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'''Cuba''' is the second poorest country in the [[Caribbean Sea]], having destroyed its [[price system]] in the name of socialism.

'''Cuba''' is the second poorest country in the [[Caribbean Sea]], having destroyed its [[price system]] in the name of [[socialism]].

Located 90 miles south of [[Florida]], it is the only [[Communist]] country in the Western Hemisphere and is considered the worst [[dictatorship]] in this Hemisphere. Its high level of freedom and prosperity was destroyed by dictator [[Fidel Castro]].  

Located 90 miles south of [[Florida]], it is the only [[Communist]] country in the [[Western Hemisphere]] and is considered the worst [[dictatorship]] in this Hemisphere. Its high level of [[freedom]] and prosperity was destroyed by dictator [[Fidel Castro]].  

Cuba kills or jails people who try to leave it. When a group of people tried to leave in 1994, a Cuban navy ship rammed their boat and shot water cannons at survivors, drowning 43 people.<ref>

Cuba kills or jails people who try to leave it. When a group of people tried to leave in 1994, a Cuban navy ship rammed their boat and shot water cannons at survivors, drowning 43 people.<ref>

Thirty one people were finally plucked from the seas and hauled back to Cuba where all were jailed or put under house arrest.[https://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/anniversary_of_a_castroite_mas.html Anniversary of a Castroite Massacre]</ref>

Thirty one people were finally plucked from the seas and hauled back to Cuba where all were jailed or put under house arrest.[https://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/anniversary_of_a_castroite_mas.html Anniversary of a Castroite Massacre]</ref>

[[Humberto Fontova]] wrote about the:

[[Humberto Fontova]] wrote about the:

:... legend of that handful of long-haired, bearded [[beatnik]]s who overthrew a "brutal U.S.-backed dictatorship that repressed and impoverished Cuba"

:... legend of that handful of long-haired, bearded [[beatnik]]s who overthrew a "brutal U.S.-backed dictatorship that repressed and impoverished Cuba"

:... in fact Cuba had a higher standard of living in 1958 than half of Europe, a larger middle class than Switzerland, a more highly unionized work force than the U.S., more doctors and dentists per capita than Great Britain, more cars and televisions per capita than Canada or Germany, [and] was inundated with immigrants.<ref>[http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=86DE50D7-E16B-42C6-B61E-035B6A1F541D Che Guevara: Mass Murderer and Coward]</ref>

:... in fact Cuba had a higher standard of living in 1958 than half of Europe, a larger middle class than Switzerland, a more highly unionized work force than the U.S., more doctors and dentists per capita than Great Britain, more cars and televisions per capita than Canada or Germany, [and] was inundated with immigrants.<ref>[http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=86DE50D7-E16B-42C6-B61E-035B6A1F541D Che Guevara: Mass Murderer and Coward]</ref>

 

==History==

==History==

see [[History of Cuba]]

see [[History of Cuba]]

==People==

==People==

[[Image:Cuban people.jpg|left|260px]]

[[Image:Cuban people.jpg|right|260px]]

Cuba is a multiracial society with a population of mainly [[Spanish]] and [[African]] origins. Recent [[mitochondrial DNA]] evidence indicates that genetic contributions of peoples of the [[neo-Taino]] nations such as the Siboney, is not negligible.

Cuba is a multiracial society with a population of mainly [[Spanish]] and [[African]] origins. Recent [[mitochondrial DNA]] evidence indicates that genetic contributions of peoples of the [[neo-Taino]] nations such as the Siboney, is not negligible.

==Religion==

==Religion==

[[File:Catedral de La Habana, Cuba ELUE.jpg|thumb|left|Cathedral of La Habana.]]

[[File:Catedral de La Habana, Cuba ELUE.jpg|thumb|left|Cathedral of La Habana.]]

The Roman Catholic Church estimates that 60% of the population is Catholic. Membership in Protestant churches is estimated to be 5% and includes Baptists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and Lutherans. Other groups include the Greek Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The remainder of the population is either non-practicing of any particular religion, [[Atheism|atheist]], or agnostic.

The Roman Catholic Church estimates that 60% of the population is Catholic. Membership in Protestant churches is estimated to be 5% and includes Baptists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and [[Lutheran]]s. Other groups include the Greek Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The remainder of the population is either non-practicing of any particular religion, [[Atheism|atheist]], or agnostic.

Some sources estimate that as much as 80% of the population consults with practitioners of religions with West African roots, such as Santeria or Yoruba, for assistance with specific immediate problems such as bearing children, curing illness, or ensuring safe passage. In 2008 a historically secretive group affiliated with Afro-Cuban religious practices, the Abalcua Society, opened a public office.

