All I can say is Wow!, Alessandro.

As a music editor here, sometimes you have to take a break from all the "great production" and "interesting tracks," (not to mention the occasionally bad english -- and just edit a writer whose work you usually just plain like to read, regardless of the subject matter.

This my friend, is a home run. Simply, but so eloquently stated. Reading stuff like this here on BC reminds me of why I signed up for the job in the first place.

Great article sir.

-Glen

Thanks Glen! I appreciate the kind words very much.

Even if worse comes to worst, and a totalitarian government is installed, it's still possible, even likely, that the human spirit will transcend. Thanks for shining a ray of optimism. There is no room for despair, no matter how hard the fight.

Now would be a good time for the US to emerge from its 45-year post-Bay of Pigs sulk.

It was a long time ago. Let it go, America. Let it go.

It ain't America who has to let it go. It's the refugees and their reps in Congress who have kept the embargo in place all these years.

Plus, it's porous as hell. Half of Miami is making their living selling to Cuba. So are dozens and dozens of Midwest farmers.

I returned to Canada wondering if Fidel Castro had indeed pulled off the greatest mirage of our times. He certainly fooled Western leftists - who curiously remained silent on Cuba's human rights record,

At the end of the day, for me, Fidel Castro was a dark cloud that covered a spirited society he could not break.

It was worth repeating!

Excellent artical!

Stepping aside really was quite an accomplishment for a guy who has likely been dead for at least 3 months.

Now if Raoul can just follow in his footsteps we might make some progress.

Nice article though, Alessandro.

Dave

Dave, don't you mean.....

Now if Raoul can doesn't just follow in his footsteps we might make some progress.

The bull-headed policies of both Cuba and the USA demonstrate the folly of such policies. Fidel, of course, turned out to be a commie an egoist and a dictator, but he was not the only sinner. USA policy was childish and VERY counter-productive. We almost blew up the world as a result of these two stupid policies.

If the USA had embraced Castro and Cuba and then worked to coopt Fidels government we would have succeeded and both Cuba and the USA would be in better shape today. But no, Fidel insisted on flaunting the USA and the USA in turn acted like a spoiled child, defying Cuba and Castro to a danger ous degree.

Unfortunately, the US was (and still is) unduly influenced by old Batista supporters and the remnants of Cuban aristocracy. They hoped to turn the clock back, but only a fool or lowlife would have preferred the Mafia infested hell-hole that Cuba and Havana had become under Batista.

"Unfortunately, the US was (and still is) unduly influenced by old Batista supporters and the remnants of Cuban aristocracy."

There were damn few Batista supporters, even before Fidel won his revolution. That's the main reason he DID win, because except for Che, they were the most inept ragtag group of "revolutionaries" in the history of Communism.

The first wave of exiles (1960-62) did include members of the aristocracy (which was minuscule, in numbers) along with most of the entrepreneurial middle class, but beginning in the mid to late 60s, they've been a mix of balseros and defectors, peaking with the Mariel boatlifts, and consisting almost exclusively of peasants and working people, and they are all anti-Castro.

"...but only a fool or lowlife would have preferred the Mafia infested hell-hole that Cuba and Havana had become under Batista."

I lived there pre-Fidel, and have traveled there several times since during the Fidel years. I've even done business with the government, during the 90s. The above is true only in the fevered imaginations of liberal Americans. It was one of the more attractive places on earth and the most prosperous island in the Caribbean, prior to Fidel's destruction of its economy.

The hellhole which resulted from Fidel's revolution was far worse than anything under Batista. The proof is there for all to see: how many Cubans risked their lives on a daily basis to escape the Batista regime?

Americans have some seriously screwy (and sometimes very naive) ideas about not only the exiles (mr and her "Miami Mafia" BS), but also about the damage, fear, and deprivation wrought by Fidel's five decades-long tyranny.

And it's not over yet; resignation or not. Nobody in the exile community here seriously believes there will be any substantive changes in Cuba until Fidel dies.

Props to Alessandro for one of the most realistic and truthful accounts of Cuba under Fidel I've ever seen published in the USA.

It is good that Alessandro went with some concern for the Cuban people. He seems to be honest about that. That's a lot more than I can say for most people, including the majority of leftist 'supporters' of the Cuban Revolution. NONE of its opponents are anything but hypocrites concerning the people.

Most non Cubans outside of Cuba idealize Fidel in one way or another, most demonize him and some canonize him. Neither has much truth, or even wisdom, to offer. The fact is that Fidel has been a recognized leader since the early 50's, popularly recognized, as well as recognized by the enemies of the Cuban people. Opposition to the Batista regime was widespread and Fidel's actions and explanations won him the leadership of that opposition. That opposition was massive and the revolution that triumphed at the end of 1958 had massive participation and even greater support. No one that has the slightest bit of credibility anywhere has anything to offer but that Fidel was the central leader of that opposition and revolution. This is not seriously disputed by anyone.

