Jauretsi: Word On The Street

“The political, military situation, which characterizes the confrontation between our country and the empire, can go from a relatively normal situation to a much more urgent, confrontational, aggressive one in a month, a week, or even in a night.” (Cuban State television feeds the tension with a statement by Gen. Leonardo Andollo Valdez)

(Cuba prepares for a US invasion this month)

CNN reports today that Fidel is starting to turn against Obama, implying that Fidel was supportive of Obama from day 1. It’s funny because from my recollection, I remember Fidel’s early “Reflection” essays (a column he writes for the National newspaper since retirement) has always sounded paranoid and antagonistic towards any new leader of “the empire”.

It wasn’t until the whole world rallied together in defense of Obama during elections that I started noticing Fidel’s statements getting a little kinder towards the potential President. Maybe he figured, why be a “hater” towards the one man everyone is rooting for? So Fidel changed his tune fast, and slowly we saw his “Reflections” columns speak of Obama with respect. I’m not too sure how altruistic it was. I think he was just trying to look tolerant towards in the eyes of his own country.

(Cuban military exercise to protect from invasion, their largest in 5 years)

Anyway, today’s current article is interesting, and points out all the fear mongering that Fidel, Chavez, and Raul are stirring up among their people right now. “The intentions of the empire are obvious,” Chavez read aloud at the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas summit in Havana. “This time behind the friendly smile and African-American face of President Barack Obama.” In the words of CNN, “the honeymoon between Obama and Cuba is over”.

One military exercise (the largest in 5 years) even shows all the islands soldiers preparing for an American invasion. As if America didn’t have enough moral headaches to worry about with Iraq. Why would we invade Cuba on a military level?!

NEWSFLASH TO ALL CUBANS READING THIS BLOG: United States is not invading Cuba. You are not even on our radar to militaristically invade. You don’t even have enough oil for our once corrupt adminstration to pilfer (although we hear there is a newfound oil resource on your island). Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the United States has plenty of other infiltration techniques on some spy levels. The story of espionage between Cuba and the US is an old dance that both countries are guilty of. Cubans should also worry about preserving their culture in the face globalization, but I repeat, do not worry about the US invading with guns and tanks. — END OF NEWSFLASH.

(Cuban billboard during Bush Administration when the US was less cooperative towards restoring relations)

The disses on Obama continue. Another head of State, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla (Foreign Minister of Cuba) insulted Obama at the climate change talks in Copenhagen. Bruno became Prime Minister of Cuba in March 2009 as the result of the Raul Castro shakeup. Before that, he served as Vice Minister under Felipe Pérez Roque whom he replaced during that time. In short, Bruno accused Mr. Obama of behaving like an “imperial chief”, and actually used the word “arrogant” to describe him.

(Cuban billboard about Invasion)

The New York Times states Wayne S. Smith, a former American diplomat in Havana said “It’s unfortunate,” when referring to the confrontational language. “There was and still is potential for the Obama administration to change relations with Cuba. These comments coming out of Havana don’t help.”

P.S. The evil “intentions” of the empire that Chavez was referring was concerning the detention this month of an American contractor visiting Cuba. He got arrested for distributing cellphones, laptops and satellite equipment to activists in Cuba on behalf of the Obama administration.

Source:
NY Times / Cuba

To see full video of this report, go to: CNN.com.

As you know this blog is all about “the new Cuba” – not the “Disney-fied” version that keeps eluding its growth. I just got tipped off by a friend in Havana about this band called Nacional Electronica.

The root of their sound is pure Cuban. Tight percussion, and layered drumming over a bed of electronic reverberations. It’s a mix of the old and the new… illustrative of the experimental scene down there now.

The short film is directed by Zacharie Fay. It follows the narrative of a Cuban Barbershop locked behind fences. The barber performs ace skills on his subject. Together, the visuals, the spirit and the sound give birth to a properly shaven young man ready to face the world.

I’m posting this message today from a young rapper I met in Cuba. He was 17 years old in 2001. Among all the other rappers in the hip hop scene, Edgar is a white kid, surrounded by a primarily black hip hop movement. Edgar is a triple-hitter artist — rapper, producer, and graffiti writer. Of all the cuban rap I’ve heard throughout my years of research, I can describe Edgar’s music as being the least angry, and the least confrontational. He is, however, a deep thinker and seeks to find truth. In my early interviews with him, his passion for hip hop was deep, but he still had that innocent belief in his government to take care of him and his family, along with a dutiful respect for his President.

