Myths of Cuban Socialism - Part I

Myths of Cuban Socialism: Part I
Introducing the Land of Lies and Broken Promises
Antón Toursinov November 11, 2014 at 12:43 pm

Since January 1, 1959, when Fidel Castro walked into Havana with his
"revolutionary gestures" and seized power, the illegitimate government
of Cuba has not tired of lying and creating myths. The great media
campaign of Cuban "socialism" has focused on swaying international
public opinion. Regardless, Cubans of the island and the ones who
managed to flee know better than anyone the reality that is life in the
Castro brothers' hell.

The biggest lie began with Castro's promise of democratic elections in
1959. It was one of the main reasons why the majority of Cubans, tired
of the atrocities of dictator Fulgencio Batista (1955-1959), supported
the revolution.

Three months passed — March, April, May — and Castro said not a word
about releasing power. Instead, he began his atrocities against the
opposition and the Cuban people, all led by him and his henchman Ernesto
Guevara. At that time, many Cubans understood that they had been fooled
once again by a vile politician.

It is not worth one's effort to enumerate the achievements of 55 years
of the Castro regime; their socialism, as a matter of fact, has achieved
nothing but misery for the Cuban people. Let us instead open our eyes
and acknowledge the so-called Cuban achievements as a smokescreen of
brazen lies — from the famous "blockade" to "social equality," all of
them lies.

Once lodged in power, Castro lessened his rhetoric against Batista.
Little by little, he introduced the "anti-imperialist character" of the
revolution and the Cuban political system. Eventually, however, the new
regime was a satellite of the Soviet Union — the greatest imperialist of
the 20th century — and with all the consequences.

Castro's Chosen Enemy: The United States

The regime's confrontation with the United States, an enemy presented as
ardent, fierce, and only 90 miles away, has been ideal for Castro and
his younger brother Raúl. As is widely understood, the starting point
for manipulation in politics is the common threat of an enemy. If there
isn't one, it must be invented. From that flows the famous saying, "the
people united will never be defeated."

And so began the expropriation of properties from US citizens and Cuban
businessmen — under the enduring and monstrous cry of "the oppressors
exploit the workers." Castro's exploitation subsequently exceeded that
of Batista, whom he fought so furiously.

The regime conducted expropriations under the promise of fair-price
compensation for the businessmen, but not a penny has been paid. Let us
tell it like it is: Castro and his allies stole private properties. And
the thief deserved to be punished with the embargo the United States
imposed on Cuba in 1962.

Cubans were led to believe that their neighbors envied socialism so much
they imposed the embargo — as though the constant reiteration of a crude
lie makes it true. As the regime has blamed the "blockade" for the
economic disaster, one must remember that the Castros have been able to
trade freely with the rest of the world, including neighbors on the
continent such as Canada.

Nevertheless, with the embargo in place, the Castros have maintained the
Cubans as a flock, whose shepherds are decrepit imposters. The same goes
for the economy — or what is left of it — like a business run for
themselves. The main ploy of the authoritarian regime has been to
survive at the expense of others, especially of capitalism. Any pretense
of socialist self-sufficiency has fallen by the wayside.

Soviet, Chavista Bailouts

Keep in mind that Cuba's empty socialist economy has always leaned on
other people. The Soviet Union, for example, sold everything Cuba needed
below the cost of production. Meanwhile, they bought sugar from Cuba —
sometimes even when they did not need it — at prices several times
higher than the international market.

During the 1990s, when the Soviet Union disintegrated under its own
weight, Cubans suffered. With "solidarity" providing no new industries
nor agricultural development, starvation could have spelled the end for
the Castros. However, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013)
stepped in and was their salvation.

To be continued…

Source: Myths of Cuban Socialism: Part I -
http://blog.panampost.com/anton-toursinov/2014/11/11/myths-of-cuban-socialism-part-i/