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Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.
On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

Would we?

CREDIT TO FLETCH346
August 18, 2008  11:02 PM ET

Great blog Fletch

August 18, 2008  11:08 PM ET

YOUR SAYING BARACK OBAMA IS THE NEXT CASTRO? W.TF? This is based on absolutely no evidence, and it is pure slander. Any credibility you guys ever had is gone. This is a disgrace to bloggers everywhere.

Give me any evidence, and maybe I'll consider it. Use facts next time.

August 18, 2008  11:10 PM ET

Its not based any evidence, expect for a person who once lived in Cuba and saw what happened when a young leader came to power and issued change. This is more of an essay.

August 18, 2008  11:12 PM ET

Fausto, it's a comparison not a fact.. DUH!

August 18, 2008  11:13 PM ET

Don't worry Fletch. He's always like this, just comes in here and slams everyone who says anything bad about Obama because he is not open to discussion or debating anything intelligently.

August 18, 2008  11:16 PM ET

So...they are both young and good public speakers? That's the basis of comparison? That Obama is promising change from the current failure of an administration, that means he will turn America into a dictatorship and kill/imprison dissidents and opponents?

August 18, 2008  11:17 PM ET

No, the comparison about how the country feel in love with somebody just because of how he spoke to the people. What exactly does Obama want to change Lifer?

August 18, 2008  11:18 PM ET

Well that's kind of harsh comparing the two.Obama surely wouldn't be that bad.(Though I do believe it's not in our countries best interests to elect him.)

August 18, 2008  11:21 PM ET

Economy (including gas and energy plan), foreign affairs (including policy in Middle East), Health Care...why am I wasting time? Just go to his website.

August 18, 2008  11:22 PM ET

good one lifer and i support the troops, I also served like many of us. The republicans have screwed up the country, now its the democrats turn. Our political life works in cycles. one builds up the deficit, the other taxes and spends, and pays it off. then back to the other again. it's an 8 year cycle and by god it works!!

August 18, 2008  11:24 PM ET

You do know that Congress has a lower rating than Bush right?

August 18, 2008  11:25 PM ET

That has been beat into the ground, JAubin.

August 18, 2008  11:25 PM ET

Definitely a harsh comparison. But it's hyperbole of course.

I generally find that extreme comparisons like this push more people away from a party than they do convert people the party..

But I'll take blog as the intended reminder that 'eloquence' does not necessirily lead to 'effectiveness'.

August 18, 2008  11:27 PM ET

So instead of voting for the person that we like in Obama, we should vote for the person we don't like, McCain, because Castro was well liked.

I see your logic.

August 18, 2008  11:27 PM ET

Obama is also like Idi Amin, both are black! Or at least, half-black!

August 18, 2008  11:28 PM ET

Lets try to discuss this Fausto. Why do you like Obama?

August 18, 2008  11:32 PM ET

Obama is pro-Sal Fasano, obviously.

August 18, 2008  11:35 PM ET

In fact, I did see Obama wearing a 'Sal's Pals' shirt a few days ago on MSNBC.

August 18, 2008  11:40 PM ET

A few reasons:

A. He has a plan to leave iraq. I believe this is an immoral war, and was lost a long time ago. Now we are just losing more and more soldiers in a pointless war.

B. He wants to help out the nations of Africa, helping to end civil wars, stabilize governments, and help the starving people.

C. He wants to reform No Child Left Behind, which needs some serious changes.

D. He wants to shift tax cuts away from the wealthy and to the middle class, who need them much more.

E. He has plans to help support alternative energy sources, which is needed to stop climate change.

F. He wants to help out Americans that can't afford health insurance.

Just a few of my reasons to vote Obama.

 
August 18, 2008  11:50 PM ET

Even if one is a staunch Republican, I think it's important to recognize an opponents key strengths - and not simply bash their weaknesses.

I like Obama for the following reasons...

A. He's inspirational: Both in tone of message and by the fact that he has broken barriers. It's not what 'he' will do. It's that he may inspire others...to invest...to go beyond...etc.

B. He is a good figurehead for our country economically. For lack of a better word, he is 'liked' by our customers (other nations) and our suppliers. International trade is a huge part of economic policy and his understanding of foreign reserves, international investment, etc. seems strong.

C. He is intelligent, understands the media, and understands back-room politics. Important for getting anything accomplished once elected.


What I don't like about Obama

A. His lack of experience in executive positions

B. My concern regarding who he may surround himself with for key positions in a Democratic administration

C. A 'potential' for a lack of vigilence on the fight on terrorism. I don't mean Iraq here - Iraq was a mismanaged mess and cost our country billions. I mean the application of anti-terrorsm resources here and abroad in general. His 'optimism' regarding other nations may also lead him to not be tough enough in certain situations.

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