Personal Refelection

As a part of my Real World English class we were asked to choose a topic the interested us. Yet, every topic was to be different within the class. Every week we were to post up a blog containing the information required for that week.

I choose to post blogs on Cuba's current problems and its future. Finding information at times was very hard do to the small amounts of information given out to the public. Although it was semi hard to do Cuban as a topic I clearly enjoyed it. I was able to learn a lot. The information that was found always caught my attention. My favorite post includes the You Tube video. the reason for it being my favorite is because it allows people see why many people place their lives in danger and their thoughts at the moment.

The part of this project that I enjoyed the most was being able to present the project to the class in a new format( blog). Creating a post never seemed as boring as writing a essay on the information found. Yet, what I disliked the most was having a hard time finding the information needed to post my blog at the end of the week. This project holds both a positive and negative side. Sometimes posting comments was also hard. No new posts would be up to comment on. Over all I believe that creating a blog as a part of the class was a great idea.

Editorial

People's Weekly World Newspaper, 01/05/06 10:11
Author: PWW/NM Editorial Board

Jan. 1 marked the 47th anniversary of the Cuban revolution. It was on this date, in 1959, that Fidel Castro and his July 26th Movement overthrew the Batista dictatorship, making possible the beginning of Cuba’s transition to socialism. In the years that followed, the Cuban people, under the leadership of their Communist Party, struggled to take ownership of their country for themselves, away from U.S.-based mobsters and corporations. According to UNICEF, socialist Cuba’s infant mortality rate in 2004 was lower than that of the United States. Cuba is 100 percent literate, again surpassing the U.S. Cuba has eliminated homelessness, and not a single person goes without health care. In the “wealthy” U.S., nearly one in six Americans has no health insurance and we see homeless people on the streets of American cities. Cubans’ per capita income is around $1,170, compared to the U.S. average of $41,400. But, in contrast to the vast private wealth owned by a tiny percentage in the capitalist U.S., in socialist Cuba the wealth is shared by all the people in the form of economic, social and cultural benefits that are an inspiration for all. Socialist Cuba has devoted great resources to eliminating racism and developing Cuba’s rich multiethnic culture. Cuba has accomplished all this despite a cruel economic blockade, illegal under international law, imposed on it for decades by the U.S. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba faced great economic hardship. But its people demonstrated their commitment to the socialist ideal through those dark times, and showed their system’s vitality. While capitalist ideologues were crowing that socialism was dead, Cuba was busy proving them wrong. Cuba’s foreign policy has always been one of peace, justice and international solidarity. It has consistently opposed terrorism and has been an outspoken defender of international law. Today, Cuba has been vindicated. The ideals of socialism are sweeping through Latin America. Solidarity with the Cuban people means redoubling our efforts to end the illegal, U.S. blockade and to free the five Cuban anti-terrorists. Normal relations with our neighbor is in both the U.S.’s and Cuba’s interests. Cuba demonstrates that a better world is really possible. End the U.S. blockade!

Through writing this article the writer is presenting his/her side of the debate. The article point of stance is against America and pro Cuban government. This writer has told the reader that the Cuban government and country are ran far better then the American country and government. He/She also states fact the make his points stronger. This article is a great read because it allow readers to understand why there are people who strongly support Cuba and their reason as to why...

Population:
11,394,043 (July 2007 est.)

Population growth rate:
0.273% (2007 est.)

Death rate:
7.14 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)

Net migration rate:
-1.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)

People - note:
illicit emigration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to Miami and over-land via the southwest border

* graph was no found but information was available by : https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/cu.html

The information collected and presented to all viewers is in hope to inform readers of the great risks that many Cuban place themselves in to reach freedom and happiness. The reason behind the desire to flea varies from economic issues to governmental problems. For example, Cuba runs under a communist government which limits the rights of the citizens. Any decision making must be approved before taking action by Fidel Castro. Many Cuban citizens strongly disagree with not being given the ability to make personal choices without having it approved. The need for freedom and ownership of their own lives drives many to place their lives on the line between life and death. Many clime aboard homemade boats trying to reach the closest land that promises them freedom. While others search for that same promise yet, in much safer ways. Such as direct plain flights into the US. This information provides the death rate of Cuba. As well as the major cause leading to the majority of the deaths.

Poem

Freedom from pain, freedom from death.

Rampancy, range, rein, rights.

Every dream is lost.

Every soul in search of light.

Dreams and hopes for a better future disappear.

Outer and inner freedom no longer stands in ones hands.

Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, aunt and uncles are lost in a ocean awaiting with great hunger.

Response and Summary

Article title: Cuba nominates Castro for parliament, keeping alive possibility of remaining president.

Site: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/02/news/CB-GEN-Cuba-Castro.php

Summary:

As Fidel Castro's illness and conditions continue to be uncertain to the public the possibility that Castro may remain president stand strong. On December 1, 2008 Castro was nominated for a seat in Cuba's Parliament. Although Castro has yet no assured his acceptance to the nomination. If he is to win the position he may remain in the running to retain the presidency of Cuba's supreme governing body. The nomination has left an open option for Castro to stay as Cuba's president, despite his fragile health. Castro has not been seen in public due to his health conditions. He has only appeared on official videos and pictures. Yet, it is confirmed that he stands well up dated with all local news. Although the vote is not final Cuba holds 8.1 million voters. 95 percent of which are registered. The chances for Castro to win are very high.

