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Cubans to be allowed cell phones

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 12:07 PM EDT 28/03/08

It's the kind of small freedom many on the island have been hoping Raul Castro would embrace since taking over the presidency from his older brother Fidel last month ...Read the full article

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  1. Paul Jones from kitchener, Canada writes: I like Raul. I think he is interested in bringing slow, modest reform to Cuba - which is exactly what it needs. The swift change that the US wants to bring to the island would create a lot of confusion and hardship without much gain to the average citizen. Raul knows that things are going to change once him and his brother are gone, and hes trying to pave the way for it to happen peacefully right now. At least, in my opinion thats what hes doing.
    Good job Raul. I always knew you had it in you.
  2. Fred Stubbs from Burlington, Canada writes: I'm certain there are other freedoms the Cubans would rather have than a cell phone. How about the freedom to leave the island!!!!
  3. sean smith from Canada writes: This article is complete propaganda. Many Cubans have cell phones and they work throughout the island. What they don't have is access to new cheap cell phones which is a direct result of the US blockade and the Helms Burton Act which penalises non-Americans for selling their products in Cuba.

    Just once it would be nice to read an article on Cuba that wasn't from the American Press and was based on fact not Pentagon spin.



  4. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Just think, Trudeau would have been able to text message his favourite tyrant, Fidel, and the two could have gotten together for dinner.
    Now there's a 'Canadian Value'.
  5. Diane Schweik from EDMONTON, Canada writes: .

    No word when they will have internet access.

    sean smith

    Can you tell me in what way the US penalises European companies for making their products available in Cuba ? The biggest surprise is to see Coca-Cola from Mexico.I would have thought that a US company,or its Mexican franchisee,would not be able to ship their products to Mexico.

    The trade ban imposed by the US is the hoary old excuse trotted out every time to excuse the disastrous failures of communism in Cuba.
  6. Nom De Plume from Victoria, Canada writes: Now all they need is a free election, free speech, freedom of movement and the right to own capital property. C'mon all you closet commies who somehow think Cuba is actually OK as a modern dictatorship - it's not. It's easy for we with our freedoms and wealth to look at this place as some kind of Petri dish society that kinda shows socialist dictatorships can work because people are literate and have universal health care. Cuba needs to move towards responsible capitalism and let their people really choose what they want in life. It's unimaginable that any restrictions on cel phone ownership would be tolerable at any level. The fact they have a reasonably well educated population will make this transition much easier.
  7. jay bow from ny, United States writes: wow..how nice of the nut job leaders!! maybe they will next allow them to go on vacation outside of cuba....
  8. Andy Garrett: McCain / Powell 2008 from West Palm Beach, United States writes: PJ, Hopefully Big Mac will see fit to end the embargo as I have suggested. Syed want to have a party
    as I predicted the operations underway in Basra will be over by early next week. See the Iraq comments.
  9. J La Flaca from Canada writes: This article does not provide any context to the situation. Officially, Cubans have not been allowed to have cell phones. Unofficially, Cubans get cell phones through foreigners.....actually it is not the cell phone - it is the SIM card. Any foreigner coming to the island (any! for one day or for years) has the right to take out 3 SIM card contracts. So...what do Cubans do? Very simple - they ask a foreigner to go with them to the cell phone provider and take out a contract. The practice is SO SO common, that the clerk does not even look at the foreigner - all transactions are done with the Cuban present....there are even forms that the Cuban signs, indicating that s/he possesses the SIM Card. It is perfectly Kafkesque, and perfectly Cuban. The dropping of the restriction just reflects what has been going on for years. The barrier is actually not access to SIM Card or cell phone. The true barrier, in keeping with economic situation in Cuba, is that a SIM Card costs $120 CUC and that to keep the SIM active one must put $10 CUC credit on it regularly, or lose the service. This is in a country where official salaries don't top 30 CUC/month. The article fails to explain any of this. Tsk on the writer and the Globe and Mail.
  10. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Hello...can you hear me now? How about now? Lots of Cubans already have cellphones, and there's no line-up at the Italian financed 'ETECSA' phone company today.
  11. CD W from Canada writes: Hey we can ship some of our commies from the CRTC down there to really show them how to financially screw over the consumer who uses a cellphone.
  12. Nom De Plume from Victoria, Canada writes: J La Flaca - what you are pointing out is that their system is dysfunctional and punishes the people (economically in this case) for owning a phone because there is no free market locally. They have to piggyback on a free westerner and pay through the nose to get a phone. This is probably true of many things that are unofficially 'available' to Cubans who remain enslaved by their doctrinaire leaders who most certainly enjoy a different level of freedom. It's still just 'Animal Farm' and the sooner it ends and real freedom emerges the better. The Cuban people deserve to be free and soon they will be.
  13. Howard Roark from Whitby, Canada writes: ...on the downside for Cuban consumers, Bell Mobility will responsible for customer service and billing...

    (joke)
  14. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    It is amazing how reading two different posts can lead one to rapidly entertain conclusions about content.

    The post from Mr. La Flaca from Canada at 10:45 sounds reasonable, objective, and believable.

