Comments on: Cuba, Travel and Human Rights http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights On Point is a live, two-hour morning news-analysis program, produced by WBUR 90.9 and NPR. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:12:41 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: howard http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-2#comment-35107 howard Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:51:20 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-35107 in south africa,those who suffered the most from the divestment cried out the loudest for divestment.this is not the case in cuba.the american goverment assumes to punish a people into submission in order to assume ecomomic domination over that country.it is not that the american gov fears only that a competing economic system would shine,but that this system may possibly be contagiuos.these fears hav long proven to be false,but the machine rolls on at a great toll to basic humanity and morality. has castro been directly resposible for political screw ups in the ideal world?i am sure he has,and if u or loved one hav ever been victim, i am sure u must hav empathy for the victims of any ones abuse.abuse must be totaly unacceptable. abuse of the innocents began with abuse of the guilty.however ,let us take a step into the real world.let us line up and comepare the abuses of the castro regime with other western countries,america,north- south,asian, middle eastern,african.you would be suprized at the out come. some myphs dispelled.......... all rich people did not leave cuba cubans hav returned to cuba,not able to make it in america the biggest problem with food shortages in cuba is not a castro policy.america does not allow for the cubans to hav acces to the fertilizers and chemicals neccesary for mass production of foods.their organic program is a world model.the little fertilizers they can get are reserved for basic stables such as rice. more than 50,000 americans a yr visit cuba the travel ban(not being able to spend money in cuba) is based on a war time act.when were we at war with cuba? political dissent is allowed in cuba.if ur dissent is suspected of being of u s in origin or influence it may be delt with harshly.the u s harbors terroist that hav blown up civilian cuban airliner,nite clubs and other civilian targets.hundreds of u s based assasination attempts on castro.no excuse for abuse of authority, good reason for a homeland security profile. cubans hold little malice toward americans dispite the embargo.they dislike american gov policy. i do not think most americans whom support the embargo, know its extent.micro glance........no aspirin,insulin,denial of parts to basic medical items such as pacemakers,chemicals to sanitize drinking water,basic building supplies. distancing ourselves from cuba,will not help the cuban people,if that is the objective.engagment with cuba will help the cuban peole ,if that is the objective. enough said about problems.some possible sollutions; america accepts as assylum all deemed political prisoners, posibly a political prisoner exchange. unilateral council set up to deal with potential reprerations to the miami boys who lost property to the revolution,and the miami boys payment to all indigenous people with claims of stolen or swindled property by miami boys. lift u s travel ban .keep in mind there are already problems with easing of travel .one jewish community is concerned that visitors will go to the beach instead of to the religous institutions.already cuban run hotels with diverse ethnic staff are being replaced with out side investment non diverse staff.there is no practile reason for americns not to be able to travel to cuba. in south africa,those who suffered the most from the divestment cried out the loudest for divestment.this is not the case in cuba.the american goverment assumes to punish a people into submission in order to assume ecomomic domination over that country.it is not that the american gov fears only that a competing economic system would shine,but that this system may possibly be contagiuos.these fears hav long proven to be false,but the machine rolls on at a great toll to basic humanity and morality. has castro been directly resposible for political screw ups in the ideal world?i am sure he has,and if u or loved one hav ever been victim, i am sure u must hav empathy for the victims of any ones abuse.abuse must be totaly unacceptable. abuse of the innocents began with abuse of the guilty.however ,let us take a step into the real world.let us line up and comepare the abuses of the castro regime with other western countries,america,north- south,asian, middle eastern,african.you would be suprized at the out come. some myphs dispelled………. all rich people did not leave cuba cubans hav returned to cuba,not able to make it in america the biggest problem with food shortages in cuba is not a castro policy.america does not allow for the cubans to hav acces to the fertilizers and chemicals neccesary for mass production of foods.their organic program is a world model.the little fertilizers they can get are reserved for basic stables such as rice. more than 50,000 americans a yr visit cuba the travel ban(not being able to spend money in cuba) is based on a war time act.when were we at war with cuba? political dissent is allowed in cuba.if ur dissent is suspected of being of u s in origin or influence it may be delt with harshly.the u s harbors terroist that hav blown up civilian cuban airliner,nite clubs and other civilian targets.hundreds of u s based assasination attempts on castro.no excuse for abuse of authority, good reason for a homeland security profile. cubans hold little malice toward americans dispite the embargo.they dislike american gov policy. i do not think most americans whom support the embargo, know its extent.micro glance……..no aspirin,insulin,denial of parts to basic medical items such as pacemakers,chemicals to sanitize drinking water,basic building supplies. distancing ourselves from cuba,will not help the cuban people,if that is the objective.engagment with cuba will help the cuban peole ,if that is the objective. enough said about problems.some possible sollutions; america accepts as assylum all deemed political prisoners, posibly a political prisoner exchange. unilateral council set up to deal with potential reprerations to the miami boys who lost property to the revolution,and the miami boys payment to all indigenous people with claims of stolen or swindled property by miami boys. lift u s travel ban .keep in mind there are already problems with easing of travel .one jewish community is concerned that visitors will go to the beach instead of to the religous institutions.already cuban run hotels with diverse ethnic staff are being replaced with out side investment non diverse staff.there is no practile reason for americns not to be able to travel to cuba.

