www.Govern.Us

[Juan S]

I got to know Lino when he was in central Mexico, working as a documentary filmaker for a Cuban TV station. He was doing research and directing films about ancient historical sites in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. He had grown up, not rich, but as upper class Cuban, on a large sugar plantation. He knew about farming, and when we parted ways, he slaughtered, plucked, and cooked a turkey feast for us, which we greatly appreciated. He was both down-to earth, and upper class at the same time, and made me want to visit Cuba as soon as possible.

Recently I read a news story (Wall Street Journal, March 31st, 2006) that made me really worry about Lino and the future of Cuba. The story was about a Doctor in Cuba named Dariel Ferrer. Dr. Ferrer, upset by Cuba's abysmal state of health care for the poor there, had established an independant heath and human rights clinic.

[Mr. X]

In Cuba, the voluntary, or free market exchange of goods does not exist like it does in the US, or most countries. Most Cubans have to steal in order to suvive. The country is run so that most people have to participate in some sort of "criminal behavior". This is one method the state uses to keep control. The government knows about these thefts, etc., and keeps track of them. Should a person try to complain,m or in any way make a change, or disobey the authorities, these records are used as evidence to land them in jail. Cuba can then claim to have no political prisoners, only convicted thieves.

[MapleCorner]

[MexPhot]

I too know people from Mexico who have gone to Cuba to study to be a medical Doctor, and believe that they have gotten a good medical degree. Both better and cheaper than in Mexico, so there is some benefit from this.