Some sources estimate that as much as 80% of the population consults with practitioners of religions with West African roots, such as Santeria or Yoruba, for assistance with specific immediate problems such as bearing children, curing illness, or ensuring safe passage. In 2008 a historically secretive group affiliated with Afro-Cuban religious practices, the Abalcua Society, opened a public office.

*"Christian workers entering the country often have items or materials confiscated by customs officials and are rarely allowed to enter if the true reasons for their coming is known."<ref>[http://www.persecution.org/suffering/countryinfodetail.php?countrycode=13 Persecuted Countries: Cuba  - Persecution.org - International Christian Concern]</ref>

*"Christian workers entering the country often have items or materials confiscated by customs officials and are rarely allowed to enter if the true reasons for their coming is known."<ref>[http://www.persecution.org/suffering/countryinfodetail.php?countrycode=13 Persecuted Countries: Cuba  - Persecution.org - International Christian Concern]</ref>

[[Image:Cuba and Pope.jpg|left|180px]]

[[Image:Cuba and Pope.jpg|left|180px]]

Twenty-two denominations, including [[Presbyterian]]s, [[Episcopalian]]s, and [[Methodist]]s, are members of the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC). Most CCC members are officially recognized by the State, though several, including the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church]], are not registered and are recognized only through their membership in the CCC. Another 31 officially recognized denominations, including [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and the small [[Jewish]] community, do not belong to the CCC. The government does not favor any one particular religion or church; however, the government appears to be most tolerant of those churches that maintain close relations to the State through the CCC. Unregistered religious groups experience various degrees of official interference, harassment, and repression. The Ministry of Interior engages in active efforts to control and monitor the country's religious institutions, including through surveillance, infiltration and [[harassment]] of religious professionals and practitioners. The most independent religious organizations—including the Catholic Church, the largest independent institution in Cuba today—continue to operate under significant restrictions and pressure imposed on them by the Cuban regime. The Cuban Government continues to refuse to allow the church to have independent [[printing press]] capabilities, full access to the [[media]], the ability to train enough [[priest]]s for its needs or allow adequate numbers of foreign priests to work in the country, or the ability to establish socially useful institutions, including schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and nursing homes. All registered denominations must report to the Ministry of Interior's Office of Religious Affairs.  

Twenty-two denominations, including [[Presbyterian]]s, [[Episcopalian]]s, and [[Methodist]]s, are members of the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC). Most CCC members are officially recognized by the State, though several, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church, are not registered and are recognized only through their membership in the CCC. Another 31 officially recognized denominations, including [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and the small [[Jewish]] community, do not belong to the CCC. The government does not favor any one particular religion or church; however, the government appears to be most tolerant of those churches that maintain close relations to the State through the CCC. Unregistered religious groups experience various degrees of official interference, harassment, and repression. The Ministry of Interior engages in active efforts to control and monitor the country's religious institutions, including through surveillance, infiltration and [[harassment]] of religious professionals and practitioners. The most independent religious organizations—including the Catholic Church, the largest independent institution in Cuba today—continue to operate under significant restrictions and pressure imposed on them by the Cuban regime. The Cuban Government continues to refuse to allow the church to have independent [[printing press]] capabilities, full access to the [[media]], the ability to train enough [[priest]]s for its needs or allow adequate numbers of foreign priests to work in the country, or the ability to establish socially useful institutions, including schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and nursing homes. All registered denominations must report to the Ministry of Interior's Office of Religious Affairs.  

The visit of Pope [[John Paul II]] in January 1998 was seen as an important, positive event for bringing a message of hope and the need for respect of human rights. Unfortunately, these improvements did not continue once the Pope left the island. While some visas were issued for additional priests to enter Cuba around the time of the visit, the regime has again sharply restricted issuance of visas. Moreover, despite explicit regime guarantees and repeated follow-up requests, the regime has refused to permit the Catholic Church to establish [[Internet]] connections or an intranet among [[diocese]]s on the Island. In a pastoral letter entitled "There is No Country Without Virtue" ("No Hay Patria Sin Virtud"), the Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops in February 2003 openly criticized the government's strict control over the activities of the Catholic Church, especially state restrictions on religious education and Church access to mass media, as well as the increasingly [[amoral]] and irreligious character of Cuban society under Communist rule.  