    In contrast to it, the 10:27 post from Sean Smith from Canada sounds like the propagandist and misleading and inaccurate rant of a delusional partisan hack who does not really know what he is talking about.

    In terms of where the truth sits, my betting money is on the commentary from Mr. La Flaca.
  15. W W from Canada writes: A few more generations and the Cubans might learn what the Internet is. All the Communist supporters in the World will present it as prove that Communism is not as bad as the West is trying to present it.
  16. sean smith from Canada writes: Diane for starters ask the dozen Canadian Sherritt International Board members and their families or the Italian telecommunications firm STAT Spa members what sanctions the US has imposed on them.

    Yes you can buy Coca Cola through small Mexican suppliers and the US is working hard to close this 'tyranny' as well (just like they did to the Sheraton Hotel which made the sin of allowing a Cuban delegation to stay in their rooms in Mexico City).

    If Cuba is so 'disastrous', why not let it sink on its own instead of violating international law to cripple it? In spite of the blockade, the Cuban economy is amongst the fastest growing in the Western Hemisphere and more nations (particularly in Latin America, China and Spain) are deciding to trade and work with the Cubans no matter what the Miami mafia thinks.
  17. Modern Observer from Ottawa, Canada writes: J La Flaca from Canada writes: This article does not provide any context to the situation. Officially, Cubans have not been allowed to have cell phones. Unofficially,....

    A totally believable scenario. Despite the Western playgrounds/resorts found in that part of the world, Cuba - like most of the rest of the Carribbean region, is quite poor. The ineffectual restrictions on cell-phone ownership - while no doubt it has some political motivation - was much more an economical measure to preserve wealth. Changing the rules now is simply acknowledging the obvious. To simply see it as solely a 'freedom' issue is to continue to live in the Cold War (which, btw, ended many years ago, but don't bother to tell that to the throwback fringe that inhabit this part of the Web).
  18. J La Flaca from Canada writes: Nom de Plum, freedom is relative word...but there is no doubt that the system is dysfunctional....this is openly admitted by the general population (officialdom is a different story). The point is more about the process of change coming to Cuba. That change is coming in undeniable - the question is what form, who controls it and how long it will take? My take on the situation is that it will be very very slow and well controlled.....the initial actions will be to merely 'legalize' that which is already well-established de-facto practice ie. the cell phone situation or the selling of cars (and maybe property). The government will try to undermine the thriving black market economy and adjust wages - both of which are incremental steps to modifying the system and providing individuals a modicum of control over their lives, at least in a material sense.
  19. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: sean smith from Canada

    I didn't know that an embargo 'violated international law.' The USA is free to ban trade and travel to Cuba, and its free to punish people and companies which want to trade with the USA and Cuba. I'm not saying the USA is right or smart to do so, but in choosing to do so the USA is not 'violating international law.' They are just being a-holes.....which last time I checked is perfectly legal. I mean...we let you walk around don't we?
  20. Diane Schweik from EDMONTON, Canada writes: .

    sean smith

    I was in Cuba five years ago and they are still selling Coke.Not being very vigorous are they ?

    Someone above mentioned ETECSA(Italy).I have seen Siemens(German),Philips(Dutch) and Roche(Swiss) products on sale there.

    Sheraton is an American company so does fall under the Ban.Melia(Spanish) and Meridien(French) hotels operate there.I believe that Delta have been able to operate there as well.

    I believe the Sherritt problem was that they were operating a concern that had formerly belonged to a US company that was expropriated without compensation by Castro.

    The problem with the Cubans is that they have very little to trade and their stubborn persistence with communism dooms them to failure.It doesn't work.
  21. sean smith from Canada writes: Sam Patel I agree the US government is being 'a-holes' (hypocrites is probably a better word) with respect to Helms Burton and the blockade. There is also broad consensus within the legal community that it violates international law as well since it seeks to impose American law on foreign countries, individuals and corporations. This is in clear violation of the sovereign rights of nation to set their own laws. Here is an excellent American legal opinion on Helms Burton:

    http://www.skralaw.com/Articles/cuba.htm
  22. Scott Gordon from BC, Canada writes: Wow, imagine the freedom! I am pretty damn sure that the Cubans will not be exposed to the rediculous prices that are routinely charged by Telus, Bell and Rogers. My Telus Talk-a-lot '30' usually translates into about $60 per month on my bill; and I rarely use my phone. How can these clowns justify these insane prices when cell phone users are so common in third-world nations?
  23. Sue City from Canada writes: Here it comes, the Americanization of Cuba. How sad...
  24. Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: No doubt their cell phone conversations will be monitored by the state.
  25. sean smith from Canada writes: Diane, for the US to shut down Coke sales in Cuba they would have to target Coke directly (something which they are hesitant to do due to their enormous political influence). Instead they are pressuring the Mexican government to shut down the suppliers (something which the Mexican government is hesitant to do because of the enormous pressure from the Mexican people to not cave in to the 'yanquis').

    Its the classic 'Mexican standoff'.
  26. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    Hey Sue from Canada, do any of your friends or family members ever use cell phones?

