Cuba: Waiting for a Revolution

Adrian Baschuk, this comment is for you and you only, this poor attempt to counter a coherent on the theory of communism, has belittled your intelligence and vanguard.

Even your little effort to promote or prove a logical point in this documentary makes me wonder if any DUMB motherfucker can pick up a camera and start videotaping latin america..and calling it journalism.

#1. Before you explain poverty you must explain history. Clearly! you never read or researched this country before you decided to make this crap you call a documentary.
AND if you did, you would know that this country is the product of years! i means YEARS and generation after generation after generation of conquest/colonialism.
A gunboat diplomacy lead by your truly the United States, and years of economic oppression by big businesses monopolizing the gross domestic product available to the country.
Cuba is far from poor, it is a country that can produce wealth through the resources of the the earth, but throughout the years of exploitation from the spanish (SPAIN) Who first conquered the island. Who literally made it one large Encomienda for products like copper, and sugar, which are commodities that are ticket items on the global market. WHICH means they can be exported for money.
#2 HOWEVER, it doesn't benefits Cuba when the American corporations have monopolized the land, and further more has underpaid Cubans in there own land, and are given so little for so much work. Sugar cane plantations aren't easy. But looking at his documentary i think thats where you belong. That would enlighten you on what Cuba is about.
#3 Due to to strict foreign policy from Washington backed by those businesses who own these multi million dollar sugar plantation, NOT THE PEOPLE! and any attempt of economic/social agenda being forced on them by dictators who are chosen by washington, are all DESTROYED by U.S army, because are a threat to U.S business which means the greedy motherfuckers who run the agenda for American business elite class are losing money... In turn capitalism has forever left its mark on Cuba and any Cuban who knows there history and has has pride should understand that things are the way they are because they didn't want to be a country who was a little puppet in the eyes of Washington like Puerto Rico.

Finally, revolution for latin america as a whole has been tainted by colonialism, because every country knows how rich the land of Central and South America is, and countries have implemented there economic/social agenda on Latin America for too long. The reason these countries are broken is because of imperialism. Corporate greed from countries who want nothing but the resources from the land to bring back to theres and kick down the shit leftover pay to the people who can't unite as whole ( central/south america). Cuba is a little piece in the puzzle, of revolution from the monroe doctrine, platt amendment, and years of dictators sponsored by Europe and America, to oppress latin america.

Its not because the people are backwards dumb lazy and stupid its because thats what we are taught to think. Classism, terrorism, and capitalism goes hand in hand in America. We just choose to watch stupid ass television like this documentary and believe everything we are fed by America culture, or LACK of culture.
Porque sino entonces te mando por el carajo cabron gusano hijo de puta, seramos libre pronto, viva la revolucion, VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
"PATRIA O MUERTE"
Ernesto Che Guevara

i have been to cuba and it was beautiful out there. However, after watching this video, i acknowledge that cuban does not have a good life living there. Long time ago, cuba had stole assets from the US and since then, the US decided not to trade with Cuba. As a result, Cuba mainly recieves its profit from touristism. in addtion the cuban government is really corrupted and people lives there don't get enough care (except health care) from the government. i hope Cuba has lesser corruption in the future and try to become a mixed market econmy country( just like china).

There is a lot of antagonism between the US and Cuba. And the cuban government is very corrupted. This video briefly goes over the poor economy and economic state of cuba. After watching this video, I begin to realize that this is an ongoing issue and it will take a lot of effort to stop it. Even though cuba has free health care and free education, there are very strict rules and limitations. After watching this video I begin to ask myself where is all the money going and why dont other countrys get involved? It is very difficult to see that a country like Cuba (excellent tourist country) has another side to it, which you can only experience if you actually live in Cuba.

Cuba is one of the most tourist happy countries in the world. However different from the tourists, the locals are very poor and live a totally different life than we do. The Bush Policy in America was established so that foreigners(mexicans) can only send 100 dollars eery 3 months back home and visit their home country once every year. However, due to Obama's change in policy, things have gotten much better. Life in Cuba is not easy, it is a daily struggle and their income wages are very low. The children of this country have very little opportunities and majority do not attend school or go off to univerisity.

I've been here for vacation and I can tell you that there's a happy tourist friendly side of Cuba all around, but you can always see hints of the reality that the Cuban locals have to face. These locals are still forced to use 1960s technology, namely cars, since the US and most countries refuse to trade with Cuba. The locals also are restricted from buying many of the goods that are meant for tourists (these can only be bought in Cuba's international currency and the locals only have the local currency). Havana also looks like a slum in many parts and you can see the poverty screaming at you when you visit the capital, but many tourists dont realize this as they relax and enjoy their luxury resort off on the coast.

