Cuba--Just a Spit in the Ocean
some history and observations17 total reviews
Comment from country ranch writer
they want to keep communism as a crutch so they don't have to see and do like America they want to keep a choke hold on their people other wise they're would be no one there to blame anything on
reply by the author on 24-Dec-2014
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they want to keep communism as a crutch so they don't have to see and do like America they want to keep a choke hold on their people other wise they're would be no one there to blame anything on
Comment Written 24-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 24-Dec-2014
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There have to be changes and hopefully both a move towards democracy and industry opens business there to provide employment.
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let's hope so
Comment from Chrisfiore
Hello SE,
Hmm... my American heritage is somewhat miffed by your article, but then the truth does sometime hurt.
You paint with a broad brush when you describe Castro. If he was such a wonderful liberator, why did countless thousands seek refuge in America the Evil? He held his people back in so many areas, modern technology was with held on many occasions. Hell, even having a micro wave oven was impossible just a few short years ago.
How about the Freedom Flotilla in the 80's when frugal Fidel unleashed his criminals on the U.S.? Yet we took them all.
Having lived in Florida for 36 years, I heard countless reports from refugees
About the horrid conditions Castro inflicted his own people with, brutal treatment because people did not adhere to his wonderful communist government.
It irks me when people speak of the treatment of suspected terrorists. Do you not hear the news? Atrocities abound and yet we are to play nice? They view Americans as weak. They know that if we pull back, if we succumb to these well meaning pressures of treating these creeps humanely, they will gain larger sympathy and have increased their numbers by default, because we are playing by rules they ignore.
I have read about Cuba, I would love to visit there but as an American I cannot. They have a rich history and I would love to tread where Ernest Hemingway spent the best. 20 years of his life. But not at the expense of supporting the current regime.
You are absolutely right about one thing. With the Castro brothers on the decline, there is a chance that democracy could come to the Cuban people and THAT is something worth trumpeting. Lets hope this comes to pass in our lifetime.
;) Chrisfiore
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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Hello SE,
Hmm... my American heritage is somewhat miffed by your article, but then the truth does sometime hurt.
You paint with a broad brush when you describe Castro. If he was such a wonderful liberator, why did countless thousands seek refuge in America the Evil? He held his people back in so many areas, modern technology was with held on many occasions. Hell, even having a micro wave oven was impossible just a few short years ago.
How about the Freedom Flotilla in the 80's when frugal Fidel unleashed his criminals on the U.S.? Yet we took them all.
Having lived in Florida for 36 years, I heard countless reports from refugees
About the horrid conditions Castro inflicted his own people with, brutal treatment because people did not adhere to his wonderful communist government.
It irks me when people speak of the treatment of suspected terrorists. Do you not hear the news? Atrocities abound and yet we are to play nice? They view Americans as weak. They know that if we pull back, if we succumb to these well meaning pressures of treating these creeps humanely, they will gain larger sympathy and have increased their numbers by default, because we are playing by rules they ignore.
I have read about Cuba, I would love to visit there but as an American I cannot. They have a rich history and I would love to tread where Ernest Hemingway spent the best. 20 years of his life. But not at the expense of supporting the current regime.
You are absolutely right about one thing. With the Castro brothers on the decline, there is a chance that democracy could come to the Cuban people and THAT is something worth trumpeting. Lets hope this comes to pass in our lifetime.
;) Chrisfiore
Comment Written 23-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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I mean no disrespect to America--not at all. The corrupt, both in Cuba and the US exploited the opportunity, not realizing the liberator would very quickly become the new enemy. I too hope democracy comes to Cuba.
Thanks for the stars. I hope you have a good Christmas.
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Also the "rent" paid to Cuba was originally around five thousand dollars per month in 1934. A paltry sum by today's standards but equivalent to roughly $90,000 today. I guess one could say there should have been a clause to make allowances for inflation, but at the time the lease was drawn up we are talking about nearly ten million dollars a year. Not bad rent back in those days.
Happy Canadian Tire day to you as well.
Comment from flylikeaneagle
Spiritual Echo: I admire your story about Cuba and our history of the speck of dust. Everyone should have a quality of life with their talents. Being a Canandian, you must shake your head at America's lack of faith. We must help one another and encourage in love. I never knew the story, just knew it was mafia run and a dictatorship. The people must have loved having a shelter, even a mansion, to share and live in. Our govenment needs to help the youth become leaders with education instead of spending bucks on war. Have a merry Christmas! flylikeaneagle
(My husband has three old girls at the fairgrounds stored for the winter. He loves his collectable cadillacs).
