Obama says current U.S. policy towards Cuba ‘doesn’t make sense’

[Mika]

43. Sure. After your extensive research, you come to this conclusion? LMAO

Never mind that I've been in Cuba during entire elections seasons.
Never mind that I lived in Cuba.
Never mind that I have many relatives & friends there, and I visit often.
Never mind that I teach surgical seminars in Cuba to Cuban doctors.

Never mind that you've never been there. Never done honest research. All you do is hurl the US/Cuban exile party line.

What's below isn't for you, Socialistlemur. I've discussed this with you countless times. You have ZERO interest in this other than to repeat ad-nausium the same line.
What's below is for others who might be truly interested...

WHAT DOES DEMOCRACY LOOK LIKE?
Cuba, Its ALBA Allies, and the United States
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2013/smith181013.html

The Communist Party is not involved in nominating or electing candidates. Unlike in the other 20th century Communist countries -- and unlike in the US itself -- in Cuba citizens themselves propose candidates in municipal, provincial, and national elections. Likewise, the Cuban CP members (800,000 members, 10% of the adult population), in contrast to political party members here or in the Soviet bloc, are chosen by their peers in their workplaces or educational institutions, based on their reputation as model workers.

Unlike in the US, neighbors directly nominate Municipal Assembly candidates among themselves in neighborhoods meetings. Municipal Assembly delegates are elected from the nominees based on secret ballot. Almost all those elected are unpaid, working as people's representatives after work hours.

Municipal Assembly delegates comprise up to 50% of the deputies to the Provincial and National Assemblies of People's Power (ANPP). The other 50% are nominated, not in back rooms by party big wigs as in our country, by the six mass organizations: the trade unions (CTC), Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP), Federation of University Students (FEU), Federation of Pre-University Students (FEEM), and the CDRs. Clearly this system is vastly more open and democratic than in the US.

ANPP delegates, elected to 5-year terms, are not paid. The ANPP delegates then choose their president, vice-president, and Council of State (who work full-time, with pay). Half the ANPP deputies sit on permanent working government commissions.

The voting age is 16 or older, with no restrictions on the right to vote, which disenfranchise millions in the US. In 2008, 43% of the national People's Power deputies were women, 6% aged 18-30, 19% Black (who are 10% of the population), and 16% mestizo (25% of the population).

In the early 1990s, People's Councils were established to encourage more popular participation. "The potential for further democratization of Cuban society at the grassroots," August states, "lies in the CPs [people's councils]" (p.221).

"Cuba is a laboratory . . . of a new socialism and democracy" (p. 231). As the Cubans say, they have no guidebook for building socialism, especially that in a Third World country. Every move forward can only be based on trial and error, and since the U.S. rulers remain on watch 24/7 for the chance to seize upon any error to overthrow it, Cuba must proceed cautiously.

This book will explain in great detail Cuba's democratic processes. Its at Amazon, very inexpensive. Worth the read.