Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Who's Side Are You On?

In response to Who's Side Are You On? posted by pink101:
I try to be on the side of who is right.

As far as who we're going to believe....come on, Pink. Fidel Castro's Cuba is not highly regarded for its human rights record by any international organization that I know of. And what about all those Cubans who have risked their lives to escape their homeland? Do we rule out their testimony as to what's happening back in Cuba? Or do you honestly believe that all those Cuban escapees are pawns of Batista?

» pink101 - Who's Side Are You On?

In response to Who's Side Are You On? posted by BrianTubbs:

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My point is that I don't think either of us has the ability to come up with any perfect answers to the questions involved.
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But, I'll do some looking to see if I can find anything from that era in the 1950s that might be of help.
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-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - Batista and Castro

My position is that both Batista and Castro have been bad for Cuba. I would argue that Castro has been worse, and I cite the mass emigration (meaning people trying to leave Cuba) since Castro's takeover as my primary evidence. But, this doesn't mean that Cuba was fine under Batista. Both were bad. I hope Cuba's future is brighter than its past.

» pink101 - Batista and Castro

In response to Batista and Castro posted by BrianTubbs:
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I guess you can argue that point in some ways.
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For example, if you're talking about religion and capitalism, Batista was much more supportive of both than Castro.
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But, if you're talking about education and health-care, then Castro has been much more supportive of both than Batista.
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I guess it could boil down to your sense of values and in what you think is important to everyday life.
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-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - Batista and Castro

In response to Batista and Castro posted by pink101:

For example, if you're talking about religion and capitalism, Batista was much more supportive of both than Castro.

Cuba under Batista seemed to enjoy more religious freedom than it did under Fidel Castro - and now under Raul Castro.

And, yes, Batista was definitely more supportive of free market capitalism and individual property rights than Castro. Of course, Batista was primarily in it for Batista and his chronies.

But, if you're talking about education and health-care, then Castro has been much more supportive of both than Batista.

The expansion of education opportunities and health care coverage to all of Cuba was and is one of the ideals / goals of the "Revolution."

However, Cuba is a two-tiered nation.

There's the Cuba that the Castro clan wants you and others to see (which is the Cuba that the mainstream news media reports on - and the Cuba that the powers-that-be in Cuba enjoy) and then there's the Cuba that is fighting for its survival. The majority of the people in Cuba live in that tier.

If you doubt my appraisal of Cuba, ask yourself why so many people have risked (and given) their lives over the years to LEAVE Cuba. Ask yourself why there's never been a free, fair, and truly open election since Fidel Castro took power. Ask yourself why there are known "political prisoners" in Cuba - why the govt sees a need to squelch dissent and jail those who oppose them.

Face it. Cuba is an island prison in abject poverty. And Castro is the man to blame.

» pink101 - Of The Same Opinion Still

In response to Batista and Castro posted by BrianTubbs:
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You seem to have your mind made up and that's all there is to it.
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You're only interested in evicence that gives support to your position and you will discard everything else. So it doesn't make much sense to put anything else on the table. You will reject it.
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A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. My grandfather told me that more than sixty years ago. I guess it's true..

-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - Of The Same Opinion Still

In response to Of The Same Opinion Still posted by pink101:

I could say the same thing about you on a number of issues, including this one.

» pink101 - Of The Same Opinion Still

In response to Of The Same Opinion Still posted by BrianTubbs:

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I'm not convinced one way or the other; but, I do think we should stay away from pushing our bias as much as we can.
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-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - Of The Same Opinion Still

In response to Of The Same Opinion Still posted by pink101:

Well, as far as "pushing my bias," it all boils down to this for me...

I believe Fidel Castro has been bad for Cuba. And I hope Raul Castro is better. In fact, I hope the Cuban people get a chance to vote (in a free, fair, and truly open election) in a new government - a government they can truly call their own.

Hopefully, we can agree on that.

» pink101 - Certainly

In response to Of The Same Opinion Still posted by BrianTubbs:
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Certainly.
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Things are moving in that direction.
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-- posted by pink101