Fidel Knows Bush Is Brain Dead

[SudieJD]

Anyone watching this on C-Span??

On the anniversary of on Cuba's Revolution Day, Ol Castro really let Bush have it! A Dr. Frank's report on Bush's past boozy life are analyzed.

http://inside.c-spanarchives.org:8080/cspan/cspan.csp?command=dprogram&record=179414302

Castro refers to the book "Bush On the Couch
Inside the Mind of the President"
by Justin A. Frank, M.D

http://www.harpercollins.com/catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=0060736704

Gosh, he's making sense!

Sudie in MN

[Bluzmann57]

1. No way I'm sticking up for bush...

but who in the hell cares what Castro says? He doesn't appear to be much of a leader and he is an America hating Communist. Dictatorships are wrong, whether it's Castro or Bush.

[Mr_Spock]

2. That's why it's cool - even stupid ol' Castro can see how stupid Dumbya

is. I think it's kinda funny that we have an utterly hated fool for a pResident. I mean I hate him anyway - can't speak for everyone here ;)

[Mika]

4. Stupid ol' Castro?

LOL



Note: Pull head from sand.

[Mika]

3. You are sticking up for Bush?

'Nuff said.




"but who in the hell cares what Castro says?"



Neither Bush nor you.

[Bluzmann57]

6. Well then I guess bush and I have one, and only one, thing in common

because I sure as hell don't give a rats rear what Castro says. You are entitled to your view as am I. If you are misguided enough to think my earlier statement, and this one, are sticking up for bush, then I guess thats the way you feel, wrong as it is.

[Mika]

9. I can only go by what you posted - "I'm sticking up for bush" - Post#1

You posted it.

Based on Post #1 you'll stick up for dimson, no matter that the subject of Bush's abilities was being addressed.

You don't like Castro? So what. You'll allow your (uninformed) dislike for Castro to push you to stick up for Bush?

That is what you posted.

---

Mr Kerry, Tear down the wall!

[Bluzmann57]

12. Read the subject line

It states "no way I'm sticking up for bush". How does that say that I'm sticking up for bush? Oh yeah, I guess communism is the be all end all for some folks. Not me though. I did not state that I was sticking up for bush. Thats it, I'm not getting into a pissing match with you. Interpret this any way you want.

[Mika]

17. You are right. Sorry

Somehow, distempered, I misread you title line.

I saw it as "No way, I'm sticking up for bush.."

My bad. Apologies from me are in order.

Sorry.




Note to self: read punctuation

[Massacure]

7. Casto did a lot to increase education and healthcare in Cuba

Sure he is a dictator, but he did a lot of good.

The only reason the U.S. hates Cuba is because Castro seized all the U.S. businesses there.

[Mika]

11. Castro Castro Castro Castro. - Castro on the brain

Castro didn't build the Cuban health care system, nor the Cuban education system (both world class, exceeding the stats of the USA).

The Cuban people did!

Who on earth would think that these things could be done by one man, against the will of the Cuban people?......



Learn from Cuba
http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/learn.htm

“It is in some sense almost an anti-model,” according to Eric Swanson, the programme manager for the Bank’s Development Data Group, which compiled the WDI, a tome of almost 400 pages covering scores of economic, social, and environmental indicators.

Indeed, Cuba is living proof in many ways that the Bank’s dictum that economic growth is a pre-condition for improving the lives of the poor is over-stated, if not, downright wrong.

-

It has reduced its infant mortality rate from 11 per 1,000 births in 1990 to seven in 1999, which places it firmly in the ranks of the western industrialised nations. It now stands at six, according to Jo Ritzen, the Bank’s Vice President for Development Policy, who visited Cuba privately several months ago to see for himself.

By comparison, the infant mortality rate for Argentina stood at 18 in 1999;

Chile’s was down to ten; and Costa Rica, at 12. For the entire Latin American and Caribbean region as a whole, the average was 30 in 1999.

Similarly, the mortality rate for children under the age of five in Cuba has fallen from 13 to eight per thousand over the decade. That figure is 50% lower than the rate in Chile, the Latin American country closest to Cuba’s achievement. For the region as a whole, the average was 38 in 1999.

“Six for every 1,000 in infant mortality - the same level as Spain - is just unbelievable,” according to Ritzen, a former education minister in the Netherlands. “You observe it, and so you see that Cuba has done exceedingly well in the human development area.”

Indeed, in Ritzen’s own field, the figures tell much the same story. Net primary enrolment for both girls and boys reached 100% in 1997, up from 92% in 1990. That was as high as most developed nations - higher even than the US rate and well above 80-90% rates achieved by the most advanced Latin American countries.