I do believe that Cuba will become a more stable, democratic nation, but I do not think it will occur through revolution. As the current government ages and passes on, their ideals will become antiquated and go with them, leaving room for the younger generation to steer Cuba into the nation they want it to become.

Although living in Cuba has some benefits such as free health care and education, living in Cuba still isn't easy. The citizens are angry and desperate, and the currency they use is too low to afford the items that they need. The government should make more effort into caring more for its citizens, it's understandable why there should be a revolution in Cuba.

Cuba cannot be changed in my opinion. People got used to the situation so much that they will be lost without the strict communist leadership. I suppose that instead of implying embargoes, other nations should encourage the government for trade and bring Cube closer to globalization, to improve the life of the Cubans.

In my option, Cuba should learn from its "big brothers" Russia and China. Although Russia and China were also communist countries. Both countries have moved more towards capitalist. The government of Cuba should also care a lot more about its citizens, what the reporter got from the citizens are all pains and angers. People cannot afford things. A revolution is eagerly needed!

I agree with Naikmal's comment, before watching this documentary, I've never understood the life that the Cubans live. This video put communism into reality for me, as I've learned that consumer goods in the country are almost impossible to afford! But the most important thing I've picked up from this video, is all the citizens who have said "It's not easy" making me realize how desperate they are as they wait for a change and a revolution.

this video was great because i haven't seen what cuba was like before, and it showed a glimpse of it. the reporter did a great job of going there and explaining the issue. communism is a big problem in cuba, as people want a revolution. the good thing is that there is free health and education, this is what makes people literate in cuba.

Oops. I need to post a correction. I misheard what the documentary said about family travel. I guess then, I have no issues with the show.

Great documentary!

I was there under a freelance journalist visa (U.S.) in January 2011 and my experience was also that it was very hard to get citizens to talk due to the police/security oppression. They half-way joke, "2 million people, 1 million police." I also encountered the fact that it is almost impossible to get the Cuban government to issue press visas. I applied, paid the fee, and never heard back, so I entered as a tourist and minimized my journalism to mainly observation mode.

We also went to Santiago de Cuba on our trip and the poverty seems to be an even larger problem there. Which is interesting considering this is where the Revolution technically began.

One thing I did hear on the special is slightly incorrect. There has been a provision for family members to travel to Cuba for a while. What President Obama did was made it easier to physically travel to Cuba by allowing more direct flights from more U.S. airports. We had a Cuban give us this news on the streets in Havana once he found out we were Americans. Then, we went and ate some rabbit and drank mojitos with him.

Thanks,
Robert Gittens
Journalist

See my site and pics here:

http://wp.me/P1rolj-ch

Poverty in Cuba has nothing to do with any embargo. The embargo only says that Cuba gets no credit from the US, cash only. The poverty comes because the few at the top of the pile have everything and the rest have nothing. But poverty is nothing compared to having no freedom, that's the real poverty in poverty. People have a poverty of rights, a poverty of decisions over their own lives. There was poverty in Cuba before Castro but people were not risking their lives on poorly made rafts and crossing shark infested waters because they want luxuries. Nobody with any brains believes that. Yes, there are people who just want luxuries though. So what the hell is wrong with that? Nothing! People should be able to work and have whatever they want. Trickle up poverty doesn't work!

Education spending (per capita in dollars / % of GDP) for 2008:
Cuba: $712 / 16.3%
Colombia: $89 / 3.0%

Student-to-teacher ratio in primary/secondary school for 2005:
Cuba: 10.31
Colombia: 28.54

Healthcare spending (per capita in dollars / % of GDP) for 2008:
Cuba: $515 / 11.8%
Colombia: $58 / 1.9%

Doctors per thousand people for 2002:
Cuba: 5.91 (1 doctor per 169 people) [best in the world]
Colombia: 1.35 (1 doctor per 741 people)

Malnourishment (as percent of population) between 2002-2004:
Cuba:

I am from Cuba. I lived there for more than 20 years and although I agree with most what is said and shown in this documentary, I have to add that Cuba is much more than the last "socialist" country in the Western hemisphere. Cuba has a cultural and social life that many cities in both developed and developing countries would love to enjoy. Cuba has a young generation that may not agree with the political system but is making changes little by little. If you want the proof go to a cultural gathering or "peña" or watch the new movies and plays of young artists, talk to the new college students, ask for their ideas. This younger generation, although does not enjoy Internet or any financial resources, has something that neither the Cuban government or the Cuban exile (form any part of the world) do not have: lack of resentment.