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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Spiritual Echo: I admire your story about Cuba and our history of the speck of dust. Everyone should have a quality of life with their talents. Being a Canandian, you must shake your head at America's lack of faith. We must help one another and encourage in love. I never knew the story, just knew it was mafia run and a dictatorship. The people must have loved having a shelter, even a mansion, to share and live in. Our govenment needs to help the youth become leaders with education instead of spending bucks on war. Have a merry Christmas! flylikeaneagle
(My husband has three old girls at the fairgrounds stored for the winter. He loves his collectable cadillacs).
Comment Written 23-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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I love America. Having more that 300M people co-exist without civil war is a miracle, but I do poke at the politics from time to time.
Comment from humpwhistle
I have been a critic of the US policy toward Cuba for many years. But I think the belligerence should be assessed on a more equal basis. The Castros have been no less belligerent than the US. But they can get away with it because they are a small, impoverished country. The US has made many overtures over the years (Carter and Clinton) aimed at relaxing the tensions. I don't believe Cuba has made a single effort at appeasement--unless you count emptying their jails, and sending all their criminals to Miami. Did they let any political prisoners go? No. Criminals, only.
The Mafia's influence on Cuba is real, but it has been hugely overplayed in popular film. and don't forget that Castro embraced the US--until he got a better offer from the Soviets. I notice the Soviets are not held accountable for using Cuba, then casting her aside.
I'm not always proud of my government--rarely, in fact. But the US is an easy target. Sometimes for the wrong reasons. Nobody shoots at Cuba.
I welcome Obama's overtures, and think he deserves a little credit for trying to change a failed policy. This country is a bull, I agree. But when someone sticks his neck out to make an important gesture, I think that is the news.
Just a couple of corrections: Obama did not and cannot end the trade embargo. Can't. That will require an act of Congress--which is not likely any time soon. Republicans will be in power come the new year. Obama merely eased a few restrictions. The best he could do. And even that authority is being called into question by Congress.
The 'fig leaf' on the table might actually be an olive branch.
I believe the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line in 1965. I may be wrong about the year, but I'm right about the decade.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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I have been a critic of the US policy toward Cuba for many years. But I think the belligerence should be assessed on a more equal basis. The Castros have been no less belligerent than the US. But they can get away with it because they are a small, impoverished country. The US has made many overtures over the years (Carter and Clinton) aimed at relaxing the tensions. I don't believe Cuba has made a single effort at appeasement--unless you count emptying their jails, and sending all their criminals to Miami. Did they let any political prisoners go? No. Criminals, only.
The Mafia's influence on Cuba is real, but it has been hugely overplayed in popular film. and don't forget that Castro embraced the US--until he got a better offer from the Soviets. I notice the Soviets are not held accountable for using Cuba, then casting her aside.
I'm not always proud of my government--rarely, in fact. But the US is an easy target. Sometimes for the wrong reasons. Nobody shoots at Cuba.
I welcome Obama's overtures, and think he deserves a little credit for trying to change a failed policy. This country is a bull, I agree. But when someone sticks his neck out to make an important gesture, I think that is the news.
Just a couple of corrections: Obama did not and cannot end the trade embargo. Can't. That will require an act of Congress--which is not likely any time soon. Republicans will be in power come the new year. Obama merely eased a few restrictions. The best he could do. And even that authority is being called into question by Congress.
The 'fig leaf' on the table might actually be an olive branch.
I believe the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line in 1965. I may be wrong about the year, but I'm right about the decade.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 23-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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You are not impressed with the fig leaf? I had this vision in my head of Roman statues exposing themselves. Didn't fly, huh?
Yes, no doubt about it, Cuba sold out to the Soviets and they were happy to take their money. I think my gut POV goes beyond who did what to whom towards what now. Those Cubans who risked their lives for a taste of freedom, have much to be grateful for in the arms of a benevolent and welcoming country.
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Those Cubans who risked their lives for a taste of freedom (the originals, not the Marielistas), are the most hardline anti-Castro bloc in the US, and have considerable political sway in Florida. In turn, Florida is a big chip in any Presidential election.
If Obama wasn't already a lame duck, he (nor any candidate) would risk this move.
But the old-time Miami Cubanos are dying off.
So too, is anti-Castro sentiment. Still, expect relations with Cuba to be a hot topic in the next presidential elections.
If Cuba wants out of the embargo, Congress is going to expect tit for tat. Human rights concessions. But Raul has already scorned any such moves. Saving face, temporarily? Maybe.