The visit of Pope [[John Paul II]] in January 1998 was seen as an important, positive event for bringing a message of hope and the need for respect of human rights. Unfortunately, these improvements did not continue once the Pope left the island. While some visas were issued for additional priests to enter Cuba around the time of the visit, the regime has again sharply restricted issuance of visas. Moreover, despite explicit regime guarantees and repeated follow-up requests, the regime has refused to permit the Catholic Church to establish [[Internet]] connections or an intranet among [[diocese]]s on the Island. In a pastoral letter entitled "There is No Country Without Virtue" ("No Hay Patria Sin Virtud"), the Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops in February 2003 openly criticized the government's strict control over the activities of the Catholic Church, especially state restrictions on religious education and Church access to mass media, as well as the increasingly [[amoral]] and irreligious character of Cuban society under Communist rule.  

Although the constitution allows legislative proposals backed by at least 10,000 citizens to be submitted directly to the National Assembly, in 2002 the government rejected a petition known as the Varela Project, supporters of which submitted 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. Many of the 75 activists arrested in March 2003 participated in the Varela Project. In October 2003, Project Varela organizers submitted a second petition to the National Assembly with an additional 14,000 signatures. Since April 2004, some prisoners of conscience have been released, seven of whom were in the group of 75; all suffered from moderate to severe medical conditions and many of them continue to be harassed by state security even after their release from prison. Moreover, in response to a planned protest by activists at the French Embassy in Havana in late July 2005, Cuban security forces detained 33 opposition members, three of whom had been released on medical grounds. At least 16 other activists were either arrested or sentenced to prison since 2004 for opposing the Cuban Government. There has also been a resurgence of harassment of various activist groups, most notably the "Damas en Blanca," a group of wives of political prisoners.  

Although the constitution allows legislative proposals backed by at least 10,000 citizens to be submitted directly to the National Assembly, in 2002 the government rejected a petition known as the Varela Project, supporters of which submitted 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. Many of the 75 activists arrested in March 2003 participated in the Varela Project. In October 2003, Project Varela organizers submitted a second petition to the National Assembly with an additional 14,000 signatures. Since April 2004, some prisoners of conscience have been released, seven of whom were in the group of 75; all suffered from moderate to severe medical conditions and many of them continue to be harassed by state security even after their release from prison. Moreover, in response to a planned protest by activists at the French Embassy in Havana in late July 2005, Cuban security forces detained 33 opposition members, three of whom had been released on medical grounds. At least 16 other activists were either arrested or sentenced to prison since 2004 for opposing the Cuban Government. There has also been a resurgence of harassment of various activist groups, most notably the "Damas en Blanca," a group of wives of political prisoners.  

On July 31, 2006 the Castro regime announced a "temporary" transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul, who until that time served as head of the Cuban armed forces and second-in-command of the government and the Communist Party. It was the first time in the 47 years of Fidel Castro's rule that power had been transferred. The transfer took place due to intestinal surgery of an undetermined nature.

On July 31, 2006, the Castro regime announced a "temporary" transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul, who until that time served as head of the Cuban armed forces and second-in-command of the government and the Communist Party. It was the first time in the 47 years of Fidel Castro's rule that power had been transferred. The transfer took place due to intestinal surgery of an undetermined nature.

On February 19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced that he would officially step down as leader of Cuba. Five days later, on February 24, Raul Castro, Fidel's brother, was elected the new President of Cuba. On April 19, 2018 Castro was succeeded by Miguel Díaz-Canel.

On February 19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced that he would officially step down as leader of Cuba. Five days later, on February 24, Raul Castro, Fidel's brother, was elected the new President of Cuba. On April 19, 2018, Castro was succeeded by Miguel Díaz-Canel.

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

Even after Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized the dictator, as in the example of a Christian leader who was arrested in March 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison, a few months after his young children were arrested.<ref>Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/22/cuba-christian-leader-receives-3-year-prison-sentence-for-anti-castro-comments/ Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence for Anti-Castro Comments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref>

Even after Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized the dictator, as in the example of a Christian leader who was arrested in March 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison, a few months after his young children were arrested.<ref>Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/22/cuba-christian-leader-receives-3-year-prison-sentence-for-anti-castro-comments/ Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence for Anti-Castro Comments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref>

===2021 Liberdad movement===

===2021 Libertad movement===

[[File:Biden and Diaz-Canal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Biden]] (left) Diaz-Canal (right)<ref>https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba_diaz_canel_castro_sucesion/20962.html</ref>]]

[[File:Biden and Diaz-Canal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Biden]] (left) Diaz-Canal (right)<ref>[https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba_diaz_canel_castro_sucesion/20962.html Global Post hace una 'radiografía'de Díaz-Canel] Mar 29, 2013, martinoticias.com.</ref>]]