My generation would love to have nike shoes, laptops and cars, but that does not mean that they want to kill Fidel or something like that. This documentary fails on showing this part of Cuba's present. They just want to based their live on the present and future, without paying much attention on what may have happened 50, 40, or 30 years ago. If our parents were not able to openly enjoy John Lennon's music, why shouldn't the younger generation do it now? Moreover, this documentary gives the idea that when the "revolution" comes Cuba will be free and progress will be noticeable and available for all, but is that true? If the younger generation takes the power and opens to the world with normal trade and relationship with all countries in the world, it may workout. However, if the Cuban exile goes back to Cuba with its money and its mind set on what Cuba was 50 years and this false sense of proprietorship, Cuba will pass from being a "socialist" dictatorship to a capitalist one and we do deserve better than that.

Last but not least, I have no respect for all the Cubans and non-Cubans who from Miami, Spain or any other parts of the world talk about my country and say the want a change or also those who say Cuba is the best country in the world because of its free educational and health care system or because we are always among the best countries in the olympics games. It is easy to take either position while enjoying the AC and eating and drinking all and what they want. I do respect those who are in the island waiting or trying to achieve the change. Those who have or have had the possibility to leave but decided to stay and fight. I even have respect for those who without having any position in the government still believe in the system and eat just what they can afford with the salary they receive. I respect my people in Cuba, the real Cubans, the ones who are full of fears and hopes. They deserve much more than what they have, for starters they deserve a better documentary.

I just happened to catch this program and was totally disgusted at how uncritical it was. It never mentions that Cuba's poverty has anything to do with the massive trade embargo against it, nor does it compare it to anywhere else in the global south. If you think Cuba is bad, try living in Columbia, or Guatemala, and see what a capitalist country does with abject poverty.

The USA created the conditions for poverty in the global south, and it only maintains its wealth through being able to extract resources from southern america, and other places like India where cheap labour is available for profit. Does anyone seriously believe that just introducing capitalism all over will make a bunch of little 1st world countries? The labour has to come from somewhere, and cheaply, for us to live the way they do.

Of course people want to escape desperate poverty and come here, but look at the double standard that is set. Desolate poverty occurs all over the global south, and I can attest to this having been to the maquiladoras, hundreds of thousands flee from Mexico to the US, and no one says "Oh, it is that out of date economic system."

This show was propaganda at the level I generally only expect from fox news.

Just saw this edition of Vanguard on TV in real time. This is my first time getting a glimpse inside Cuba. Appreciate the coverage!

The Federation of Cuban Women - a success for all women around the world in the battle against sexism and machismo, fighting for true equality together.

http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/20agosto-33fmc.html

"In 1970, Cuba was the first country to sign the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the second to ratify it. During the years it has obtained notable results in this context.

The indicators that Cuba presented at the 9th Regional Conference on Women of Latin America and the Caribbean, which took place in Brazil in July 2010, speak for themselves.

The women’s employment rate reached 60% in 2008. Also in that year, the number of women in the non-agricultural sector stood at 42.6% and they occupied 43.3% of the seats in the national Parliament. Other figures speak for themselves: 39.1% of directors, 65.7% of technical and professional personnel, 71.3% of judges, 48.8% of researchers, 24% of directors of important scientific centers, 25.9% of ministers and 39.2% of deputy ministers."

I usually really like Vanguard, but this episode was very disappointing. It wasn't journalism. It's so blatant the entire time the "journalist" has a strong, personal opinion on the subject that he continually pushes on the viewer even as his evidence argues against him.
The fact is Cuba is poor. I better report would have investigated why it is poor and spent time on the relationship between socialism and capitalism and how the Cuban citizens are left in the middle of it all.

The reporter is acting as though so many of those problems are unique to Cub and in fact most of it is totally unrelated. An example would be his fact on sweltering humidity..Cuba is in the tropics! His bias is clear and his claims are sophomoric.

I am a new Vanguard viewer and had, thus far, been impressed with the journalists and their reports. I should note that I have never felt the need to comment on any shows before; however, I was so unimpressed and disillusioned with the content of this episode that I had to say something. This report on Cuba cannot fairly be labeled an "investigation" or even a journalistic endeavor. It is clearly, and I say this in the spirit of constructive criticism, a simple persuasive video essay, a sophomoric attempt at influencing the viewer to feel the way the host feels. Without using the obvious word here, it is clearly a report better suited for a conservative broadcast station where they have tendencies to overlook facts not useful to their case.

