For those that say they love Cuba and visiting there ?

Question

Why do you love fidel castro ? It is exactly the same thing in the present moment

Answer 1

Some people just refuse to admit the Cuban reality, like some people are doing here.

Like the godfather said: nothing personal, only business

To renenwet:

What you say would be the case of us, the Cubans, but not of foreigners

Answer 2

It might be that whoever visit Cuba, don't want to admit that there is a dictatorship

Prizzo, in another place you say that you are an American. Here you say that you are a Cuban.

Can you please make up your mind ?

Oh, Beardo, how on earth can anyone know ? In Cuba , we are very much too afraid to say what we really think. It is only after we escape that we can say what we think, you know that very well

Answer 3

For those who try to make political points about tourism to Cuba - I have to ask:

Do you think that general Cuban population would prefer there to be fewer visitors ?

I don't mean the dissidents, the political activists. Nor do I mean the staff in the hotels, or the hustlers who make their living from tourists.

I mean the ordinary people, those who have little or no contact with the visitors.  

Answer 4

It seems that those people don't care about fidel's dictatorship

To Tropical:

May I say something ? Please ?

I have seen your conversation with this fellow "nadie". I beg both your permission to act as a mediator, please.

You say that you don't need to be in a totalitarian country to be a victim of persecution. Right, and we have had dictatorships before

But the totalitarian dictatorship is the worst because it controls all.

You say that going to Cuba does not have anything to do with politics.

Anything related to Cuba has to do with politics because it is controlled by the State. Anything and everything.

You say that you understand what us Cubans talk about. Excuse me for saying so, but if you really understood it, you would not talk the way you do.

I was in Cuba when the Mariel, and the embassy of Peru, and I saw what that fellow mentions. Very sad. A friend of mine was almost killed by a mob

We Cubans have very good reasons to feel the way we feel.

You might say, indeed, that we get in heated discussions.

I concur. But this is practically the only place where we can vent our feelings.

Recently, Osvaldo Mitat and Santiago Alvarez, two anti castrists, were arrested for having weapons at home, under accusation of terrorism. What can we do when both fidel and the USA government forbid us from fighting ?

Answer 5

One can love Cuba without loving Castro.

Answer 6

I have the feeling that such visitors totally separate fidel's dictatorship from what they get from Cuba.

Tropical:

I don't know about the person who asks the question, but I can tell you that if you go to Cuba at the present time you are supporting fidel. By going there, implicitly you mean that you tolerate his dictatorship. It has everything to do with it.

In any country there are injustice, oppression, etc, etc. Right,  but not necessarily caused by the government.

You are ignoring the fact that the Cuban regime is a totalitarian dictatorship, and as such, it controls EVERYTHING.

Whatever happens in Cuba, it is made by the castros

In my case I can tell you: have you ever been beaten by a mob, just because of your political opinions ? I have

Have you been seiged by a mob outside of your house, ready to beat you up and down, just because you want to escape from your country ? I have

Do you have your country ruled by a tryrany, and nobody listens to us and ignore it, just like you are doing now ?

I have

Assuming that you are not an agent of the Cuban government, I can tell you that I have very good reasons to be angry

You say that we have nothing better to do than tell people off ? I don't understand that, but I can tell you that everyone who has tried to do something is now dead, in jail, or in exile . When I arrived to this country I was surprised to see so many people whom I hadn't seen in so much time ( I am a physician ). Many had escaped or been deported

A friend of mine, associate of Osvaldo Paya Sardinas was deported for his political opinions

Answer 7

This question is absurd. You think traveling to Cuba has anything to do with Castro? Man, let me tell you something. 50% of the people who visit Cuba are there for tourism, sightseeing, cheap hookers, or just plain old fun. The other 50% are visiting family. I don't think anyone in their right mind supports the Castros anymore unless it's for money or their personal health and welfare. Take it from a Cuban, the Castros are the devil's spawn and everyone knows it, but let's not assume that those who travel there are doing it cause they love Castro.

Answer 8

Cuba has the friendliest people.  They have the best beach resorts in all of the carribean.  It is probably one of the safest places to travel too.  Where else can you spend a one week all inclusive holiday at a great resort for $700.00 or less CDN.