    If your answer is 'yes', then it would appear that your 11:38 post is both a piece of crap and a work of stunning idiocy.
  27. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Fastest growing economy? Who benefits from this? Other than the Castro elite. Will ordinary Cubans benefit from this 'growing economy'? They pay £2,50 an hour at old Havana's only internet café. That's 1/3 of the average Cuban monthly salary. Great benefit there. Source: Guardian.

    I'm sure that the US blockade is also responsible for the Cuban government closing down the country's most popular blog, Generación Y, run by Yoani Sanchez, which is critical of the government and received 1.2 million hits last month.

    Aaah, freedom. Ain't it grand, sean?
  28. Diane Schweik from EDMONTON, Canada writes: .

    sean smith

    Come on.How come all these European companies are operating with impunity in Cuba ?
  29. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: sean smith from Canada

    Thats the problem with 'International law.' Aside from treaties and UN charters it doesn't really exist. There is no 'body' of law which is binding on anyone. Your article mentions 'princples,' but those are not enforceable, or 'law.' People toss around the term 'international law' all of the time. Some of the time it refers to real law (something froma treaty or UN resolution), often it is undefined principles which sound cool but have 0 enforceability.

    Helms Burton does not violate any treaties to the point of nullifying them (conflict between treaties is acceptable). The Americans are free to punish people who deal with people they don't like by prohibiting them from dealing with the USA. A truly extra-territorial exertion of US law would be for the USA to arrest Europeans in Europe for doing thins in Europe which are legal in Europe but not the USA. Saying 'if you trade with Cuba then I will impose a 55% tax on any trade yo u do with the USA' is not the same thing. If that 55% tax violates NAFTA then maybe you have a claim to take to the NAFTA court to sort out (you may lose, you may win, either way it'll probably cost $2,000,000 to find out)
  30. Lemmy Nothor from Exiled in Barcelona, Spain writes: Of course they will allow cell phones.....naive to think they wouldn't allow it. Now they will be able to spy on everyone. It's easier, cheaper, and very effective. And they is also a big economic plus....the victim pays to get bugged. And no installation fee either.....it's a win win situation.

    To answer a poster above, they have internet in Cuba. I communicate very often with the island. I will also say this, the US secret service monitors everything that comes in and out of Cuba.
  31. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Oh heck. The G&M just doesn't like the umlauts created with the 'option' key on my Mac. Oh well. That should be Generacion Y, 2 British pounds, 50 pence (Although the pound symbol exists on my keyboard) and cafe. All Guardian source. Except for the dubious spelling.

    My apologies and thank you for your attention.
  32. Lemmy Nothor from Exiled in Barcelona, Spain writes: Sorry for the screwed up sentence.....hard to type, phone and smoke at the same time..........
    Hope this isn't a non smoking message board .
  33. J Kay from Canada writes: Diane Schweik: Simple, many of them aren't similarly operating in the US. There have been a number of cases of companies that were foreign companies with significant operation in the US but still foreign who were fined under the Helm-Burton Act whose entire purpose was to extend beyond the US the embargo that the US has against Cuba through economic means. The Helms-Burton Act itself wasn't the original embargo act, it was an extension to target foreign companies and fine them through their US operations for their operations in Cuba.

    Canada, the UK, Mexcio and the EU among others all passed laws aimed that the extra-territorial provisions of the act, to negate the impact of the Helms Burton act on companies registered within their territories who do business both in the US and Cuba.
  34. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Of course they have internet on the island, Lemmy. But those who have access are working for corporations, hotels, etc. I doubt if ordinary Cubans have internet access in their homes.

    By the way. About the main page banner, 'Talking To The Taliban'. Is that a Rick Mercer skit like his 'Talking To Americans' on This Hour Has 20 Minutes? If it is, it's probably a hoot.
  35. Lemmy Nothor from Exiled in Barcelona, Spain writes: Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Of course they have internet on the island, Lemmy. But those who have access are working for corporations, hotels, etc. I doubt if ordinary Cubans have internet access in their homes.

    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    True, the average joe doesn't even own a computer, even less an internet connection. And as I said above, yes it's true that they could communicate with the exterior of the island, but there are so many ears and eyes watching them, from both sides, US and Cuban government, that anyone spreading something they don't appreciate, joe's in jail.........

    And to answer the other question concerning the Talibans.....do not confuse empathy with sympathy....If I have an ennemy, I am the first that would like to know exactly how he is, thinks and acts....just calling them names and simply dismissing them, will have me lose the battle.
  36. sean smith from Canada writes: Sam there are countless UN Resolutions condemning the blockade as well as international treaties recognising the sovereign rights of nations. The US continues to ignore these with full knowledge that any nation that successfully tried to take the US to court would find themselves on the business end of 'operation restore freedom' or else the US would simply ignore it (as they did with Nicaragua).

    In terms of US actions in Europe, here's a great article from the Guardian. The expulsion of a Cuban delegate at a Norwegian law raised many question about the violation of Norwegian law (discrimination on the basis of nationality). I believe Hilton has since sold the hotel to prevent the issue from continuing:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/05/cuba.usa
  37. Fred Stubbs from Burlington, Canada writes: sean smith is this your greta source of information?

