Opinion Archives - Page 415 of 495

On Cuban Elections by Universal Suffrage

Our “parliamentary” system is actually the same as what existed under failed “real socialism” – in the so-called “people’s democracies” and the “state of all the people” in the USSR.

Electrification of Cuba: The Reality So Often Ignored

The inappropriately named “Cuban Electric Company” (it wasn’t Cuban) only made investments in large cities, where it could quickly recover its investment. The countryside and small towns on the island didn’t produce the big profits; therefore they didn’t “deserve” to receive that service.

The Presumed End of Cuba’s Dual Currency

It’s the same to me if a TV costs 300 CUCs or 7200 CUPs (at an exchange rate of 1:24). Anyway, the important thing is to have the money, whether it comes from remittances sent from “the beyond,” or whether it’s earned by selling avocados or it’s the payout from “La Bolita” (playing the numbers).

Not Afraid of Getting into Politics

One of the most important things I learned from living in Europe was not to fear getting into politics. When I was still living in Cuba, opinions were stated behind closed doors, in low voices, and looking to the sides, not wanting to get oneself into problems.

The Freedom We All Need

A recent and alarming cervical crisis led me to become aware of the long hours I spend sitting at my laptop in an unnatural and harmful posture. As well as how I had forgotten that basic freedom that I discovered back in the 80´s in dance.

Cuba and Super WiFi

The battle against technology has no future because eventually development will continue knocking down all walls. Cuba’s government can’t prevent it; it can only decide whether Cubans access the world through it or through its enemies.

Human Rights, Socialism and the Cuban Nation

There will be no shortage of newfangled and traditional neo-Stalinists criticizing the fact that we hope to democratize the Cuban political-electoral system. They will specifically object to our inclusion of the issues of human rights covenants.

The Impact of Cuba’s New Customs Regs

Official statements describe the Cuban Customs Office as “the country’s first line of defense, responsible for preventing the entry of harmful materials,” while at the same time it “allows and encourages the free flow of trade and development between countries.”

Mental Miniskirts

The main failure of the post-revolutionary Cuban education system was the elimination of disorder, variation and diversity as essential educational elements.

Some Challenges Facing Cuba’s Press

A society that in the middle of an information revolution tries to control the ears and eyes of its citizens will not survive. Recovering people’s confidence is becoming exceedingly difficult because they are reacting to the absence and poor quality of information.