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Aug. 13, 2006 Let me impart some statistics about Cuba before going into my article about Fidel and Cuba. Cuba is a scant 90 miles south of Key West, Florida. There are 2,319 miles of coastline on the island of Cuba and their population, as of July 2003, is 11,263,429. 85% of their population is Catholic. Main categories of crops grown in Cuba are; sugar cane, tobacco, citrus, coffee, and rice. Their principal trade partners are; Netherlands, Russia, Canada, Spain, France, Venezuela, China, and North Korea. (www.NYTimes.com) Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba in 1959. Relationships with the United States have been strained since 1961 (Bay of Pigs). 1962 brought the Cuban Missile Crisis and nearly a nuclear war. Since that time there has been an Embargo prohibiting trade and visitation with Cuba. During the Clinton years, President Clinton tried hard to end our Embargo with Cuba and to open Cuba up for more and better trade. He (Clinton) made steady progress and had he more time in office this may have come to fruition. Tighter restrictions came with the Bush Administration and no progress has been made in that arena since. Over the years there have been numerous notes made of the aging of Fidel. He fainted in one gathering. Stumbled and fell from the stage in another. Some people believe he has Parkinson's because he has been seen having what resembles tremors during speeches given over the last several years. People close to Fidel remain silent on issues surrounding his health which only adds to the mystery and suspense. A week, or so, ago Fidel Castro ceded power to his brother, Raul. This was the first time this transition of power has ever been an issue for the people of Cuba and the world. Previously Raul had been leader of their army, but never leader of Cuba's government. Fidel scheduled to undergo some intestinal surgery was supposed to be out of commission for a couple of weeks, but many people felt this transition meant he was already dead. Upon confirmation of this news the Cubans in Miami, Florida, partied like it was 1999. Since then there has been much speculation as to the future and leadership of Cuba. In the days and weeks following this incident Cuba has been quiet, but is an exodus coming? (www.NYTimes.com) The Bush Administration has openly planned and supported Cuba's possible transition to democracy. They have set aside $80 million dollars for assistance to potential dissidents. They have appointed a person responsible (Cuba coordinator) for the coordination of such things in the event they come to fruition. President Bush has stated that he does not want Raul to rule Cuba. But is this for him to decide? I believe that the people of Cuba need to be the ones to determine how and who they want to govern them. It is well and fine that the Bush Administration wishes to help them if they choose democracy, but what if they want another form of government besides democracy? I believe the best way to help the people of Cuba is to end our Embargo with them. The people of Cuba are suffering. Their economy is past being in the toilet. Opening relations and trade with them could go a long way towards showing that we will support them in whatever they decide. In Miami, Florida, Alfredo Messa said he may want to stage some rallies at the Orange Bowl, but as some of the more active people in that area age, demonstrations have become segmented and disorganized. Al Sanchez has organized a flotilla that can respond to the people of Cuba to bring humanitarian relief once Cuba may be free of Fidel's rule. (www.NYTimes.com) For the first time since his surgery, Fidel was seen in a photograph celebrating his 80th birthday. This photo has now been seen round the world and is believed to prove that the leader of Cuba is still very much alive. However, at 80 how many more years can he have to govern? Who and how will he be replaced? If we open relations and trade with them we may be able to get the inside-track as to how things may unfold. Please write or call your local and/or state congress people and/or state representatives to tell them that we need to end the Embargo with Cuba now. This Embargo serves no purpose for either party involved and leaves the doors open for other more hostile governments and people to influence how they (Cuba) may evolve. Reference: www.NYTimes.com ------------ About the author: Michelle Malsbury was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois. Currently she resides in Florida. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and a Masters Degree in Business Management. She has just been accepted into Doctoral College and will begin that three year journey in the fall of 2006. She plans to write her dissertation on "The Economic Feasibility and Sustainability of Alternative Fuel Sources". Travels have taken her from Europe through the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and across much of the United States. She is joint founder of the Apalachicola Yacht Club (AYC) and holds the post of secretary/treasurer. For the AYC she drafted the Constitution and Bylaws outlining membership rules, regulations, and guidelines. She enjoys outdoor activities like sailing, water-skiing, hiking, bike riding, working out, and fishing as well as reading, music, theatre, playing with her two amusing pets (Abu Chez, her 7.5 year old Australian Blue Heeler and Zack, her three year old yellow tabby cat) and writing. "Three Years With Adonis" is the first to be published of several books that she has written. It is now available in all the better bookstores, but can also be found and ordered at Amazon.com, Booksamillion.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or ordered directly from her web sites, www.3yearswithadonis.com, www.threeyearswithadonis.com, or www.MichelleMalsbury.com. In addition to "Three Years With Adonis", she has authored four other books and three screenplays while continuing to explore all that life hands her. Email Michelle Malsbury: zackywacks@aol.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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