    S.K. Ross & Assoc., P.C. The materials provided herewith are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
  38. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes: The tragedy of this celfone idiocy is the overwhelming poverty crushing the cuban people. most cubans will be unable to support the financial loads of the celfone.. having barely enough at the present to just feed themselves.

    if this is reform then garbage collection is luxury.
  39. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    My apologies, Lemmy. I didn't direct the Taliban thing at you. Joke fall flat. Joker flatulent.
  40. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    As you like quoting The Guardian, sean, care to comment on the other Guardian info? Or is that 'sanctioned'?
  41. Lemmy Nothor from Exiled in Barcelona, Spain writes: Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    My apologies, Lemmy. I didn't direct the Taliban thing at you. Joke fall flat. Joker flatulent.

    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Oh, I know....I didn't take it as an attack or anything, and the joke was funny. It does sound like Rick Mercer's spoof.
  42. Fred Stubbs from Burlington, Canada writes: Doug Dewan from Calgary, Canada writes: I loved Cuba...it was one of the few places you could go in the world for a vacation and not be annoyed by loud,overweight, obnoxious American's.

    I would agree there are no fat Yankees, just fat trailer park trash Canadians and 50 year old European guys looking to hook up with 14 year old Cuban chica.
  43. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: sean smith from Canada Thats all fine, but none of that is binding, and ignoring any of it is not 'breaking international law.' Its mean for sure, but its not breaking the law becasue the things you have listed are not law and not binding. A UN resolution 'condeming the blockade' is not a law. Its an expression of opinion or feelings. Its not a law. A UN sacntion approved by the Security Council, now thats something else. That is real and has teeth. Unfortunately nothing like that has been passed, and the US would have veto power over if it was passed (security council member). A treaty on 'sovereign rights' is equally unhelpful. The USA is not preventing Spain from dealing with Cuba. It is punishing a Spanish company that deals with Cuba if it also deals with the USA. A boycott. The Spanish company is free to do whatever it wants (so its sovereign rights aren't being prevented) but leaves itself open to the USA not being nice to it if it wants to also trade in the USA. The Spanish company has no inherent right to do business in the USA except on the terms the USA sets out. If those terms include penalties and fees for trading with Cuba, well...those ae the terms, and the Spanish company has plenty of notice. Its not nice, and its not fair, but its not breaking any treaties or substantive 'international laws.' It may violate all sorts of principles, but no real laws.
  44. Diane Schweik from EDMONTON, Canada writes: .

    sean smith.

    I thought you were a Guardianista.I bet you believe that the BBC is still objective too.

    Doug Dewan

    There are plenty of loud,overweight,obnoxious Canadians in Cuba.Fortunately most of them stay in their hotel compounds and never go outside except when they return to the airport.
  45. Lemmy Nothor from Exiled in Barcelona, Spain writes: Fred Stubbs from Burlington, Canada writes: Doug Dewan from Calgary, Canada writes: I loved Cuba...it was one of the few places you could go in the world for a vacation and not be annoyed by loud,overweight, obnoxious American's.

    I would agree there are no fat Yankees, just fat trailer park trash Canadians and 50 year old European guys looking to hook up with 14 year old Cuban chica.

    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    I much prefer an experienced 28 to 38 year old Cuban girl myself.....hate virgins !
  46. David Linton from Canada writes: Doug Dewan from Calgary, Canada writes: I loved Cuba...it was one of the few places you could go in the world for a vacation and not be annoyed by loud,overweight, obnoxious American's. It will be a sad day when that changes

    Very true, but you still have fat, smug and lazy Canadians to put up with....
  47. Imperial K from Toronto, Canada writes: Well at least they have basics, on an island that may not do that much better in capitalisim...I mean what do you think they are going to create there? Starfleet shipyards and a warp drive factory?

    No, they'll maybe get some tech call centres at some point etc., I don't mean this as an insult to them, but free marketers always think it works everywhere...which it doesn't...especially if the country is light on resources.

    Also, it's easy to point fingers....when friends in asia and europe laugh at our 'Captured' market in Canada. You think you are really free? Please, don't tell me that, you know better! It's a great simulation of being free, but frankly a system that on average gives people two weeks vacation a year....wow...don't overdo it on the time off!

    Great, we have bigger tv's and live to work the next day, and machines wash our dishes...if that's what freedom can give me...well fine, but I'm not writing home to mother about it.

    Where the hell are worthwhile projects? As it sounds, we're just spinning our wheels buying crap.

    Yip dee dee.
  48. sean smith from Canada writes: Sam, you are missing the point. The incident with the expulsion of Cuban guests in Mexico and Norway on the basis of their nationality violated the laws of both countries (in Mexico they were fined, in Norway the hotel was sold to a Swedish company to diffuse the issue). The US is trying to force the application of American law on other countries. This is a violation of international law.

    To put it another way. Imagine if Syria passed a law that said anyone who did business with Israel or a jewish person was subject to penalties from the Syrian government. Imagine what would happen here if a Saudi owned hotel began throwing out all jewish guests or else they began prosecuting people around the world for anyone doing business with interests that were once Palestinian. I guarantee the main backers of Helms Burton would be the first to cry 'international law' and call for war.
  49. Imperial K from Toronto, Canada writes: I have to agree wit Sean, and take it to the next level.

