Fidel Castro Falls

[Chingon]

We dont know truth, til we see it with our own eye.....

Being of cuban descent but born a US citizen, I have been to Cuba a few times. I have videos of the "TV" areas compared to where the people really live.

There are places in Cuba that you can mistake for South Beach, but thats only for the rich americans and their money....

There is even a toll that only accepts US dollars.

Whats my nationality??? I am American first, Cuban second.

But you see, that's your perspective. Being American, you are used to seeing things a certain way. It's the same thing w/ppl I know who are "Mexican american", they criticize the country just on a few visits they have paid. Sure we have poverty through the roof and drug, economic, etc.. problems; but the place is good none the less. It really is a surprise to me that there are no more cuban "refugees" to the States really. I mean:

Mexican and south american immigrants must:In a majority cross 2000+ miles of unknown territory (i'm talking about Mexican territory)Spend all their livelihood to pay to get here.Danger of dying of thirst, hunger, fatigue, sun stroke, animal poison, getting shot (it happens).Not have any expectations once here, where they will not have a social security number, and will work at, or below minimum wage.

Now Cubans must:Cross 75+ miles of shark infested waters.Maybe die of hunger, thirst, sun stroke.Danger of getting caught and dying by firing squad in Cuba.American rescue teams (private) patroling the zone outside of Cuba for any and all migrants.Have all the benefits of political refugee once here, w/a social security number, and a foot on a new life.

Now the odds seem better for Cuba, and don't get me wrong, population is not as high as the rest of Latin America, but they seem to be having better luck w/less casualties. So, why is the Cuban immigration so low compared to other countries, whom the US categorize as "better off"?

And i've had several family members travel to Cuba, where most of the national income comes from tourism. They all believe that the ppl are pretty happy, and do usual things like play cards an domino out on the streets, yet have to keep a high diet of beans.

Same thing w/a student I knew from Vietnam. Says there's some political/speech oppression, but they are glad to be whom they are and are proud of fighting (w/both US and France) for choosing how they are ruled.

The US just seems to me bitter about communism because:1. They've lost many fathers, brothers, and others in fighting it.2. It posed a "threat" that to me, the same suspicion between the 2 created.3. It does have a fast, swift, and lethal way of gaining power (w/the exception in China, where they were the persecuted (in the beginning)).4. It's radically different to capitalism, w/some things "lacking" that we take for granted (free speech, press, bla, bla), yet are not really necessary for a society which have lived generations that way, and is able to cope.

Now Castro has his reasons for being pissed to the US. Legitimate:1. Bay of Pigs (although I'll admit, the missiles were a bit too much).2. The numerous attempts against his life by the CIA.3. All the embargos.4. The way the US imposes it's views on Cuba through the world.

[AZhitman]

Bah, it needs to be the 51st state.

There's something to be said for a little imperialism now and again.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Despite all of this arguing and exchanging of facts, I just have on thing to say.:

Just because the country offers such good things does not make the dictator a good man. Castro is still a bastard. You have to be a bastard to be a dictator. How could any person with a conscience do half the things Castro is required to do? I don't care if its "what he has to do" or whatever. The prick still kills innocent people to prevent the loss of his total control over his little island. The people hate it there...they just don't dare say so. But it's obvious in the fact that they are willing to risk their lives in an attempt to get themselves or their families out of there.

[SDRonEbay]

When I saw that on TV I almost choked laughing so hard. But the man is a playa. He got right back on TV and threatened the lives of all who laughed....jk

The point is; dude fell, ish was funny. Right up there with Bush vomiting on Chinese leader and Ford tripping coming off Air Force One, again and again.

[vicki]

I don't think you guys are seeing my point. My only point is that we're so hard pressed on Cuba and Castro is perceived to be this terrible tyrrant, largely due to the fact that he is a communist and he has killed people to acquire and maintain his position in his country. BUT relative to other Latin American countries, Cuba is prospering and would continue to excel more rapidly had America not impose sanctions and bans. If you want to study other neighboring countries such as that of Columbia, Venezuela, and other "democracies", you'd realize that Castro is a good dictator. Freedom comes with liberal democracies in which elections aren't rigged and corrupt. I can name less than a handful of countries in Latin America where this is actually the case.... but I don't see economic sanctions on them, do you?

[Jesda]

I'm waiting for someone to turn his fall into a signature-friendly animated GIF.