http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364 open-minded writing from Cuba Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:27:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=7744 http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364&cpage=1#comment-5136 Myrisa Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:29:23 +0000 http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364#comment-5136 Castro will use his influence against racism and sexism? What about legislation with punishment for those who discriminate on the basis of race and gender? What about the rule of law? This is the problem with Cuba. It's lack of democratic institutions. Everything depends on the ruler. Changes can only come from the top and there is no room for grassroots initiatives. The people are powerless. The problem with Cuba is it's patriarchal framework and mentality. The creative energy of the people cannot be displayed. Progress cannot find its way. The old clique of rulers cannot give Cuba what it needs: citizens empowerment. Castro will use his influence against racism and sexism? What about legislation with punishment for those who discriminate on the basis of race and gender? What about the rule of law? This is the problem with Cuba. It’s lack of democratic institutions. Everything depends on the ruler. Changes can only come from the top and there is no room for grassroots initiatives. The people are powerless. The problem with Cuba is it’s patriarchal framework and mentality. The creative energy of the people cannot be displayed. Progress cannot find its way. The old clique of rulers cannot give Cuba what it needs: citizens empowerment.

]]> http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364&cpage=1#comment-5130 Julio de la Yncera Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:52:25 +0000 http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364#comment-5130 Basically what I am trying to say is that this same leader that today is concern about Racism and Sexism is the same one that was there for 50 years. So why now? Why? Why not 50 years ago? Basically what I am trying to say is that this same leader that today is concern about Racism and Sexism is the same one that was there for 50 years. So why now? Why? Why not 50 years ago?

]]> http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364&cpage=1#comment-5099 Michael N. Landis Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:40:41 +0000 http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364#comment-5099 Although I agree with Raul that "there is no room for risky improvisations and hurriedness," (as was oft the case during the 1960's through 1980's) nevertheless, it is time for decisive action. The best minds, both inside the Party and out, and inside Cuba and in the Cuban diaspora, should be marshalled to come up with solutions to economic and social problems now besetting Cuba. In my own country (instead of Obama's half-hearted, sorry efforts) I am reminded of the first few months of F.D.R.'s administration in 1933, when, one after another, a series of bold new programs were enacted. While remaining true to the Revolution's ideals of economic justice and social equality, pragmatism should prevail. What works? What doesn't? We shouldn't be affraid of learning from past mistakes--and changing. As long as we keep in mind why governments are instituted and why revolutions happen we are on the correct path. Time for the next generation to step forward. !Adelante! Although I agree with Raul that “there is no room for risky improvisations and hurriedness,” (as was oft the case during the 1960′s through 1980′s) nevertheless, it is time for decisive action. The best minds, both inside the Party and out, and inside Cuba and in the Cuban diaspora, should be marshalled to come up with solutions to economic and social problems now besetting Cuba. In my own country (instead of Obama’s half-hearted, sorry efforts) I am reminded of the first few months of F.D.R.’s administration in 1933, when, one after another, a series of bold new programs were enacted. While remaining true to the Revolution’s ideals of economic justice and social equality, pragmatism should prevail. What works? What doesn’t? We shouldn’t be affraid of learning from past mistakes–and changing. As long as we keep in mind why governments are instituted and why revolutions happen we are on the correct path. Time for the next generation to step forward. !Adelante!

]]> http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364&cpage=1#comment-5065 Julio de la Yncera Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:01:24 +0000 http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=17364#comment-5065 It took them 50 years to know about racism and sexism? Wow Do they know people are starving and treated as slaves with salaries of less than 20 dollars a month? It took them 50 years to know about racism and sexism? Wow
Do they know people are starving and treated as slaves with salaries of less than 20 dollars a month?

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