    They only push what they 'call freedom and democracy' in order to allow access of their companies into a market. They don't really care about the people, i mean nobody does. Do you really 'care' about X people in X country? Maybe in thought, but not much you can really do.

    However, the u.s. politicians DO care about the people who lobby and donate to them, so it's important to pressure other countries to open up. So that basically 5 companies can come in and buy up everything in a few years.

    So the cuban people would have household full of crap they don't need or want in a few decades. Another gem in the dead world we call the west.

    Walking zombies with credit cards.

    Sale....Sale....Mommy didn't love me....Purchase....cover up feelings of inadequacy...buy buy buy!
  50. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: Sean Again......the choice remains open to not do business with the US. The USA 'Cuba' ban does not affect Non-American hotels in Norway. No 'interantional law' is being violated. Does the USA's ban conflcit with internal Norwegian law? Maybe. But the determination of that question is for the courts. Your jewish example confused 2 different things. If Syria banned trade with Israel then a Syrian owned hotel in Saudi could not accept Israeli guests. The Syrian ban would not apply to a local Saudi hotel doing business with the israelis but it might impact the local saudi hotel if it also had hotels in syria. See the difference? Are the Americans being a-holes? Yes. Are they violating 'international law'? NO. Are they maybe violating a Norweigan law? MAYBE. Is there a conflict between a US law and a Norweigian law here? Very possibly. The resolution of that is a complex court case based upon whatever constitutional and human rights laws Norway has in place. Are the Americans being cheeky and aggressive in forcing USA firms operating aborad to adhere to the ban? Yes. Is that a violation of 'international law'? NO. Is that a violation of local laws in the any given host country? MAYBE. Even that depends. The USA 'taxing' or punishing the firm for what it does abroad is likely legal. The USA hotel refusing to allow Cubans to stay in the hotel probably violates human rights laws in the local country. Your real issue is with the Policy of the USA, not the legality of the Policy. It is unfair and mean but not illegal for violating any 'international law'.
  51. Clive Gingell from Canada writes: I think you all misunderstand. The 'cell phones' are simply to allow prisoners of the state to call each other from lockup to lockup.
  52. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: I love all those hypocritical Canadians who defend Castro and his Communist regime. Bottom line is the people of Cuba are not free and are slaves of the system. People risk their lives to escape from Cuba trying to get to the US for a better life. The US embargo will end tomorrow when Castro or Raul decree freedom upon the residents of Cuba. Castro is extremely wealthy and wants for nothing yet imprisons his people clinging to his Communists dogma. Of course Cubans are all equal however some are more equal than others. The story is about cell phones and the State sanctioning their availability to the Cuba people. This is not freedom folks and praising Raul as a hero is discomforting to say the least.
  53. Arec Bardwin from Canada writes: Wow what a step. Now if they just had freedom of speech and were allowed to leave the island...
  54. boz dobbs from toronto, Canada writes: A small sign of freedom in Cuba,Trudeau must be turning over in his grave.
  55. Imperial K from Toronto, Canada writes: Michael Crowell, well we're all slaves to our respective system.

    Communism and Capitalism are fraternal twins, and usually end destroying themselves for some strange reason, they seem to turn inwards and devour the very thing that made 'work'.

    We're essentially indentured serfs, albeit more comfortable, but still slaves. I mean most of the population just works, so it can work the next day. Along the way you may buy another thing or gadget, but it's never enough. Even the rich don't believe they have enough. The whole market bit is some or twisted treadmill that we run on to reach the next level, which of course isn't enough either.

    Sadly, we all end up desiccating in a grave, our wealth (rich or poor) leaving nothing to remind the world we were here. And even rarely when that money has left a mark, who cares? The next generation is just looking for money too, and doesn't give a rat's behind about who came before.

    When is the last time anything 'great' was accomplished? I guess the internet could be the one thing in the last twenty years, but that's mostly for porn and shopping...wow...what a step forward for the great democracies of earth!

    We've eliminated a lot of daily needs, but for some reason it's left a hole in some people (including myself) that makes things dull and uninteresting.

    Once you have all you personally need, and don't yearn for more (if you get over the consumerism crap) you kind of drift off...craving some drama, some excitement...other then TV or roller coasters.

    But it's just not available..just the dull trundle of the next work production cycle.
  56. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: Imperial K from Toronto

    Maybe the 'hole' in your personality originated in the decision by your society in the 60's and 70's to 'tear down' all of the old social structures which used to order you lives...and repalce them with.......well nothing I suppose.
  57. Gardiner Westbound from Canada writes:
    See what happens when you put a young snip like Raul in charge!
  58. sean smith from Canada writes: Sam once again the point is that US owned corporations are being forced to apply American law in other countries even if that law is in violation with the host country's. Any attempts impose one nation's law on another is in violation of international law and the UN charter (respecting sovereignty).

