Fidel gives Raul the slapdown

[myboynoah]

Fidel Castro Rebukes Raul on U.S.

I understand the thinking that somehow opening up relations with Cuba will affect change for the better there. I don't know that I agree all that much. Everyone but the U.S. have been going to and trading with Cuba. Staying at the private resorts, dumping in the hard currency, buying the subsidized sugar. Have we seen major progress? Is Cuban society any more open or free?

Let's not kid ourselves. Only with the passing of Fidel will we see any significant movement.

[TripletDaddy]

Isn't that what the US is doing? Fidel will be dead in the next 10 years, so the US is positioning itself now. It is going to take a decade to fully open things up over there, anyway, if not longer.

My impression is that this new approach is a long-term investment. I don't harbor illusions that it will cause drastic changes in the first couple of years.

Although some US-Cubans would probably argue that the ability to send money and visit relatives as often as they would like IS a drastic change. I can see that argument.

[myboynoah]

Isn't that what the US is doing? Fidel will be dead in the next 10 years, so the US is positioning itself now. It is going to take a decade to fully open things up over there, anyway, if not longer.

My impression is that this new approach is a long-term investment. I don't harbor illusions that it will cause drastic changes in the first couple of years.

Although some US-Cubans would probably argue that the ability to send money and visit relatives as often as they would like IS a drastic change. I can see that argument.

Well, it's been a longterm investment since Fidel took power. Nothing changes until he is gone. Maybe the isolation has had a positive effect and will hasten the opening when Fidel is gone.

I have little problem with allowing greater interpersonal contact.

[TripletDaddy]

Well, it's been a longterm investment since Fidel took power. Nothing changes until he is gone. Maybe the isolation has had a positive effect and will hasten the opening when Fidel is gone.

I have little problem with allowing greater interpersonal contact.

Agreed.

I was unclear. I view the recent actions as a more direct investment...talks of lifting the embargo and legitimately opening things up.

You are right that nothing substantive and permanent will happen until Fidel is dead.

I get the sense that Raul is all excited to for Fidel to move on so that he can become the new Presidente in the new democratic Cuba....then turn around and ask for more foreign aid.

[wuapinmon]

If you speak Portuguese, this is one of the best pieces I've ever read about Fidelist Cuba.

http://www.idelberavelar.com/archives/2008/02/o_adeus_de_fidel.php