I am impartial to politics because more often than not, it just a divisive tool used to puppeteer the masses; and, I've read enough to know that Cuba, like other states in Latin America, has some good elements as well as very negative elements. Oppression comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it'd be in controlled states such as Cuba or in free states such as many countries around the world, where the oppression is subliminally more subversive.
I simply don't believe that Cuba should be compared to the United States, it just isn't fair. It is like comparing a local high school track star to the olympic track winner. If you want to compare how that government is faring, do so with its contemporaries, countries in Latin America and other underdeveloped nations across the world where the needs of the people and what's lacking in the government are not unlike Cuba's. There's not only no shortage of them but there's some that are doing incredibly worse.

I also wanted to note, that while perusing the other viewer's comments, I found this:

"A lot 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."

Just wanted to respond to him, I think an actual Vanguard employee(if this is the case, that should be embarrassing for the network), that his ignorance astounds me. Latin American countries lack natural resources? Wow! As a Latin American who has actually studied Latin American history, this continent is in fact, very rich in resources. Just that fact alone should clear up any delusions of grandeur he or other Cubans may have about their land, which although just as beautiful and complex as other countries in Latin America is not historically(aside from the revolution) or topographically utterly unique. I suggest he read "Open Veins of Latin America" for a little perspective.

As a media consumer, I don't like to feel like shows are insulting my intelligence and this episode unfortunately did so. I look forward to other reports from this Journalist in which, perhaps not burdened by his close relation to the subject, he may in fact create a well rounded and insightful journalistic piece.

Strange when in California I see every other young person and even older adults wearing communist inspired t shirts along with the hammer and sickle of the former Soviet Union.
Anyway, those were a few dozen kids hanging around a park in Havana, Cuba. That was not even the majority of young peoples opinions in the whole of Cuba. What were they doing? Looks like they had a lot of free time. I can't even do that in Los Angeles where there is over 12 percent unemployment. Hanging around at a park at night around here would also be unwise, closed, or dangerous at best, unless there was a group of people with a lot of lighting around. If a group of younger people gathered in any park every night, possibly near residential areas or apartments or houses, do you think that would even be possible in the USA without someone watching what was going on? Anyway, this reporter didn't tell the whole story of how it got to this point. The U.S. took control of Cuba and used it as a satellite of influence and corruption after the Spanish American War of 1898. There is a sense of pride to stand up to the USA, which very few countries have the courage to do. As for those young people, I remember my college years and the questioning of a lot of things, but as you grow older, you just go with the flow and follow the government. I don't think another revolution will occur as it did in the late 1950s there. Also, why does that Cuban living in Miami want to reclaim his land and buy his house along with some other houses there? As if he can just come in and do that. His family made a decision to leave and move into a nice house in Miami. Why go back there when they clearly gave it up many years ago. What about the people living there? Maybe they don't want to sell it to him. Did he even discuss that with him or did he just talk behind their backs to the reporter. It is that kind of unsophisticated rich arrogant egotism that Americans have, which is why we are hated down there. You think most people will just sell everything and their old style colonial houses back to rich Cubans living in Florida and the United States just because they have american dollars and money? As if throwing a few dollars at them will make them give it up. It would be like some Saudi Arabian guy coming to America and saying he would buy his house and some other big nice houses after being out of the country for a long time. You think Americans would put up with that? I think not. No wonder why we are so hated in the world. Another thing, you got to respect the lowest levels of mortality in Cuba from women having children. It is equal to the United States. They are the best latin american country in regard to helping mothers of child bearing age and ones that give birth. Before the revolution, you had to have money to even walk into a hospital. Now anyone can go to one.
I'm not saying things down there are perfect, but what country is? Judging by a lot of things just seen in this video, it seems people are pretty much happy. Also, how does having the internet help you in any way? In some cases it just makes life more crowded and you get addicted in a way to technology. Sometimes the simple things in life are just better. I can't imagine those young people down there who complain, know how life is in the USA right now, capitalism is not perfect and I've known some people who have not worked in years due to the economy here. It would leave even them to the breaking point. Material goods and wanting it is one thing, but to live on limited means is another. Sometimes that is a good survival instinct to learn in this modern age and you get more joy in the simple things of life. In Cuba you enjoy the beautiful houses, food, music, dance, old history, museums, culture, and many things more. That is what makes tourists want to visit. This reporter clearly didn't state the whole picture and I found this story very disappointing.

Wow, what i just read below came out of the "National Inquirer" or Fox News. I am not sure if I should laugh or cry at this response. I suppose the individual that wrote this also believes that Elvis Presley is still alive.

All of you who blame the U.S. embargo, know these three facts:

1. When Castro took over, businesses and assets were stolen from the U.S. Additionally, the same regime in power now has been over many years openly antagonistic to the U.S., from pointing missles toward them to openly relishing the idea of dropping nuclear weapons on New York City. If a trading partner steals from you and wants to destroy you, should you continue to have completely open trade?

