O.K. Little Hawk You are right about the U.S.A. and its third world policies. Castro would not have to organize the Ibero-American summit (hope I spelled that right) with Venezula Mexico and other South American Nations if it weren't for the Multi-national Corporate Interests of the United States that are being protected, add on the free trade and you really have a recipe for disaster in the undeveloped world. You are right in this respect we are not Angels when it comes to exporting economic freedom, hence Castro's justification of the Regime. Castro by the way defends his regime in a very interesting book, "HIstory Will Absolve Me"

Castro compared the world economy to a ship with two levels: the top containing the wealthy nations, the bottom containing the third world, and he also goes on to say. "the ship has hit an iceberg and is sinking". (actually I don't hate Castro completely he is a smart and interesting dictator, and economically no one can deny what he says is true)

I hope nobody thinks that just because I love America (which I do!) that I think that is always in the right in everything it does. Contrare! (how every it spelled) The world is fast changing and the U.S.A. is going to have to change with it.

The U.S. has been kicked off of the UN human rights commission this time around. I am aware that the rest of the world probably hates us for our lack of humanitarian concerns (aids, abm missile treaty abandonment, lack of respect for the sovereignty of other nations, 10 year sanctions in Iraq etc.)

We have also supported South American Dictators and the CIA assasins at the School of the Americas. Policy-wise and historically our record is bad too and is a cotributing factor of the Castro Regime.

Castro's government was ripe for the history of the time. No wonder he was a success. No wonder the Bay of Pigs failed. People supported his policies. BUT what you have in Cuba is a compromise:

No freedom of thought, speech, association, etc. He has placed a band-aid on a very deep wound. Temporarily the wound heals, but it never is completely healed.

Our human rights record isn't perfect either. But we do have laws though to protect the individual, not just the government. And we have due process, access to attorneys and other little goodies missing in the Castro government. As least are citizens can think for themselves and don't have to leave their country or go to prison when they expose the corruptions of THIER government.

I understand people don't like me making these comparisons as economically and politically they seem like apples and oranges. It still puzzles me though that people are still willing to accept Castro's Human Rights Record as O.K. so long as social equality is maintained. That is an insult to those people down there, and it is even more insulting when people up here say they have no problem with cuba and would "love to live there"

Just remember if you go there, you won't be saying very much, nor will you be coming back. Be sure to bring a lot of supplies, but leave your lawyer at home: he will be of no use to you, should you mess up!

A one way ticket would be the cheapest and most logical way to go.

Dewey! Who Still Loves America and is free to say what things about it he doesn't like!