₦airaland Forum

Fidel Castro: A living legend


In celebrating President Fidel Castro, revolutionary leader of Cuba for nearly five decades, we hope to accomplish two tasks. One is paying tribute to a living legend who forged a nation for his people, gave them a sense of nationhood and a nationist consciousness and preserved the very essence of the Cuban spirit.

It is important to state here that the Madiba, Nelson Mandela, lives on to enjoy a well-earned heroic eulogy from his people, all Africans and the world; Fidel Castro is another world leader who should be draped in garlands across the world by all those who cherish true heroism and enduring sacrifice from a leader who gave his all to endow his people and all struggling peoples of the world with the possibilities of the human spirit, that dare.

In spite of the travails he and his country suffered, partly because of geographical mis-location—a stone-throw from the United States and its neo-colonial subjection-effort—aegis of protracted colonial subjugation under Spain and a nauseating and harrowing predation from parasitic native men of power, the last of whom was Batista, whom Castro and his revolutionary army routed in January, 1959—Fidel Castro clutched to the ideals of nationalism which fired his revolutionary spirit, and which set aside his communist vision and praxis from the Western European type.

He has stepped down from power, voluntarily and with assured legacy for his people and veritable lessons for the rest of the Third World. His tenacity of purpose, his commitment to the enduring sustenance of the independence of his country in the face of foreign and imperial menace through decades of economic embargo, CIA-organised invasion at the historic Bay of Pigs, numerous assassination attempts, may have led to his justified authoritarianism which has been over-popularized by Washington.

He no doubt built a country in the harshest of climes and super-power persecution, that he has every reason to feel proud about it, in retirement. He is leaving an enviable legacy of a nearly 100 per centum literacy level for his country, world class health facilities and a proud, though materially constrained nation. He hands over power to his closest ally and brother, Raul, who had taken over the reins of governance since 2006 when Castro took ill. He has also given the indication that he will embrace some kind of market economy reforms.

As Fidel retires, there are a number of conjectures as to what will happen to his revolution and his legacy on both the political and economic fronts. One of the key postulations is that economic reforms will gradually take place under a firm grip of the communist political ideology that Castro and his party have deeply entrenched in the nation’s body politic. The fact that Raul sounds reformist should not lead anyone into the simplistic conclusion that Castro’s communist revolution will crumble instanta.

There has been a certain insipid cultural revolution that has taken place in the past 50 years and the majority of the Cuban populace has known only Fidel Castro and his revolution. In spite of the alleged censorship, Fidel has built a musical and cinematic industry for his country that has the potential, in a liberalized economy, to transform Cuba into the hub of cultural tourism in Latin America and sustain some of the core values of his revolution. Cuba has gone through hardship and absence of leisure. But majority of Cubans have come to value the integrity and indomitability of the Cuban spirit which Castro has sown among his people. Reform will be gradual, as this proposal avers, but it will be a creeping capitalism under a communist political control. Raul, we must remember, may be a delegator but he is certainly not a liberal democrat. He has been a young communist when Fidel Castro was evolving as a leftist and a nationalist. He ran Castro’s army after the revolution.

He is turning over farms to farmers, carrying out infrastructural reforms in the area of transport, creating more tourist space and opportunities near American bases, giving companies more operational liberties and so on. Yet, there is caution in the air that change may enhance inequality and brew class antagonism and discontent of a different kind than the opponents attribute to Fidel Castro’s centralized governance. Thus the ‘structural and conceptual changes’ which Raul talks about may be slow in coming. In any case, Raul lacks the oratory and charisma of his brother, and he may have to work through power devolution and greater bureaucracy.

The second proposition is that the departure of Fidel Castro from central government (he is still the First Secretary of the party) will immediately lead to the collapse of communism and the swift rise of liberal democracy. This must be the eager dream of Washington. This is the view which attributes the character of Cuban politics and its economy to the personality of Fidel Castro. This is the perception that locates Fidel Castro as a myth that can be trapped in a bottle. It is the kind of mentality that gave rise to regime change in Iraq through the removal of Saddam Hussein!
See where we are!!