As the [[Biden junta]] was expanding [[leftwing]] [[totalitarian]] [[dictatorship]] in the United States, Cuba erupted with anti-communist protests.<ref>https://justthenews.com/world/latin-america/we-want-liberty-cuba-thousands-people-march-through-streets-demanding-freedom?</ref>

As the [[Biden junta]] was expanding [[leftwing]] [[totalitarian]] [[dictatorship]] in the United States, Cuba erupted with anti-communist protests.<ref>https://justthenews.com/world/latin-america/we-want-liberty-cuba-thousands-people-march-through-streets-demanding-freedom?</ref><ref>[https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/CubaLibre #CubaLibre], [https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/SOSCUBA?src=hashtag_click #SOSCUBA],  [https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/PATRIAYVIDA?src=hashtag_click #PATRIAYVIDA]</ref><ref>

Radicals glorifying the evil Communist Cuban regime are on the wrong side of history. [https://twitter.com/i/status/1417975172624265221 July 21, 2021]</ref>

A surprising uprising demonstrations by Cubans for freedom rose since July 10 2021. And one was murdered.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57830160.amp Cuba protests: One dead and scores missing after rare demonstrations - BBC]

 

A surprising uprising demonstrations by Cubans for freedom rose since July 11, 2021. And one was murdered.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57830160.amp Cuba protests: One dead and scores missing after rare demonstrations - BBC]

The rare anti-government demonstrations began on Sunday, when thousands took to the streets in protest over food.

The rare anti-government demonstrations began on Sunday, when thousands took to the streets in protest over food.

July 14, 2021</ref> The Biden State Department reacted with the absurd claim that the protests were not against communist oppression, but rather "to express concern about rising [[COVID]] cases/deaths & medicine shortages."<ref>https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1414334778095046656</ref>  Chief junta propagandist [[Jen Psaki]] said, "Making sure your people have medical assistance, food, water that's something any government should be providing.”<ref>https://twitter.com/MehdiHasanShow/status/1414386901134594048</ref> While the [[commissar]] of [[Homeland Security]] [[Alejandro Mayorkas]] refused to take any refugees and asylum seekers from the brutal communist dicatorship.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isfVQKwgjpI Sen. Rubio on Cubans rallying against communism: ‘Horrifying’]</ref>

July 14, 2021</ref><ref>https://insta-tweet.com/tags/SOSCUBA</ref> The Biden State Department reacted with the absurd claim that the protests were not against communist oppression, but rather "to express concern about rising [[COVID]] cases/deaths & medicine shortages."<ref>https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1414334778095046656</ref>  Chief junta propagandist [[Jen Psaki]] said, "Making sure your people have medical assistance, food, water that's something any government should be providing.”<ref>https://twitter.com/MehdiHasanShow/status/1414386901134594048</ref> While the [[commissar]] of [[Homeland Security]] [[Alejandro Mayorkas]] refused to take any refugees and asylum seekers from the brutal communist dicatorship.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isfVQKwgjpI Sen. Rubio on Cubans rallying against communism: ‘Horrifying’]</ref>

On July 11, 2021, the Cuban government blocked the internet.<ref>https://qz.com/2033719/cubas-blackout-reveals-authoritarians-limited-control-of-the-web/ There’s still only one way for authoritarians to control the internet], QZ, July 15, 2021.</ref><ref>María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) Tweeted:

On July 11, 2021, the Cuban government blocked the internet.<ref>[https://qz.com/2033719/cubas-blackout-reveals-authoritarians-limited-control-of-the-web/ There’s still only one way for authoritarians to control the internet], QZ, July 15, 2021.</ref><ref>María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) Tweeted:

.@WHAAsstSecty, the #USA🇺🇸 must help the people of #Cuba🇨🇺 connect to the internet‼️[https://mobile.twitter.com/MaElviraSalazar/status/1416542266655641601 July 17, 2021]</ref>

.@WHAAsstSecty, the #USA🇺🇸 must help the people of #Cuba🇨🇺 connect to the internet‼️ [https://mobile.twitter.com/MaElviraSalazar/status/1416542266655641601 July 17, 2021]</ref>

''[[Breitbart]]'' reported that socialist President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued an “order of combat” on July 11. 2021 demanding that civilian “[[revolution]]aries” take the streets and violently assault anyone suspected of protesting against the regime. The regime shut down most access to the [[internet]], but [[video]]s smuggled out of the country showed buses full of armed civilians driving into some of the cities with the largest presence of dissidents, on orders to attack protesters.<ref>https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2021/07/16/cuba-protesters-white-house-joe-biden-power-stop-this-one-day/</ref>

