Can Cuba Change

The stories concerning the resignation of Fidel Castro as "President" of Cuba caught alot of people off guard, and there is growing speculation about what this will mean for Cuba. Will there be much needed reforms, or will his younger brother, continue to vacillate in deference to Fidel.

Now that Fidel Castro has retired, many Cubans are looking to his brother to let more people open businesses, own homes and even travel abroad. But it will probably fall to a new generation of leaders to ultimately fulfill or frustrate their dreams of prosperity.


During his 1 1/2 years as acting president, 76-year-old Raul Castro has hinted at reform but made few major changes, a reticence many see as a sign of respect for his beloved, more doctrinaire older brother, who survived despite the efforts of 10 U.S. presidents to bring him down.

The younger Castro raised expectations of openings in the state-controlled economy with his reported fascination with Chinese-style capitalism, calls for unspecified "structural changes," and acknowledgment that government wages averaging $19 a month do not satisfy basic needs. He also encouraged Cubans to open a fearless and critical debate, as long as they remember that the final decisions will be made by the island's Communist leaders.

This is a rare opportunity for the United States to extend a hand of "friendship", and we could end the embargo against Cuba, and offer to give full recognition to them. This would obviously anger many right wingers, and Cuban "refugees", living in this country, but it could be the opening for Cuba to join the 21st century, not as an enemy, but as a neighbor, and one who lives just 90 miles from our shore. Americans, let's be Bold, and make the first move!! Thanks!!



friendship