]]> By: Baltasar http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-2#comment-34787 Baltasar Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:50:05 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34787 Like many other governments - the Cuban government has special units whose sole purpose is to monitor chats/blogs on the net and neutralize anti-Castro comments on the one hand- and plant soft "feel good" stories on the other. And that's not even counting the loads of useful fool posters who kvell after getting shown in Potemkin village-fashion while visiting with some "I'm sooo progressive"-NGO-type organization. How can anyone be so naive as to believe the statistics put out by the Cuban government in the first place? Oh- I forgot- they have a democracy down there and high voter participation (99.9 percent). Like many other governments – the Cuban government has special units whose sole purpose is to monitor chats/blogs on the net and neutralize anti-Castro comments on the one hand- and plant soft “feel good” stories on the other. And that’s not even counting the loads of useful fool posters who kvell after getting shown in Potemkin village-fashion while visiting with some “I’m sooo progressive”-NGO-type organization.

How can anyone be so naive as to believe the statistics put out by the Cuban government in the first place? Oh- I forgot- they have a democracy down there and high voter participation (99.9 percent).

]]> By: John McAuliff http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-2#comment-34771 John McAuliff Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:53:44 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34771 The on line version ends at 46 minutes as Anita Snow is in mid-sentence. Can we hear the rest of an excellent program? Representative Pascrell received $2000 in the 2008 cycle from the hard line Miami funded US-Cuba Democracy PAC. In his case that may have been more an appreciation than an inducement. The list should be perused to see how money shapes politics: http://uscubanormalization.blogspot.com/2009/11/democratic-representatives-sign-anti.html The dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez called strongly for ending US travel restrictions: http://thehavananote.com/2009/11/_president_obama_was_very_1.html John McAuliff Fund for Reconciliation and Development The on line version ends at 46 minutes as Anita Snow is in mid-sentence. Can we hear the rest of an excellent program?

Representative Pascrell received $2000 in the 2008 cycle from the hard line Miami funded US-Cuba Democracy PAC. In his case that may have been more an appreciation than an inducement. The list should be perused to see how money shapes politics:
http://uscubanormalization.blogspot.com/2009/11/democratic-representatives-sign-anti.html

The dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez called strongly for ending US travel restrictions:
http://thehavananote.com/2009/11/_president_obama_was_very_1.html

John McAuliff
Fund for Reconciliation and Development

]]> By: Pastor Don http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-2#comment-34763 Pastor Don Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:57:23 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34763 I have traveled to Cuba six times over the last few years on a US religious license. This has given me the opportunity to experience Cuba and interact with Cubans in a personal way. The people despise their government yet still assign some blame to the US restrictions.The only effect of the travel ban and the embargo in general is to continue to provide the Castro's an excuse for the failure of their controlled economy and the necessity to use oppression to save themselves from the "evil government" to the north. Take away Castro's excuses. Lift the travel ban and the embargo. I have traveled to Cuba six times over the last few years on a US religious license. This has given me the opportunity to experience Cuba and interact with Cubans in a personal way. The people despise their government yet still assign some blame to the US restrictions.The only effect of the travel ban and the embargo in general is to continue to provide the Castro’s an excuse for the failure of their controlled economy and the necessity to use oppression to save themselves from the “evil government” to the north. Take away Castro’s excuses. Lift the travel ban and the embargo.

