Realism and Necessity in Havana (Not Washington)

[Judi Lynn]

June 22, 2011

Realism and Necessity in Havana (Not Washington)
The Reshaping of Cuba
By SAUL LANDAU and NELSON VALDÉS

“Revolution is grasping the historic moment, changing all that should be changed."

- Fidel Castro (May 1, 2000)

After more than half a century some myths need dispelling about U.S.-Cuba relations and Washington’s demand for “changes.” On the Cuban Revolution Ernest Hemingway said: “I think the people (of Cuba) now have a decent moment and I don't believe that they ever had one before. (“Lo que dice el novelista Hemingway," Noticias de Hoy, January 25, 1959)

In Washington, Hemingway’s description amounted to naïve idealism, tolerating unacceptable behavior from an upstart bunch of rebels. Hemingway, however, lived in Cuba, and understood what the State Department feared. Fidel and company took independence and social justice seriously. To accomplish these agenda items, Cuba began to treat U.S. properties disrespectfully (real estate, agribusiness, utilities and telephone and banks).

In March 1960, before the Soviet Union entered the equation as a major player, President Eisenhower ordered the CIA to overthrow the revolutionary government. This plan morphed into a terror war before and after the April 1961 Bay of Pigs fiasco.

In October 1960, U.S. Ambassador Phillip “Bonsal turned up one Thursday looking very serious. He brought Ernest an important, although informal message from Washington D.C. The U.S. government was beginning to think very seriously of breaking off diplomatic relations with Cuba,” wrote Hemingway’s granddaughter. Washington wanted him to “terminate his residence in Cuba,” and “also publicly declare his displeasure with the Castro government.”

More:
http://www.counterpunch.org/landau06222011.html

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