April 15, 2009  

The recent relaxation of some sanctions US America imposed on Cuba over 50 years is a welcome step by President Obama.
     The move has done much to improve US America's tattered claims of being a moral nation. It was a long time coming since China and Russia had been enjoying trade, travel and commerce with US America for years.
    Cuba was at a serious disadvantage because it didn't represent a major market or supplier like other communist countries. Also, Cuba did not have oil reserves.
     More than 50 years ago, thousands and thousands of rich and immoral citizens of US America enjoyed living it up in Cuba. They could do things there that wouldn't be approved back home where many of them enjoyed a respected presence in its religious communities.
    I would like to point out that this could be another case where religion kept turning its heads when people from their congregations did dirty deeds. Those bad deeds apparently didn't count because they were out of sight .
     They had paid for that right to have their fun by supporting Batista and greasing the necessary palms. Between them, US America and Batista, they made life pretty horrible for Cuba's peasants. Those same peasants found no respite or remedy from their church. It seems their church had also been bought off – at least to a point that they weren't going to make waves with existing powers.
     North America's press and priests paid lip service to Castro's fight by appearing to champion his cause. There were even minor celebrations when he took Havana while those pesky US American's beat a hasty retreat.
     It is possible that US America merely felt this would be a change in leaders and they would continue to enjoy their debauchery once again by just paying off a new “landlord”.
    It didn't turn out that way.
    And, when threatened with sanctions, Fidel turned to Russia and that dreaded political thing called communism. The Catholic Church excommunicated Castro.
    And fun began.
    Like playground bullies who had their toys taken away, US America proceeded to make it a living hell for anybody inhabiting their old playground. It placed an embargo on trading with Cuba – at least one that it could claim to the rest of the world.

    What happened during the next thirty years would be considered political and economic skirmishes with US America claiming righteousness by battling “communism”. Who did what to who and how is really not the point. Cuba was an enemy, it was communist, and it was only 90-miles from US America.
     Also, Cuba was smaller than Russia and China – and it certainly didn't have oil.
    Cuba also embarrassed US America by providing troops and medical aid to other nations who also had issues with US American support of questionable regimes. And while it enjoyed USSR support, its universal health care was headed to being the best in the world.
     Incidentally, Cuba was able to secure its oil supply from Argentina by exporting hundreds of its medical professionals to help with Argentina's struggles – also with US America.
     I believe President Obama relaxing US America's sanctions will help Cuba regain its position as an important member of our North American community.
    Cuba has also shown shown that it can survive and strive . . . without gods!  

                            Anton Kozlik
   

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        *Terms and            Definitions
My articles may contain words or phrases that may infer different meanings to different readers, or the reader may be unfamiliar with the term or its definition. I feel it is important to know what the writer meant when he used a word or term.

cognitive dissonance —
Filtering out information that conflicts with what one already believes, in an effort to ignore that information and reinforce one’s beliefs.

Editors note: I will be repeating the “cognitive dissonance” definition for quite a while since it is practiced by so many — known by so few!