]]> By: John McAuliff http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34729 John McAuliff Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:44:46 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34729 The on line version ends at 46 minutes as Anita Snow is in mid-sentence. Can we hear the rest of an excellent program? Representative Pascrell received $2000 in the 2008 cycle from the hard line Miami funded US-Cuba Democracy PAC. In his case that may have been more an appreciation than an inducement. The list should be perused to see how money shapes politics: www.uscubanormalization.blogspot.com/2009/11/democratic-representatives-sign-anti.html The dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez called strongly for ending US travel restrictions: www.thehavananote.com/2009/11/_president_obama_was_very_1.html John McAuliff Fund for Reconciliation and Development The on line version ends at 46 minutes as Anita Snow is in mid-sentence. Can we hear the rest of an excellent program?

Representative Pascrell received $2000 in the 2008 cycle from the hard line Miami funded US-Cuba Democracy PAC. In his case that may have been more an appreciation than an inducement. The list should be perused to see how money shapes politics:
http://www.uscubanormalization.blogspot.com/2009/11/democratic-representatives-sign-anti.html

The dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez called strongly for ending US travel restrictions:
http://www.thehavananote.com/2009/11/_president_obama_was_very_1.html

John McAuliff
Fund for Reconciliation and Development

]]> By: Tom Johnson http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34650 Tom Johnson Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:53:31 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34650 I don't favor the travel ban but also do not want to see Castro's crimes whitewashed. Anyone remember the 1994 tugboat massacre? I don’t favor the travel ban but also do not want to see Castro’s crimes whitewashed. Anyone remember the 1994 tugboat massacre?

]]> By: Cory http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34644 Cory Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:35:19 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34644 Francisco, Spot on, my friend! The next mohito is on me! Francisco,

Spot on, my friend! The next mohito is on me!

]]> By: Janet http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34642 Janet Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:52:15 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34642 Why does Cuba need USA trade? They can trade with the rest of the world so there is no need to trade with us. Why does Cuba need USA trade? They can trade with the rest of the world so there is no need to trade with us.

]]> By: Francisco http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34636 Francisco Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:54:11 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34636 The decision to lift the travel ban has nothing to do with human rights, Cuban politics or American foreign policy. Rather, the issue is whether our government, or any government, has the authority to limit the free movement of its citizens. If I want to travel to Cuba or Myanmar, I should be able to do so. Indeed, I can travel freely to China, a country run ruthlessly by the Chinese Communist Party, a country with a despicable human rights record. This double standard exists because we have for years let the vocal Cuban exile community determine this country's relationship with Cuba. In serving their interests, and their interests alone, Cuban exiles have limited the freedom of all Americans and kept the two countries from establishing mutually beneficial economic and cultural links. And it is these ties -- not isolation and embargo -- that will ultimately cause the Castro regime to collapse. The decision to lift the travel ban has nothing to do with human rights, Cuban politics or American foreign policy. Rather, the issue is whether our government, or any government, has the authority to limit the free movement of its citizens. If I want to travel to Cuba or Myanmar, I should be able to do so.

Indeed, I can travel freely to China, a country run ruthlessly by the Chinese Communist Party, a country with a despicable human rights record.

This double standard exists because we have for years let the vocal Cuban exile community determine this country’s relationship with Cuba. In serving their interests, and their interests alone, Cuban exiles have limited the freedom of all Americans and kept the two countries from establishing mutually beneficial economic and cultural links.

And it is these ties — not isolation and embargo — that will ultimately cause the Castro regime to collapse.

]]> By: Are http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34634 Are Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:04:31 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34634 I'm embarrassed that Rep Bill Pascrell is a democrat. He didn't really respond to the argument. But it is up to Obama to get his act together and start taking some leadership risks. I’m embarrassed that Rep Bill Pascrell is a democrat.
He didn’t really respond to the argument. But it is up to Obama to get his act together and start taking some leadership risks.

