Castro's words
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE
Former Cuban president Fidel Castro told an American journalist last
week that the Cuban economic model, which has followed Soviet-style
policies since the 1959 revolution, "doesn't even work for us anymore."
We're pleased to see the 84-year-old former leader has finally said that
socialism is a failure, but does he believe it? And does it matter? The
very limited reforms introduced by president Raul Castro don't include
any renunciation of socialism. The message to Cubans: Work more, and
expect less from government.
For half a century, Cubans have done nothing but work hard, and have
little to show for it. Dissidents have been exiled, imprisoned or
killed. Lives have been diminished and shattered by policies that even
the Russian people cast off nearly 20 years ago.
Fidel Castro's words are interesting, but offer only the faintest hope
for Cubans. If he really believes them, he needs to have a
heart-to-heart talk with his brother. The world is ready to embrace
Cuba, if only it can let go of its dismal economic history.
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