But unbiased reporting necessitates that mention.
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Not all reporting is unbiased as Fox so blatantly points out each day. You and I would add dynamic fodder to any debate in which we both engaged, but as that is unlikely to ever happen, I suggest you fire off a rebuttal.
Hope you have a good Christmas.
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I already did. To you. My political views barely interest me. Why would I subject anyone else to them?
Fox notwithstanding, the essence of solid reporting is being fair. You can't come to the truth if you won't pay the fair.
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Lee, as much as I admire and respect many things about you, there is one fundamental truth I also accept. Even if we agree, there will likely be an argument.
I don't make an effort to provoke you. Maybe it's just a natural talent.
I am quite certain that if we had met, we'd likely enjoy each others company tremendously, but we won't.
Be safe...peace. ingrid
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I don't get, Ingrid. You had your say.
I responded to your post with some points you may have overlooked. Does not agreeing with you constitute an argument?
Honestly, I try to avoid arguments. Which is why I never write about current events.
I should follow my own advice: If you don't like controversy, don't be controversial.
No, we won't.
Peace, Lee
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Perhaps you are not aware of the tone you use when not writing fiction. From my POV, it is argumentative and comes tumbling down with this narrative sub-text that seems to say, 'you don't know what you're talking about.'
It does NOT come across as information you'd expect to see, but rather a sneer. Whether it is deliberate or not, it still sounds that way.
In deference to your comments I have added the following paragraph to the essay:
But let us not forget the belligerence of both Castro brothers, big fish in a small pond. American overtures to ease the tension between the two countries were dismissed. It is only now, when Cuba's future is at stake that meetings were initiated. We Canadians have invested in Cuba, as a trading partner, but we have ALSO exploited the country, sucking up cheap vacations, thereby floating the current regime to continue the dictatorship and the atrocities on human rights.
I've also removed mustang and replace my fig leaf. You were right and I appreciate the input.
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I apologize for my sneer, Ingrid.
But in all honesty, I think you are afflicted with the same disease.
Re-read your piece, and see if you don't come off high-handed, slanted, and uber-informed.
Ingrid, it's not you. It's not me. It's not Lancellot. It's the damn genre of political writing. ANYONE who dares to write about current events comes off with a sneer. Including me. Including you. Including all the dopes on TV.
Opinions we don't agree with come across in an antagonistic way.
I am fully aware of my tone, Ingrid.
But how can you object to argumentative?
Your post was argumentative, right?
Or are we all suppose to line up and agree with you? No argument there.
I tried to correct some of your mistakes and omissions. Is that argumentative?
In your very first sentence you claimed Obama ended the trade embargo. False. Impossible. Should I not point that out?
Does that make me argumentative?
In journalism (writing), an error in your opening paragraph brings your whole house of cards down.
I pointed it out to you, but what did that earn me? 'narrative subtext' What the hell is that? You were wrong. Was I supposed to ignore that?
I'm sorry if I sneered at you. From now on, I promise to agree with anything you write.
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I corrected the opening as well, made it a goal rather than a statement. Sorry I forgot to mention that edit. Thanks.
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Give my regards to the cat.
Comment from michaelcahill
A wonderful piece. It is so rare to read anything on this site that is about something. How refreshing and eye opening I suppose. Excellent points that are on the money in my mind. This makes me want to write about something as well. It also tells me that I spend a LOT of time writing about nothing. I suppose that's okay for the practice, but I could just as easily practice on something worthwhile. Well, gearing up for a more sensible year ahead. Great work. mike
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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A wonderful piece. It is so rare to read anything on this site that is about something. How refreshing and eye opening I suppose. Excellent points that are on the money in my mind. This makes me want to write about something as well. It also tells me that I spend a LOT of time writing about nothing. I suppose that's okay for the practice, but I could just as easily practice on something worthwhile. Well, gearing up for a more sensible year ahead. Great work. mike
Comment Written 23-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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Actually Michael, that's a good idea, and would really help in your evolution as a writer--- maybe even as a politician--LOL.
The only time you've written non-fiction is about FS, and then you've taken a breezy, kind of folksy tone which worked fine in the context, but try writing something you'd expect a newspaper to publish and make sure it's something you believe in passionately.
Thanks for reading. Hope you get to see Cuba one day.