Whatever changes may be forth-coming in ‘new’ Cuba, a lot will depend on how the traditional antagonists of Cuba read the nation’s social barometer, post-Fidel. Will America woo and lure Raul and the Communist Party in the hope that Castro’s communist system will be hastened to its grave? Will they in pursuance of that agenda rapidly drop the economic embargo on the country? No simple option should be anticipated. The Communist Party has survived decades of embargo and it will surely be mere wishful thinking to imagine that simply because Fidel Castro has left the driver’s seat, the pinch of embargo will force the regime to go down on its knees clutching to the straws of market mechanism, wily nilly.

Fidel Castro’s dogged love and committed vision for his country; the Third World and his leadership role among the Non-aligned nations of the world are veritable lessons for all those who aspire towards statesmanship—to lead selflessly and by example. Fidel Castro outlasted ten American presidents and their economic embargo, all of them. The present contenders from both parties do not sound any different about Cuba, not even the Democrats among them.
It will certainly not diminish the world to begin to take a positive view of Fidel Castro’s country, as the legend gives over power after an illustrious aegis of five decades.

http://www.ngex.com/cgi-bin/frame/frameit2.plx?link="http://www.sunnewsonline.com/"

It is simple!
If EFCC is not ready to arrest or probe OBJ, there will be few folks that will not be touched, and I think Odili is one of them.

The coast must first be cleared before arresting folks like Odili. Do not waste your time; for now, it isn't going to happen.

My man, first: Hillary will never never beat McCain, trust me.

Second: The coast is not yet clear for Hillary; folks (big fish) are leaning toward Obama. Hillary is cool to the outsiders, but the insiders know more and what she is capable of doing. She is not a saint.

Finally, if I don't vote Hillary will not win!

another problem with obama is his inabiity to defend allegation leveled against him.Gosh
HE IS NOT A FIGHTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Hollandis:

Yes, Obama is a fighter.
The only problem he's currently having is the fact that his slogan states "time for change" "unity for all" (The messages his slogan is indirectly sending are: say no to the old dirty politics, yes we can do it together, say yes to peace etc.)

He can not be running around with this type of slogan and also at the same time start hitting Hillary below the belt. This action will definitely contradict his strategy/ style and will also send a wrong message.

Also keep in Mind that White Americans will follow you (as a blackman), but if you start beating up a white woman, they will turn against you. Hence, any excessive aggressiveness coming from Obama at this point could definitely turn things around negatively for him (you guys remember OJ?).
White folks do not play that nonsense.

Therefore, Obama must be very careful and be more systematic fighting back. Trust me, he doesn't want to hit back too hard. It will backfire!

Personally, I honestly think he (obama) should remain focused by sticking with the same intellectual style of politics he's been using and allow Hillary to bury herself at the right time.


FYI: Trust me, Hillary is praying for Obama to be more aggressive towards her; she knows that once this happens, the crown automatically belongs to her.
You've got to be very smart to deal with the Clintons (they are bunch of dirty deadly white rats).

i doubt it now. The superdelegates on clinton's side now know she has a healthy chance.

Good point, but don't forget that many do not like the Clintons.

Yes, Hillary won yesterday, but not too big, at least not enough to knock off Obama. Obama is still pretty much strong and focused.
FYI: The primary election for another big state (Pennsylvania) is coming up shortly; there has been speculation that Obama could win big in this state.
Even if Obama fails to win, the general consensus is that the vote will go to the convention, which is almost unprecedented. Furthermore, the super delegate vote count would also play a big part.
It is being speculated that in the end Hillary will not have enough total delegate count to claim a victory, but will definitely try to defend her position by stating that she won the most important states.
I'm sure that Americans are too smart to allow her to get away with stealing this election.

MAMAJAMA:
If it wasn't for your Jamaican/ American wife, your black ass would have been deported many years ago. You better watch your mouth, do not let me go there, please!

The man is doing well; infact, EFCC is finally coming back around to work side by side with him.
Furthermore, just few days ago, Yar'Adua expressed his confidence in Michael Aondoaka, he also confirmed that his position as the attorney general is secured.

My main man, Ribadu is currently busy studying for his mid-term exams. EFCC on the other hand continues to clean up Ribadu's mess and things are coming back together for them as a team.
No noise, no shakara and no power hungry. Things are being done according to Nigerian constitution.

The Clintons are known to fight dirty and below the belt.
They are full of games and I hope their dirtiness backfires.

I will vote for McCain before voting for these rats.