(Edgar Gonzalez, Havana, Cuba. Photo by Angela Boatwright for East of Havana)

Today is 8 years later. Edgar is now 25 years old. Still rapping and still expressing himself through fine arts, Edgar is also a conductor of the weekly television show called “Cuerda Viva” (Sundays) for the last 3 years. Hip hop runs through his veins. Edgar is one of the few rappers that works in perfect harmony with the Cuban government in terms of working with its agencies, organizing shows, and not being overly controversial with his lyrics in terms of protest.

The following story illustrates the blatant lack of rights most Cubans experience in the face of foreigners (not only for black Cubans, but all Cubans!). Since tourism is the only industry keeping the struggling economy afloat, it is customary for the Cuban government to treat foreigners better than the locals. This is one of the heartbreaking realities of Cuban society today.

(Edgar and Irak of Doble Filo. Photo by Estevan Oriol for East of Havana)

Here is a story told by a local — one that took place last Sunday night, on the corner of Linea and L street.

————————————————

How much is a Cuban life worth?
(by Edgaro Gonzalez, Havana Cuba, 25 yrs old)

Un testigo
(A witness)

————————–
Translation by Diana De La Torre.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Tuesday his government was ready for a “respectful” dialogue with the United States, noting that since President Barack Obama took power there is “less tension” and “less rhetoric against Cuba” — but no change in US policy.

“We acknowledge President Obama’s good intentions and honesty and we treat him with respect,” Rodriguez said.

More here at Latin American Herald Tribune

Let’s see how the cookie crumbles…
J

(The Castro Brothers Have A New Chess Opponent)

Fidel has been called a master political strategist, akin to a masterful chess player. After all, this is a man who (with his little piece of land) almost launched World War III manipulating the 2 superpowers of the cold war. Fidel is king at chess. This game between the United States and Soviet Union became better known as “The Cuban Missile Crisis”… and boy was Fidel in control.

Neither of the Castro brothers would probably have imagined that their new chess opponent would come in the form of a blogger. Castro’s primary reign was before the power of the internet, so it was easier to lock people in regarding information between world leaders. The worldwide web has become his “game-changer”. Ramiro Valdez, who became the Vice President during the 2009 shakeup of Raul Castro, publicly decreed that “the internet is a wild bucking colt that must be controlled… and we will control it”.

After getting her ass beaten by police during a protest in Cuba last week, Yoani created a massive tidal wave of attention in defense of her human rights. This week, Yoani writes a blog post for the whole world to see.

(Cuban blogger, Yoani “Checkmate” Sanchez)

“As Cubans we have to be content with the fact that no one from ‘up there’ will try to explain to us or consult with us about this Island’s course”, she writes, “which feels like a boat taking on water and about to shipwreck. Tired of their not acknowledging us, in our smallness, I decided to throw out seven questions to those who believe—right now and with their actions—that they are determining the fate of my country.”

Obama took this chance to respond to Yoani. Before he answers, he first salutes the influential blogger for her courage, and writes to her: “Your blog provides the world a unique window into the realities of daily life in Cuba”. He proceeds to kindly wink at her on the travel issues, by congratulating her on receiving an award from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (for her coverage of Latin America). Obama writes “You richly deserve the award. I was disappointed you were denied the ability to travel to receive the award in person.” I was psyched to read this because sometimes the American administration tends to deny Cubans to enter the country and this was an admission Obama would have let her in.

So here we go. These are 7 questions that Yoani (a Cuban citizen/activist working on a grassroots level towards democratic change in Cuba) posed to our American President. These are also Barack’s 7 answers.

QUESTION #1. FOR YEARS, CUBA HAS BEEN A U.S. FOREIGN POLICY ISSUE AS WELL AS A DOMESTIC ONE, IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE OF THE LARGE CUBAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, IN WHICH OF THE TWO CATEGORIES SHOULD THE CUBAN ISSUE FIT?

Barack Obama: All foreign policy issues involve domestic components, especially issues concerning neighbors like Cuba from which the United States has a large immigrant population and with which we have a long history of relations. Our commitment to protect and support free speech, human rights, and democratic governance at home and around the world also cuts across the foreign policy/domestic policy divide. Also, many of the challenges shared by our two countries, including migration, drug trafficking, and economic issues, involve traditional domestic and foreign policy concerns. Thus, U.S. relations with Cuba are rightly seen in both a foreign and domestic policy context.

QUESTION 2: SHOULD YOUR ADMINISTRATION BE WILLING TO PUT AN END TO THIS DISPUTE, WOULD IT RECOGNIZE THE LEGITIMACY OF THE RAUL CASTRO GOVERNMENT AS THE ONLY VALID INTERLOCUTOR IN THE EVENTUAL TALKS?