2. The U.S., despite the embargo, is Cuba's #1 importer of food and medicine, and #5 overall trading partner. The U.S., by virtue of the Cuban exile community, is also the #1 provider of private financial aid.

3. The embargo is not a blockade, as Cuba is free to trade with every other single country on the planet.

The dictatorial communist state enslaves and segregates its citizens. The U.S. is not to blame.

I know it hurts all the castroite commies on here, but this piece speaks the truth.

Considering the overwhelming vitriolic response, I commend ajbintl for the courage of posting this on _current, which apparently is a cesspool of blinded socialist thought.

Worst Filth I have Ever Seen.
Ajbintl Should Be Excommunicated and Forced to Die in the Woods!

FUCK YOU AJBINTL!

This video is pure capitalist propaganda

Well said av2ts! Nice to hear truths about Cuba instead of tons of US propaganda garbage (not to mention from the Cubans in Miami).

What a terrible piece. So many pieces of propaganda and mis-information are presented, it is hard to know where to start. I was there, so let me deal with those just plain wrong side of things:

1) Cuba's intranet and email is free and widely available to the public through a series of kiosks, post offices and other spaces. The internet however, sadly, has to be limited in some ways because something very important that went completely ignored. That is the terribly slow satellite hook-up through Europe that Cuba must endure because of the US embargo (there is a fiber optic line 50 miles away from Havana sitting there). The net is already jammed solid, so priority is given to the important public institutions - workplaces, schools, clinics, research institutes, etc. Thankfully, Venezuela is now building a line form their shores that should fix all the problems.

2) I only mention this because the "reporter" mentions it multiple times. But the new Chinese buses ARE in fact air-conditioned. If they were not when he was there it was probably related to energy-saving programs they have going on. Any Cuban could have told you this. Google it - there are news reports mentioning the AC...

3) The 75 (not 90) people arrested in Cuba in 2003 were NOT jailed because of something they said or thought, as the report claims. It was due to their very well documented history of colluding with foreign Governments and terrorists. Most of them met with US officials on many occasions, most received something in return, most did work funded directly or indirectly as part of US Government programs. What would the US do to someone caught going in and out of the Cuban or Iranian Embassy at all hours of the day and night - making a fine living bashing America all day and planning for a "counter-Revolution?" Hint: check the Patriot Act. 20 years prison. It might have been nice to mention that the US spends hundreds of millions of dollars on a policy of regime change in Cuba. Anyone in Cuba who plays along with that game knows they are breaking the law. That is why most so-called dissidents are sitting free today to criticize all they want.

4) Despite the "reporters" best attempts to find a large population of counter-revolutionaries, he admits he found more people in Cuba supportive of their Government and system. What unites all Cubans even more is insistence that the US stay out of Cuba's affairs. But none of that gets mentioned.

More later

I cant say who is to blame, I could say its Fidel or the US Government, or I could say that is cause if the Capitalism or Communism but I cant; But what I really dare to say is that Cuba is more prepared for a global economic breakdown, because the little they have they use it well, cause of the situation they had been raised in they think differently, for example the guy who raised pig's for buying a computer, What teenager in US will have that discipline? Probably if the money and resources weren't so badly divided upon the Elites, just probably we all be in the same position of having no toothbrush or even in a direr situation. I was raised on Cuba's Sister Island, filled with corrupted capitalist government, where we once shared that revolutionary spirit, fighting for our freedom, today still own by another country, we are alive and dead at the same time, cause most of our people had been strip of their revolutionary soul and mind! With all that I've seen in this documentary, all that I can do is Envy them! They are more free than most of us, even if its hard to see!

Cuba had a revolution in the 50's because Batista kept the cuban elite rich and the commoner poor. Batista was greatly supported by the USA who had great interest in the country's resources and territory. This interest hasn't changed, especially from the corporatocracy, and the embargo on the country shows the extent to which the USA can oppress the Caribbean islands of the south.
Of course today's people of tired of the government, but it is not the government that they should blame, but the embargo by the USA. This documentary is biased and misleading: Cuba doesn't need freedom from its government, it needs freedom from all foreign aggressors. Only then, will the country be truly free and able to govern itself in true democracy.
Dictatorship is necessary today to fight the corporate imperialism of the north.