Again, if this lady wins the primary, she is not getting my vote for the real election and I hope others feel the same.
She is dirty, desperate and can never be trusted.

It's not about what Americans want anymore, it all about Hillary and her mighty desire. She is ready to do anything (both legal and illegal) to win this election; and I'm not sure if this is the right path for America in general.
Americans have had enough of Bush's and Clinton's for the past 20 years, it's time for something different and fruitful.

You can call Yar'Adua anything, but the man is honest, sincere and will never steal kobo from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Only if quarter of Nigerians are dedicated to individuals with Yar'Adua's character, half of our problems will be immediately solved.

Yes, he (Okiro) sounded like a farmer, but his intention was to motivate his people by publicly presenting his full support for his boss, Yar'Adua.
Guys, remember that Yar'Adua is still the president of this nation; hence supporting Yar'Adua could also be indirectly supporting Nigeria as a nation.

No need to castigate this man for nothing. Let us crucify him only if he tries to steal Government fund just like the previous IG Ehindero
MAMAJAMA has done everything and anything to tarnish the image of Mr. Okiro ever since Ehindero got caught stealing; I guess it is true that the rise of Okiro only makes Ehindero's corruption charges more difficult to clear.
It is also true that a thief doesn't like to be alone.

Let us all calm down; it's not that serious!

This statement is nothing, but a mere figure of speech. "I'm ready to die for Yar'Adua could simply mean":
1. I admire the leadership qualities of my boss
2. I'm dedicated to my boss
3. I'm dedicated to the Republic of Nigeria
4. I'm dedicated to my duties.

The man is simply acknowledging the honesty and sincerity attitude President Yar'Adua has brought back to Aso Rock.
Absolutely, nothing wrong with this statement. It would have been a different case if Okiro was referring to OBJ.

Bravo to Okiro for picking a right choice; there are some other folks that would also die for OBJ as long as stealing police government fund is permitted.
Don't let me mention name, I think the message is already been delivered.

There is nothing better than having a reliable professional HYPE-MAN

@poster:
Where have you been?
Obama's wife is pretty much busy campaigning for her husband. You know, not everybody is loud like Nigerian wives, some wives prefer to get the job done silently.

FYI: many in USA do not want to see a lady to hold this position!
And very soon it wouldn't be about Obama anymore; it would be all about the big fish that are backing him. (Obama not being elected represents a major blow to these big fish).

Do you think Obama has any chance against McCain or will fear of terror turn against him?

Absolutely Obama has a chance.
If he's able to knock H. Clinton out of the way, I'm confident to say that Obama will be the next United States president.

Yes, there is national security issue that has been raised by his opponents, but the answer to this issue is very simple.
Obama could disable his opponents once and for all by selecting a bright, experienced and likable running mate (a VP that is full of charisma).
I think this man, Obama is unstopable if he plays his cards right, but it is extremely important for him to do his home work properly before picking his VP; this selection might be a major factor for him to be elected as the next president.

Obama is not just an ordinary political candidate, he represents a powerful movement!

I'm sorry, you can not put all the blame on OBJ; Ribadu should have stepped up like a man, if he was truly sincere and dedicated to serving Nigeria.
Ribadu was an obstacle that was dealt with appropriately.

US should mind their business and figure out what is going on in Iraq!

Let's make the new name simple, what about The Republic of 419?

Could someone please tell Hillary to change this retarded line?
Americans are too bright to fall for the weak line!

@poster:
As a true leader, he must never change the middle name.
Changing the name indicates weakness and will absolutely send a wrong message.

He should stay focused and continue to address important issues; the rest will solve itself naturally at the right time.

Let me speak for myself:

I will vote for Obama just because he represents an intelligent sincere blackman who profoundly understands the root of leadership.
It is clearly obvious that Americans can easily relate to this man without any hesitation.
Infact, it was confirmed not to long ago that Sen Obama and his wife just recently completed their student loans payments; that right there is an indication of real life. He understands reality of life and directly in-touch with average Americans in general.

Just last night, president Bush revealed to the world publicly that he did not know that the gas price in United States is this high; What a big joke!
Enough of these toy leaders; America needs a true focused leader that is capable of staying intouch with them at all time.

