Letter to the editor

Ever since Fidel Castro overthrew the dictatorship of Cuban president Batista, there has been speculation that, had he been treated with more respect by the United States, he may not have clung to his Marxist beliefs and turned to Russia for aid and comfort. The Russians, of course, were delighted to have an ally situated right off the coast of Florida and up until the Soviet Union's meltdown a few years ago, they had, much to this country's aggravation, maintained an annoying shadow presence there. Castro proceeded to run the country in dictatorial style, but he did enact land reforms that benefited the poor and disfranchised and chased the middle and upper class land owners out of the country, thus causing a stagnancy in growth that exists to this day. So as not to re-hash events that have long been part of history, such as the sanctions against Cuba put in place by the U.S. and others, along with the Cuban missile crisis that might have become the opening phase of World War Three, we find ourselves on the verge of possible reconciliation with the existing government of Fidel Castro's brother Raul. There is talk of lifting all sanctions and allowing freedom of travel between the two countries. I personally believe this would be a good thing. The sanctions never cost Fidel Castro a good cigar or a meal, but they did create hardship for the poor citizens of Cuba, not to mention the loss of trade that would have benefited both countries. Before Fidel Castro there was Batista, a man said to be a U.S. puppet, a foil of the Mafia who controlled the gambling casinos that permeated the island. Fidel, at least, rode in on the shoulders of his people as a saviour and redeemer. Only the Cuban people can really say how well their dreams were realized. While the old man may have fallen short as the ultimate hero, his stubborn cling to power and length of service has been phenomenal. That, at least may be a testimonial of sorts. It won't be long before a new generation will emerge to guide Cuba's ship of state and I seriously doubt it will be under Marxist control, so Viva La Revolution and long live the long suffering people of Cuba.

George Morin
Auburn, Ga.