''[[Breitbart]]'' reported that socialist President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued an “order of combat” on July 11. 2021 demanding that civilian “[[revolution]]aries” take the streets and violently assault anyone suspected of protesting against the regime. The regime shut down most access to the [[internet]], but [[video]]s smuggled out of the country showed buses full of armed civilians driving into some of the cities with the largest presence of dissidents, on orders to attack protesters.<ref>https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2021/07/16/cuba-protesters-white-house-joe-biden-power-stop-this-one-day/</ref>

Some U.S. politicians voiced support for Cuba protesters as State Department called for "calm".<ref>Tre'Vaughn Howard, [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cuba-protest-united-states-reactions/ Some U.S. politicians voice support for Cuba protesters as State Department calls for "calm"] CBS, July 12, 2021.</ref>  The [[Black Lives Matter]] movement officially endorsed the Cuban government.{{citation needed}}

Some U.S. politicians voiced support for Cuba protesters as State Department called for "calm".<ref>Tre'Vaughn Howard, [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cuba-protest-united-states-reactions/ Some U.S. politicians voice support for Cuba protesters as State Department calls for "calm"] CBS, July 12, 2021.</ref>  The [[Black Lives Matter]] movement officially endorsed the Cuban government's repressive actions against the Cuban people.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/fabiola-santiago/article252801738.html Afro-Cuban lives don’t matter to the shameful leaders of Black Lives Matter]'' Op-Ed BY FABIOLA SANTIAGO, ''The Miami Herald'', JULY 15, 2021.</ref>

On July 16 2021, thousands in South Florida joined in protests that "Communism Needs to Die." More protests were scheduled further.<ref>[https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-protest-amid-crisis-in-cuba/2496684/ ‘Communism Needs to Die' - Thousands Join Latest South Florida Protest Amid Crisis in Cuba. More protests are scheduled Friday to take place in both the city of Miramar and in front of the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami] By NBC 6 and The Associated Press • Published July 16, 2021</ref> And thousands gathered in Freedom Tower in [[Miami]] on July 17.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252842368.html ‘Si Cuba está en la calle, Miami también.’ Thousands rally for end to Cuban dictatorship] Miami Herald, Marie-Rose Sheinerman, July 17, 2021.</ref> In [[DC]] protesters later went to the White House where they chanted “Joe Biden do your job” and “Joe Biden, Cuba needs your help.”<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252855983.html Hundreds from Miami protest at Cuban Embassy and White House, chanting ‘libertad’] N. Hart, Miami Herald, July 17, 2021.</ref>

On July 16, 2021, thousands in South Florida joined in protests that "Communism Needs to Die." More protests were scheduled further.<ref>[https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-protest-amid-crisis-in-cuba/2496684/ ‘Communism Needs to Die' - Thousands Join Latest South Florida Protest Amid Crisis in Cuba. More protests are scheduled Friday to take place in both the city of Miramar and in front of the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami] By NBC 6 and The Associated Press • Published July 16, 2021</ref> And thousands gathered in Freedom Tower in [[Miami]] on July 17.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252842368.html ‘Si Cuba está en la calle, Miami también.’ Thousands rally for end to Cuban dictatorship] Miami Herald, Marie-Rose Sheinerman, July 17, 2021.</ref> In [[DC]] protesters later went to the White House where they chanted “Joe Biden do your job” and “Joe Biden, Cuba needs your help.”<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252855983.html Hundreds from Miami protest at Cuban Embassy and White House, chanting ‘libertad’] N. Hart, Miami Herald, July 17, 2021.</ref>

Cubans expressed disappointment with lack of Biden action.

Cubans expressed disappointment with lack of Biden action.

Biden took note, but did not announce new measures. He did, however, trade barbs with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Biden took note, but did not announce new measures. He did, however, trade barbs with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

"Cuba is, unfortunately, a failed state and repressing their citizens," Biden said on Thursday.</blockquote></ref><ref>https://www.newsmax.com/politics/cuba/2021/07/16/id/1028930/</ref>

"Cuba is, unfortunately, a failed state and repressing their citizens," Biden said on Thursday.</blockquote></ref><ref>[https://www.newsmax.com/politics/cuba/2021/07/16/id/1028930/ Cubans 'Disappointed' With Lack of Biden Action], Newsmax, July 16, 2021</ref>

An [[Associated Press]] reporter was violently attacked by the oppressive regime.

An [[Associated Press]] reporter was violently attacked by the oppressive regime.

<ref>[https://trendingrightwing.com/ap-news-reporter-gets-the-ever-living-daylights-beat-out-of-him/ AP News Reporter Gets the Ever Living Daylights Beat Out of Him] By Anastasia Boushee. July 17, 2021.