In reference to the comment sent to me that the people of Cuba will always be the true opinion of "facts" concerning Cuba (not propaganda), I partially agree. During the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, it wasn't difficult to find FEW citizens in El Salvador, Guatemala or Nicaragua to spit out the lies and propaganda that the US backed "Contras" or "Freedom Fighters" were trying to spread in order to destroy the credibility of the revolution. You can always find a worm (or two) in the woodwork :)

In response to a question I received as to why Castro doesn't like Americans (I assume you mean the United States). The U.S. government and CIA have a long history of perpetual attempts to destroy and undermine the Castro government by means of outrageous propaganda, severe economic embargos against Cuba and murder of cuban citizens. A perfect example of the "mafia tactics" used by the CIA regularly is the murder of the great humanitarian and leader of the Cuban people, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, in Bolivia (1967).

Why doesn't the castro group like americans. What's his beef?

Rubbish, Rightasra1n in right! This is unashamedly biased. You describe conditions in Cuba as a symptom of a failed state without recognising it was/is American foreign policy that has made life so hard for the Cubans.
And yet, Cuba has a Healthcare system that puts most western nations to shame, and highlights the US for its Culture of Greed and Survival of the fittest mentality.
You guys are full of it, and guess what.. in case you haven't noticed, the rest of us have copped on to you.
Hasta Siempre, Viva la Revolucion!

Worst piece of American-Cuban propaganda I have ever seen!
Hasta la victoria, siempre! :)

Poor piece of Capitalist biased journalism. Look back at the history of Cuba and why Fidel took his nation back from the U.S. for his people. It's great to see more heroes standing up for their people, like Evo Morales, Hugo Chavez and other South American leaders and take their countries back from foreign corporations and influence. I would expect to find a "journalistic" piece like this on every mainstream corporate news station, not on Current under the Vanguard series which is generally great. Better luck next time.

Do not mistake this shallow account for journalism. "I think I'll drop into Cuba to see what life is like." This is one of the most ignorant things I've seen in a while from an American on Cuba. The introduction alone, laden with cheap music and moments that have no meaning without context, guarantees a list of information without analysis or ever defining what Castro's "brand of communism" really is. His explanation of the monetary system is completely without merit, as it does absolutely nothing to explain the "why" of any of it. You can't just drop into Cuba to "see for yourself" whether "Cuba's love affair with Castro continues." Has Adrian Baschuk ever been to another third world country? Garbage.

PS (!)- George Orwell was a middle class social democrat. He was a socialist but he was an outspoken 'critic' of the USSR and a he was certainly a Trotskyist.
Yes, Orwell fought in the Spanish civil war against the Fascists as a Socialist! Did you know that? He was a SOCIALIST!
So no, Animal Farm is NOT a cricism of Socialism, its a opportunist attempt to criticise the USSR - a concrete attempt at socialism that Britain never had. Something Orwell knew nothing about and could not get off his middle England high horse to show solidarity with the Russian working class.
Those that rode this opportunist social democrat line, backed the fall of the USSR and return to Capitalism. Entirely backwards. Russia is in an absolute state now and the poor are worse off than ever.

Dont think for one second Orwell was not a Socialist - but he was part of the split in the left and of the British Opportunist Labour aristocracy - hence me recommending you read Lenin's Imperialism and the Split in Socialism

Solidarity and onwards,
ab

Okay opinionated few... I am Cuban American, no gusano in site. There is a spook in every corner. Any groups of more than 5 are scrutinized if they are not approved by the local communist committee. You can be arrested very easily and held with no explanation of your crime, oh wait, that happens here, Miranda where art thou? Regardless of the sanctions, the black market will always exist. The recent toilet paper shortage was nothing more than hoarding, a tale of two commies, lets say, How high are you in the party? The Class struggle exist in any government. It is the ingenuity of the Cuban people that has separated them from the rest of the world since their beginning. The soul. The desire to live on, this may be the same reason why communism flourishes, as conflict is avoided and their ingenuity is applied to go around the system. Right now the dollar economy in Cuba is probably about $100 million or more. This is a flawed system. Tourist continue to go to Cuba and feed that black market and more each day officials look the other way if their pockets get lined. The next revolution will be one of osmosis. Too many dollars to avoid. Remember the first independence? El grito de la Yara should not be forgotten, nor should the Platt amendment, allowing the US to bypass the Cuban Constitution in 1902 through intervention, somewhat similar to our Patriot Act. Now even with all those striking similarities, we as Americans can fight for our rights, we can change the process through litigation and effect the system. The Cubans are doing it via the underbelly. This reality may show the raw nature of every cuban and allow you to connect and feel the heart and soul of the cuban people, but it does not justify their plight. We may dance in their streets, sing a son, or drinking rum with locals, sneak back painting, and tell our friends wild stories of uninhibited nights, but when the whistle blows and we go back to our ivory towers and the poor cuban goes back to their modest house, holding their tongue and wishing for change. This is the truth. Is a McDonald's in every corner the answer, Ask China? They have a changing metabolism and increased obesity to thank us for. It is not about exporting democracy it is about going back to 1901 and hitting the reset button. Allow the Cuban's their constitution, formally repeal the Platt amendment as a show of Sovereign dignity and let the people find their voice. Guidance will be found by both the US and Cubans together learning lessons from each other. If the youth are to be the next revolution, let them read 1984. "He who controls the present, controls the past. He who controls the past, controls the future.”
George Orwell
Good Luck, my Brethren!