Maybe some people just can't afford to spend $2000 on a vacation.  I have been to Cuba over 20 times and i'v noticed alot of change. There are many Cubans who do not like the government.  At the same time there are those who do.  Look at the United States they claim to be a Democratic free society, yet to me it's more like democratic dictatorship.  Fidel is not the greatest man, yet would Cubans be better off if Baptista had continued to rule as an American puppet.  If I'm not mistaken the revolution which the majority of cubans had supported was to rid the American run government out.  The embargo has nothing to do with peoples right or humanitarian reasons.  The embargo was putin place because Fidel embarred th USA.  The Americans could not have there way and in retaliation put the embargo.  Life would of been alot different even with fidel as leader had there been no embargo.  I have been to other counties as well like the Dominican Republic and Mexico the residents there also hate there government, I'm Canadian and there are always people who like or dislike the current government, I;m sure its the same in the US.  Americans should look at their government first.  Americans have one of the most corrupt health care systems in the world.  What is wrong with a social free health care like in most modern countries e.g. Canada, France, UK, Italy, and Germany.  Did you Cuba has a 100% free healthcare and education sysyem.  In the US even those with health care insurance don't get the proper services they require.  Rember most Tourist Dollars in Cuba go to the Cuban people.  If I tip a Cuban $5 for his/her service thats money in there pocket not Fidels.  If you hate Cuba so much don't go there.

Answer 9

They don't care. Just look at officer_juice. They are more concerned about their own enjoyment and financial issues than the Cuban people.

Instead of going somewhere, more expensive albeit, they would rather put their money in a dictator's pocket.

It's a sin.

Answer 10

Cubans are beautiful people in so many ways. They are warm, kind and hospitable. Cuba is beautiful as well...part of enjoying one's time away somewhere else is being with the people and enjoying the culture.

Why must one assume that a person goes somewhere because they love a politician? It has absolutely nothing to do with it...They are not one in the same...go to any country and you will find dishonesty, injustice, oppression, and so much more...and yes, even in affluent countries.

So please don't keep forcing your opinions and anger on other people. More times than not, when someone does that, they are in fact becoming exactly what they are complaining about. And when you lash out and starting throwing accusations at people you do not know and insinuate ulterior motives on them, you're in fact becoming the very thing you hate.

And we're sure that you're not that type of person deep down inside.

If you so desire to give everyone a thumbs down because you're not getting the answer you wish to hear, then so be it...but that will just go to show that you can't 'let it go' and just have nothing better to do than tell people off.

*Edit: okay, first of all, nadie....would you all just please stop this 'agent of the Cuban government' insinuation. It's getting old and ridiculous.

I will NEVER take away someone's right to be upset...and you justifiably have that right. And I don't believe anyone else here on y/a with sense will want to either. There are many forms of persecution ... and truly, no one has to be in a totalitarian country to be a victim of it.

To even carry a Bible in your hand can cause an uprise in government...causing them to stop you from leaving the country and wanting to keep an eye on your every move...and threatening to hang you just because you have a Bible in your hand...trying to mob you and your home, invade your privacy and belongings...and so much more. Many parts of the world is like this.

Even in Canada, there have been work camps (i.e.concentration camps) for those who took their stand to be neutral to world politics...not even wanting to take sides and take up arms.

These things are close to home too...you are not the only one who knows these things firsthand.

But at the same time, many have had amazing opportunities to meet Cuban friends. Why do those who have not been able to leave be punished by not being able to meet friends from other parts of the world? I am grateful to have been able to become friends with those in Cuba. And they are happy to be able to know us...and to have communication with them is a privilege too.

But please don't turn this place into a fire zone. Do not insult others and basically accusing everyone of being 'bad' for wanting to go to Cuba. Most of the people that go to Cuba are happy to know the Cuban friends...that's why they go over and over and over again. You can find beautiful beaches anywhere in the world...but the Cuban people are different. And maybe it is because of what they have had to experience in life that makes them more special and causes everyone to respect them.

They are hardworking people that will keep smiling and will make the most of life with such zest and love, no matter what.

Going to Cuba does not have anything to do with politics.

I'm genuinely sorry for what you have had to go through. It's wrong and should never happen. I do understand what you have been talking about. But it's also wrong to get into heated discussions on this forum...it's not the place for it and no one should be offensive towards others.