<ref>[https://trendingrightwing.com/ap-news-reporter-gets-the-ever-living-daylights-beat-out-of-him/ AP News Reporter Gets the Ever Living Daylights Beat Out of Him] By Anastasia Boushee. July 17, 2021.

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

[https://twitter.com/Yoav__Zehavi/status/1415039821819621381?s=20 July 13, 2021]</ref>

[https://twitter.com/Yoav__Zehavi/status/1415039821819621381?s=20 July 13, 2021]</ref>

[[GOP]]'s Congresswoman [[Maria Elvira-Salazar]] spoke out on July-18-2021 that Biden administration is not even taking the calls. She stated that [[Mario Diaz-Balart]], herself and [[Marco Rubio]] will keep pressing on and that there are many ways the administration can help before talking about military intervention. Reminding about Maykel Osorbo the musician that composed the [https://www.wsj.com/articles/cuba-protests-dissidents-san-isidro-patria-y-vida-11626198332 'Patria y Vida'] song and for this he is in a torture camp in Cuba.<ref>Local 10, WPLG, July 18, 2021.</ref>

[[GOP]]'s Congresswoman [[Maria Elvira-Salazar]] spoke out on July-18-2021 that Biden administration is not even taking the calls. She stated that [[Mario Diaz-Balart]], herself and [[Marco Rubio]] will keep pressing on and that there are many ways the administration can help before talking about military intervention. Reminding about Maykel Osorbo the musician that composed the [https://www.wsj.com/articles/cuba-protests-dissidents-san-isidro-patria-y-vida-11626198332 'Patria y Vida'] song and for this he is in a torture camp in Cuba.<ref>[https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/2021/07/18/this-week-in-south-florida-maria-elvira-salazar/ 'This Week in South Florida: Maria Elvira Salazar].' Michael Putney, Senior Political Reporter. Glenna Milberg, Reporter. Published: July 18, 2021 12:07

 

Finally, after long days of pressure from GOP in FL, Biden announced sanctions on July 22,<ref>[https://breaking911.com/breaking-biden-sanctions-cuban-officials-warns-this-is-just-the-beginning/ Biden Sanctions Cuban Officials, Warns “This Is Just The Beginning”], B911, July 22, 2021</ref> ''for abuses and the brutal repression after the protests that were recorded on the island on July 11, which have been widely disclosed in social media and the international press''.<ref>[https://www.americateve.com/biden/administracion-biden-sanciona-al-ministro-las-far-alvaro-lopez-miera-y-las-brigadas-fuerzas-especiales-abusos-contra-manifestantes-n1105754 Administración Biden sanciona al Ministro de las FAR, Alvaro López Miera y a las Brigadas de Fuerzas Especiales por abusos contra manifestantes], Americateve, July 22, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

Even a lefty criticized the BLM stand in face of rampant anti black racism in Cuba and that victims in the 2021 [Libertad] uprising have been disproportionately blacks. And that the BLM have only used Cuba.<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/black-lives-matter-misses-point-about-cuba/619471/ Black Lives Matter Misses the Point About Cuba], Jorge Felipe Gonzalez, ''The Atlantic'', July 17, 2021.

The country is not an empty canvas onto which Americans can project their political ideas.</ref>

====Hypocritical "squad"====

====Hypocritical "squad"====

Washington, D.C – The radical Left is determined to not let up in their outrageous claims that the United States is responsible for the suffering of the Cuban people. 

Washington, D.C – The radical Left is determined to not let up in their outrageous claims that the United States is responsible for the suffering of the Cuban people. 

Yesterday, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to Twitter to point blame at the U.S. and demand an end to the embargo. Former Florida Democrat Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell clapped back at AOC and her radical colleagues stating that the plight of the Cuban people is solely the fault of the “failed policies of a communist regime that has violated human rights, imprisoned & killed dissidents.”

Yesterday, Congresswoman [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]] took to Twitter to point blame at the U.S. and demand an end to the embargo. Former Florida Democrat Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell clapped back at AOC and her radical colleagues stating that the plight of the Cuban people is solely the fault of the “failed policies of a communist regime that has violated human rights, imprisoned & killed dissidents.”

But where is Val Demings? She’s nowhere to be found. Demings refuses to call out the radical Left and her Squad pals, even as other Florida Democrats are speaking up.

But where is [[Val Demings]]? She’s nowhere to be found. Demings refuses to call out the radical Left and her Squad pals, even as other Florida Democrats are speaking up.

