Fidel Castro

[Static]

I recently watched a documentary on him and personally I think he is a great man. One of the Greatest of the 20th century.

From what I've compiled on the events and the ways the unfolded I haven't the fainted clue why he is so hated by America.... other than the fact that he made American companies lose money.

Any input for discussion?

 

[Raya Wolfsun]

I tend to see it as being about what he stands for. Communism was cast as The Ultimate Threat, and Castro became a symbol of it - all the more so because he was successful by and large, no? And this at a time when America needed ("needed"?) to prove itself strong, which is most easily accomplished by having an enemy to dominate...

(I should probably disclaim that I don't know terribly much about the details of Castro and the US - this is more general knowledge + me-as-semiotician kicking in.)

 

[Tyrael]

Well, when U.S. Pres. Roosevelt proclaimed them as a Republic in 1902, Guerilla forces came into use and after years of outbreaks in the new, faulty gov. there was a Revolution in '59, led by Fidel Castro; He led the 26th of July Movement to overthrow dictator... Batista.

Now the problem coming to light is that he was backed by the United States, and so Castro has been called many things, including communist, dictator.

Personally, I believe the fact is that he has done things in the best intentions for his people, because if this had gone over as the French Revolution had gone, then I don't think such a big deal would be made.

 

[Emperor Pan I]

He's a tyrant and a terrorist. Cuba is in terrible shape and has been since he took power and crippled the countries economic model and social system. The only man I blame more for the travesty that was Cuba's fall from economic stability was Che Guevara who still holds a special place in my loathsome heart as one of the worst men to exist in the past 50 years.

When the fucker dies Cuba will have a chance at picking up the pieces.

 

[Tyrael]

I can agree, Pan, that he really hasn't tried much, but his revolution was for the better, I think. The republic was perverted in purpose and innocent people died in the hundreds.

What do you think about Raul? He fought at his side and now he is ruler.

 

[Static]

Fidel isn't a communist though. He's a socialist. Albiet when someone rules for 50 years it can bring up some strange questions.

Cuba Only sided with the Soviet Union because a small country like Cuba... They were getting bullied from the PowerHouse which was the USA so who else can he turn to during those times. Plus the Bay of Pigs happened BEFORE Russia started storing missles in Cuba. The Cuban Missle Crisis is the ONLY reason I could imagine having distaste and bad feelings towards Fidel, but we were trying to assassinate him way before that happened.

All of the Agrigal(agricultral?) Reform that Fidel instilled made US companies lose money while bringing money and jobs to Cuban farmers. After that the US did the Cuba embargo. Something or other.

He's a tyrant and a terrorist. Cuba is in terrible shape and has been since he took power and crippled the countries economic model and social system. The only man I blame more for the travesty that was Cuba's fall from economic stability was Che Guevara who still holds a special place in my loathsome heart as one of the worst men to exist in the past 50 years.

When the fucker dies Cuba will have a chance at picking up the pieces.

I really can't tell if you are being serious.

From what I can sum up from the info I have is Fidel didn't cripple the economy The US did by stopping all of the trading with Cuba.

WHen you say Social system I'm not completely following? Do you mean switching from a Clear dictatorship to a socialist regime?

I am kinda curious to what Raul will do. All the time he spent behind Castro, now he has the chance to take the riens. I wonder if he'll keep it the same way or try to change it in his image.

Some of the first things Castro did were bring a better Education and gave his people Health Care. Not that many good doctors in Cuba but hey, free health Care's free health care right?

 

[Tyrael]

Well, the U.S.A. declared itself a police of the western hemisphere around the turn of the century, so any defiance would be seen as clear revolt to a world order that was purposed for peace (at least on the outside). The U.S., like many countries (hell, maybe all) will continue looking, continue finding ways, to suit itself, to empower itself, because it's human nature. The U.S. constitued it's reasons with the speak of communism, withdrawing memories of Marxism from the closet of social terrors. TRuly, truly, good intentions will not be sufficient in the end, me thinks.

 

[Static]

True. But Us Relations were still kinda always fucked up with Cuba... Even within the past 10 years.

We forgave China for being communist... I think thats just spiteful and dooshy to keep Fidel down. So much Anti-Castro bullshit had me believe he was an evil man until I looked into his deeds.

America was fine with Batista... a Dictator who killed his own people.... But oooooo A socialist who helps his people and not us.... MURDER HIM!!!! And I find it abit funny how we have tried to kill him so many times and have not prevailed.

During the beginning of his power. I believe during the very early 60's possibly even 59, when he came to power. He gave a speech and they released Doves. One flew and landed on his shoulder and stayed there, not exactly sure, but as Castro turned to the crowd it didn't fly away.

I think that is a sign of blessings and it was meant for him to live his life and for all the assassination attempts to fail.

 

[Tyrael]

America was fine with Batista... a Dictator who killed his own people....

Because he was in the U.S.'s best interest; I'm not saying America is a just country, but I honestly think good intentions have led it down the wrong path.

 

[Static]

"Oh I'm sorry did I break your concentration. I didn't mean to do that, please continue. You were saying something about best intentions...."

I believe best intentions usually are only good for one or two people, never the whole group.

 

[Tyrael]

Didn't mean to cut you off, that's just where it led me.

 

[Static]

What you talkin about?

 

[Tyrael]

Didn't mean to cut you off, that's just where it led me.

Thought you meant...

 

[Static]

Pulp fiction bru....

But I am still looking into the Bay of Pigs and the American interests in engaging in that confrontation. Kennedy went with the go head on it but he inherited the plans from the previous president. I can't remember which president it was but its still hazy on the reasons for me.