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Sometimes it is hard to separate the politics from the people, and the commerce. I have read some of the anti-American comments over on that other forum, and I found myself thinking, "OMG, I hope none of my comments have come across that way."I am not a big fan of MacDonald’s or most of the other fast food joints of that type. I don’t mind Wal-Mart, but I don’t think Cuba needs it. But it really isn’t actual American people that many don’t like, but the stereotype of Americans that is often portrayed. We see examples of the stereotype in movies and TV, but I bet most of us have very seldom actually met an American like that.Then there is the issue of the American government’s policy toward Cuba over the past 50 years. I have often heard it said that it isn’t American people that Cuba has a problem with, only American policy. That is true for me also.I wouldn’t like to see American Culture spread across the island, but not because I hate American culture. I actually quite enjoy some aspects of it, especially when I visit the USA. But when I visit Cuba, I would rather enjoy Cuban culture there. It is the very uniqueness that many of us visit Cuba for. I expect that I could visit Florida for a sun and beach experience, and a lot of things might actually be easier. But it would not be Cuba.
As to American culture spreading across Cuba, I think that is pretty unlikely to happen. The cultural and ideological differences are too great for that to happen in my lifetime, at least. The fact that Raul Castro has made a few steps toward allowing private enterprise and foreign investment does not mean that he will open his arms to capitalism and American ownership of the island. And, it is doubtful that whoever succeeds him in 2018 will take a radically different approach from what has been done over the past 10 to 15 years. Hopefully, there will be progress, but progress toward strengthening Cuba’s economy, and maintaining the unique culture, rather than selling off the island.
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If there is one trait that the Cuban leadership has demonstrated over the decades; it’s patience. Some might call it stubbornness. Cuba finds itself in an advantageous position right now and they will use it. One advantage of a single party state is that they can make decisions quickly, not so in the US where there is still a lot of resistance to amending Helms-Burton and other legislation that would be required for US corporations to fully participate in Cuba. Even then, Cuba sets the terms for investment in Cuba – not Washington. I hate to be a wet blanket but I really think that the press is getting far too carried away. Cruise ships in Havana, regular flights from Atlanta and Starbucks in Havana Veija are a very, very long way off. My hope, and I think something we all agree upon is that the coming changes are made with the benefit the Cuban people as the priority. This was the purpose of the Revolution in the first place and they have come too far to lose sight of that now. |
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![]("http://s29438.storage.proboards.com/2099438/a/vvHzDg28sXYciG5RdzAC.jpg") My hope, and I think something we all agree upon is that the coming changes are made with the benefit the Cuban people as the priority. This was the purpose of the Revolution in the first place and they have come too far to lose sight of that now. That is my hope too. I want to see Cuban people have more benefits after all. More food on the table and better life. |
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I don’t think there is a single thing that I disagree with there. I did find this interesting: "When Cuba again becomes a premier tourist paradise, it will divert American tourists away from the rest of the less welcoming, crime-ridden West Indies – and even from Miami Beach."
This is a good observation that I hadn’t really considered. The Caribbean tourism pie won’t grow as much as it will be divided differently. This is going to have a massive effect. (When it eventually happens) There is a big shift coming. You can see the potential here if you examine the numbers: www.onecaribbean.org/statistics/
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Thanks for the link eeeefarm. interesting quotes: "An easing of US travel and trade restrictions on Cuba appears likely to lead to political convulsions in Havana at a time when the long Castro era is nearing its end. A flood of US investment in tourism is ready to transform Cuba’s tourism and agriculture, and, alas, seriously corrupt Cubans."and how true on this last one!
"Fidel Castro will probably spend his final days knowing that he and Cuba withstood all the wrath and fury of the United States, a Latin David and Goliath."
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I can’t speak Spanish, nor do I get too caught up with politics, especially in what I consider a "Vacation" destination however, this video has me in tears. I have a hard time believing that the Cuban people will allow anyone to take over their Country, let alone a Country they believe responsible for their oppression. The Cubans are not stupid, they have one the best tourists destinations in the world, their beaches are superior compared to the so called top destinations; so I am sure they are going to be smart about it and make ALLOT of money. I would like to think all Cubans will benefit, but it will be the case of the rich and corrupt getting ahead and the little guy doing the real work.
Bottom line is the Cubans have been gearing up and building like mad to get ready for the Americans. I am already missing the way my favorite spots used to be and they will soon enough become a fond memory.
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Zee: I missed that article; thanks for posting. As most of us on this forum are old Cuban hands; we’ve been glued to news about this historical announcement. I didn’t read all of the comments from readers but it appears there is quite a mix of opinions. I for one applaud the announcement; I think it gives an uplift to Cubans in general. Though things won’t happen immediately, it does give them hope for the future. Any government announcement takes time to implement, whether the country is Canada, UK, USSR, or Cuba – but this is still moving in the right direction. I’m sure that within my lifetime, we will see a more progressive Cuba with a happy and thriving population. I hope it happens peacefully and cooperatively between both countries.
