Cuba: Contras split over blockade

[Mika]

Cuba: Contras split over blockade
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/44595

A major split over the US blockade of Cuba has emerged between domestic “dissidents” in Cuba and their former partners in Miami. The US corporate media is paying attention to what appears to be a new anti-Cuban strategy.

A letter signed by 74 of the “dissidents” on the island calls for an end to Washington’s ban on US citizens travelling to Cuba. On the other hand, most of the Cuban-American members of Congress are fiercely defending the nearly 50-year-old economic blockade in all its forms. The “new contras” are now up against the old.

The split represents a genuine difference in counter-revolutionary tactics, but is also linked to squabbles over money. For many years, “dissidents” in Cuba have privately complained that most of the millions of dollars pledged by Washington — for a “transition” to capitalist “democracy” in Cuba — is snapped up by Miami.

There have been scandals over the misuse of the millions of US government dollars funnelled into propaganda media outlets aimed at Cuba. Miami-based Radio Marti and Television Marti were recently criticised by US Foreign Relations Committee chair John Kerry as corrupt, ineffective and of little interest to young Cubans.

The occasion for the current disagreement is debate over two bills before US Congress that would significantly alter the blockade, which is condemned every year by the United Nations. In 2009, 187 countries condemned the US’ economic blockade of Cuba.

In February, the Travel Restriction Reform Act and Export Enhancement Act were introduced into Congress. The travel act was developed by the powerful Foreign Relations Committee and the export act by the House Agriculture Committee.

They are sponsored by dozens of representatives from both US parties.

The Export Enhancement Act would allow “normal” banking procedures to sell produce to Cuba; it says nothing about purchasing anything from the little socialist country.

The Travel Restriction Reform Act would allow US citizens to travel freely to Cuba. US travel agents expect a strong response by tourists if the bill passes.

Prominent “dissidents” including Yoani Sanchez, Guillermo Farinas and Elizardo Sanchez oppose the “isolation” imposed by the blockade, saying “any opening serves to inform and empower the Cuban people and helps to further strengthen our civil society”.

However these “new contras” are famous for their support in the US, rather than in Cuba.

In their letter, dated May 30, they say, “We know that major non-governmental organisations support this bill, including to name only a few: the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch.”

They claim that “if the citizens of the United States, like those of the rest of the world, increased their presence on our streets” they could become “witnesses of the suffering of the Cuban people” and “offer solidarity and a bridge to facilitate the transition we Cubans so greatly desire”.

Apparently the 2.5 million tourists that visit Cuba every year are unable to be such “witnesses”, nor provide the solidarity these “dissidents" seek. Indeed, few foreigners visiting Cuba have much interest in old Cold War agendas. Very few provide any funds for Cuba’s contras, new or old.

Nevertheless, it is true that greater traffic between the US to Cuba would open up the possibility for more US government contacts, lessening the mediation role of the old guard in Miami. Fearing this, the old guard are hanging on to the almost universally condemned blockade.

South Florida Congressperson Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said last year: “How could anyone credibly argue that lounging on the beaches of Varadero or partying in the nightclubs until the wee hours of the night will bring freedom and democracy to the Cuban people?”

Florida Congressperson Connie Mack screamed: “This is a Castro bailout, Mr. Chairman ... a bailout for tyranny.”

The Cuban government has always strongly opposed the travel ban. When the country was opened to large-scale tourism in the mid 1990s it was accepted as logical that US citizens would become the largest group of visitors.

To many, the prospect of millions of US tourists coming in one’s direction is daunting; but Cubans have their typical confidence that they can handle the onslaught.

---

[Braulio]

1. Don't forget, this isn't "anti Cuba", it's against Communist dictatorship

The policies aren't really anti Cuba, they are meant to oppose the communist dictatorship entrenched in Cuba for more than 50 years. The communist party and its leading elites, which can be considered parasites living off the Cuban people, are not Cuba, anymore than Papa Doc Duvalier and his henchmen represented Haiti or its people. The communists' days in Cuba are counted, and measures to ensure a peaceful transition are good. Allowing US citizens to travel to Cuba is a good first measure, as long as its done to make sure it helps the Cuban people decide their future, something I'm sure will not involve communism as dictated by that awful dictator, Fidel Castro.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Interesting article. ALL those anti-Cuba idiots are going to have to get new routines

the moment there's any opening toward Cuba whatsoever. Their saber-shaking Cold War acts are going to be even more comical when the Cuba travel trade swings into high gear. Maybe they will be seen as great comedians!

All their hard work for all these long years will be worthless the minute ordinary U.S. American men and women can go there freely. Can't wait until we all get a chance to verify what these "dissidents" say:

“if the citizens of the United States, like those of the rest of the world, increased their presence on our streets” they could become “witnesses of the suffering of the Cuban people”

I've read so many personal reports and accounts by Americans and others who've been there and I've NEVER heard any of them mention any suffering which couldn't be directly related to the embargo.

And the poverty I've heard described by sojourners is said to be NOTHING similar to the poverty they also have seen in Central America, other Caribbean islands, which was "freed" for American tourism, and sweatshops, and other companies years ago.

[Mika]

4. Teabaggers hate government, especially one that works.

They would absolutely hate the nanny state, and the inhabitants who make it so.


The Cuban Henry Reeves Brigade (named after a heroic American
doctor who helped Cuba's independence movement)- ready to go!

---

[flamingdem]

3. I guess their view depends on the dinero in their pocket

If they think they can get more without the bloqueo they're for it! If not, and they don't want to give up the dinero they shake out of other peoples suffering, then Castro is the devil himself.