]]> By: Katie http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34630 Katie Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:19:13 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34630 I just listened to this report and there was one vital point that I did not hear made: tourists from other countries have been frequenting Cuba for years and therefore simply opening up Cuba to American tourists is not necessarily going to mean shocking changes for the Cuban people. Given, logistically, the ease at which Americans could get to Cuba would mean that the number of tourists would sky rocket, but I went to Havana from Montreal a few years back and the plane was full of sun-seeking Canadians heading to Cuba on vacation. Likewise, there were quite a few elegant and established tourist hotels in Havana and the old district was crawling with Germans and Brits. I think it's important that we remember that the Cuban people have been exposed to Westernized people for years and therefore having Americans in Cuba will not necessarily be a dramatic shock for the Cuban people. Everyone I talked to while I was there was incredibly warm and friendly. It seemed to me that the economy needed the tourism dollars and that the people were only too happy to have people visiting, regardless of their nationality. I just listened to this report and there was one vital point that I did not hear made: tourists from other countries have been frequenting Cuba for years and therefore simply opening up Cuba to American tourists is not necessarily going to mean shocking changes for the Cuban people.

Given, logistically, the ease at which Americans could get to Cuba would mean that the number of tourists would sky rocket, but I went to Havana from Montreal a few years back and the plane was full of sun-seeking Canadians heading to Cuba on vacation. Likewise, there were quite a few elegant and established tourist hotels in Havana and the old district was crawling with Germans and Brits.

I think it’s important that we remember that the Cuban people have been exposed to Westernized people for years and therefore having Americans in Cuba will not necessarily be a dramatic shock for the Cuban people.

Everyone I talked to while I was there was incredibly warm and friendly. It seemed to me that the economy needed the tourism dollars and that the people were only too happy to have people visiting, regardless of their nationality.

]]> By: Cubanoscope http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34629 Cubanoscope Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:01:48 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34629 Seen and linked by Cubanoscope, Cuba in real time: http://twitter.com/cubanoscope/status/6039921855 Seen and linked by Cubanoscope, Cuba in real time:
http://twitter.com/cubanoscope/status/6039921855

]]> By: Cory http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34628 Cory Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:41:33 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34628 Baltasar, Please refute the following points: 1. Cuba has a higher rate of literacy than we have in America. 2. Cuba has a lower infant mortality rate than America. 3. Cuba has universal healthcare with doctors still making housecalls. Cuba also sends doctors and nurses abroad to help other impoverished nations. Thanks for your time! Baltasar,

Please refute the following points:

1. Cuba has a higher rate of literacy than we have in America.

2. Cuba has a lower infant mortality rate than America.

3. Cuba has universal healthcare with doctors still making housecalls. Cuba also sends doctors and nurses abroad to help other impoverished nations.

Thanks for your time!

]]> By: Oscar Verdad http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34627 Oscar Verdad Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:21:23 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34627 I've been to Cuba a dozen times in recent years. The Cubans beleive that Castro uses the embargo in his favor. Without it, Castro no longer has an excuse for his failed economic policies and human rights violations. http://talkingcuba.wordpress.com/ I’ve been to Cuba a dozen times in recent years. The Cubans beleive that Castro uses the embargo in his favor. Without it, Castro no longer has an excuse for his failed economic policies and human rights violations. http://talkingcuba.wordpress.com/

]]> By: Baltasar http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34626 Baltasar Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:55:28 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34626 Universal literacy an achievement? What a joke! A for Autonomy B for Bourgeoisie C for Communism.... That's literally how "literacy" was imparted shortly after Castro took power! Universal literacy an achievement? What a joke!

A for Autonomy
B for Bourgeoisie
C for Communism….

That’s literally how “literacy” was imparted shortly after Castro took power!

]]> By: Baltasar http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34625 Baltasar Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:51:35 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34625 Why do you have a show on Cuba and invite no Cuban-American intellectuals- of which there are plenty? One note: That female guest's comment/comparison to Haiti is specious. That's like saying that a massacre of 20,000 people is "not so bad" because it's not as bad as Auschwitz. Why do you have a show on Cuba and invite no Cuban-American intellectuals- of which there are plenty?