Barack Obama: As I have said before, I am prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a range of issues of mutual interest as we have already done in the migration and direct mail talks. It is also my intent to facilitate greater contact with the Cuban people, especially among divided Cuban families, which I have done by removing U.S. restrictions on family visits and remittances.

We seek to engage with Cubans outside of government as we do elsewhere around the world, as the government, of course, is not the only voice that matters in Cuba. We take every opportunity to interact with the full range of Cuban society and look forward to the day when the government reflects the freely expressed will of the Cuban people.

QUESTION 3: HAS THE U.S. GOVERNMENT RENOUNCED THE USE OF MILITARY FORCE AS THE WAY TO END THE DISPUTE?

Barack Obama: The United States has no intention of using military force in Cuba. The United States supports increased respect for human rights and for political and economic freedoms in Cuba, and hopes that the Cuban government will respond to the desire of the Cuban people to enjoy the benefits of democracy and be able to freely determine Cuba’s future. Only the Cuban people can bring about positive change in Cuba and it is our hope that they will soon be able to exercise their full potential.

QUESTION 4: RAUL CASTRO HAS SAID PUBLICALLY THAT HE IS OPEN TO DISCUSS ANY TOPIC WITH THE U.S. PROVIDED THERE IS MUTUAL RESPECT AND A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. IS RAUL ASKING TOO MUCH?

Barack Obama: For years, I have said that it is time to pursue direct diplomacy, without preconditions, with friends and foes alike. I am not interested, however, in talking for the sake of talking. In the case of Cuba, such diplomacy should create opportunities to advance the interests of the United States and the cause of freedom for the Cuban people.

We have already initiated a dialogue on areas of mutual concern – safe, legal, and orderly migration, and reestablishing direct mail service. These are small steps, but an important part of a process to move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new and more positive, direction. Achieving a more normal relationship, however, will require action by the Cuban government.

QUESTION 5: IN A HYPOTHETICAL U.S.-CUBA DIALOGUE, WOULD YOU ENTERTAIN PARTICIPATION FROM THE CUBAN EXILE COMMUNITY, THE CUBA-BASED OPPOSITION GROUPS AND NASCENT CUBAN CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS?

Barack Obama: When considering any policy decision, it is critical to listen to as many diverse voices as possible. When it comes to Cuba, we do exactly that. The U.S. government regularly talks with groups and individuals inside and outside of Cuba that have an interest in our relations. Many do not always agree with the Cuban government; many do not always agree with the United States government; and many do not agree with each other. What we should all be able to agree on moving forward is the need to listen to the concerns of Cubans who live on the island. This is why everything you are doing to project your voice is so important – not just for the advancement of the freedom of expression itself, but also for people outside of Cuba to gain a better understanding of the life, struggles, joys, and dreams of Cubans on the island.

QUESTION 6: YOU STRONGLY SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. BUT, CUBANS CONTINUE TO HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO THE INTERNET. HOW MUCH OF THIS IS DUE TO THE U.S. EMBARGO AND HOW MUCH OF IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT?

Barack Obama: My administration has taken important steps to promote the free flow of information to and from the Cuban people particularly through new technologies. We have made possible greater telecommunications links to advance interaction between Cuban citizens and the outside world. This will increase the means through which Cubans on the island can communicate with each other and with persons outside of Cuba, for example, by expanding opportunities for fiber optic and satellite transmissions to and from Cuba. This will not happen overnight. Nor will it have its full effect without positive actions by the Cuban government. I understand the Cuban government has announced a plan to provide Cubans greater access to the Internet at post offices. I am following this development with interest and urge the government to allow its people to enjoy unrestricted access to the internet and to information. In addition, we welcome suggestions regarding areas in which we can further support the free flow of information within, from, and to Cuba.

QUESTION 7: WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TRAVEL TO OUR COUNTRY?

Barack Obama: I would never rule out a course of action that could advance the interests of the United States and advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people. At the same time, diplomatic tools should only be used after careful preparation and as part of a clear strategy. I look forward to visit a Cuba in which all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens in the hemisphere.

——————————

(Raul Castro)

6 Questions for Raul Castro (no response from Cuba yet)…

(1) What negative influences on the ideological structure of the Cuban revolution might there be from an eventual improvement in relations with the United States?

(2) You have demonstrated on several occasions your willingness to talk with the American government. Are you alone in this proposition? Have you discussed it with the other members of the Politburo to convince them of the need to talk? Does your brother Fidel Castro agree with regards to ending the conflict between the two governments?

(3) You are seated at a table opposite Obama. What are the three major achievements you would wish to get from that conversation? What do you think would be the three major achievements that the American side would wish to get?