Statement from NRSC Spokeswoman Priscilla Ivasco: “Once again, when an opportunity to call out the crazies in her own party arises, Congresswoman Val Demings is nowhere to be found. The Squad is blaming America for the plight of the Cuban people and Democrats across Florida are pushing back, except Washington’s favorite Florida Democrat, Val Demings. Does she agree with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that the United States is to blame for the suffering of the Cuban people? Florida’s Cuban community deserves to know.</blockquote></ref>

Statement from NRSC Spokeswoman Priscilla Ivasco: “Once again, when an opportunity to call out the crazies in her own party arises, Congresswoman Val Demings is nowhere to be found. The Squad is blaming America for the plight of the Cuban people and Democrats across Florida are pushing back, except Washington’s favorite Florida Democrat, Val Demings. Does she agree with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that the United States is to blame for the suffering of the Cuban people? Florida’s Cuban community deserves to know.</blockquote></ref>

==Economy==

==Economy==

The Cuban Government continues to adhere to socialist principles in organizing its state-controlled economy. Most of the means of production are owned and run by the government and, according to Cuban Government statistics, about 75% of the labor force is employed by the state. The actual figure is closer to 93%, with some 150,000 small farmers and another 150,000 "cuentapropistas," or holders of licenses for self-employment, representing a mere 2.1% of the nearly 4.7 million-person workforce.  Labor is an economic input that is entirely under the control of the government to the point that Cubans have been sent overseas, so that their labor can be used to repay debt, while workers are kept secluded and paid a typical Cuban wage of $18 a month.<ref>Robles, Frances 2008 (accessed 7-8-08) Cuba paid debts with forced labor, lawsuit says. Miami Herald Thu, Jul. 17, 2008 http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/607434.html</ref>  

The Cuban Government continues to adhere to socialist principles in organizing its state-controlled economy. Most of the means of production are owned and run by the government and, according to Cuban Government statistics, about 75% of the labor force is employed by the state. The actual figure is closer to 93%, with some 150,000 small farmers and another 150,000 "cuentapropistas," or holders of licenses for self-employment, representing a mere 2.1% of the nearly 4.7 million-person workforce.  Labor is an economic input that is entirely under the control of the government to the point that Cubans have been sent overseas, so that their labor can be used to repay debt, while workers are kept secluded and paid a typical Cuban wage of $18 a month.<ref>Robles, Frances 2008 (accessed 7-8-08) Cuba paid debts with forced labor, lawsuit says. Miami Herald Thu, Jul. 17, 2008 [http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/607434.html][http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/human-rights/curacao.htm]</ref>  

[[Image:Hotel Varadero Cuba.jpg|thumb|270px|Varadero resources.]]

[[Image:Hotel Varadero Cuba.jpg|thumb|270px|Varadero resources.]]

The Cuban economy is still recovering from a decline in gross domestic product of at least 35% between 1989 and 1993 as the loss of Soviet subsidies laid bare the economy's fundamental weaknesses. To alleviate the economic crisis, in 1993 and 1994 the government introduced a few market-oriented reforms, including opening to tourism, allowing foreign investment, legalizing the dollar, and authorizing self-employment for some 150 occupations. These measures resulted in modest economic growth; the official statistics, however, are deficient and as a result provide an incomplete measure of Cuba's real economic situation. Living conditions at the end of the decade remained well below the 1989 level. Lower sugar and nickel prices, increases in petroleum costs, a post-September 11, 2001 decline in tourism, devastating hurricanes in November 2001 and August 2004, and a major drought in the eastern half of the island caused severe economic disruptions. Growth rates continued to stagnate in 2002 and 2003, while 2004 and 2005 showed some renewed growth. Moreover, the gap in the standard of living has widened between those with access to dollars and those without. Jobs that can earn dollar salaries or tips from foreign businesses and tourists have become highly desirable. It is not uncommon to see doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals working in restaurants or as taxi drivers.  

The Cuban economy is still recovering from a decline in gross domestic product of at least 35% between 1989 and 1993 as the loss of Soviet subsidies laid bare the economy's fundamental weaknesses. To alleviate the economic crisis, in 1993 and 1994 the government introduced a few market-oriented reforms, including opening to tourism, allowing foreign investment, legalizing the dollar, and authorizing self-employment for some 150 occupations. These measures resulted in modest economic growth; the official statistics, however, are deficient and as a result provide an incomplete measure of Cuba's real economic situation. Living conditions at the end of the decade remained well below the 1989 level. Lower sugar and nickel prices, increases in petroleum costs, a post-September 11, 2001 decline in tourism, devastating hurricanes in November 2001 and August 2004, and a major drought in the eastern half of the island caused severe economic disruptions. Growth rates continued to stagnate in 2002 and 2003, while 2004 and 2005 showed some renewed growth. Moreover, the gap in the standard of living has widened between those with access to dollars and those without. Jobs that can earn dollar salaries or tips from foreign businesses and tourists have become highly desirable. It is not uncommon to see doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals working in restaurants or as taxi drivers.  

