Another Castro, Same B.S.

A glorious day for Cuba as it is embracing democracy! Oh wait, I thought Communism had just collapsed in Cuba and the people
(Castro with another crazy, Chavez.)
would actually enjoy freedoms we Americans take for granted. Never mind. I'm sure we rationals are sadly giggling to ourselves as Cuba is proving its democratic inclinations to the world as it voted in another Castro.



Now I know many Americans may have a hard time locating Cuba on a map (am I cynical or what?) or that their indifference prevents them from being aware of a Cuban embargo (I can't tell you how many people ask me why we can't purchase Cuban cigars), but I hope you at least paid attention to today's events in Havana.

It's not really that historical of an event: Fidel Castro, dictator extremus, the father of lies, has relinquished his seat a week before after first taking over Cuba in 1959. And today, elections for the President of the State have taken place and Fidel's younger brother, Raul Castro, has won (after serving as interim President when Fidel got sick a few years ago). I say today's election isn't that significant because this election was a sham. One Castro for another. Communism with the mask of democracy. I doubt the conditions for the Cuban people will improve. Many Americans argue that we should lift the embargo; that it isn't effective.

Obviously, these same people have fallen for the propaganda out of the island (they probably adore Che as well). Now please understand that I love Cuba; its history, its culture, its food, its people (the non-Commies; the rationals). But allowing economic trade between our two countries only helps those at the top in Cuba. The masses don't see any benefit. That is why America has implemented and practiced the embargo. But wait, Cubans get free education and free health care (which is superb). WRONG! They get free education; but what they are teaching is skewed in favor of the Commies. (example: they teach Cuban children that Americans are devil-worshippers; that they hate Cubans and are envious; I am not exaggerating. Health care? It's free but it is not the same famous health care that is given to foreigners with money; there is a difference.)

One day over some cigars, I spoke with a Cuban-American whose grandmother just escaped from the clutches of Communism on the island. The first time she went to a supermarket in America (it was in Miami), she fell to her knees and started bawling inside. Her relatives picked her up and asked why she fell and began crying. She replied that in Cuba she was always told that Americans do not have great access to markets like this. Obviously the truth was too much for her to bear. This is the garbage the Communists have created for the innocent people in Cuba.

I love Cuba and I cannot wait to use Cuban tabaco on our cigars. But until that day, when a true democracy is in place and the Cuban people are free, I do not support cutting off the embargo; even after this sham election has taken place. Hasta la victoria. Siempre.

-Luis