Jauretsi: Word On The Street

(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

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.

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

It was announced this week that the NY Phil Harmonic was invited to play in Cuba this month. They just sadly volunteered to nix the trip because the American government wouldn’t allow the patrons (their money sponsors) to go to Cuba with them. So the whole team decided to pull out.

The 150 board members had planned on forking over $10,000 each which would have paid for all the expenses for 2 concerts in Cuba. The supporters expected to tag-a-long on the Cuba trip (as they do on all international trips) with the orchestra because, well, who doesn’t want to go to Cuba?

The NY Philharmonic is USA’s flagship orchestra that travels around the world promoting the United States’ badass talent. They played North Korea 2 years ago (with no travel issues) and are playing Asia next week hitting up another Communist area, Vietnam.

“This exposes how arbitrary the rules are governing American citizens’ rights to travel to Cuba,” Julia E. Sweig, an expert on Cuba at the Council on Foreign Relations, said of the Treasury Department’s position. “If you have a family member there, you can go. If you play an instrument or sport, you can go. But if you’re a philanthropist who wants to support arts in Cuba, you can’t?”

There are several complex reasons why the sponsors were not allowed to go — ranging from specific license issues to economic reasons why they shouldn’t spend alot of money in Cuba. To read more facts, go to the BBC News Website or the New York Times website.
J

Another sign that Obama’s administration is attempting to restore relations with Cuba. The State Department official, named Bisa Williams, traveled to Cuba 2 weeks ago to open talks on improving cooperation between both nations. First thing on the agenda, restarting mail service between US and Cuba. Other things included migration talks and the fight against drug trafficking.

“This did not have to happen,” said Sarah Stephens, executive director of the Center for Democracy in the Americas. “These talks are taking place because the president decided it’s the right thing to do.”

To read the entire story on New York Times today at State Department Officials Meet With Cuban Authorities in Havana.
J