Thanks Kendra!!!!

[susy]

Well, you did get a good thread started about Castro, but it ended up being all about admiring/respecting people and just not agreeing with their policies. it is extremely difficult for those who have not lived under that type of regime to understand the lifestyle of these people. Nevermind not having freedom of speech (you have spies in every neighborhood), the right to own anything and having to stand for DAYS in line to PURCHASE food (I'm talking rice and beans), I would not last long without any AC, having to listen to nothing on the radio but the "crop reports", NEVER EVER going to Disney World (that is the first thing Cubans do when they arrive here).

Of course, peoeple have a right to their own opinions (in THIS country), and of course celebs say how wonderful Castro is. They don't have to do what he says. The minute he would start bossing them, they'd change their tune.END of story.

 

[RitaZ.]

Susy, one has to live it to really understand.

Nevermind not having freedom of speech (you have spies in every neighborhood),

I remember those "spies", it was called "El Comite de Defensa" and there was someone is charge of reporting the "gusanos" (the worms) in every neighborhood. I was called "gusana" as a child more times than I can count. I remember walking to my friend's house or to school and other kids yelling and calling me "gusana". I was constantly harrased at school and wherever I went. My father was a political prisoner, so it was well-known in our town that we were not Castro supporters. There was no hiding from it.

There are so many stories that I can tell, my DH thinks that I should write a book. One of the most painful memories was when my father was arrested in our home in the middle of the night by several men from "Seguridad de Estado". I didn't see my father again after that for another 4 years. Actually, my father was one of the lucky ones, as many of his friends were executed. I was 7 years old when my father was finally released, I still remember that day. He was a complete stranger to me, I didn't know how to "act" around him.

I'll stop now... As I said, you have to live it to really understand. The good thing is that because of my father's unwavering determination and principles, I'm here. So when people say that they admire Castro, I laugh. It's easy to admire him from a safe distance. After the novelty of meeting a dictator is over, the admirers return home where their rights are preserved and protected. How many Cubans can say that? NONE!

 

[DawnCt1]

Rita, I was very moved by your post. God Bless you and your family and if you haven't received one yet, a belated welcome to Los Estados Unidos!!

 

[RitaZ.]

Muchas gracias, Dawn.

 

[susy]

Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[Abracadabra]

Originally posted by susy
it is extremely difficult for those who have not lived under that type of regime to understand the lifestyle of these people. Nevermind not having freedom of speech (you have spies in every neighborhood), the right to own anything and having to stand for DAYS in line to PURCHASE food (I'm talking rice and beans), I would not last long without any AC, having to listen to nothing on the radio but the "crop reports", NEVER EVER going to Disney World (that is the first thing Cubans do when they arrive here).

I was just reminded while watching the news this morning that there are varying degrees of oppression in this world and while those living in Cuba may have a difficult time, there are some in this world who are much, much worse off, such as many living in Sudan. I think they'd give anything right now to stand in line any length of time to purchase food, experience even for a few minutes the joys of AC, and know that something like radio even exists, let alone go to WDW.

While people in Cuba may be oppressed, they still have opportunities far beyond what some other people in this world have. It's all a matter of perspective.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Abracadabra


While people in Cuba may be oppressed, they still have opportunities far beyond what some other people in this world have. It's all a matter of perspective.

Well I guess that they can get on a boat and risk their lives to get to freedom. Is that the kind of "opportunity" you are referring to?? It's sounds like you are saying that Cuba's dictator is better than Sudans. What a ridiculous comment.

 

[Abracadabra]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
Well I guess that they can get on a boat and risk their lives to get to freedom. Is that the kind of "opportunity" you are referring to?? It's sounds like you are saying that Cuba's dictator is better than Sudans. What a ridiculous comment.

Wow, I'm certainly glad that I am not the one who made such a ridiculous comment! It's also nice of you to casually display such indifference to the suffering of the Sudanese. I'm sure they appreciate your "compassion."

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Abracadabra
Wow, I'm certainly glad that I am not the one who made such a ridiculous comment! It's also nice of you to casually display such indifference to the suffering of the Sudanese. I'm sure they appreciate your "compassion."

This wasn't a discussion of the Sudanese, it was a discussion of Castro's Cuba. To discuss Castro's Cuba does not deminish the plite of the Sudanese which is horrible. BTW, What is the United Nations doing to alievate the situation? Not much as far as I can see.

 

[Abracadabra]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
This wasn't a discussion of the Sudanese, it was a discussion of Castro's Cuba. To discuss Castro's Cuba does not deminish the plite of the Sudanese which is horrible. BTW, What is the United Nations doing to alievate the situation? Not much as far as I can see.

So, one is not permitted to introduce other subjects or draw comparisons on threads on this board? Gee, I didn't realize the rules were so strict.

My point, which you seem to have missed, is that oppression has varying degrees of intensity. While those who live in Cuba may feel oppressed, there are others in this world whose suffering is many times worse. I believe it is helpful to reframe one's perspective from time to time. While standing days in line to purchase food, not having A/C, listening only to crop reports on the radio and never getting to go to WDW ( ) is oppressive, starvation, homelessness and genocide are... and this is JMHO... much, much worse. As I said, it's all a matter of perspective.

Since we're not supposed to introduce new topics to threads, I will take a pass on addressing your question about the United Nations role in all this. I would not want to force you to have to chastize me again so quickly on the same thread.