Fidel goes out with a whimper

This morning the world woke to fascinating news. After nearly 50 years in power, Fidel Castro officially relinquished control over Cuba. Fidel’s long road to the end has been slow, but eagerly anticipated and mused over by the world community since he underwent surgery in 2006 – when exactly, would he die or surrender control? In the event, it was underwhelming…a simple letter from a diminished man, who long-ago willingly traded his guerilla fatigues for a Adidas track-suit.

The general US response has been as expected: calls for democracy from Bush and the presidential candidates, calls for ending the embargo from those seeking to “spread the democratic word” and bring home a few cigars from their trip, and a mixed reaction from the Cuban-American community.

For Cuban-Americans, today was a day of immense happiness coupled with disappointment. Cuban-Americans experienced great happiness at seeing Fidel succumb to his illness and old-age, finally removing his oppressive grip from Cuba’s throat. He can no longer abuse the country or its people. He can no longer cause so much pain. Best of all, changes in the world, together with changes on the island, mean that no one will be able to hold the same grip again. Certainly a time for joy.

However, the day also brought disappointment. For most of the last 50 years, the Cuban-American community fervently believed (and as of recently, probably only hoped) that Fidel’s demise would bring a near-immediate end to communism and dictatorship in Cuba. Alas, this is not to be. Whether it is Raul, or hopefully someone else (see CANF’s appeal for an election of a non-Castro at http://www.canf.org/), it is clear that Cuba is not free yet. Cuba is in for a period of transition, potentially slow (like China’s crawl), but hopefully fast!

I believe it can be fast. Cuba is a small country, with a small population, and one decision away from immense prosperity. No one, including its leaders, can deny the deteriorated conditions of all aspects of Cuban society today. What is needed is that the next generation of Cuban leaders show a little humility and caring for their fellow countrymen…that the US explicitly promotes and encourages peaceful, incremental change…and that the expatriate community continues to believe, hope, and push for a free Cuba.

Que viva Cuba libre!!