I would like some info on Cuba...

[BayCityProgressive]

Hello everyone,

I am currently trying to study two nations. Israel and Cuba. I am currently readin "The Case for Israel" By Dershowitz...here is a review on it: From Booklist
Dershowitz is one of the nation's most prominent and visible defense attorneys, and he is also an ardent, eloquent, but not always uncritical defender of Israel. This book is written in the form of a legal brief. He does not seek to defend particular policies of the current Israeli government. In fact, Dershowitz has frequently criticized some Israeli policies toward Palestinians, particularly regarding West Bank settlements. Rather, here he attempts to rebut what he views as the more general and blatantly discriminatory criticisms of Israel as a state and culture. Some of these criticisms deny the "right" of Israel to exist. In response, Dershowitz asserts both the practical and moral justification for the continued existence of Israel as Jewish state. He also convincingly refutes several other oft-repeated myths, including the supposedly benign treatment of Jews in Arab lands and the "cycle of violence" canard that morally equates Palestinian suicide bombings with Israeli efforts to arrest or kill bombers before they act. As usual, Dershowitz is a passionate but generally fair and honest advocate for his position. Jay Freeman

I have also read a book on Cuba: Cuba- A Revolution In Motion:Isaac Saney's book explains why, despite all its difficulties, Cuba continues to inspire people around the world. One of the many strengths of this book is the perspective that Cuban society and the Cuban revolution is, and always has been in motion -- a dynamic process.
This thorough guide reviews modern Cuba's economic and political institutions, its current problems and successes, including the issues of race and inequality, in the context of the constant hostility of U.S. imperialism and the struggles of the Cuban people for a better world.

What I really want is the point of view of people who have traveled to or lived in Cuba.

[Kutjara]

1. RagingInMiami made a recent trip there...

Here's the link to his thread (with lots of pics):

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=1378921

My last trip was about six years ago, before Shrub's antics frosted Cuban/American relations even more than they had been, so what I know is probably out of date. Subject to that caveat, I'll happily answer any questions you may have.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. hmm

so you can't even take pictures without being harassed? Strange....sounds like Patriot Act Gone Wild!

[peacetalksforall]

3. I don't qualify - I just want to ask you to consider something.

I want to suggest that you concentrate on investigating what has become an accepted version of history - that Castro did not become a Revolutionary in order to team up with the USSR. For your own edification (and starting point) on understanding Cuba, read for your self and determine for yourself whether you believe the 'other story' - that the U.S. rebuffed him after Batista was forced out and he had little choice but to team up with the USSR for sustainability and survival (plus the convenience for the USSR of 'sponsoring' the country). If you study Castro's origins as leader, remember that the U.S. included communism in every rationale for existence during those times. Every exile was labeled a refugee from Communism. 'Red' carpets were laid down and stayed down for 47 years - long after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Who pressured the WH into rebuffing Castro and his revolutinary partners? The trio comprising Intelligence (heavy CIA), the military-industrial complex, the Mafia. They are the ones who will be pounding the doors before Castro is buried, plus the Cuban-Americans. However, all we will hear about is Venezuela, Chavez, and/or Bolivia (both only recently considered). Then Colombia will be thrown in the pot for the big drug scare.

Check it out. Consider it for your starting point for understanding what is going on now and what will be going on.

[BayCityProgressive]

4. That is basically where I am starting

The US was just fine with Castro until he nationalized American interests.