(4) Can you list the concrete advantages the Cuban people would have in the present and in the future, if this long dispute between the two governments ended?

(5) If the American side wanted to include a round of negotiations with the Cuban community in exile, members of opposition parties within the Island, and representatives of civil society, would you accept that proposal?

(6) Do you think there is a real possibility that the current United States government would opt to use military force against Cuba?

The Cuban government has not responded yet. But stay tuned to her blog at Generation Y to see how this tenacious blogger changes the course of history, and her country– all with the click of a mouse.
J

In October, I was invited to go screen East of Havana at Yale University located just outside of New York (in Connecticut). The screening was held by a young Cuban organization called CAUSA. It’s funny because after speaking to this crew of Cuban-American students, I noticed none of the students had ever been to Cuba. Somehow, during the one scene of the documentary where we see a mother crying over her son who fled the island, I heard sniffing and crying in the room. ALOT of it.

(Saybrook)

After the screening, one of the young Cuban-Americans said she identified so hard with this scene, and explained how the Revolution split her family up. She couldn’t stop crying while speaking. I find it so interesting how deep this baggage is with Cuban-Americans. How the split has messed up people, 3 generations deep, on both sides. We all proceeded to talk for an hour in the Saybrook living room and together, it was a nice deep Q&A session with people of my culture.

Here’s responses from 2 of the students I met that day:

Did you learn anything new about Cuba after seeing this documentary?

Christian Vazquez (19 yrs old): Yes, I learned that Cuba was more devastated then I had imagined it to be. I also felt a connection to the island that I had never felt as much since my parents always talk about it, but since I was born here, and I’ve never been to it. I’ve never related to it entirely.

Jennifer Ramos (21 years old): I learned about the perspective of my contemporaries in Cuba. The story I always get from Cuba is that of my parents/grandparents which concentrates on the Cuba of yesteryear and is a very biased perspective. The documentary and tea brought forth a new way of understanding how current Cubans are perceiving life on the island.

As young Cuban-Americans, did you feel like you connected with the 3 young characters — Soandry, Magyori, and Mikki Flow?

Christian Vazquez: I felt a connection with the three characters because as a young person I could only imagine how frustrating it would be to live in such a regime that attempts to control everything, even your expression. They go to school but it seems that the Cuban government has drained them of the ambition they would have if they lived in a more free society.

Jennifer Ramos: I felt like I connected in the sense of certain cultural practices that translated so clearly into what I perceive as Cuban culture. For example, that bickering scene just brought back memories of being home. However, the three characters have lived such a different life from mine that it is hard to connect on a level beyond empathy. Perhaps this is because I don’t quite subscribe to even American hip hop culture.

How many of you have been to Cuba? What are your thoughts about traveling there?

Christian Vazquez: I have never been to Cuba and I really want to go after having watched the film. I’ve always been curious to go but my grandparents would surely make a big deal about it as well as the older generations of my family. However, I had always kept it as something that I would do eventually, but after watching East of Havana, the film struck a chord with me that makes me want to see the island for myself.

Jennifer Ramos: I’ve never been back to the island nor has anyone on my father’s side of the family. We think about returning only because of the family members that were left behind but money is the main limiting factor — its expensive to travel to Cuba and our family simply cannot afford it. If I could afford to do so however, I think I would. I would love to explore the many places my family used to frequent and such. On an intellectual level, I would also really appreciate the opportunity to be able to learn more about Cuban Art and Religion from primary sources which is an interest of mine.

Let’s move on to more shallow topics, shall we? Before I drove to the University campus, some Manhattanite friends (Yale graduates) implored me to do 2 things — If I were to go to Yale, I MUST have a burger at Louis and I MUST have a slice of pizza at Pepe’s. I just want to say for the record — MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. I came back to NY a happier woman after experiencing these 2 spots.

(Best Pizza Spot)

(These girls were eating Pizza on a Sunday at Pepe’s)

(Time to go Home)

(Breakfast Coffee + Recession Love)

Recently I went to go hear Ann Louise Bardach speak in New York about her new book Without Fidel: A Death Foretold in Miami, Havana, and Washington. If you are a Cuban-phile, you should go back and read her first book Cuba Confidential (where she covers the firebombing of Centro Vasco restaurant in Miami). She is an ace journalist covering Cuba for 15 years. She doesn’t take sides on the Cuba/Miami debate. She has enemies on both sides due to her blunt and factual reporting. She calls it like it is. She’s a fascinating woman.