Comment from Jackarrie
Hi I found your essay to be a very enjoyable read and an educational one too. I visited Cuba in the late 80's, The drive to our hotel made it obvious of the poverty by the state of the buildings. Is saw families on the beach without towels using card boxes to shelter their young. They were not allowed to receive dollars because they could receive a fine. So it had to be hush hush. I could speak Spanish so I used to shop in the store they could not use. I bought children s shoes and other items that they would not normally be able to buy. I was saddened at the lives they lived. I hope someday to return to visit again.
Thanks for sharing this,
It is well done.
Mary
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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Hi I found your essay to be a very enjoyable read and an educational one too. I visited Cuba in the late 80's, The drive to our hotel made it obvious of the poverty by the state of the buildings. Is saw families on the beach without towels using card boxes to shelter their young. They were not allowed to receive dollars because they could receive a fine. So it had to be hush hush. I could speak Spanish so I used to shop in the store they could not use. I bought children s shoes and other items that they would not normally be able to buy. I was saddened at the lives they lived. I hope someday to return to visit again.
Thanks for sharing this,
It is well done.
Mary
Comment Written 23-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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You have a memory and you made a difference That is a noble part of your life, ingrid
Comment from Sasha
This contains so much important information. I remember the Bay of Pigs, and recall the fear of a nuclear war. I dated a young man that came to America in the early 60's on a flimsy homemade boat. You are right, too many judge Cubans by Cuba's politics. My friend, Juanito, spent last Summer in Cuba and was in awe of it. He felt he had stepped back 40 years in time. I do hope we can develop a peaceful and amicable relationship with Cuba, it is long overdo.
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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This contains so much important information. I remember the Bay of Pigs, and recall the fear of a nuclear war. I dated a young man that came to America in the early 60's on a flimsy homemade boat. You are right, too many judge Cubans by Cuba's politics. My friend, Juanito, spent last Summer in Cuba and was in awe of it. He felt he had stepped back 40 years in time. I do hope we can develop a peaceful and amicable relationship with Cuba, it is long overdo.
Comment Written 22-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014
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Thanks for the stars. There is a time warp and there was a time when the island was insulated from what went on in the rest of the world, but they can't stay there and survive. If not the US then some motley crew with money will move in. It's so much better this way.
Comment from LIJ Red
So that's why my family doctor emigrated in the very early sixties and never seemed to look back at Cuba. You reveal a lot I didn't know. Look at our performance in the Philippines and the Indian Territories-we are getting better!
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014
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So that's why my family doctor emigrated in the very early sixties and never seemed to look back at Cuba. You reveal a lot I didn't know. Look at our performance in the Philippines and the Indian Territories-we are getting better!
Comment Written 22-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014
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I'm glad that I could bring you some enlightenment that will allow you to form your own opinion.
Comment from Donya Quijote
I do believe a change in policy is in order. Fifty years of embargoes and finger pointing and foot dragging have done nothing to help the people. One of my Spanish professors was from Cuba. She escaped with nothing but the clothes she wore. Of all the things she left behind that she wished she could have taken with her was a book: Pepita Jimenez,a famous Spanish novel. It was a beautiful book with a beautiful cover, a gift to her from a beloved family member. It was the only thing she ever told me or any of her students about Cuba. She never spoke of it, even when we asked or the topic came up in our studies. I can only imagine what that tour was like. Disgusting is the only word my limited vocabulary can muster.
I have been to several of the Caribbean Islands and I have no real desire to go back, not even to Puerto Rico and I really want to see Old San Juan and El Yunque, I'm a shutter bug. Too me the islands are scary places. I don't being intimidated and drug into stores to buy junk. I found my trip to Juarez, the armpit of Mexico, to be far better though equally as dangerous. Martinique has some promise, might try it again. St Thomas, Puerto Rico, St Maartin/St. Martin were pits, though I did prefer the French part of St. Martin. I am lucky that I can and do find positive things everywhere I travel. Love Canada. I could live in Quebec and Nova Scotia, two places I've been. And I have been to Turkey and Israel and hope to return and explore some more, but the Islands not so much. Though if an opportunity presented itself to me and I could go to Cuba I would not hesitate. Strange how I feel about these places. I hope things work for the best for the people of Cuba...
Nice, concise rendering of events past and present and personal. A pleasure to read...
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014
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I do believe a change in policy is in order. Fifty years of embargoes and finger pointing and foot dragging have done nothing to help the people. One of my Spanish professors was from Cuba. She escaped with nothing but the clothes she wore. Of all the things she left behind that she wished she could have taken with her was a book: Pepita Jimenez,a famous Spanish novel. It was a beautiful book with a beautiful cover, a gift to her from a beloved family member. It was the only thing she ever told me or any of her students about Cuba. She never spoke of it, even when we asked or the topic came up in our studies. I can only imagine what that tour was like. Disgusting is the only word my limited vocabulary can muster.