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There are so many reasons why things happen when they do. A Lame-Duck President, a near-dead socialist state, a rising middle class, a world-class Ebola response, problems in Venezuela, falling oil prices, Republicans staking out their ground, Democrats blaming North Korea, the entire world IT community saying it wasn’t NK.Or the new leader of Cuba:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariela_Castro
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Panama. Thanks, a very interesting article. I think Spunky is right, a lot of stars had to align to help make this happen when it did.
Presidente Mariela Castro? Now THAT would be revolutionary!
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Thanks for that CJ. The tone from Raul is that Cuba had conceded nothing while gaining some concessions from the US and that they will steadfastly retain their values while hoping for more changes from Washington. Even the release of Alan Gross was described as being done on "humanitarian grounds" and not as an exchange for the rest of the Five. I’m not sure Raul is altogether wrong in his assessment. I still haven’t heard anything about the whereabouts of Roland Trujillo. This is very mysterious. Any thoughts?
www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/us-spy-cuba-rolando-sarraff-trujillo
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I talked to my Cuban friends here and we shared concerned, but the main point, Cubans will be very careful with each step, each process. They will not take the ugly American attitude, Cubans do not like attitude from tourists in their own country. Cuba is Cuba, proud, will not be pushed.
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"they will not take the ugly American attitude, Cubans do not like attitude from tourists in their own country. Cuba is Cuba, proud, will not be pushed"I am sorry but not *ALL* Americans have an ugly attitude, they just call a spade a spade; most know how to get the best out of a vacation and are very generous, as a result most of the Staff at the resorts jump through hoops. The Cubans may not like certain attitudes from tourists, but the bottom line when at resorts and, in the service industry they are going to swallow it; no different than anyone else, in other Countries that are in the service industry trying to earning a living. Sorry I don’t find Cubans proud, quite the opposite in *some* cases. I have seen enough Cubans on vacation to tell the difference between arrogance and pride. I agree they will not be pushed; the lazy workers with Seniority have job security, for now. I have witnessed Cuban Staff around American tour groups and what I saw was a lot of fuss and aS$ kissing. When it comes to earning a living, most people are very different at work, then what they are like on their own time.To note my comments are based from experiences at Cuban resorts, not outside of the hotels. I took my rose coloured glasses off a long time ago in Cuba and now just go for a nice beach vacation. |
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Over the last couple of months I have read a lot of things that sound like some people think there have been big sweeping changes in US policy toward Cuba. The title of this article caught my eye, and although I have not yet read the whole thing, it looks like it may give a good summary of where things currently stand. (At least from the Cuba point of view.)
en.granma.cu/cuba/2015-02-12/the-blockade-has-not-ended |
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Good factual information and a frank assessment of Cuba’s position from Granma and BS from the US media. I’m waiting for Rod Serling to tell me that I’ve entered the Twilight Zone.
Excellent article and thanks for posting this CubaJack!
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Thanks for posting CubaJack. I’ve read it once but there’s a lot to take in so another more thorough read is in order when I have more time.
As with most things pertaining to Cuba & USA relations/politics, time will tell!
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As Cubajack says, rarely has there been so much fuss over nothing.The embargo is exactly the same as it was before December 2014. U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba legally under one of the exact same 12 categories of legal travel.Nothing changed. Some kind words from Obama about intent of changing policy, maybe restoring diplomatic relations. Maybe Obama is too good with words since most people seem to think drastic changes have been made. But this would probably also remind some people of Obama talking before he became president. People will likely disagree whether or not Obama is getting a lot done, but nobody will argue that the guy can talk.
And that’s what it all is (or was): Talk.
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I have to express a certain amount of skepticism on that one, at least until I have had time to go through the Spanish article in Juventude Rebelde and translate it. The item in the Washington Post could just be an opinion on how it should be interpreted. There have been lots of opinions expressed on how the new détente may play out. Mostly, the opinions seem to express the hopes (or fears) of the persons expressing the opinion.I will readily admit that the Cuban system of elections is not something I really understand. But considering that there are something like nine political parties in Cuba, and yet no party (including the communist party) is allowed to put forth candidates for election, I have a hard time understanding why it is a one-party system, rather than a no-party system.It seems that one of Nick Miroff’s hopes is for a system where the people vote directly for the leader of the country. And yet there are lots of democracies where that doesn’t happen. Canada, for example, where the Prime Minister is in effect elected by the members of the party with the most seats in the house of commons. The only people that vote directly for our prime minister are those in the Prime Minister’s home riding.
Don’t misquote me, though. I’m not trying to claim any similarities between our system and Cuba’s. I’m only pointing out where both systems seem to differ from that of the USA, if I even understand the American system correctly.
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