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 EIGHT
IRRELEVANT “REFORMS” APPROVED BY THE NEW CUBAN
DICTATOR
Raul Castro
has killed all hope that a transition to
democracy and a market economy will start anytime
soon in Cuba. The irrelevant “REFORMS” announced
indicate that consolidation of Raul's power is his
paramount objective, even if he understands the need
to forcefully shake up the moribund communist state.
In addition, during his speech before the Popular
Assembly, the new dictator assured his comrades that
he will consult his older brother, whose "analytical
capacity" is "intact," on every important decision
on matters of state; defense, foreign policy and the
economy. When Raul said "Fidel is Fidel," he
ominously reminded his meek followers that nothing
will dramatically change. This was an obvious signal
to the military and the bureaucracy that any attempt
to move away from orthodoxy will be seen as an
explicit betrayal of Fidel Castro and his “GREAT
REVOLUTION.”
Since assuming power, the new Cuban dictator has approved the
following
( 8
) “reforms:”
(1).
Feb 28 -- Authorized the execution of two UN human
rights treaties.
(2).
Mar 13 -- Lifted the ban on ownership of electronics.
(3).
Mar 24 -- Decentralized Cuban agriculture
economy.
(4).
Mar 25 -- Lifted restrictions on Cuba pharmacy sales.
(5).
Mar 28 -- Authorized the Cuban people to own
cell-phones.
(6).
Mar 31 -- Allowed the Cubans to
stay in tourist hotels.
(7).
Apr 01 -- Authorized the farmers to receive
unproductive land.
(8).
Apr 11 -- Allowed renters to get title of ownership
of the houses they occupy.
President
George W. Bush said recently that Raul
Castro has made only "EMPTY GESTURES AT REFORM" and
rejected calls for easing of U.S. restrictions on
the communist island. "Until there is a change of
heart and a change of compassion and a change of how
the Cuban government treats its people, there's no
change at all … And Cuba will not become a place of
prosperity just by easing restrictions on the sale
of products that the average Cuban cannot afford,"
the President said.
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