Cuba

Country Page: Cuba

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<span style="color: #800000; display: block; font-family: georgia,serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: left;">**Wikispace Assignment 1, Begin Here:**

Vernon Scott Wells []

I choose this article because I think the time has come to end the cold war embargo against Cuba. It is a waste of money, both in the amount of security it takes to enforce the embargo and the amount of money that can be earned from both sides with an open trade agreement. The article points out the United States relationship with China, which in my view is one hundred times worse to its people than Cuba is today. The idea of the embargo just seems to be a gotcha moment against Castro, but nobody followed us in our desire to punich Cuba or Castro. I have to admit I have had a Cuban Cigar myself, when I was deployed in Kuwait, and while I did not see what the big deal was about, it was still kind of fun to "break" the embargo. We need to get over past difficulties and move on to a future free and hopefully democratic Cuban nation.

Vernon Scott Wells v3235637

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Marcella Falquez [] In this article, Cuba is reported to have activated its first high-speed internet connection; the cable for said connection was imported from Venezuela. Cubañ@s, if they have internet access, rely on expensive satellite technology, and thus are largely not able to participate in online communities and activities; the article mentions a thriving ‘black market’ of internet-accessible items transmitted via flash drives. Cubañ@s who work for the government are allowed limited internet access (e.g. for e-mail or work-related internet searches); the Cuban government blames the low internet participation of Cubañ@s on an American ban on their use of pre-existing American underwater cables. The Cuban government plans on steadily releasing internet access to its people, with the aim of their participation in social networking sites. Cubañ@ internet access is considered a possible method of “opening up” the country. I chose this article because I felt that Cubañ@ usage of the internet is an important step in Cuban ‘modernization’. (I only use the term ‘modernization’ because the usage of the internet is a key part of modern society.) Although there are not likely to be more Yoaní Sanchezes, and censorship of the internet is likely a given, this is a great thing for the Cubañ@s because there will be greater experiences of the outside world, as well as cute pictures of cats. There is also some expectations that access to the internet will mean that the Cuban government is lessening restrictions on their citizens somewhat. It will be interesting to see whether the increased availability of the internet will have an effect on the Cuban government. Marcella Falquez Ma770795

http://eleconomista.com.mx/internacional/2013/01/14/cubanos-libres-viajar-sin-restricciones

I found this article quite interesting as traveling restrictions are now being lifted for Cubans looking to travel internationally. Prior to the restrictions being lifted, Cubans required letters of invitation or 'exit permits' to be able to travel to a majority of countries (website, 2013). This reform was first brought to light in October of 2012, but now it has been official. I think this is a great first step in enhancing a relationship with Cuba. Since the Cuban government is starting to lift restrictions on its own people, it will give their travel economy a boost. If other countries see that they are being more open and accepting, then they may allow their own citizens to visit Cuba as well. As stated in the article, many Cubans were excited to learn they were able to apply or renew a passport, as well to be given the opportunity to travel abroad.

Claire Dubois

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/17/world/americas/cuba-lifts-much-reviled-rule-the-exit-visa.html?pagewanted=all

I choose this article for many reasons and it really interested me. I have been fascinated by the way the Cuban government have govern there people over the years. The communist government has had a strangle hold on the country since the late 50’s. The communist’s government placed restrictions about leaving the country. People who wanted to leave f needed approval from the government to leave. Only the elite could leave the country without approval. An example would be government leaders and military officials. On January 14, 2013 the government eased back on the restrictions on leaving the country. The people of Cuba only need a passport and an exit visa to the country they are leaving too. However, people who contribute to the growth of the communist nation will still need approval from government (website, 2013). Basically they are letting other classes travel the world. The communists governments believes it would bring an economic stimulus to the country (website, 2013). Over the past couple years you have seen nations who have had leaders control every aspect of their life fall due to the fact those citizens had an enough. I believe this was a reach by Cuban government to keep the people at ease. The people of Cuba should take a lesson from the nations that fought for their freedom in past couple years. Take back your country!

Mike Murphy



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