CUBA - HOPING FOR A NEW TOMORROW

Since I got back from Cuba in November, I am seeing stuff about Cuba in the news, in magazines and just about everywhere I look. I guess before I took the trip I wasn’t paying that much attention, but now Cuba has got my attention.  The innocent handshake in South Africa got worldwide attention

First let me say something about the Cuban people. They have amazing spirit and can make do with just about anything. They are enterprising, they are inventive, they are artistic and they are a warm and apparently happy people. With all that rum and all that great coffee what else do you need? Well freedom would be a good start.

They have it – at least some freedoms. I saw no restriction on the freedom of religion,  my experience s also did not expose any lack of freedom of speech. They all spoke their mind. They did that when asked a particular question and where the answer may be critical of the government.  The government does take care of the people. The people do not have to worry about healthcare – they have it. From what I understand the Cubans enjoy treatment from some of the best doctors in the world. They do need medical equipment and drugs. There is no embargo on either from the United States. But that equipment must be paid for in cash.

Cubans are now allowed – with some restrictions- create their own businesses. Some have electronic repair businesses, some have established restaurants, some others have created small factories for clothing and other products. As I stated, they are artistic and the artists may sell their own art work. I bought a few pieces to bring home. At the arts and craft building in central Havana there are hundreds of vendors selling their own jewelry designs, wood products and clothing. Some of the businesses are government owned and others are privately owned enterprises. There is little or no negotiation, the prices are fair and the business people expect to get the asking price – they are quite polite about it, too.

You can eat the food – everywhere. There are no MacDonalds, Burger Kings or Pizza Huts. That is refreshing. Fresh fruit is sold on carts all over town and you can’t get fries with that.

Cuba appears to take care of their elderly, their poor and their children. We visited senior centers, a center for under privileged children, an art workshop for people of all ages and a dance group. All but the dance group were government operated and one of the children centers was run by a religious  philanthropy with government support.

The people are repressed in some ways. They get great education in the arts and sciences along with language skills. But the history they learn is limited and skewed according to government guidelines. The access to the internet is limited – very limited. Logging on reminds me of the day of the 300 baud modem. Very slow and certain web sites are blocked. I got CNN in my hotel room but I understood that is was not available outside the hotels. I was warned not to try to access my bank’s web site or use an American bank issued credit card. So, our freedom was limited as well. Free to complain but not free to use the facility.

The Cuban people make do. They make their own car parts for the 50 plus year old cars. Most are in good shape and get around. Many are falling apart. There are no Pep Boys in Cuba. The film “Yank Tanks” explains the process of keeping these 50 and 60 year old cars running.  The Cubans are highly skilled mechanics because they have to be. I asked a Cuban why something was bright red – the answer was because that was the color of the paint that they had that day. Whatever is available is used – and used to perfection.

Cuba supports it artists. While there we visited UNEAC (Union of Artists and Writers of Cuba) and the Ludwig Foundation which is a worldwide foundation for the support of the arts. The artists are happy, they create. They adapt. I bought an etching that was done on x-ray film. I also saw them etching on linoleum flooring.

Do they want democracy? I am not sure. They haven’t experienced it for some generations. Before Fidel  and Raul it was Batista. In principal, I believe that they do but they have no idea what democracy will do for them or to them. Democracy is messy. Just look at the U.S. Even George W. Bush lamented that he could run things better if he were the dictator instead of the president.

Is putting fast food in the hands of the Cubans a good idea? Is putting better cell phone usage and access to a wider internet a good idea for the Cuban people? I don’t know. Neither do they, but they do deserve the ability to find out. Maybe not all at once, but a gradual easing out from 1950 to 2014 may help the Cubans realize their greatest talents. They adapt and they endure.

If they get to democratize then the Cubans need to create a better economic foundation so they can enjoy their access to the “better” life. Their monthly wage is about twice basic hourly wage. That is not a solid foundation for economic
growth. I haven’t heard much in the way of planning for the revitalization of the Cuban people, but I was immediately informed when I arrived at the Havana International Airport that this is a transformative time.

  Lately there has been much written about change for Cuba. Such a beautiful country with such rich talent, a desire for better life – it is all there.  Did the president’s simple courteous handshake start the process? Can we get past that there were nuclear missiles set up with the idea to destroy the U.S.?  Since the Cuban Revolution more than 70% of the current population was born. They know nothing else but how it is. Can we forget, should we forget and can we forgive? Is that the basis of the America mental embargo for Cuba?

 That is my take, you decide.

PS 12/17/2013
If you had a chance to review the photos from Cuba you would have seen a gym that trains boxers. Yesterday,  Cuba had for the first time since the Revolution a professional prize fight. Things are changing slowly - but changing. The Cubans won all five of their matches.
Here is the URL for the Gallery Site: http://saulsgallery.shutterfly.com.