I won't go into much detail, but by 1961 the character of the revolution was decisively socialist in nature. This was backed by the majority of the population but was, and is, opposed and hated, by a relative few in Cuba or those who had left or were about to.

Those Cubans in South Florida and other places in the U.S. that are the 'leaders' that claim to speak for Cubans in general are frauds and scum that any civilized society would relegate to an isolated impotence, but are precisely the ones that are held up as model Cubans to the U.S. public. It is not this pitiful layer that is holding the U.S. government hostage, but a layer that the U.S. government is actually propping up.

The majority of Cubans in Cuba do support the revolution and its leadership, including Fidel and Raul, as well as the real leadership, which is MUCH broader.

Alessandro finds a certain 'sadness' in some of the Cubans he met. I would hope so. I'm sure he found frustration, a desire for better life, less hardships, better government, etc. But let's get real. What do you think he would find in the U.S.? Or Canada? To say nothing of the majority of the third world.

For a portion of the population in the U.S., greater than the entire population of Cuba, you would find MISERY. Not in Cuba.

You all talk of Fidel, when right here in the U.S., we find ourselves in the middle of an election campaign, where it is turning out the MAJORITY would rather anything BUT what we've had in recent history, even to the point of gravitating toward a FLUFF like Obama.

Fidel already has his place in history. For the majority of the world, as well as for those living in Cuba, it is, and will be, a glorious position.

Clavos,

I have said that people in Cuba have MORE political freedom than we do here.

"...and they are all anti-Castro."

It is much easier, and safer, for a Cuban in Cuba to make 'anti-Castro' remarks than it is for a Cuban in Miami to say anything even remotely positive about any Cuban government policy, nevermind about Fidel.

Les

"I have said that people in Cuba have MORE political freedom than we do here."

That's true. You HAVE said it. Your saying it doesn't make it true, however.

There clearly is no grounding in reality for that idea, but, I would expect nothing less from a man who actually supports communism as a viable socio-economic system.

Re #11:

Only a communist could actually believe that Fidel's position in history will be "glorious." His only accomplishment in life was to totally destroy a beautiful country; torturing, murdering and imprisoning hundreds of thousands in the process.

I find your viewpoints on Cuba and the Fidel regime ludicrous.

Clavos,

"You HAVE said it. Your saying it doesn't make it true, however."

Me prefacing my remarks with '...people in Cuba have MORE political...' was just an introduction for my jump off to dealing with your '...and they are all anti-Castro.' The 'people in Cuba...' was not in any way to be taken at face value.

I was pointing towards your naiveté in swallowing wholesale the idea that they are '... all anti-Castro.' What would you expect them to say in public in Miami? Are you really that naïve? I know for a fact, from my experience in Cuba, that it is not difficult to find Cubans that denounce Castro. I found no sign of fear of reprisal. Are you denying that I found that? That is the only basis here that I back my introductory claim. You gave me the opening. I am sure you do not wish to call me a liar. If you don't accept my logic, well, that's your privilege. I find it illuminating.

"Only a communist could actually believe that Fidel's position in history will be 'glorious'"

I find it hysterical to see it otherwise. You are in the minority. You listen to too many two-bit self-delusional cronies. Your own reflections on pre-revolution Cuba betray you as being among the self-deluded.

"It was one of the more attractive places on earth and the most prosperous island in the Caribbean, prior to Fidel's destruction of its economy."

It's amazing how many people can say this, with a straight face no less, and get away with it. It's the height of blind arrogance, which gives so many Americans such a bad name. It helps justify the perception of American ignorance.

While you don't seem to know anything about Cuba, most Cubans have seen real examples of the U.S., like Katrina.

Les

How on Earth do we arrive at the conclusion that people in Cuba have more political freedom than people in America.

Seriously? What a load of bollocks.

Les, You remind of a kid whistling past the graveyard to ward off ghosts.

Castro has imprisoned almost every single dissident in Cuba at one time or another.

I'm not making that up; it's known by journalists and activists worldwide.

That you can actually, with no irony, declare that one of the most pathetic failures in the history of the world is a paragon just illustrates how out of touch with the real world you are.

I know what I saw there over a period of several years, traveling to Cuba numerous times while operating an extensive air charter program with Cuban and US government permits, visiting both major and provincial areas. Cities I have visited include La Habana, Holguín, Caibarién, Baracoa, and Sagua La Grande.

Even Varadero, with its gorgeous beaches and beautiful hotels, where ordinary Cubans are not allowed to stay; they can only work in them.

I have friends and work colleagues (both Cuban and other nationalities) who have lived and worked in Cuba for much of 80s, and 90s, some of whom are still there today. These are people I know very well, and who are not connected with the Cuban government.

