Cuba: Waiting for a Revolution

Easily the worst piece of journalism that I've ever seen on Vanguard.

Please, let's look at why so many things are so scarce and/or expensive in Cuba. The embargo keeps Cuba from getting many, many essential items. Cuba isn't a producer of most things and therefor must import them. The U.S. embargo whose whole mission is to strangle Cuba makes it so that Cuba is unable to import many basic necessities.

As a journalist, why would you not ask that question? Why would you show how bad you think Cubans have it, and not ask why?

Cuba is still an underdeveloped country. You can't compare it to the U.S. or other developed nations who simply don't have the same resources, money, and power. You compare Cuba and other countries of its type. Compare it to Latin American countries, compare it to African countries, that's the only way one can understand what Cuba has and what it doesn't. This is how you understand what are its strengths and weaknesses. This is how you understand what it does well as a nation as well as what needs work. You cannot compare Honduras to the U.K., nor can you compare Tanzania to France and expect them to look anything but bad. In this same manner you cannot compare Cuba to the U.S..

The film marker (as a Cuban American) clearly went in to this film with the objective of showing a very biased view of Cuba. I really wish Adam, Laura, Mariana, or Kaj would've done this piece. Very disappointed, Vanguard.

I totally agree with rightasra1n, this felt so biased, really bad journalism.

Disappointed.

I am also in agreement with earlier statements.

Their is no mention of why Cuba is dillapitated. Half their economy used to invovle trade with the Soviet Union, but when it fell, the US pressured now Russia to cut off trade with Cuba, causing the economy to be cut in half. Prior to the collapse of the soviet union, and since the recovery from that the Cuban economy actually has grown quite quickly. The scale of economic collapse cannont be underemphasized.

Their is two societies in Cuba, but this is a result of much pained decisions by the government to delve into tourism to save economic collapse. This has caused a huge amount of frustration even among cubans, but any comparison must be made with other countries at a similiar place in development, during this period of time. Why not compare it to other latin American countries who have pursued US policies for development?

Finally by US special relations with China it becomes obvious what the US cares about is not democracy, or human rights, but capitalism. This is not to suggest Cuba's socialism doesn't need to evolve, with more cooperative decision making in the workforce, and more market orientation rather than state planning. However if we compare the incredibly unequal Cuba before the revolution to Cuba today their has been substantial revolutionary change for the majority of people.

This was not journalism but propaganda with no reference to history or reality.

I thought investigative journalism was about reporting an issue and fairly presenting arguements from both sides, not just to reply 'yeh, right' when someone disagrees with what you are stating.

I'm not saying I think the situation in Cuba is a good one but I can't understand why when the Cubans interviewed say they love their country its made out they are being forced to say this or it cannot be so because their country is in economic turmoil. I'm British and I don't agree with all my government's policies but I am still proud to British.

Its good to see Adrian's argument presented but I think this programming is extremely bias, totally unlike what I expect from Vanguard.

It would be interesting to hear from anybody who disagrees with the posts so far

From his grave, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. answers.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 and cannot comment directly about those who lick the bloodied boots of a dictator that has enslaved 11 million Cubans for 50 years.

But we can quote the leader of the American Civil Rights movement to show what he would have told those who proclaim to follow his principles, while doing completely the opposite of what he preached.

Here is a famous quote by Dr. King, that applies perfectly to those who support an evil dictator:

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. ... So in order to be true to one's conscience and true to God, a righteous man has no alternative but to refuse to cooperate with an evil system." From Dr King's book "Stride Toward Freedom," Page 51.

Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) Speaks on Cuba on the Senate Floor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vbpJ6Ishbg&feature=player_embedded

Free education?

http://www.therealcuba.com/FreeEducation.htm

Free healthcare?

http://www.therealcuba.com/Page10.htm

I think the biggest problem is that the piece is only a half hour long. Clearly they needed more time. They mention the prior revolution often yet I still don't know the details of it. They don't say why America has a embargo on Cuba, of how that has effected it. Every two seconds I see a picture or liking of Che Guevara but no information is given to why he is such a popular figure and part of Cuban history.

I feel that all this piece did was state the obvious.
An under developed country looks like an under developed country. Yeah, I got that.
Now
Why is it under developed?
How can that be changed?
What "wrong turn" in their histroy is responsible for their current state?
Is America the reason why they are under developed?
Is it a political issues?
Social issue?
Both?
etc.

All questions that should have been asked and could have been answerd. But there was not enough time.

Like how the "Taxes" episode of Penn&Teller Bull Shit should have been, with a topic like that an hour long instead of their usual half hour.

As an informative, current events, politicaly aware, journalism show you must realize when you come across a story or issue that may take an hour or more to fully report on.

Some issues are small and can be told in the usual half hour but some can't.

If you have to make an 1-2 hour show then do it.
Because when you don't you leave your viewers, the people to whom you are suppose to be informing and educating not so informed, not so educated.

Cuba's, Bailout !