I have been to several of the Caribbean Islands and I have no real desire to go back, not even to Puerto Rico and I really want to see Old San Juan and El Yunque, I'm a shutter bug. Too me the islands are scary places. I don't being intimidated and drug into stores to buy junk. I found my trip to Juarez, the armpit of Mexico, to be far better though equally as dangerous. Martinique has some promise, might try it again. St Thomas, Puerto Rico, St Maartin/St. Martin were pits, though I did prefer the French part of St. Martin. I am lucky that I can and do find positive things everywhere I travel. Love Canada. I could live in Quebec and Nova Scotia, two places I've been. And I have been to Turkey and Israel and hope to return and explore some more, but the Islands not so much. Though if an opportunity presented itself to me and I could go to Cuba I would not hesitate. Strange how I feel about these places. I hope things work for the best for the people of Cuba...
Nice, concise rendering of events past and present and personal. A pleasure to read...
Comment Written 22-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014
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you see, woman, you have so much to write about. In my website, my insights will be called snapshots, collected memories, just as you are storing in your head, before one day, the floodgates will open and your energy and emotional responses will gush onto the screen. Great response.
Comment from Dom G Robles
This essay about Cuba gives us a background of what Cuba was and Cuba is today. It is written in the light of a change of policy by President Obama's commitment to forge closer relationship with the Cubans and an affirmation of what he promised many years ago. The writer had a first hand look at the existing conditions in Cuba on her trip country several years ago and thinks that President Obama's change of attitude or policy to the Regime of Fidel Castro leads to the right direction. I admire the strength of character she displayed and feelings she evoked when during her visit to Cuba years back, she told the tour guide she wanted to go back to the hotel when she observed so many things inconsistent to her values..
Cuba, as I learned, is one small country of eleven million souls reeling with pangs of poverty. The ten dollars she gave as a tip to the tour guide would be a month's salary by Cuba's own standards. Now that Fidel Castro and his brother, Raul, are closer to their natural destiny...the paths closer to the grave...there will be a change that is yet unknown... when they are gone. Hopefully, it would be a better change favorable to this country, America. Rating to the six stars:
When the writer described past events in Cuba--the Bay pigs--Kennedy's almost war with Russia, I was then a new immigrant in America, and I, as well as the American people were in great tension because of the threat war...the possible use of the new weapon--the nuclear bomb, but Russia backed down and we felt peace all over again.
Ingrid, I enjoyed reading your essay. My sincerest congratulations. Dom
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014
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This essay about Cuba gives us a background of what Cuba was and Cuba is today. It is written in the light of a change of policy by President Obama's commitment to forge closer relationship with the Cubans and an affirmation of what he promised many years ago. The writer had a first hand look at the existing conditions in Cuba on her trip country several years ago and thinks that President Obama's change of attitude or policy to the Regime of Fidel Castro leads to the right direction. I admire the strength of character she displayed and feelings she evoked when during her visit to Cuba years back, she told the tour guide she wanted to go back to the hotel when she observed so many things inconsistent to her values..
Cuba, as I learned, is one small country of eleven million souls reeling with pangs of poverty. The ten dollars she gave as a tip to the tour guide would be a month's salary by Cuba's own standards. Now that Fidel Castro and his brother, Raul, are closer to their natural destiny...the paths closer to the grave...there will be a change that is yet unknown... when they are gone. Hopefully, it would be a better change favorable to this country, America. Rating to the six stars:
When the writer described past events in Cuba--the Bay pigs--Kennedy's almost war with Russia, I was then a new immigrant in America, and I, as well as the American people were in great tension because of the threat war...the possible use of the new weapon--the nuclear bomb, but Russia backed down and we felt peace all over again.
Ingrid, I enjoyed reading your essay. My sincerest congratulations. Dom
Comment Written 22-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014
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When you write in response, you pen words with soul and give incredible. Yes you get it, Dom. There are many things in my life I'd like to take back, perform a Do-over, but we don't get the chance.
I'd bet is you ask a dozen people who Krushchev was, they couldn't answer, but he was the maestro, the leader behind the 'Bay of Pigs' show-down.
I'm getting older too, Dom. People often don't want their belief system tampered with. My essay is not an anti-American rant, but a modestly unbiased glance at what I saw.