Alex, I am well aware of the ideological differences between "socialism" and "communism"; I am also aware, as I know you are, that although the terms are mistakenly used interchangeably, there are similarities that go to what is, for me, the main issue relevant to what inspired this discussion in the first place. My comments were made with the situation in Cuba as the backdrop, in reaction to the comments by O-10. That may make me biased due to a "personal motiv", but my "bias" does not change the reality ("truth") of what the situation is in Cuba; and, there is a great deal of misinformation and inaccuracies presented about that situation. Most people are shocked when I tell them about the incredible shortages of the most basic goods and medicines that all, except the elite, in Cuba face. How a young attorney in Cuba earns the equivalent of $30 (yes, you read that correctly) a month, an experienced and established doctor (my brother) $300 a month. How, only if someone in the family is ill, are you allowed a meager ration of meat or yogurt; unless, of course, you have funds sent to you from overseas; funds which the govenrment proceeds to take a percentage of. How, if one applies to leave the country, you will be ostricized and even your employment is jeoperdized. Oh, yes, medical "care" is free to all. Problem is, many of the most common meds are not available. The situation in Cuba is a disaster and, incredibly, getting worse in spite of recent changes in relations with the US. This, sadly supporting my contention that the best reason for "improving" relations between the two countries would be the elimination, once and for all, of the last excuse that the Cuban regime has had for why their system of government is a disaster.
I am not sure what "incorrect generalizations" in what I wrote you are referring to, or how it is "far from truth". If you are referring to my comments about Cuba, I assure you that my comments are absolutely correct; "dissident perspective" and all. As I said to O-10, if you would like more details about what life in Cuba is like for the average Cuban I would be glad to offer more information. If, on the other hand, you are referring to my comments about the role of the U.S., that can certainly be debated. However, if you think your own perspective is not biased I think you would be mistaken; all our perspectives are for a variety of reasons. From my perspective, that the U.S. is, on balance, the greatest "force for good" is undeniable. I would simply (?!) point to things like the question of what the world would be like had it not been for US involvement in WW2, largest humanitarian aid donor, most advances in research and innovation in medicine; the list goes on. Problems? Mistakes? Many. However, the notion that that the export of Communism can be equated with the export of Democracy strikes me as highly cynical. I would agree that the notion of "exporting" of ideology is highly questionable; however, as usual, and as complex and difficult as these topics are, we the "very educated" have a tendency to get mired in the theoretical details and overlook some of the most basic and mundane indications of a possible answer to our heady questions. What country do more foreigners want to go to than any other?
Thanks for the thoughtful comments and challenge.
I am not sure what "incorrect generalizations" in what I wrote you are referring to, or how it is "far from truth". If you are referring to my comments about Cuba, I assure you that my comments are absolutely correct; "dissident perspective" and all. As I said to O-10, if you would like more details about what life in Cuba is like for the average Cuban I would be glad to offer more information. If, on the other hand, you are referring to my comments about the role of the U.S., that can certainly be debated. However, if you think your own perspective is not biased I think you would be mistaken; all our perspectives are for a variety of reasons. From my perspective, that the U.S. is, on balance, the greatest "force for good" is undeniable. I would simply (?!) point to things like the question of what the world would be like had it not been for US involvement in WW2, largest humanitarian aid donor, most advances in research and innovation in medicine; the list goes on. Problems? Mistakes? Many. However, the notion that that the export of Communism can be equated with the export of Democracy strikes me as highly cynical. I would agree that the notion of "exporting" of ideology is highly questionable; however, as usual, and as complex and difficult as these topics are, we the "very educated" have a tendency to get mired in the theoretical details and overlook some of the most basic and mundane indications of a possible answer to our heady questions. What country do more foreigners want to go to than any other?
Thanks for the thoughtful comments and challenge.