Ann is best known for her interviewing Fidel Castro a few times for Vanity Fair. She was so stubborn about speaking to Fidel when she first landed in Cuba, that after a few blow-offs from the government, Fidel Castro finally called her room late one night and said, “I guess if I don’t take this interview, you’ll never leave Cuba?”, to which she replied, “Yup!”. And so began her legendary interviews with the bearded one.

Her extensive reporting for the magazine prompted Graydon Carter to joke “are you trying to open the Havana office?”. After the seminar, a few of us went to a restaurant midtown and just waxed poetic on some Cuban politics for hours over wine. Her friends were lovely.

During the seminar earlier, Ann broke down the books contents for the audience — how the Castro brothers are probably the most successful brother duo in world history next to the Kennedy’s. She discusses Fidel’s health and his borderline alcoholism. There is a section where she explains how the Bush family had owned property in Cuba before the Revolution. There are countless Cuban-American CIA tales too. She shares a meticulously researched family tree of the Castro brothers offspring — illegitimate kids included. Frankly, there is so much new insight in Ann’s books that its impossible to put it down.

Don’t take my word for it. Check out an interview she gave while passing through New York — here at Democracynow.org.

If you are living in Miami, Annie is heading to your town on Sunday, Nov 15th. I advise Cuban-Americans to go listen to her speak. Her work is tightly researched, and at the same time, there is a tremendous sense of humor in her delivery. She’s a breath of fresh air and unbiased when breaking down the convoluted mind games and agendas between Miami and Cuba. Clarity is good.

Start Time: Sunday, November 15 at 11:00am
End Time: Sunday, November 15 at 1:00pm
Where: Miami Book Fair Auditorium/Pavilion Tent A./ Miami Babylon Miami Dade College

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: Facebook Link / Without Fidel / Miami visit

(Available now)

Spoken from the mouth of a young mind in Cuba. Humberto Andres Hernandez wants to share a message about outsiders who move into Cuba, those who have more rights in their homeland than the locals themselves.

(NOTE: When a Cuban says “Yuma” they are referring the United States. The term comes from a 1957 film called 3:10 to Yuma, a film about cowboys.)

He sort of has a funny swagger in his delivery. Just like a regular island-born Cuban (raised in a non-MTV soundbite culture), it takes him much longer to express his point than your average A.D.D. American citizen. Just sit back, relax and hear him out.

Humberto Andres Hernandez gets his point across. He makes you feel like you are sitting in his living room in Cuba shooting the breeze over a bottle of rum.

The video below is called “Lo Negros” (The Blacks). Considering the 1959 Revolution was supposed eradicate racism, and some left-minded Americans I know believe that to be 100% true… it’s interesting to hear what a young locals point of view is from the island. Food for thought.

Could Humberto be the new Andy Rooney of Cuba?

(Juanita Castro, speaks out at a rally at the Tokyo Convention of the World Anti-Communist League in 1970)

Sometimes I usually laugh at the paranoia Fidel demonstrates by claiming everything and everyone is working for the CIA against him. The word “spy” is tossed around very liberally in Cuba. Then there are other times when I think, damn, maybe his paranoia has allowed him to outlast 11 American presidents and countless assassination attempts. At least this guy can trust his own sister right?

Today in the news, it was announced that Fidel Castro’s sister, Juanita Castro collaborated with US Intelligence promptly after she saw the 1959 Revolution turned from the original dream. Fidel’s mother joined the cause with Junaita at times when both women sought to protect opponents who were jailed.

After their mother died, it increasingly became more dangerous for Juanita to live in Cuba. With mom gone, Fidel grew scarier and frankly could have “offed” Juanita, so she fled for Mexico in 1964.

Only 10 days after she fled Cuba, she held a press conference telling the world: “I can no longer remain indifferent to what is happening in my country,” she said. “My brothers Fidel and Raúl have made it an enormous prison surrounded by water. The people are nailed to a cross of torment imposed by international communism.”

All the details are written in her new book Fidel and Raul, My Brothers: The Secret History. A mexican journalist Maria Antonieta Collins co-authored the book. Univisión-Noticias 23 has the exclusive interview. Juanita has refused to give interviews until the book was released.

Source: The Guardian UK

(1970 Photo by Bettmann/Corbis)

Ernesto Bazan has released a book of photography on Cuba entitled simply Cuba.

“There is the sense of sadness and waiting,” he said during a phone interview from Brazil, where he has led workshops. “Until when? They have 50 years waiting and nothing changes. A revolution which began in good faith but strayed from the path little by little and became something totally different from what Cubans expected when the revolution triumphed.”

To see more photographs and read about Ernesto Bazan, go to: NYTimes.com
J