What Goes and What Comes

In Cuba, the end of 2011 and the advent of 2012 had special characteristics. In the first place, the joy and the celebrations, officially, responded to the Triumph of the Revolution and the hosting of one more anniversary of it. The reality is ignored and it is not welcomed as 2012, but as the 54th … Continue reading “What Goes and What Comes”

The Digital Divide Between the Education Systems of Cuba and Latin America / Dora Leonor Mesa

One of the most relevant initiatives put forth by the Latin American community of nations in recent years is the project “Educational Goals 2021: the education we want for the bicentennial generation” (A look at education in Latin American (2011)) Its objective is to improve the quality of education and equity in education in order … Continue reading “The Digital Divide Between the Education Systems of Cuba and Latin America / Dora Leonor Mesa”

If I Loved You Before… / Yoani Sánchez

“If I loved you before, it was for your hair, now that you’re bald, I no longer love you.” Children’s song She woke up at six to meticulously untangle her hair with a broken toothbrush with the toughest bristles. Her hair reached almost to her waist, but now she was giving it a final straightening, … Continue reading “If I Loved You Before… / Yoani Sánchez”

BELOVED DECEMBER / Fernando Dámaso

In December Evaristo Calero always felt better than in the remaining months of the year. From childhood it was so. As soon as December came in, with its northerlies, the Christmas spirit took hold of him and didn’t leave until early January. Starting from a year when, by decree, Christmas and its accompanying festivities were … Continue reading “BELOVED DECEMBER / Fernando Dámaso”

Vaclav Havel: A Cuban Friend / Dora Leonor Mesa

Several months ago, in one of my online classes at the University of Texas El Paso, I had to choose a leader whom I greatly admired. At that time I chose Václav Havel and my selection and drew criticism from one of the students in the class for not choosing a Cuban. I was far … Continue reading “Vaclav Havel: A Cuban Friend / Dora Leonor Mesa”

The Castros and the Kims: Historic Parallels / Iván García

Autocrats are clones of the same litter. They’re not separated by ideologies, what joins them is an unhealthy ambition for power. Each and every one of modern dictators consider themselves enlightened. Types essential on the national map. Founding Fathers. Irreplaceable. They could not be more narcissistic. Egos more than enough. The nation is their private … Continue reading “The Castros and the Kims: Historic Parallels / Iván García”

“Discriminated“ Professions / Fernando Dámaso

I’m not treading on thin ice if I argue that the legalization of self-employment — which never should have been outlawed — has been well received by most citizens and, for many, has become a significant form of subsistence for their families, despite the high taxes, the bureaucracy and the inspectors and other complications. However, … Continue reading ““Discriminated“ Professions / Fernando Dámaso”

The Ant and the Elephant / Rebeca Monzo

An ant, shivering and sobbing, asks his friend the elephant, “Have you read today’s Granma newspaper?” “No,” he replies, “What does it say?” “They are going to sacrifice, starting this month, all the large animals to be able to feel the people,” answers the ant. “What does this have to do with you? The one … Continue reading “The Ant and the Elephant / Rebeca Monzo”

Cuban Blogographia / Regina Coyula

Well, yes. A Cuban blogosphere has come out with blog graphs. I have just read the works of the Spaniard Josep Calvet which appear in La Joven Cuba. It is patient work to scrutinize evidently diverse and diverse material on the Network. Calvet commits an often repeated error that seems intentional which is to identify … Continue reading “Cuban Blogographia / Regina Coyula”

Onomatopoeia of Tears / Rosa María Rodríguez Torrado

It seems that the Honey of Power is addictive and that many civilians and military consume and permanently succumb to this sweetness. Like a psychotropic leadership it collects bosses, subordinates and entire peoples. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t in the same spectrum of colors, yellow and red hallucinogenics mix just the same in Asia … Continue reading “Onomatopoeia of Tears / Rosa María Rodríguez Torrado”

Onomatopoeia of Tears

It seems that the Honey of Power is addictive and that many civilians and military consume and permanently succumb to this sweetness. Like a psychotropic leadership it collects bosses, subordinates and entire peoples. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t in the same spectrum of colors, yellow and red hallucinogenics mix just the same in Asia … Continue reading “Onomatopoeia of Tears”

Cuban Intellectuals: When Fear Seeps Into the Bones / Angel Santiesteban

How is it possible that intellectuals who were humiliated and punished by the same people who now govern the country, stay next to the boots that kicked them into submission, that harassed them until they were broken in body, soul and artistic endeavor? They suffered so much that the fear still corrodes them and they … Continue reading “Cuban Intellectuals: When Fear Seeps Into the Bones / Angel Santiesteban”

Builder in Chief / Luis Felipe Rojas

I did not want to start the New Year like this but Fidel Castro is still present in our lives. That’s just how screwed we are and I fear that will be the case for a long time, even after his demise. It was nearly the end of 2011 when the Ministry of Construction (MICON) … Continue reading “Builder in Chief / Luis Felipe Rojas”

Something Still Missing / Fernando Dámaso

I have followed with interest what has been published on the preparation before the Eighth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly, as well as the sessions themselves, not because I expect some kind of novelty, but to see if the virtual discourse (accepting different opinions, not pretending false unanimity, etc.) correspond to the actual discourse. … Continue reading “Something Still Missing / Fernando Dámaso”

EMILIANA / Fernando Dámaso

The house of the lady Emiliana had been deteriorating with the passage of years, without painting or repairs, but still, surrounding by identical badly-constructed buildings full of bright colors, it stood in its nobility in the center of an area of a hundred square yards, planted with fruit trees and flowers which, like a solitary … Continue reading “EMILIANA / Fernando Dámaso”