“Even in education performance, Cuba’s is very much in tune with the developed world, and much higher than schools in, say, Argentina, Brazil, or Chile.”

It is no wonder, in some ways. Public spending on education in Cuba amounts to about 6.7% of gross national income, twice the proportion in other Latin American and Caribbean countries and even Singapore.

There were 12 primary school pupils for every Cuban teacher in 1997, a ratio that ranked with Sweden, rather than any other developing country. The Latin American and East Asian average was twice as high at 25 to one.

The average youth (age 15-24) illiteracy rate in Latin America and the Caribbean stands at 7%. In Cuba, the rate is zero. In Latin America, where the average is 7%, only Uruguay approaches that achievement, with one percent youth illiteracy.

“Cuba managed to reduce illiteracy from 40% to zero within ten years,” said Ritzen. “If Cuba shows that it is possible, it shifts the burden of proof to those who say it’s not possible.”

Similarly, Cuba devoted 9.1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) during the 1990s to health care, roughly equivalent to Canada’s rate. Its ratio of 5.3 doctors per 1,000 people was the highest in the world.

The question that these statistics pose, of course, is whether the Cuban experience can be replicated. The answer given here is probably not.

“What does it, is the incredible dedication,” according to Wayne Smith, who was head of the US Interests Section in Havana in the late 1970s and early 1980s and has travelled to the island many times since.

[Mika]

14. The Cuban electoral system

"Sure he is a dictator,.."

That's what you were told, so it has to be right. Correct?

Wrong. Cuba is democratic.


You have access to an unlimited amount of research capabilities, why not use them?

Since the US government bans us from exercising out constitutional right to travel to Cuba (hmmm, I wonder why?), then you should do a little non-government sourced digging for youself before spouting more disinformation.

I have been to Cuba many times (legally), including during the 1997-98 election season.


Here are some of the major parties in Cuba. The union parties hold the majority of seats in the Assembly.

http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/cu.html

* Partido Comunista de Cuba (PCC) {Communist Party of Cuba}
* Partido Demócrata Cristiano de Cuba (PDC) {Christian Democratic Party of Cuba} - Oswaldo Paya's Catholic party
* Partido Solidaridad Democrática (PSD) {Democratic Solidarity Party}
* Partido Social Revolucionario Democrático Cubano {Cuban Social Revolutionary Democratic Party}
* Coordinadora Social Demócrata de Cuba (CSDC) {Social Democratic Coordination of Cuba}
* Unión Liberal Cubana {Cuban Liberal Union}

Plenty of info on this long thread,
http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=6300&forum=DCForumID70


http://www.poptel.org.uk/cuba-solidarity/democracy.htm

This system in Cuba is based upon universal adult suffrage for all those aged 16 and over. Nobody is excluded from voting, except convicted criminals or those who have left the country. Voter turnouts have usually been in the region of 95% of those eligible .

There are direct elections to municipal, provincial and national assemblies, the latter represent Cuba's parliament.

Electoral candidates are not chosen by small committees of political parties. No political party, including the Communist Party, is permitted to nominate or campaign for any given candidates.

--

Representative Fidel Castro was elected to the National Assembly as a representative of District #7 Santiago de Cuba.
He is one of the elected 607 representatives in the Cuban National Assembly. It is from that body that the head of state is nominated and then elected. Raul Castro, Carlos Large, and Ricardo Alarcon and others were among the nominated last year. President Castro has been elected to that position since 1976.

http://www.bartleby.com/65/do/Dorticos.html

Dorticós Torrado, Osvaldo

1919–83, president of Cuba (1959–76). A prosperous lawyer, he participated in Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement and was imprisoned (1958). He escaped and fled to Mexico, returning to Cuba after Castro’s triumph (1959). As minister of laws (1959) he helped to formulate Cuban policies. He was appointed president in 1959. Intelligent and competent, he wielded considerable influence. In 1976 the Cuban government was reorganized, and Castro assumed the title of president; Dorticós was named a member of the council of state.

The Cuban government was reorganized (approved by popular vote) into a variant parliamentary system in 1976.

You can read a short version of the Cuban system here,
http://members.allstream.net/~dchris/CubaFAQDemocracy.html

Or a long and detailed version here,
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0968508405/qid=1053879619/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-8821757-1670550?v=glance&s=books

---

Mr Kerry, Tear down the wall!

[DWolper]

25. Mika, You and I have visited 2 different places

I, too, have visited Cuba on several occasions. Your portrayal of Cuba being a democracy is bizarre. Fidel Castro told our interviewer that opposition parties are not welcome in Cuba because "Job 1 is defending the revolution and only the Communist Party can do that."

