Miami plans big party when Castro dies

[Mark Twain]

Castro's death assures nothing for the Cuban refuges living in the U.S. Best idea for a celebration would be if the new government of Cuba allowed the right of return to those that want it. As for the rest of the political stuff, it was the Cold War and people picked sides and moral action by both sides was not the norm.

Here's a question for you. Does anyone ever wonder why the only communist countries left in the world today are those that the US went to war with?

[Wiley]

I had a long post all typed up in response to this, but most of us have had this discussion before both here and at CW, so what's the point?

I will say I am not "Spanish-American", I'm just American, and damn happy about it.

[el pato ahumado]

» Does anyone ever wonder why the only communist countries left in the world today are those that the US went to war with?

That's kinda a stretch. The five remaining communist countries are China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam. The Korean War began in June, 1950 and China entered in October of that year. Laos (the 'Secret War') was ancillary to Vietnam. And it's also a stretch to call the Cuban trade embargo a 'war', at least as I take your meaning of the word.

[Mel]

Party at death is in poor taste. Period. All the rest can be debated as has been proven here. Are Cubans in other countries planning group parties or is it just in Miami?

[Van55]

» Party at death is in poor taste.

I guess you've never been to an Irish wake. LOL

[Miami101]

» I had a long post all typed up in response to this, but most of us have had

» this discussion before both here and at CW, so what's the point?

»

» I will say I am not "Spanish-American", I'm just American, and damn happy

» about it.

Yea I'm American 1st, but who say's we can't add another state.

[marco polo]

Just party to the death of communism!:-)

[Mark Twain]

» » Does anyone ever wonder why the only communist countries left in the

» world today are those that the US went to war with?

»

» That's kinda a stretch. The five remaining communist countries are China,

» Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam. The Korean War began in June, 1950

» and China entered in October of that year. Laos (the 'Secret War') was

» ancillary to Vietnam. And it's also a stretch to call the Cuban trade

» embargo a 'war', at least as I take your meaning of the word.

Not a stretch at all IMO. UN forces fought over 400,000 Chinese forces during the Korean War. US air strikes into Laos caused over 1 million casualties in an effort to disrupt Vietcong supply routes and safe zones. The CIA and US army directly backed and trained the invasion force that resulted in the Bay of Pigs disaster before the Cuban missile crisis and the ensuing blockade.

China’s and Vietnam’s economies are essential non-communist now, but my original question remains. Why is it that the only communist countries left in the world today are those that we actively fought during the Cold War?

[El Presidente]

» Yea I'm American 1st, but who say's we can't add another state.

Carlos....this is the kind of statement that infuriates vast numbers of Cubanos. They do not want to be Americans. Many want nothing to do with the USA. Their greatest fear is US based Cubans attempting to re-claim appartment buildings where their family now live. Your statement puts the fear of god into them and reinforces something they have always suspected.

Let me put it this way....if the US sent a "freedom force" to liberate the Cuban people today, I am quite sure that the vast majority of average Cubans would line the Malecon with planks of wood and rocks to do everthing possible to repel the invaders. Freedom and opportunity they want but they want it on their terms.

[Claudius]

Partying because someone dies does seem in poor taste looking at it from the outside. However, if my family had been dispossessed and my grandfather tortured, I would be more than happy to celebrate the death of those responsible for it as well. And after all, in the USA, you're free to do whatever you please (except smoke ;-)). I say let's tolerate other people doing things that are important to them even if they are not important to us as long as it doesnt harm anyone.

What strikes me more is the fact that the Cuban Americans seem to take their freedom in the USA for granted, and what's more, are criticizing and pressurizing the US government to help them even more. They must remember that had they stayed in Cuba, they would be dead, in jail, selling their sister or, best case scenario, rolling cigars for 20 pesos a month.