I know with certainty, that what they showed me and told me when I traveled there is the real picture of the Cuban brand of communism.

So Les, I have to believe my own direct observation and experience, as well as what I've learned from my friends and colleagues over your partisan communist propaganda.

Castro was nothing more then a lustful beast in heat for power and he strangled a people and a nation state to death for 50 years hanging on to it. Only great men accomplish much for those who depend on them. Small men do little for them. Castro is both spiritually and mentally ill and his choice by the way. He will be dead soon and that is a good thing.

Che was nothing more then a murderer who got off on killing people in the name of social justice which I am sure all the Cuban people are grateful to him for. Che is already dead, and that is a good thing.

Les is a communist and supporter of this mental illness shared with Castro and Che, so cut him some slack with is delusional out bursts as he is handicapped in his reasoning.

Clavos #10,

"mr and her 'Miami Mafia' BS"

You do know that organized crime is a problem in South Florida? You do know that trafficking in people is common? Do you understand that this is illegal? Do Cubans participate?

Do you know who Orlando Bosch is? Do you know that the U.S. government has fingered him as one of two, along Luis Posada Carriles, as the architects of the bombing of a Cuban civilian airliner in 1976? Do you know that the FBI and other U.S. agencies recommended not allowing Bosch entry to United States on the grounds he was a terrorist? Do you know that George Bush Sr. was instrumental in overriding FBI and State's concerns in admitting him and not prosecuting him.

I suspect you know these things. I don't know if you support these actions or the likes of Bosch and Posada. Do you?

South Florida is a den of such scum and the government's protection of them.

Les

I don't really want to get enmeshed in this debate - Les and Clavos, you seem to be doing fine on your own - but Clav, I do have to take issue with a couple of things you've said which on the face of it are rather absurd, viz.:

It was one of the more attractive places on earth and the most prosperous island in the Caribbean

That being so, not the most fertile ground for a revolution of any kind, wouldn't you think? Especially by an "inept ragtag group of 'revolutionaries'".

one of the most pathetic failures in the history of the world

Fidel may be many things, but I would hardly call someone who ruled his country for 50 years a "pathetic failure".

Well, Doc, you can rule and you can rule, if you know what I mean.

It's easy enough to rule and keep government if you don't give anyone a choice.

"That being so, not the most fertile ground for a revolution of any kind, wouldn't you think? Especially by an "inept ragtag group of 'revolutionaries'".

Doc, there were poor people in Cuba before Castro; there are far more now. In that sense, Fidel's achieved the communist ideal: everyone is indeed equal economically: they are ALL abjectly poor. They are Not equal in power, however. Cuba is a dictatorship with a very small ruling class.

As far as ineptitude: read accounts of the early days of the "revolution." The attack on Moncada Barracks reads like a Keystone Kops script; the revolution almost ended right there. If Batista hadn't been so stupid as to release all the rebels (including Fidel) he caught then, it would have ended even as it began. Hence, bmy characterization of "inept ragtag group."

It was one of the more attractive places on earth and the most prosperous island in the Caribbean...is a statement of fact. I spent most of 1958 in Cuba. Look at pictures of the island from then and compare them to pictures from now.

"Fidel may be many things, but I would hardly call someone who ruled his country for 50 years a "pathetic failure".

Stan said it well. Even with massive help from the Soviet Union and now from Hugo Chavez, Fidel's people are second only to Haiti in poverty in the Caribbean, and daily they taking enormous personal risks to escape. When he took power, the country was the richest in the region, and nobody was jumping on rickety rafts to leave.

That's pathetic failure in my book.

Well, I wanted to stand aside and let everyone go at it while I ate grapes but I just want to add something.

My friend emigrated from Cuba to Canada. Without getting into details I think he would fall closer in line with STM and Clavos.

I also think he would have a spirited debate with Les. Though I think they would agree on the fact that Fidel does indeed have some support in Cuba. It's an intricate issue that's for sure.

Incidentally his former wife happened to be the daughter of a diplomat of sort who answered ONLY to Fidel. She would bring us bags of cigars that were made specifically for Fidel - ah, those were the days.

Naturally, every once in a while we talked politics and we asked her point blank: what do you prefer Canada (and the USA since she eventually wanted to live there) or Cuba?

Hands down she said North America. You know what she said?

"You are free here. If my father could come too he would." We'll never forget those words.

Doc, there were poor people in Cuba before Castro; there are far more now.

Just one more reason for the U.S. to lift its stupid, ineffective, paranoid, useless, absurd, and downright childish embargo.

The embargo is largely symbolic. As i said above, dozens of Midwest farmers are selling their entire output of crops to Cub a, and have done so for years. The entire rest of the world trades with Cuba (the embargo enjoins ONLY US entities, and even so is VERY porous), and STILL the people of Cuba live in abject poverty.