Cuban propaganda for American digestion can sometimes be rather comical.

[onethatcares]

21. I work with an ex patriate Cubano

He tells me how poor the country is. I see no reason to doubt him. Though we joke around at work, when it gets down to the nitty, he says Fidel is rich beyond needs but lets the citizens suffer. In his words, no groceries, no meat, no gasoline, allotments only. He also says the hospital situation is to treat everyone, the schools are good, but they don't take to critizing the government, but math and science are above par. I personnally don't know what to think of the Cuba we are dealing with at this time.

[lumpy]

8. Castro doesn't appear to be much of leader?

I wonder how many Cubans would agree with that statement? I'm sure they would like to give a lesson on comparison of US educational, medical care, and other essential social systems. Although Bush expressed the thought that his job would be easier if he were dictator, I sincerely doubt he could hold that position for very long.

[Darranar]

23. Define "America-hating". n/t

[lanparty]

27. No, he's a nationalist ...

And Castro saw from the very beginning what American Corporate power was doing to other Latin American countries. Castro's intentions have always been clear. Keep American influence OUT of Cuba.

He has stood up to the mightiest nation on earth for over 40 years. The man deserves some respect for that. Cuba has universal health care. They ride bicycles instead of cars, which makes them healthier in the first place.

We all know today that we have a HUGE problem with giant corporations that are out of control. Why should we disparage Castro when HE SAW IT COMING and spared his people from it.

[SudieJD]

5. Not Caring

what the rest of the world thinks of us is what got us in this god awful mess! Fidel was just saying what the rest of the world is thinking.

Sudie in MN

[Straight Shooter]

10. I pay attention to what Fidel says

I don't respect the man, but sometimes his message is right on point.

Not much difference otherwise between bush and castro. Merely a difference in opportunity to be a dictator, that's all.

[candy331]

13. We sure could use some of that affordable health care over here

What a shame, a supposedly stupid old dictator see the need to provide education and health care for it's citizens, somehow I must be missing something.
Of course why give liberated democratic people anything when you can manipulate them to give you the power needed to give them nothing.

[Mika]

15. No no. You would have to have health care forced on you. Right?

And a good school system for your kids too. Right?

All it would take to do it is one dictator. Right?




Don't ask questions!

[lumpy]

18. There IS a difference between Castro

and Dumya. Castro cares about the welfare of his people and he doesn't verbally abuse and physically kill innocent people in countries who are unable to defend them selves. Don't believe all the poop you might hear about Castro. The call should be to Leave the Cuban People Alone to decide their own fates. We might well be in the same position as the Cuban people if we continue down the alley of attack against other nations.

[Sugarbleus]

16. Well, DAMN... I'm disappointed this thread is so downbeat

I came on because I just watched Castro's speech. I was yahooing in here like crazy. Castro isn't the "ideal" leader but he didn't say anything that wasn't true!! Fercrissakes

GWBUSH is a LUNATIC....... What part of that IS NOT APPARENT??

Didn't anyone HEAR what Bush is doing to those people NOW? Like a madman, he goes accusing tourists to Cuba of being Pedophiles etc! Making up stories again just like he did for Iraq and for other issues. I AM SURE! Castro just shoved it right back at him by pointing out OUR SEX TRADE.

For the love of god, I don't see why we have an embargo against Cuba anymore. We trade with China; look at their record. Jebus! We trade with Viet Nam! WTF

We don't have to BE like Cuba, or like Castro but we could be a little more concerned for their citizens then we've been. We put sanctions on Iraq and then go in and bomb them back to the dark ages! What kind of sense does that make? DO WE CARE ABOUT DECENCY ANYMORE?

In this case I say: WTG FIDEL! and thanks C-Span for showing it

[lumpy]

19. Good show, Sugar !

The truth is always refreshing even if we have to hear it from a 'third world'(?)leader.

[SudieJD]

20. Thanks Sugarbleus!

I felt the same thing! And if Fidel is being truthfull, then even the menatlly handicapped have a chance for an education there.

It looks like a lot of countrys have it over on us for the past 4 years. Brings to mind the title of a movie "Anywhere But Here:.

Did you hear Castro quote M. Moore???? LOVE IT!

Sudie in MN

[Sugarbleus]

22. Mike Moore quote..yes! Audience Laughed

:7

[LTR]

24. You mean Fidel and I actually agree on something

Damn, this world is strange.

[Curious Dave]

26. We got shrub

and Cuba got Castro. Fidel may not be perfect, but he would represent a real improvement over what we have. And for people who want to talk about how bad things are in Cuba; 4 more years of * and the amerikan people will envy Cuba's standard of living and democracy.