    That is why the analogy is appropriate: Saudi companies cannot discriminate against Israel or jews whilst operating in Canada (no matter what their repugnant domestic law says) nor can Mexican companies apply their pathetic labour standards to their operations in Canada. The US is the only country that has decided its laws are superior to all others. Pressure was building in Norway to take the Scandic /Hilton chain to court for this violation which is probably the main reason why Hilton bailed out. if only other countries took a similar role to this bullying.
  59. Gary Dare from Portland, Oregon, Canada, writes: What if Raul Castro turns out to be the worst nightmare of the pro-Fidel and the Florida-centered anti-Castro industry? i.e., he turns out to be the Deng Shao-Peng of Cuba ...
  60. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: sean smith from Canada We are going in circles here man. It is not a violation of "International Law." It MAY be a circumstance where an entity subject to both domestic US law and the domestic law of a host country is subject to a CONFLICT between 2 the domestic laws on account of it being both a US entity (US corporation) operating in a host country. I say MAY because there has not been a court decision ruling yet so you cannot say it DOES violate, say Norwegian Law, simply becuase a trade union says it does. This has nothing to do with "INTERNATIONAL LAW" other than the fact that the domestic laws of 2 nations are in conflict. One nation imposing its own laws on its own nationals or companies in foreign countries is not new or a violation of international law or sovereigty. Canadian laws apply to Canadian companies operating abroad all of the time. For instance Canada can pass a child labour law and enforce it against a Canadian company operating in China. It is not a law in China so Chinese comapnies can ignore it, but the Canadian company operating in China must adhere to it becuase it is Canadian and can be punished in Canada for acts it does in China. The only difference here is the publicity and stupidity of the domestic law being enforced upon US companies in other countries.
  61. Lowen Wrainger from Canada writes: Oh,Oh, bad news for those call centers in India. Guess who gets the next Bell support contract? See Seen Your!
  62. It Is Me from Canada writes: Freedom at last!
    Wait until Cubans can enjoy the freedom to eat a Big Mac and upsize their fries for a mere 10 cents!! They don't know what they have been missing until they've had the freedom to say "yes" to the upsize. Welcome to finest humanity has to offer. Welcome to civilization!
    (and yes, I am being ironic).
  63. Just In from Canada writes: I don't understand why the U.S. hasn't invaded Cuba after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is not as though Cuba has nuclear weapons like North Korea, or oil like Iran. It would have been a quick in and out, with not much impact on the rest of the world.
  64. guy tozer from Saskatoon, Canada writes: It is a step in the right direction. Raul has a long row to hoe, and changes will take time. David Linton had it right about visiting Cuba..No loud, self absorbed Yanks. LOL However, the States, in their blockade of over 40 years has only ruined the lives of the populace , and did not end the communistic government, like it said would happen. Now doesn't that sound familiar ,coming from the States? They just don't learn. As far a Trudeau, having an ongoing liason with Castro, good, as it shows we are still human. You may not like something but in some cases you have to accept it .
  65. Richard Hawrelak from Sarnia, Canada writes: Diane from Edmonchuk,

    I believe Sheritt Gordon in Canada, which does [potash] business in Cuba, is (or was?) banned from doing similar business in the U.S. I remembered this some time ago and it was one reason I didn't buy SG stock.

    I think the Yanks can live with communism as seem by all the business they are doing in China these days. I think the U.S. embargo on Cuba has more to do with the Fidel's nationalization of all the American companies. This rubs Yanks the worst way, more so than communism, per se.

    Regarding cell phones, ham radio operators do a thriving business in Cuba ... cheaper than Bell rates. Carrier pigeons and Cdn pouch courriers do a reasonable business ;). They don't seem to have any trouble getting ball players out to play in the U.S. either. In many respects, their underground trade is more free than our above ground NAFTA. At least theirs is free will.
  66. B.C. Expat from Ottawa-Hull, NCR, Canada writes: sean smith from Canada writes: _To put it another way. Imagine if Syria passed a law that said anyone who did business with Israel or a jewish person was subject to penalties from the Syrian government. Imagine what would happen here if a Saudi owned hotel began throwing out all jewish guests or else they began prosecuting people around the world for anyone doing business with interests that were once Palestinian. I guarantee the main backers of Helms Burton would be the first to cry 'international law' and call for war._ How is what you've described any different from what OPEC does? They raise prices when they're mad at other countries (with a waaaay higher global impact), and yet there's no developing world outrage about their attempts to foist their politics on foreign entities. Moreover, any appeal to resolutions of the UN General Assembly as the basis for international law isn't wise. It would be one thing if GA policies were the product of well-reasoned policy by elected officials. But it's not -- the UNGA (and most of the non-permanent Security Council) is a dictators' club whose policy is based on pettiness, vengeance and self-interested horse-trading. The fact there are many of them makes them neither correct nor wise. I mean, the Islamic bloc has an automatic majority -- does this make what they say international law? That's a scary thought.
  67. The Wight from Canada writes: Sam Patel:

    "Maybe the 'hole' in your personality originated in the decision by your society in the 60's and 70's to 'tear down' all of the old social structures which used to order you lives...and repalce them with.......well nothing I suppose."