**EDIT: if you paid attention to what I said, I NEVER negated the facts of the country. I know and understand the life there and I DON'T many aspects. I see the negative aspects...but I focus on the positive aspects of the people. No one is deluding themselves...don't kid yourself. And I didn't say that the answers here today are offensive. But the responses and insinuations that have been towards other posters, including myself, have been offensive and out of line with just about every other previous postings. This is a travel section...and when people have been asking about travel information, it's not the time or place to tell them off and insult for their travel choices. This isn't the politics section.

Like I've said, I do understand things and in all honesty I don't need to answer to anyone about anything personal since you are not personal acquaintances of mine.

I have said that I will never take away anyone's right to be angry...otherwise it would show that you don't care and don't have a heart. But all we ask is that people stop getting personal and making personal attacks on others for differing opinions.

I will still say Cuba is beautiful...and if you have read my posts closely, you will have understood what it was that I meant was beautiful. I have always spoken respectfully about Cubans, especially those living in Cuba for what they have to face. They are to be admired for their dignity and zest for life in the face of hardships.

I have never insulted or retaliated in any way to any of you even though many of you have recently come on to this section and have hurled serious insults and unkind behaviour.

This is what I meant.

Hopefully you may now understand me and othes and realize that we do understand you.

Can everyone now stop fuelling the anger and just agree to understand each other?

*EDIT: I AM TYPING IN CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY TO CLARIFY SOMETHING...PLEASE DO NOT MISTAKE IT FOR YELLING :-)

AS I HAD SAID, I AM NOT IN DENIAL. AND I DID NOT SAY THAT PEOPLE ON THIS SPECIFIC QUESTION ARE RUDE OR OFFENSIVE. IN FACT THEY'RE NOT. WE RESPECT YOUR SENSITIVITY FULLY. I HAVE REPEATED CONSISTENTLY THAT I DO SEE THE PROBLEM. FROM YOUR RESPONSE YOU REALLY DID NOT TAKE THE TIME TO READ WHAT I JUST SAID.

THERE IS NO DENIAL WHATSOEVER AND WE RESPECT YOUR RIGHT TO BE ANGRY AND WILL NEVER TAKE AWAY YOUR RIGHT TO BE UPSET EITHER.

AS WELL, I'M NOT DEBATING. YOU ASKED A QUESTION THAT REQUIRED AN ANSWER. OBVIOUSLY PEOPLE HAVE OPINIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS. THAT'S ALL IT IS. WHEN YOU ASK A QUESTION THAT PUTS AN ASSUMING SLANT TO IT, YOU WILL GET DIFFERENT ANSWERS.

THIS ISN'T A DEBATE ON PURPOSE...BUT YOU JUST KEEP SAYING THINGS THAT SHOW YOU WEREN'T REALLY UNDERSTANDING THE INFORMATION REPLIED.

WE DO UNDERSTAND ALL OF YOU. WE AREN'T BLIND TO THESE THINGS. AND ONLY GOD WILL BE THE ONE TO FINALLY END ALL INJUSTICE. WE LEAVE THINGS IN HIS HANDS.

:-)

--------------------------------------...

*edit: To 'the big'....THANK YOU for actually being kind as you speak. I am truly not upset while speaking to anyone here at all. No one can take anyone's right to be upset, especially after going through persecution, etc...and the experiences you've been through. I respect your position and feelings...completely...as everyone else does I'm sure.

This is the first time that any of you have actually spoken more respectfully. It's okay to vent...the only problem is that many feel it's in the wrong section and awhile ago, quite a few were being insulted (to say the least) and being personally attacked. THAT was wrong...and one thing I've learned in life is that it doesn't work to make others be mistreated just because we were. We all have problems in many different areas of life. I know where my family and many friends have come from (and who are still living in different places) where persecution and freeness of speech is not looked upon without repercussions.

Normally I wouldn't even bother answering back and forth...but I felt it was necessary because so many people are just misunderstanding with all the ranting/venting the past few weeks, that it just needs to be settled once and for all to finally try to understand each other.

Please, let's move on and not make this TRAVEL section into the political section...and respect each other.

--------------------------------------...