Fidel Castro confiscated all American properties and businesses. He executed and jailed Americans and didn't want us there. During the October Missile Crisis of 1962, he wrote a personal letter to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushev, begging him to "nuke" us. Castro supported all anti-American efforts in Latin America: Tupamaros, Montoneros, FMLN guerrillas; and now is the adviser of Hugo Chavez and other anti- American crusaders. This paranoic dictator wants the U.S. taxpayers to finance his failed totalitarian regime.

The Castro brothers will pocket 5 billion dollars, if insensitive Americans go there for a good brainwash. Many will go to enjoy cuban cigars, cuban rum and to engage in the horrors of child prostitution (jineteras) promoted by the authorities. The extreme left, to reaffirm their ideological convictions and to bring back home new and fresh anti- American slogans from "el Comandante". After 50 years of communism, Cubans see the United States as a model for their future. The consequenses of this mistaken policy will destroy our image and stature. The Cubans need freedom .....not abusive tropical adventurers, communist fellow travelers or Castro siypathizers. I think it would be extremely wise if all this money, now destined for Castro, stay home to help aliviate our awful economic situation.

Cuba Missile Crisis
Khrushchev / Castro letters

http://www.cubanet.org/ref/dis/10110201.htm

Had the USA put this monster out of business, like we should have 50 years ago, we wouldn't be having this conversation now.

Useful Idiots?

In political jargon, the term useful idiot was used by Vladmir Lenin to describe Soviet sympathizers in western countries (America) and the attitude of the Soviet government towards them. The implication was that though the person in question naïvely thought themselves an ally of the Soviets or other Communists, they were actually held in contempt by them, and being cynically used.

The 'useful idiots' who support Fidel Castro and his deep hate for America are a greater threat than real american communists. These idiots have no sense of loyalty to their country or fellow Americans.

CUBA FACTS

The Castros don't pay their bills. They will get billions of dollars, and the US taxpayers will get stuck with the bill.
I. CUBA: HARD CURRENCY DEBT, 2008
Creditors (Country) Debt (in US$)

Venezuela (1) $11.367 billion
Spain (2) $3.200 billion
China (3) $3.170 billion
Japan (4) $2.775 billion
Argentina (5) $1.967 billion
France (6) $1.856 billion
Romania (7) $1.236 billion
Russia (post-Soviet) (8) $1.149 billion
Iran (9) $656 million
Panama (10) $425 million
Germany (11) $411 million
Mexico (12) $400 million
Italy (13) $371 million
Brazil (14) $350 million
United Kingdom (15) $342 million
Czech Republic (17) $278 million
Belgium (18) $231 million
Netherlands (19) $149 million
Austria (20) $95 million
Canada (21) $94 million
Trinidad & Tobago (22) $30 million
Uruguay (23) $30 million
Sweden (24) $26 million
Denmark (25) $14 million
Portugal (26) $8 million
Switzerland (27) $3 million
Total $31.681 billion

II. CUBA: NON-CONVERTIBLE DEBT (2008 Est.)

Creditors (Country) Debt (in Transferable Rubles)
Russia (Soviet-era) (29) 20.848 billion
Hungary (30) 200 million
Poland (31) 70 million
Total 21.118 billion

Ive read many of the comments and commend you all on continuing this discussion.
Some of you think that the piece was biased and I accept that but please use common sense when pondering if the US is to blame for todays Cuba.

Alot of people want to bunch Cuba in with Latin America saying "Look at Honduras etc..."
Cuba never was like some Latin American countries whom have always struggled with a history of few natural resources, lack of education and mass poverty.
Cuba had a wealth of natural resources and economically was very much up to par with the US until Castro took over.
And yes the US is has tried assasinations and embargos etc.. but that is because Castro will not come to the table on free elections, human rights and a very large list of basic rights..
So...let's think about this.... If Castro took the island by force, took all american businesses, joined our enemy at the time, almost scared the US into a Nuclear war, does not give his people freedom of expression will not go for free elections and basically just does whatever he wants at the cost of his people because he personally is not living without toothpaste.
Then why the "F" should the US be called a bully or bad guy for not giving in?
I don't understand how people don't see the the basics. Some people love Fidel for giving the US the middle finger for so many years and yes I have to admit he's got some balls but when you are playing with peoples lives it turns from balls to just evil pride.

You see I have 2 kids and if I was in a situation where I had to feed my children or get them the proper basics for hygene etc.. And the big bad wolf was telling me I had to play ball by his rules.. Guess what? My kids go first! I would find a way to play ball with out loosing my own.
Castro has 11 million kids and his attitude for last 50 years has been... let them scrape by with the money their family in the US sending them.
Castro never starved and wants it his way or the Highway... so this is where we are at..

Get it?

postor1,

It`s interesting that you quote postor1 Dr King in arguing against those who question the bias clearly revealed in the vanguard article.

Those of us who were critical of the article never unilaterally supported Cuba, only suggested that Cuba was responding to a situation where they were being economically exploited by the US, and that since they have rebelled it is the US that is also having a huge affect on their growth. Dr King would not have agreed with everything in Cuba but he certainly did not equate capitalism with freedom.

Quoting King`--
.And one day we must ask the question, "Why are there forty million poor people in America?" And when you begin to ask that question, you are raising questions about the economic system, about a broader distribution of wealth. When you ask that question, you begin to question the capitalistic economy. And I'm simply saying that more and more, we've got to begin to ask questions about the whole society...