    I am assuming you are referring to organized religion? Sure, when we gave up the pat dogmatic answers we've relied on for centuries, we left a hole. I'd rather have the hole, by far, and struggle to fill it, than to fill with the bondo of religious certainty. I want to heal. I don't want a theocratic band-aid.
  68. M Clarke from Canada writes: Scarcity of cell phones - just one more reason to vacation in Cuba...
  69. Synchronicity Tour from Canada writes: Wow cellphones? Democracy and human rights are just around the corner.

    At least now once they get a raft in the waters on the way to the US they can call the coast guard to come rescue them. Great country that Cuba is.
  70. Hung Long from Hong Kong writes: Now that cell phones are available for Cubans with hard currency, the Castro dictatorship can ration dial tones.
  71. sean smith from Canada writes: BC Expat - OPEC nations don't have laws stating that none of their companies or individuals can do business anywhere in the world with Israel or jews. The US does have such a law against Cubans.

  72. Paul Jay from Canada writes: Just In asks "Why doesn't the U.S. just invade Cuba?" I'll tell you why. Because they are scared crapless of the Cuban Army. Say what you will about Cuba but its army kicks butt. It was Cubans who killed Apartheid, kicking the racist South Africans out of Angola. They also pounded the CIA's mercenaries at the Bay of Pigs. If the U.S. army can be ground to halt by a bunch of Iraqi farmers in bath robes and flip flops, can you imagine what the highly motivated and well trained Cubans could do? The U.S. invades Cuba. LOL
  73. J S from Toronto, Canada writes: "Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: No doubt their cell phone conversations will be monitored by the state."

    In the United States, the calls from both your cell phone and home phone are monitored by the state. What's your point?
  74. Sam Patel from Vancouver, Canada writes: Paul Jay from Canada Umm......yeah. Very inacurate statements. The Cuban army you speak of was armed with cutting edge Soviet arms, supplies, and training back in the day. Its equipment now is 25 years obsolete and rusting. When it did fight in Africa it was against the poorly armed rebel proxies of South Africa. Rarely did it fight South Africa directly, and when it did it lost as often as won. The Cubans who fought in the African wars are in their 40's and 50's now. The "troops" which landed at the Bay of Pigs in 1961 were poorly lead, lighlty armed (rifles only), and had minimal air support (which was grounded by JFK on day 2). The Cuban army had tanks, armoured cars, planes...not much of a battle. You do apprecieate the difference between an "insurgency" against an occupying force and a "war" right? During the "war" phase the Americans crushed the Iraqi army in 3 weeks. In a "war" the americans would likewise crush the Cuban army in days or weeks. Iraqis in "bathrobes and flipflops" occasionally fight the Americans in Iraq. Where they do fight 20 Iraqi insurgents die for every 1 American, and the insurgents have not won any battles. The insurgents only successful tactic is suicide bombing and IED's. That is not exactly a fighting, and its hardly proof of military prowess. The USA would crush the Cuban army in minutes. In a war that lasted more than a week the Cubans would run out of gasoline and ammunition. They may or may not launch an insurgency......but win a war? Come on man. your'r dreaming.
  75. Sceptical Observer from Canada writes: sean smith from Canada writes: BC Expat - OPEC nations don't have laws stating that none of their companies or individuals can do business anywhere in the world with Israel or jews. >>>I guess Arab boycott doesn't ring a bell. They didn't write about the Arab boycott in "Pravda". For you from Wikipedia: Arab Boycott of Jewish Business Aiming to isolate the Jewish community economically, on December 2, 1945, the newly formed Arab League Council declared a formal boycott: "Jewish products and manufactured goods shall be considered undesirable to the Arab countries." All Arab "institutions, organizations, merchants, commission agents and individuals" were called upon "to refuse to deal in, distribute, or consume Zionist products or manufactured goods." Arab Boycott of Israel Officially, the boycott covers three areas: Products and services that originate in Israel (referred to as the primary boycott and still enforced in many Arab states) Businesses that operate in Israel (the secondary boycott) Businesses that have relationships with other businesses trading in Israel (the tertiary boycott) At one point the boycott was observed by the entire Arab League. Today, only Lebanon and Syria adhere to it stringently. The boycott list was maintained by a special office within the Arab League called the "Central Boycott Office." Passport Restrictions In addition to goods and businesses, many Arab states (and their supporters) refuse to allow entrance to anyone who uses an Israeli passport or who has any Israeli stamp in his or her passport. The stamp may be a visa stamp, or a stamp on entry or departure. It can also include a stamp of another country which indicates that the person has entered Israel. For example, if an Egytian departure stamp is used in any passport at the Taba Crossing, that is an indication that the person entered Israel.
  76. Sceptical Observer from Canada writes: It Is Me from Canada writes: Freedom at last!
    Wait until Cubans can enjoy the freedom to eat a Big Mac and upsize their fries for a mere 10 cents!! They don't know what they have been missing until they've had the freedom to say "yes" to the upsize. Welcome to finest humanity has to offer. Welcome to civilization!
    (and yes, I am being ironic).
    >>>You are being stupid and cynical. Stupid because you've reduced the freedom to choose to the freedom to choose Big Mac. Cynical because you do use your freedom when you criticize the capitalist system but you've decided that the people of Cuba don't deserve it.
  77. Sceptical Observer from Canada writes: Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: I love all those hypocritical Canadians who defend Castro and his Communist regime.
    >>>Sean Smith congratulations! Michael Crowell loves you.
  78. Craig Cooper from Toronto, writes: Another blow to Castro-loving pinkos everywhere!
  79. Nom De Plume from Victoria, Canada writes: Imperial K - Please do not sit smugly at your computer and opine that "we are all slaves of our respective systems" as if there is no qualitative difference between living in our land of plenty with the freedoms we have come to take for granted (but that our father's generation gave their young lives to defend), and the miserable squalor endured by the oppressed citizens of Cuba's dysfunctional statist regime. Mae West was right when she said "I've been rich and I've been poor, and believe me, rich is better." I think you should be sent to live in their respective system for six months without your cel phone or your Visa card and see if you return with such a tolerant and philosophic attitude. Capitalism is far from perfect but it beats the living --it out of communism. Vive la Cuba Libre !
  80. Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: J S from Toronto, Canada says ""Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: No doubt their cell phone conversations will be monitored by the state."

