Castro dead at 90

[barnakiel]

Interesting how many young and no doubt well meant revolutionists turn dictators as they age.

That's why we should stop electing politicians once they turn 45 in our own 'democratic' countries.

People who can't make their living from the work of THEIR OWN hands ...

b.

[senormechanico]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHJoj9IqeKg

[Brob2]

Originally Posted by PhiSig1071

Well, I guess Fidel is finally a "good communist".

Well played.

[Celestialsailor]

Sad how the right thinking here has turned this into a hate thread. But I suppose there isn't a gun thread going on the forum at the moment.

[Scott Berg]

For those interested in cruising Cuba check out guides by Calder (still relevant), Barr (just updated) and Waterway Guide (latest version expected in Feb 17). Lots of changes and lots going on...

[Celestialsailor]

Nigel Calder?

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Sad how the right thinking here has turned this into a hate thread.

you think there is a left still out there somewhere?

[NewportGuy]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

For those interested in cruising Cuba check out guides by Calder (still relevant), Barr (just updated) and Waterway Guide (latest version expected in Feb 17). Lots of changes and lots going on...

Noonsite.com is a good source of current information. See also the Cuba Cruisers FaceBook page.

[boatman61]

I'll go with this.. Viva Cuba..

Thought those folks dancing in Miami were Americans.. or were those the illegals the 'Donald' was talking about..

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

Excellent food, lovely women, great cigars, terrific original music, tropical paradise. I hope they stick to their guns and keep the revolution alive while allowing necessary material goods to enter. They should be able with patience to prevent profiteering and keep nearly 100% of the wealth for their own use. Here's to a bright future for the Cuban people.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Nigel Calder?

Yes, and just as well written as his other books. Found it very accurate in 2001.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

For those interested in cruising Cuba check out guides by Calder (still relevant), Barr (just updated) and Waterway Guide (latest version expected in Feb 17). Lots of changes and lots going on...

Active Captain?

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Sandero

What did you find interesting? The Miami Cubans are mostly seen as a selfish self serving right wing PITA.

There are obviously now a couple of generations of Miami Cubans that did not directly experience the confiscations, persecutions, imprisonment, and political exile experienced by their grandfathers & fathers. This has changed the political dynamic somewhat so no longer so easy to generalize.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Interesting how many young and no doubt well meant revolutionists turn dictators as they age.

That's why we should stop electing politicians once they turn 45 in our own 'democratic' countries.

People who can't make their living from the work of THEIR OWN hands ...

b.

Not sure age has much to do with the human inclination in many parts of the world to resolve political differences with assassination, repression, censorship, and a winner-take-all mentality. These sorts of tactics were used by Castro and other leaders of the revolution from the very beginning, as they so often are throughout the world. Of course, similar tactics and worse were used by Batista and other right-wing dictatorships in Latin America & beyond. History has proven over & over that it's more about the nature of humankind and has little to do with political persuasion, personality, or age. It seems more about the human desire to consolidate power, influence & often wealth. We've see it here in the West too of late, albeit with more subtlety. Sadly, the concept & practice of self-govt. & shared political power still proves difficult for most of the world.

[Sandero]

Discussion of politics on a sailing forum is very bad idea. Killing for some political or economical or ideological reason is more common than no. Empires do it, democracies do it, dictators do it, religions do it, crazy individuals do it. HUMANS ARE VIOLENT. How many did the USA kill in Vietnam? in Iraq? In Japan? Democracies don't kill? I think many US presidents killing makes Castro's pale in comparison. This is not a justification by any means. Torture? Gitmo anyone? Abugraib? I hate to use a religious reference... but... he who is without sin cast the first stone or some such nonsense.

I think political and religious topics should off limits on this forum.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Sandero

I think political and religious topics should off limits on this forum.

They are, so please let's get this back to how cruising may or may not be effected and not politics please.