuba is higher than the rate in the U.S. Likewise, the Cubans live as long, or longer, than Americans. Their literacy is on par with the U.S. and Canada! And, their rate of HIV and AIDS is lower than in the rest of North America, according to world tatistics! !" If even half of this were true they wouldnt be the third world squalor they have been for the past 50 years.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/01/75743.aspx#79140Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:56:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:79140Jim T, Berkeley CAInteresting to see what life is like for HIV/Aids people in a ruthless dictatorship and what means they have to control the problem....they received UN money?? probably my tax dollars at work too! i would love to give tickets to all these dictator loving people to visit Cuba and see first hand the "wonderful" happy, well-fed country...one way of course.