Just as Mexican immigrants send $milllions home, so too, do Cuban exiles here in Miami and elsewhere.

They also travel there frequently, and bring medicines and goods; they were the passengers on my charter flights - most would check in for the flights with checked packages the size of Volkswagens.

Their poverty is due to the ineptitude and corruption of the Castro government, not the embargo.

alessandro

Cuba has succeeded despite an attempt to destroy it. That is the story. The fact that there are poor people with dashed hopes and dreams in Cuba is not the story.

Have you taken a jaunt through the poor areas in America and asked people's opinions? Do you realise that in most American cities the highways typically rise above the ugly neighborhoods where we don't see them?

What you should be asking is how is it that Cuba is as prosperous as it is under the pressure that the west has put upon it.

We have tried to starve Cuba into submission. Alessandro we do that with everyone who doesn't obey. What you need to become aware of as a middle aged man in this great planet of ours is that many countries that struggle do so because they are shunned. They don't struggle because of ineptitude or "wrongness". When they don't play ball, they are purposely devastated in order to discredit their ideals. In many cases, it is not the ideals that don't work, it is that they are shut out of the world economy by the bully states.

To me it looks as if you found what you were looking for in Cuba. It is as if you were disappointed by the beauty and functionality that you saw, so you went on a hunt for your image and found it.

Come hang out in some minority communities in America and look for unfulfilled expectations, the shamefully under served, dashed dreams, hopelessness, trapped spirits and depressed souls. You will find them.

Coming late to this article doesn't lessen its impact. It's an insightful and well written piece. Thank you!

hi Zedd - nicely put

I'll second troll's comment. I had pretty much stopped reading the comments, and had to dash off mine to address other household issues.

Thanks troll, for redirecting me to the most important comment of all! Well said Zedd.

Gracias gents!

Thanks for the comments all.

Zedd, yes well said. However, I do disagree in parts. Specifically, the part about the West starving Cuba. Canada continued to trade with Cuba - although sometimes in duplicitous fashion. Europe also continued as well as the Soviet Union. To me, this sounds like blaming U.S. sanctions on starving Iraqi children. Hussein starved his own "children." The sanctions didn't help but dictators are masters of turning such things into their PR favour.

The west you allude to is the United States. The cold hard truth is that Castro did whatever it is did to Cuba by himself. No one forced the "revolution." The "west" (ie the U.S. under Kennedy merely reacted to it in a Cold War context. It was a course of action my country agreed in theory but felt it may have been impractical in practice.

You may presume I went out "hunting" for what I was "looking" for. Rather, I became disillusioned by the "first world" BS and hypocrisy that surrounded me. I let things unfold from that point.

I suppose if I had met a Castro attache as opposed to that guy in the hotel a different picture would have been painted. I doubt it though.

I don't know if what I write was the "truth." Perceptions can and do lie. I do not live there. However, let's be frank Zedd, from what I have seen and heard (by both Cuban friends and Cubans I met) if given the choice I am sure Cubans would have selected a different path.

That poverty exists everywhere is obvious but does not lessen the point here. Because there is povery in the U.S. doesn't mean we can't discuss poverty elsewhere. Yes, the "spirit" of Cuba is integral to me. It reminds me of how blacks dealt with slavery through spiritual music. It's a marvel how they survived it.

In any event, I'm Canadian so it came from a Canadian perspective. Canadians have had a different historical relationship with Cuba.

It was a personal experience. I do not hold it to be a finite lesson.

AS I have traveled around talking about my book, Fighting Castro: A Love Story, it has been both sad and satisfying to be able to talk with "average" people in the U.S. about Cuba. They know very little and their most frequent reaction to the book is "I had no idea these things had happened in Cuba." But people want to know more. The book is not political, it just introduces people to one family and how it was torn apart by the Castro regime. We can't all visit Cuba, but we can at least read all points of view. Too often, the press is pro-Castro and the real human cost of the Castro regime is under-reported.

alessandro - wherever the US has been involved in sanctioning governments it has been complicit with those governments in 'starving' the people

it is well known who in the population sanctions impact most severely

using deprivations as pipe dream measures to spur revolt seems like the behavior of evil doers

Troll, fair enough. Sanctions are not always the best solutions. The people end up paying the price.

I know that during the Cold War the Canadian government was torn between maintaining ties with Cuba and the U.S. They felt the U.S. was correct but they (Diefenbaker, Pearson and their diplomats etc.) had reservations in the approach the U.S. employed. Diefenbaker dithered on the issue (surprise, surprise welcome to Canada), Pearson was far more friendly with the U.S. given his close friendship with Kennedy and Trudeau chose yet another route; this time outright closeness with Castro.

Thank you Kay for letting us know about the book!