==Health-care==

==Health-care==

[[File:Cubans girls.jpg|left]]

[[File:Cubans girls.jpg|left]]

Health care in Cuba follows the model of [[socialized medicine]]; all doctors are employees of the government, and the government does not charge citizens for health care, though many believe the services provided are alarmingly inferior for anyone but the party elite. [[Fred Thompson]] wrote:

Health care in Cuba follows the pattern of [[socialized medicine]]; all doctors are employees of the government, and the government does not charge citizens for health care, though many believe the services provided are alarmingly inferior for anyone but the party elite. [[Fred Thompson]] wrote:

:''"Castro won't allow observers in to monitor his nation's true state, but defectors tell us that many Cubans live with permanent malnutrition and long waits for even basic medical services. Many treatments we take for granted aren't available at all -- except to the Communist elite or foreigners with dollars. For them, Castro keeps "show" clinics equipped with the best medicines and technologies available."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.townhall.com/columnists/FredThompson/2007/05/03/the_myth_of_cuban_health_care&Comments=true|title=The myth of Cuban health care|author=Fred Thompson|date=2007-05-03|accessdate=2007-08-14|language=English|work=Townhall.com}}</ref>

:''"Castro won't allow observers in to monitor his nation's true state, but defectors tell us that many Cubans live with permanent malnutrition and long waits for even basic medical services. Many treatments we take for granted aren't available at all -- except to the Communist elite or foreigners with dollars. For them, Castro keeps "show" clinics equipped with the best medicines and technologies available."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.townhall.com/columnists/FredThompson/2007/05/03/the_myth_of_cuban_health_care&Comments=true|title=The myth of Cuban health care|author=Fred Thompson|date=2007-05-03|accessdate=2007-08-14|language=English|work=Townhall.com}}</ref>

According to the CIA World Factbook, the education system has achieved a 97% [[literacy]] rate on the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html|work=Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook|title=Cuba|accessdate=2007-08-14|date=2007-07-19|language=English}}</ref>  

According to the CIA World Factbook, the education system has achieved a 97% [[literacy]] rate on the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html|work=Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook|title=Cuba|accessdate=2007-08-14|date=2007-07-19|language=English}}</ref>  

Assistance at universities even in the provinces, while nominally free, requires demonstration of loyalty to the government, such as belonging to the informer network ''Comités de Defensa de la Revolución,'' the Militias, and assistance at pro-government demonstrations.<ref>González Leiva, Juan Carlos 2008 (accessed 8-10-08) EXPULSAN DE UNIVERSIDAD A ESTUDIANTE POR MOTIVOS POLÍTICOS. Revista de Asignaturas Cubanas. La Habana, 10 de junio de 2008 http://www.miscelaneasdecuba.net/web/article.asp?artID=15728</ref>  In pre-Castro times university fees were waved on presentation of proof of lack of means,

Assistance at universities even in the provinces, while nominally free, requires demonstration of loyalty to the government, such as belonging to the informer network ''Comités de Defensa de la Revolución,'' the Militias, and assistance at pro-government demonstrations.<ref>González Leiva, Juan Carlos 2008 (accessed 8-10-08) EXPULSAN DE UNIVERSIDAD A ESTUDIANTE POR MOTIVOS POLÍTICOS. Revista de Asignaturas Cubanas. La Habana, 10 de junio de 2008 [http://www.cubademocraciayvida.org/web/print.asp?artID=6947][http://www.miscelaneasdecuba.net/web/article.asp?artID=15728]</ref>  In pre-Castro times university fees were waved on presentation of proof of lack of means,

Despite criticisms to the methods of the Cuban Government, the Cuban people enjoy a higher per capita income than the majority of Central American countries. (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html)

Despite criticisms to the methods of the Cuban Government, the Cuban people enjoy a higher per capita income than the majority of Central American countries. (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html)

* [[Liberal totalitarianism]]

* [[Liberal totalitarianism]]

* [[Operation Peter Pan]]

* [[Operation Peter Pan]]

==External links==

==External links==

*[http://frontpagemagazine.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=29961 Fidel Castro: The Teflon Tyrant Resigns]

*[http://frontpagemagazine.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=29961 Fidel Castro: The Teflon Tyrant Resigns]

== References ==

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{communism}}

{{communism}}

[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]

[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Communist States]]

[[Category:Communist States]]