    In the United States, the calls from both your cell phone and home phone are monitored by the state. What's your point?"

    Bit of a difference there comrade. The Stasi doesn't haul you away and put you up against a wall. Idiot.
  81. It Is Me from Canada writes: Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: "Bit of a difference there comrade. The Stasi doesn't haul you away and put you up against a wall. Idiot."

    ---------------------------------

    You're right. No wall. Just Guantanamo Bay or Syria.
  82. It Is Me from Canada writes: Sceptical: I am not the one reducing freedom to a Big Mac. That was precisely my point! Sadly, most people in our capitalist countries are the ones that reduce freedom to a matter of Big Macs, TV's, cars, cell phones and other material possessions. If you are "free" to buy and "free" to choose the model, colour and make of a car, then that makes us "free". So you're worry about reducing freedom to a Big Mac is a valid one. But don't take it up with me. Take it up with the rest of consumer society.
  83. Guy Olivier from Columbus, OH, United States writes: WOW, cell phones? What a place. Will they be allowed to say anything other than "Hail Castro mi papa?"
  84. Able Bodied Man from Colony of Van Isle, Canada writes:
    Pretty soon 14 y-o girls all over Havana will be walking around totally oblivious with little black boxes against their ears saying inane things to their friends as though something really mattered while in restaurants when you hear "Viva la revolucion!" it'll be somebody's ringtone.
  85. Brent Raby from The City State of Toronto, writes: At least the Patriot Act won't apply to the cell phones of Cubans.
  86. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: Paul Jay from Canada writes: Just In asks "Why doesn't the U.S. just invade Cuba?" I'll tell you why. Because they are scared crapless of the Cuban Army. Say what you will about Cuba but its army kicks butt. It was Cubans who killed Apartheid, kicking the racist South Africans out of Angola. They also pounded the CIA's mercenaries at the Bay of Pigs. If the U.S. army can be ground to halt by a bunch of Iraqi farmers in bath robes and flip flops, can you imagine what the highly motivated and well trained Cubans could do? The U.S. invades Cuba. LOL

    Well, Paul, you can't fix stupid. The US seized Baghdad in a few weeks when eveyone else said it would take months. The Canadian Army would have a tough time with a Mohawk reservation so spare us the stupidity. Anyway, that same Cuban mercenary army you so revere switched sides in the Horn Of Africa because the Soviets told them to do so and promptly proceeded to slaughter tens of thousands with tanks, machine guns, and helicopter gunships. They were also the real power behind the brutal dictatorship of Mengistu including providing the muscle for his forced collectivization which resulted in a massive Ethiopian famine. Oh, right, I forgot, it was the weather. A pretty good day's work for your team, huh?
  87. Brent Raby from The City State of Toronto, writes: Edmond:
    Don't forget how the marines kicked the crap out of those troublesome Grenadians. What a shining moment that was in US military lore.
  88. Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: It Is Me from Canada says "Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: "Bit of a difference there comrade. The Stasi doesn't haul you away and put you up against a wall. Idiot."

    ---------------------------------

    You're right. No wall. Just Guantanamo Bay or Syria."

    Here's a quote for you, Comrade. "To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary." Now who do you think said that? Why another one of your heros, Ernesto "Che" Guevara.

    Don't be such an a$$.
  89. It Is Me from Canada writes: Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: "Here's a quote for you, Comrade. "To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary." Now who do you think said that? Why another one of your heros, Ernesto "Che" Guevara.

    Don't be such an a$$."

    --------------------------------------------------------------

    You're right again. It's such a great thing the judicial proofs are still required before people are hauled away in clandestine CIA flights to be tirtured in other countries. Yeah, you're right, we've sure shown those damned cubans what judicial proof REALLY is!
  90. Gordon Murray from Canada writes: Looks like there are some toes that are going to be stepped on in the smuggling into Cuba of Prepaid cellphones with extra-Cuban identification.
    How many boxes of Havana cigars to the standard cheap $50 prepaid cellphone minimum with U.S. id was the rate, anyway?
    Anybody got that index for the last few years?

    "Sell short mang! Sell short!"
    "Uh...how? How?"
    • Posted 28/03/08 at 11:35 PM EDT |