I watched this piece expecting to see a better view or at least an accurate barometer of what social conditions were like in Cuba.

I have to say I was disgusted by the continuing insult to my intelligence that comprised the entire segment. Honestly, all I did was intentionally make myself upset. I should have shut it off, but I waited for the slant to right itself. It didn't.

I watch this Jorge Moreno, and I think to myself: "Aha! Here's a job opening. This guy is posing as a journalist". Current cannot possibly justify putting out this garbage and trotting it out as journalism." I willing to bet the other respected journalists on Vanguard probably privately feel the same way.

And I further blame Current. For whatever reason, the people who run and fund Current felt it necessary to make this intentional grab for web publicity. What other explanation is there? Is FOX putting that much pressure on you, Current TV?

There was little logical analysis or even debate on of the economic strangulation the United States has enforced onto the island. There was also little consideration as to why the Cuban Revolution was successful--the existing and oppressively class and race-based social order at that time. And many of the Miami Cubans are direct descendants of the beneficiaries of that oppressive system--that wasn't explored, but it is the truth.

I'm not apologizing for Castro's actions since the 1950's, but there should be further scrutiny of the real personal motivations behind Cuba's dissidents--that what makes real reportage.

"My Adidas", give me a fucking break, Jorge.

this is a weak and terrible piece of work
This so called 'journalist' is just a musician with VERY weak political understanding

WHY does Baschuk not talk about imperialism, class, welfare etc in any depth? Who is Baschuk the 'vanguard' of- the ruling class? What is he trying to achieve here?

This is an absolute liberal and disgusting shameful attempt to spread lies about the people of Cuba and their revolution.

You can CLEARLY see in the film MANY of the young people understand the cuban situation 100 times better that Baschuk. "Its not easy" they say- well of course its not EASY Baschuk you bloody idiot! You live in the US one of the most privileged and indeed imperialist RACIST societies in the world. Its your country and YOUR government that is starving and killing the people of Cuba!!!

A terrible attempt at understanding Cuba, socialism and capitalism and how these ideals and concepts shape our lives.

If I EVER see Baschuk in the UK I am going to protest outside his crappy concert with fellow working class people and expose him as an enemy of the working class.

Viva la revolucion!
Viva RAUL!
El Pueblo Unido Hamas Sera Vencido!!!

Thank you!

This guy (Mr. Adrian Baschuk) complains about shared cab fares and hot buses. In Dominican Republic & Peru (which I visited) that's how it is. Here in New York Mayor Bloomberg is initiating a shared cab fare program. HORRIBLE JOURNALISM to say the least. One sided & propagandish. Mr. Baschuk go back to waiting tables or get your money back from what ever journalism school you graduated from. I agree the worst I've also seen in VANGUARD.

To "Current" producers and Mr. Al Gore; dump this horrible journalist. I saw the piece on TV and then here. Mr. Adrian Baschuk is so bias it makes this piece sound more like a RIGHT-WING REPUBLICAN MIAMI CUBAN PROPAGANDA COMMERCIAL. Miami Cubans don't care about the life in the island. Bill Clinton tried to loosen the embargo during the 90's and Miami Cubans when on a rampage. I grew up in Dominican Republic and have a lot of respect and solidarity for our Cuban brothers. But we know that these exiles were the ones that lived like KINGS under Batista, and they want it back. During those days if you were black in Cuba you had no upward class mobility, because all the whites who now reside in Miami Florida owned EVERYTHING. Prostitute, servants and alike was your fate. No mention of the reason why Cuba is so dilapidated, " IT'S THE EMBARGO YOU SUPPORT IN MIAMI, STUPID " . Fidel Castro was a friend of the U.S. until we tried to kill him 63 o so times. Look up the term: ECONOMIC COLONIALISM OR ECONOMIC HITMAN; Fidel said " Go to hell ". Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, Rafael Correa, Manuel Zelaya (outsted - you know by who) said the same. This is the beginning of the renaissances of the American. " QUE VIVA FIDEL "

I agree with the other guys before me. This is the worst video I've ever watched.
It looks like a half an hour paid commercial against Cuba Government than a real journalism investigation report.
Just one little detail:
The “reporter” mention that the internet is so expensive in Cuba even for foreigners… so how is it possible that “the Cuban blogger” is able to post every single day? How she get the funds? Do the math. Even if she receives money from another country. How she can get online? And if She can do it… but how... interesting right?