One note:

That female guest’s comment/comparison to Haiti is specious. That’s like saying that a massacre of 20,000 people is “not so bad” because it’s not as bad as Auschwitz.

]]> By: Cuba Traveler http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34624 Cuba Traveler Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:42:28 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34624 The travel ban is unconstitutional. It has not worked and it will not work. I travel to Cuba, every year via Mexico. The people there know there system sucks. We should ban together I say 500 people plus in protest and plan a trip to Cuba,to let our government know they have no right banning Americans from visiting Cuba. The travel ban is unconstitutional. It has not worked and it will not work. I travel to Cuba, every year via Mexico. The people there know there system sucks. We should ban together I say 500 people plus in protest and plan a trip to Cuba,to let our government know they have no right banning Americans from visiting Cuba.

]]> By: Douglas Wayland http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34623 Douglas Wayland Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:11:48 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34623 IT IS TIME TO LIFE THIS RIDICULOUS TRAVEL BAN! I travelled extensively throughout Eastern Europe during the Cold War as well as China, Vietnam and other communist countries --- restricting US citizens' travel is an infringement on OUR democracy -- and it is RIDICULOUS! Those of who enjoy travelling around the world are held hostage by a small number of Flordian ex-pat Cubans!!!! IT IS TIME TO LIFE THIS RIDICULOUS TRAVEL BAN! I travelled extensively throughout Eastern Europe during the Cold War as well as China, Vietnam and other communist countries — restricting US citizens’ travel is an infringement on OUR democracy — and it is RIDICULOUS! Those of who enjoy travelling around the world are held hostage by a small number of Flordian ex-pat Cubans!!!!

]]> By: helen raisz http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34613 helen raisz Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:52:52 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34613 And while we are talking about political prisoners in Cuba, let's talk about the injustice done to the "Cuban Five" who thought they were doing their patriotic duty to tell the FBI that terrorists were plotting to harm Cuba. I admire your excellent style of interviewing, and would like to ask you to follow up with a show on the double standard which allows Posada Carillo to not be extradited for his documented terrorist acts, and the "Five" who only wanted to prevent terrorist acts from occurring. Thanks again for a riveting show. And while we are talking about political prisoners in Cuba, let’s talk about the injustice done to the “Cuban Five” who thought they were doing their patriotic duty to tell the FBI that terrorists were plotting to harm Cuba.
I admire your excellent style of interviewing, and would like to ask you to follow up with a show on the double standard which allows Posada Carillo to not be extradited for his documented terrorist acts, and the “Five” who only wanted to prevent terrorist acts from occurring.
Thanks again for a riveting show.

]]> By: Lon C Ponschock http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/cuba-travel-and-human-rights/comment-page-1#comment-34609 Lon C Ponschock Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:12:20 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15627#comment-34609 There is a film available on DVD called The Power Of Community that concerns itself with "the Special Period" in Cuba's history. That was in the early 1990's when all outside help from the Soviet Union stopped after the Cold War and the resignation of the Soviet Government. The Special Period created new forms of production and ingenuity from which we can learn. I cannot say better than what was said up at the top of these comments which describes the old regime ready to reclaim property and build a tourist mecca for rich Americans. This is the subtext of the discussion I have read here. On the contrary, Cuba does not need old ladies in floppy hats looking for slot machines. Cuba offered help during the collapse of the levies in New Orleans. That help was refused. It would surprise me greatly if help, when needed, was offered again. The end of the embargo with Cuba must begin with an apology. There is a film available on DVD called The Power Of Community that concerns itself with “the Special Period” in Cuba’s history. That was in the early 1990’s when all outside help from the Soviet Union stopped after the Cold War and the resignation of the Soviet Government. The Special Period created new forms of production and ingenuity from which we can learn.

I cannot say better than what was said up at the top of these comments which describes the old regime ready to reclaim property and build a tourist mecca for rich Americans. This is the subtext of the discussion I have read here.

On the contrary, Cuba does not need old ladies in floppy hats looking for slot machines.

Cuba offered help during the collapse of the levies in New Orleans. That help was refused. It would surprise me greatly if help, when needed, was offered again.

The end of the embargo with Cuba must begin with an apology.

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