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Small Freedoms in Cuba
Small reforms allowing Cuban citizens some previously unheard of freedoms, such as the use of cell-phones or the purchase of electrical appliances have been enacted. Is Raul Castro a reformer or can all this be attributed to propaganda?
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Here is some background:
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Here is some background:
I think I'll wait a bit to see if it lasts.They can't pay for 98% of this new 'freedoms' they get, so, what's the fuss? I mean, it's like when in capitalist countries you have the freedom to lose your house and starve. Oh, I'm SO FREE, WOW.
My point is that this type of things don't offer any sort of relevant freedom.
My point is that this type of things don't offer any sort of relevant freedom.
| PMK-Bear wrote: |
| They can't pay for 98% of this new 'freedoms' they get, so, what's the fuss? I mean, it's like when in capitalist countries you have the freedom to lose your house and starve. Oh, I'm SO FREE, WOW.
My point is that this type of things don't offer any sort of relevant freedom. |
This is true for some of the areas where leeway was given, such as the use of tourist hotels. Other repealed laws, such as the right to own a mobile phone is a bit more than cosmetic. Inexpensive, especially second-hand phones cost no more than a few dollars and considering the no. or tourists and the abundance of prepaid phones, it seems you will soon see every second person in Havana holding a cell-phone to his or her ear.
Generally you are certainly right in recognizing that these changes are negligible compared to the problems the country has, but that is exactly my question. After almost five decades without appreciable change in the area of personal rights / freedoms, are we perhaps seeing the delicate first steps of reform, with bolder moves to follow? Or have they simply changed their "public relations consultant"?
My guess would be that Raul is a bit better than Fidel, and at least realizes that he needs to let his people catch up with the rest of the world. Perhaps he realizes that Cuba's future is much brighter if it is well connected and more free. I wouldn't expect elections, freedom of international travel, and a bill of rights any time soon, but the future does look a little better for Cuba now.
Freedom of international travel? never heard about it being restricted anywhere, mainly because of the unfeasability of enforcing such a prohibition.
Now, freedom of speech, circulation and gathering sound much more needed than freedom to posess cellphones (specially when the average cuban monthly salary is some 8/10 euros if converted). Not that I expect something like that to happen when there's a gigantic amount of conspirators, rejected and even a freaking terrorist just awaiting this type of news on miami.
Now, freedom of speech, circulation and gathering sound much more needed than freedom to posess cellphones (specially when the average cuban monthly salary is some 8/10 euros if converted). Not that I expect something like that to happen when there's a gigantic amount of conspirators, rejected and even a freaking terrorist just awaiting this type of news on miami.
| PMK-Bear wrote: |
| Freedom of international travel? never heard about it being restricted anywhere, mainly because of the unfeasability of enforcing such a prohibition.
Now, freedom of speech, circulation and gathering sound much more needed than freedom to posess cellphones (specially when the average cuban monthly salary is some 8/10 euros if converted). Not that I expect something like that to happen when there's a gigantic amount of conspirators, rejected and even a freaking terrorist just awaiting this type of news on miami. |
I'm pretty sure Castro wasn't too fond of those people swimming to Florida. I'm thinking it was outlawed by him (although I have no idea).| liljp617 wrote: | ||
I'm pretty sure Castro wasn't too fond of those people swimming to Florida. I'm thinking it was outlawed by him (although I have no idea). |
Travel restrictions for Cubans are manifold.
For those Cubans desiring permanent emigration, exit visas need to be obtained which is difficult and time-consuming, although not comparable to closed societies such as North Korea or the now defunct German Democratic Republic. Also, all property needs to be left behind. After the "Mariel Boatlift" in 1980, with 100.000 Cubans being allowed to emigrate to the U.S. via the Mariel harbor, U.S. President Carter's "open arms" policy was rescinded (also due to Haitian boat-people and Cuban criminals and psychiatric ward inmates reaching American shores). A more structured migration was agreed on in 1994 with the Clinton-Castro accords.
For Cubans intending to travel abroad, such as businessmen, athletes and artists, a "hostage" system has been adopted which requires that family members stay behind to ensure their return.
Sources (Wikipedia):
Mariel boatlift
Cuba Exodus
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