FYI: McCain is not that far from Bush; it is clear to all that McCain has absolutely nothing to offer America. He is part of the wrecked train that is currently transporting Bush. Hence, do not let us waste time talking about this him.

Hillary, on the other hand has personal issues; she needs professional help. A short tempered personality is not a great sign of leadership. The woman has multiple personalities which has already sent wrong messages to many.
She represents desperation, dishonesty, prima-donna, shadiness and many other mental illness.

At the moment, Obama is the only promising candidate available; and DC knows it too.
The only obstacle Obama as a presidential candidate, has at this point will be lost black folks who have been brainwashed by white societies.
Don't be a fool, Obama as the next USA president will benefit multiple generation of black people all around the world.
There are many black kids out there already speculating on being the USA president one of these days; this kind of statement used to be a dream back in those days. It will be stupid for anyone of us not to be willing to make this dream a reality by coming together to support Obama.

The question we should all be asking is: how can we (black people) help Obama to become the next president or how can we (black people) help Obama to become the greatest president ever!

Wake up, guys!

@Big B1,
What do you mean by the statement in bold? Are you trying to surreptitiously convey the idea that those in group 1 are generally more wealthy than those in group 2 - black folks just struggling to make ends meet? Are you tacitly implying that the "ass kissers" are more upwardly mobile due to their skill in kissing the white man's ass? Are you in essence alluding to view that those who make the white man uncomfortable are sentenced to a life of perpetual "struggle"? Please make your point clearer!

@RichyBlack:
Simple:
Let's take spike Lee (actor) and Morgan Freeman (actor) for example. The repercussion of Spike Lee having disagreement with a security agent at the JFK airport is different from the repercussion of Morgan Freeman doing the same.

Why:
There is a premeditated judgement that is automatically and mentally designed for the challengers (Spike Lee), while the passive group (Morgan Freeman) is treated differently by getting benefit of doubt in most cases.

FYI: you could be wealthy, but still struggle mentally and sometimes physically for many years; therefore, wealth has nothing to do with this issue.
This is also why Kobe (passive black) is treated differently from Allan Iverson, (a challenger).
Money is good, but not everything in my book!

what happens if obama makes a bad president, are u honestly putting your livelihood in the hands of a man just because of his race.

Obama is not going to be a bad president.
Thinking negatively and speculating a failure of a blackman is a pure slave mentality (and this is the type of thinking that is systematically designed for us).
There is nothing that is promised in life; hence, we must learn how to take chances, think positively and always hope for the best.

First, McKren: You're absolutely on point!

There are 2 types of black folks:
1. We have the passive ones that give white folks opportunity to judge them equally as white. This type of black are mostly successful in general. They do not react to racism only if there is a clear reason.
White folks are also very comfortable around this type of black folks, while some black folks see them as uncle Thomas.
Examples: Oprah, Bill Cosby, Morgan Freedman, Bob Johnson, OJ, Obama, Big B1 etc.

2. We also have the challengers that automatically think all white folks are racist. They challenge white folks to first prove themselves as not being racist before accepting them. This group of black folks tend to struggle through out their lives. They are very strong and generally identified as fighters.
They mostly make white folks to feel very white and uncomfortable. They also judge passive black folks as sell-out.
Some of them get very sick when things are coming together positively between white and black societies; and pretty much prefer things to be divided into 2 (white and black). It is also OK to call this group DRAMA KINGS
Examples: Al sharpton, Farrakhan, Tavis Smileys, Spike Lee, Jessie Jackson, Mamajama etc.

Furthermore, both groups are cool; infact, it is very important and healthy to have both groups around at the same time. It balances the equation and keeps things going in United States (it keeps whiteman on his toes)

Finally, there is absolutely nothing better than witnessing Obama as the next president of United States. This accomplishment would drastically change things for better for black all around the world.
Something terrible is wrong with you as a blackman if you can't see this (Obama as USA president) as a great accomplishment in Black world.

@Poster!
Eyin lemo, e ma ran ti ilu yin!

@ty4real:
I'm unable to respond because I don't speak Swahili.

Hillary Clinton is unstable

I pity for Bill and Chelsea


http://youtube.com/watch?v=lMssGeYbnxI



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2qqEZktT3k&NR=1

Take a look at the clips (get to witness Sarah and Rachael in action) and make your judgement.

@McKren:
Bravo!