Response:

Being so close in winning the position as chief of the Parliament Fidel Castro holds the votes many citizens in Cuba. Ricardo Alarcon, President of the National Assembly, stated Sunday that if Castro "were a deputy, I am sure he will be the best candidate you can have for president of the Council of State." Afterwards Alarcon stated he would raise both hands to vote in favor of Castro as head of the council. It has become sure to the minds of many that if Castro accepts the position he will become elected for position. Fidel Castro currently suffers from health conditions that are known to the public. Yet, all in favor for Castro assure that Castro has the capability of doing a great job in position. Even if he is to not receive the presidency, he may cpntinue to play a key role in the nation's leadership in his current position as Communist Party general secretary. Allowing him to hold a more politically powerful job.

There is no immediate word on whether Castro will accept the nomination. If he is to win parliament seat during national elections that will be held Jan. 20, he may remain in the running to retain the presidency of Cuba's supreme governing body, the Council of State. Castro has been able to earn the support of many over the years.

Controversy

Bye-bye Embargo

Many American business men are found full of excitement after being informed about the communist island's investment prospects. For many years foreign investors have struggled to make money in Cuba. They were caught between American trade restrictions, communist bureaucracy and preferential deals. Hopes have been raised by news of a huge deal in the making. A deal that could begin shaping many other things to come.

Mariel, a city just west of Havana, is finally opening their door to Dubai Ports World. After two years of negotiations a partly state-owned company in the United Arab Emirates plans to invest $250m into a modern container facility. By choosing Mariel, one of the closest points in Cuba to the United States, has great significant. Mariel appeals to international port operators do to its proximity to the United States. Many do not see it as a deal to just get goods to Cuba but about getting into the US market. By settling in Mariel it would allow goods to be transferred from the big container ships arriving at the port to smaller vessels which could then reach dozen of harbours in southern United States. Cuban officials do believe that the days embargo are numbered. Within Cuba's' plans there exists the chance of them allowing the creation of theme parks, super-yacht marinas, golf courses and even airlines. All of which apparently are geared to a future American market. Yet patience seems to be the key word for all plans made for the future.

Through out the idea of all the potential investments a controversy has formed. Many people, both regular citizens and political officials have created a point of stance within the plans being made. There are those who are happy to hear that there will finally be an end put to the embargo. They are strong believers that it will allow both the American market and Cuban market to grow and expand.Causing the creation of a great profit for each nation. Within their view the end to the embargo could provide a bonanza to investors with assets in Cuba that would appeal to American corporations. Plans as such are viewed by those who agree as doors that may be opened providing only great opportunities.

On the other side of the controversy there are many people nation wide that believe that the United States should not open up their market to Cuba. The main reason being that Cuba holds a friendly relationship with many countries that are allies to the United States. Therefore many are afraid that the American market could become an easy target for other countries to attack. As well as the chance to fail do to the unsteady economic environment that Cuba is placed in at the moment. There are many reasons that keep people from believing it is not the right choice for America to make such investment plans with Cuba.

Although no plans have been finalized or assured to the public the end to the embargo has already created a controversy.

Site used: economist.com

Should the US Buy or Help Cuba?

As Cuba faces hard moments of hard decisions' both Cuban people and those of other nationalities question themselves whether the United States will extend Cuba a helping hand. Many believe that Cuba will not allow its' government to receive help from a country such as the United States. Since the day Fidel Castro stepped into his office position he closed all doors that could lead to receiving help or creating any sort of business with the United States. When the question, if the United States should buy or help Cuba, was asked to a group of ten people eighty percent of them replied no. The reasons given where that the United States was currently facing other problem that should be dealt with before presenting itself with another major task. "To help a country where people are opposed to receiving any form of help will be nearly impossible. So why embark our nation in such position" stated one person. The country of Cuba has been influenced by its' government to believe that the United States is only a country who thrives to obtain more then what it is capable of handling. For those who stood against the idea of the United States providing a helping hand to Cuba held strong reasons for their position in the debate such as the ones given above.

Although many stood against the idea of helping or buying Cuba there were those few who believed it was the correct form for the United States to act in such circumstances. The United States is a country that has always been around to help other countries when help is needed. For those who believed that it is correct for the United States to help supported their point of view by providing strong evidence. " Why can we help countries across the world and not lend a helping hand to our neighboring country" stated one person. By stating this comment the person informed us with information such as the help that we have lent to other countries after under going war. After stating examples the person firmly stated " so why is it so hard to help a country who is under going governmental problems that don't deal with war issues". As the United States doesn't find a way to react towards the issue the citizens of the country continue to build up their personal opinions.

The reason as to why the question "Should the US Buy or Help Cuba?" was asked for this certain poll is the fact the it has created so much controversy within the United States. All citizens are unsure of the act that will be taken by the American government and the effect that it may create. The poll taken has allowed me to create a post to inform the reader the stance of some people and their points of view within the controversy.

--Feel free to add any comments that may state your personal stance point within the poll taken. :)