Castro dead at 90

[weavis]

Originally Posted by crabcake

OK, I'll bite, how did you accomplish this - tear out pages from the passport?

Just ask them not to stamp it.

That simple.

[weavis]

Originally Posted by uncle stinkybob

So that rule applies to everyone? After reading many such posts on many threads it appeared not apply to those with enough stars and post's accredited to them. So to be clear, this rule really does apply to everyone?

Yes it does.

Discussions about politics, weaponry and religion are permitted only in association with the topic of this forum and will be closed or removed if they become disruptive.
We take the "be nice" rule VERY seriously! We do not tolerate ANY rudeness.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by rognvald

B,
Do you think the Cubans have the freedom to rejoice at Fidel's death as they did in Miami??

I think they actually do.

I think there are huge numbers of citizens in Cuba who are 100% authentically unhappy and grieving now. Sure, not everyone is, but most, probably, are. Just think of the millions of funcionarios.

Otherwise: you want freedom, you make freedom.

People in the West have the false belief that communism or socialism (more often it is actually just "communism" "socialism") are all evil and the masses there would immediately overthrow their leaders, if the only could.

In some places it is even worse: whole nations believe that communism = evil. This is as stupid as it gets and a proof of serious lack of free education, free press and free speech.

The facts are just the opposite. People in Cuba and Venezuela have what they want. They have the leaders they voted for. In free elections.

There is no place where people are universally happy. I am sure in Cuba there are people who hate communism and would rather have some other form of dictatorship, say capitalism. You are what you eat.

Sailing? I truly can't see. I have never seen a single Cuban flagged boat in my 20+ years of sailing in Europe, West Indies, Pacific and Indian.

b.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by MYTraveler

Right up there with Mao and Stalin.

+1!

And Chavez and Duterte.

Nations get the leaders they deserve.

REPRESENTABILITY.

b.

[fuentes]

Originally Posted by Exile

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.

[rognvald]

"However chris mac's statement below is a real life experience that you could learn a few things from. That is assuming you have never been to Cuba."
CelestialSailor

No, C . . . I have not been to Cuba. And, I have had no desire to do so since many of my dear friends in Miami were recipients of Castro's love and lost their businesses, homes, and families. Castro was a brutal dictator until he died and was a murderer, engaged in systematic torture of his opponents, silenced recalcitrants with threats of prison and destroyed the lives of millions of Cubans to implement his failed Marxist/Socialist dream. And, if it were not for Russia and later Venezuela's economic support, they would have been a small footnote in the annals of Caribbean History. There are those of us who live by principle and others who are driven by personal desires irrespective of ethics or morality. Cruising to Cuba would never have been a goal or desire as long as the Cuban people lived under the auspices of a brutal dictator. And, as to the concept of free elections, this can hardly be the case since only one person on the ballot can hardly be considered a free election. It is my personal opinion that there are some cruisers who are more interested in hanging another merit badge on their vests of accomplishments than considering where they are traveling and what government they are helping to sustain. Admittedly, I am a Capitalist, believe in true Democracy and have a great love and respect for the Cuban exiles in America who are my true friends and have proven to be great patriotic Americans. When Marxist Cuba falls, I hope to visit Cuba. Until then, I don't need the merit badge. Good luck and safe sailing.

[Training Wheels]

If only Fidel had been allowed to play baseball........

[NoahTreat]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks

[crabcake]

Originally Posted by weavis

Just ask them not to stamp it.

That simple.

Thanks!

[chris mac]

Rognvald,
I understand that you do not wish to go to Cuba. I understand that you are opposed to their socialist/communist leader. That is your choice.
But to say that I am "driven by personal desires irrespective of ethics or morality" is both insulting and ignorant. You do not know me! You have no idea what drives me.
If your principals prevent you from meeting an entire country of fantastic people because of who there leader is, then I pity you.
Enjoy sailing where you are comfortable and happy. Thankfully there are many cruising grounds to choose from.
I wish you nothing but the best.

[brownoarsman]

I have also been to Cuba recently, but did not get a chance to explore much of the country outside of Havana and Marina Hemingway. Uniformly, every Cuban I spoke with could not wait for Fidel to pass. They had high hopes when Raul indicated an opening, only to have them dashed when Fidel got out of bed to make a speech. Even on major thoroughfares, maintenance would be sparse and erratic, largely based on who the house occupants knew, according to the locals. Marina Hemingway is positioned right next to a coast guard station, with cameras. Cubans were wary of boarding a boat to have a beer for fear they would be spotted by the coast guard or the security cameras.
I had wanted to see and experience the last communist economy first hand, but what I found was the same as many other poor south American countries: a tightly controlled dictatorship where who you knew took you ahead. Opportunities to better oneself were limited. At one point the government allowed individuals to serve meals to tourists out of their homes, but that was soon restricted. Taxi drivers had it best as they often set their own fares for the tourists. As always, where opportunities are limited prostitution is common, and financially motivated December January marriages not uncommon. After spending for food out of the salary, Cubans had very little left to enjoy. I don't see this as a political post, but rather sharing my recent experience of Cuba with other cruisers. I found the people friendly, but did not enjoy my experience. May a new regime change things for the better, for the Cubans, and by extension, for the cruisers.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by PhiSig1071

...and most estimates say that Stalin killed at least 50 million in the gulags.

Uhmmm...That would be about 40% of the population. Care to share where your 50 million stat came from?

[Idle]

I am not a fan of Castro; but I found it bitter, in a public forum, discussing immediately whether it is a chance.
Idle

[Hearts Content]

Its amazing that liberalism, socialism and communism always result in brutal dictatorships with absolute disdain for individual freedoms.

I'll be thrilled to go to Cuba when the Cuban people are free and equal. Sadly, they are slaves under an oppressive and brutal regime. Even more sadly, outsiders line up to take advantage of these people like they're a human outlet store. See your money and tips go to the elites in government, not the slave in front of you.

The good news is that the world appears to have had enough of the liberals, socialists and communists. Freedom is in the air, so take a deep breath!

And good riddence to a foul human being whose life led to tremendous suffering for an entire nation.

[weavis]

Gentle people.

The admin team have spent the morning cleaning up spats and rudeness on the CF board elsewhere.

Please remember that this is a cruising forum and as such we try and leave out the politics and personal beliefs held by the members.... it contributes nothing to Sailing..

We will start issuing infractions to members who have been on CF long enough to know the Board rules if it strays outside of boundaries... It seems that gentle reminders are not enough anymore.

Govern yourselves accordingly.... here is a helping suggestion, if you think it MIGHT just go over the border into political discussion and cause an issue, DONT post it....