What I'm saying to you this morning is that communism forgets that life is individual. Capitalism forgets that life is social, and the kingdom of brotherhood is found neither in the thesis of communism nor the antithesis of capitalism but in a higher synthesis. It is found in a higher synthesis that combines the truths of both. Now, when I say question the whole society, it means ultimately coming to see that the problem of racism, the problem of exploitation, and the problem of war are all tied together. These are the triple evils that are interrelated.

Consumerism does not equal freedom. The journalist for this piece was extremely biased and bent on proving his point of view on how Cuba is not free because they do not have access to material possessions as "freely" as the United States. Surely, having necessities out of stock in one store in Cuba does not guarantee that every store has run out of toothbrushes. "La vida es no es facil" life is not easy for anybody anywhere. As for the young people, they are expressing themselves like every youth; they are coming into a world where yes ideas are alive and vibrant but yet the whole world is coming at them saying that capitalism, consumerism and material possessions are what equates freedom. Counter-revolution is not a revolution but a regression. One other comment the journalist said that for one younger person, "growing up was tough, so he resorted to hitting the books." He RESORTED to hitting the books, as if studying was equal to resorting to hitting up a liquor store. WTF? Liquor is cheap in the U.S. also...have you ever heard of mickeys? yeah man. look it up.

I felt as if I was watching the Fox network. I have removed my bookmarks for Current and Vanguard and will never visit this web site. Sorry that you have chosen the path of propaganda versus journalism.

What would be next?...the firing wall?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO6aH4EiQ_Q&feature=related

Here's my take on it:
http://www.youthradio.org/news/cuba-waiting-a-revolution

To those of you that think the video was "biased", I like to think that journalism aspires to tell the truth. As a native born Cuban with family still living there, I can attest that everything in the video was absolutely true. The producer did not give a politically correct presentation- he simply told it as it is

If the truth offends your idealistic fantasy of what communist Cuba really is, then I am glad that you are reading this. You need a cold dose of reality.

If you want to see what the youth are doing in Cuba, the cultural richness and the degree of freedom they enjoy check out this documentary:

http://www.havanabuzz.com

The Cuban culture on the island is very rich. Cubans have a strong sense of identity, they are nationalists, and Miami is not their focus. I'm sad that this Miami Cuban doesn't take any responsibility for the embargo that has been perpetuated by Cuban American politicians. The embargo has dramatically hurt the Cuban people, and enriched many in Miami.

At the risk of his life, this young man went inside Castro's Cuba unafraid to look for the truth and is prepared to endure the scorn of miguided and ignorant "experts" whose misconceptions and ignorance are challenged by his work and would be exposed by his revelations.

Recomended reading for all misguided and ignorant "experts"...

Cuba 1952-1959: The True Story of Castro's Rise to Power

Search inside this book...

http://current.com/1u1oi4c

I have been to Cuba and felt like this was an accurate dipiction of the current state of the country and the poeple. Baised? towards who... ? It is pretty clear what the problem is, i don't really understand why people are so angry with this piece.... GOOD WORK

Here is a good example of the distortions of the ignorant
"experts".
Cuban youth is challenging the Castro totalitarian regime with the full power of Cuba's musical cultural tradition and a brave underground music movement.

It's normal for young people to ptotest against their governments all over the world....but not in Cuba, according to the ignorant "experts".

In Cuba, ignorant expert "jpfil", wants you to beleive, young people are happy and they dance and sing, only because of, and as a result of the Castro"s communist paradise.
He gives you a very nice musical clip (without translation of the lyrics of course).

Unreal!

Read Here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorki_%C3%81guila

Take a look at a real translation of brave Cuban street undeground youth muiscians:
Watch Video and Translation Here.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sXb1Qsl0Tk&feature=player_embedded#

GORKI ARRESTED AGAIN!

Watch News Story Video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XefKIkonR6A&feature=related

CUBAN PUNK ROCKER GORKI AGUILA ON MUSIC, LIFE AND GETTING LED ZEPPELIN RECORDS IN CUBA.

Gorki Águila is blunt in his assessment of Fidel Castro's half century of revolution: "Communism is a failure. A total failure. Please, leftists of the world-improve your capitalism! Don't choose communism!" Águila, a Havana resident, wears homemade anti-government t-shirts, frequently denounces the Castro brothers as geriatric tyrants, and heads up perhaps Cuba's only explicitly political punk band, Porno Para Ricardo. And because of his stubborn belief in free speech, he is routinely arrested on charges of "social dangerousness." Tired of his anti-regime music, Cuban authorities made the rare decision to grant Águila a visa to travel abroad, perhaps hoping that he wouldn't return.

In September, Reason.tv's Michael C. Moynihan caught up with Águila on the Washington, D.C. leg of his American promotional tour to talk about his music, the origins of Porno Para Ricardo, and how long it takes to get Led Zeppelin records in a totalitarian society.

Watch Video Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYJzfuwjQwM&feature=player_embedded#

Amnesty International Awesome Commercial

Watch it Here.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVtAbYpBbQ8&feature=player_embedded