This is not journalism. This is a subjective rant by a biased Cuban American. Emphasis on American. Life is hard and rough in Cuba, but Castro's reviolution isn't the sole cause. The American embargo, and a backward US foreign policy based on advancing the interests of corporate America are equally to blame for Cuba's current condition. For 50 years the US has hidden behind the fraud of advancing Cuban freedom, while hoping to regain the dominant economic stranglehold it had on Cuban society from the late 19th century until Castro's revolution. It may be hard to understand that a poor nation doesn't have all the consumerism and materialism of his American homeland, but he should visit some of the poorest parts of his own country. Or he should visit some of his big city hospitals to see Americans turned away at the doors because they can't afford health insurance.
Here's hoping Cuban life improves and these vibrant people can all enjoy some of the fruits of life, but without American meddling and influence. China is a prime example of a communist totalitarian regime supposedly improved by American capitalism. Just leave any of the big Chinese cities and visit the countryside. The improvements haven't trickled down. So now they have a totalitarian regime based on US capitalism where the idea of equality of opportunity has been replaced by the consumerism and dog eat dog mantra of the American lifestyle.
Pray to God that Cubans don't fall for this as well.

Let me give you a few examples of what a blockade means to me.

It is a system that suppresses their people from free traveling.
It is a system that suppresses their people from access to a free press.
It is a system that suppresses their people from their right to free association.
It is a system that suppresses their people from choosing freely whatever job they would like to do.
It is a system that suppresses their people from learning freely and imposes upon them “Communist Doctrines”
It is a system that suppresses their people from reading books that are not in compliance with their communist ideas.
It is a system that suppresses their people from choosing the housing of their choice.
It is a system that suppress their people from the Internet (I don’t mean Intranet).
It is a system that supports Apartheid by having one set of rules for their Citizens and none for foreigners.
It is a system with more than one set of currencies to favor foreigners and enslave their own.
it is a system that kills or throws in jail those who dare to dissent.

Music supervisor could get a little more creative. Garage Band Loops just don't cut it!

a statement made without knowledge of self.

Mean while, 2nd generation and 3rd generation Cubans and Americans are moving forward through Cuban coffee...

This read significantly more as an opinion piece more worthy of a 24 hours news network than a respectable act of journalism. In my recent trip to Cuba as an American filmmaker, granted a cultural visa I got to eat and travel as the Cuban's do. The cultural visa allows the visitor to utilize the same money, in fact it is easily exchanged at any bank or exchange. The voice in this piece resounds as limited Miami based perspective. The very notion that a revolution in Cuba allowing a person from Miami to come and buy back "their" home is absurd. The damage that would cause to the people this piece so clearly sympathizes for would be enormous. Any revolution that exchanges the current system for one favorable to the right wing critics of Cuba would be simply a new nightmare for Cuba's poor. While there I heard many voices both incredibly happy and simultaneously concerned about day to day conditions. It is certainly true that there is abundant criticism of the government. However, there is equally abundant criticism of Miami and the people they perceive as terrorists therein whom have repeatedly tried to destabilize their country. A new Cuban revolution would have to be a truly Cuban one, with their interests at heart, not Miami, Washington or anyone else.
On the subject of internet, it is important to note that they do have access, they can buy a card at a phone company office and access ir or access it at work. The issue is significantly more complex than this piece lets on. First and foremost it is important to note that without an infrastructure allowing for internet connectivity such as properly connected networks, fiber optics or satellite technology (as parts of Africa are doing to jump ahead of their infrastructure) there is limited ability to allow for the growth of the technology, especially outside of areas not supported by tourist dollars. As far as becoming a waiter, I wish for them to be able to be what they want as well, it is important to note though that a waiter in a tourist hotel in Cuba makes significantly more than a doctor in Cuba on tips alone.
There are some valid points in this, but even those seem prone to exaggeration, and there also seems to be no checking of sources or even an attempt at interviewing any other side of the issue. Seeking out people to speak against a government is not reporting it is telling a story you had already decided would exist.

I agree that this piece is completely biased and doesn't mention the real reason people are suffering in Cuba: The US Embargo. It has choked off the economy. What other Latin American country has full literacy and healthcare for all, including the United States!! And is a world leader in organic farming.

very keen observation mon-frere yes the U.S. embargo puts a choke hold on cuba and its ability to develope as a nation.
I'm glad there are others who acknowledge the truth about history.