Martinez - Why Support Cuba

Invent the Future 20 Reasons to Support Cuba - Invent the Future 8/8/15, 1:50 AM
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20 Reasons to Support Cuba

Posted By Carlos Martinez On July 26, 2013 @ 2:16 am In Cuba | 12 Comments
The 26th of July is celebrated in Cuba as the Day of National Rebellion, in honour of the attack on
the Moncada army garrison in Santiago de Cuba on 26 July 1953. This attack, led by Fidel Castro,
was the beginning of the revolutionary armed struggle against the Batista regime.
To help mark 60 years of the Cuban Revolution, I have put together a list of 20 reasons why all
sensible, progressive people should support and defend Cuba.
1. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world
Cuba’s literacy rate of 99.8% is among the highest in the world – higher than that of both Britain
and the US. The Cuban Revolution has placed a very strong emphasis on literacy, considering it
an essential component of empowering the population. Just two years after the seizure of power
in 1959, the Cuban government embarked upon one of the most ambitious and wide-ranging
literacy campaigns in history, sending tens of thousands of students to the countryside to form
literacy brigades. Within a year, the literacy rate was increased from 70% to 96%. Additionally,
over the past 50 years, thousands of Cuban literacy teachers have volunteered in countries
around the world [1] including Haiti [2] and remote indigenous communities in Australia [3].
2. Health-care is free, universal, and of high quality
It is a small, poor island that does not exploit other countries and which suffers from a
suffocating economic blockade, yet Cuba “boasts better health indicators than its exponentially
richer neighbour 90 miles across the Florida straits [4].” Life expectancy is an impressive 79.
Infant mortality is 4.83 deaths per 1,000 live births compared (better than the US figure of 6.0,
and incomparably better than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is around
27 deaths per 1,000 live births). Cuba has the lowest HIV prevalence rate in the Americas. There
is one doctor for every 220 people in Cuba – “one of the highest ratios in the world, compared
with one for every 370 in England [5].” Healthcare is community-based, prevention-oriented,
holistic, and free.
As Kofi Annan [6] said: “Cuba demonstrates how much nations can do with the resources they
have if they focus on the right priorities – health, education, and literacy.”
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3. Education is free, universal, and of high quality
If you want to understand the true nature of a society, then a study of its education system is a
good place to start. In Cuba, high quality education at every level is regarded as a human right,
and has been the major priority of the government from 1959 onwards. The result is that a poor,
underdeveloped country with widespread illiteracy and ignorance has become one of the most
educated nations in the world. (Incidentally, you might think that a ‘dictatorship’ obsessed with
preserving its grip on power – as the Cuban government is portrayed in the imperialist world –
would worry about the consequences of creating generations of skilled critical thinkers!)
This article [1] by Nina Lakhani in The Independent gives a useful overview:
“Education at every level is free, and standards are high… The primary-school curriculum includes
dance and gardening, lessons on health and hygiene, and, naturally, revolutionary history.
Children are expected to help each other so that no one in the class lags too far behind. And
parents must work closely with teachers as part of every child’s education and social
development… There is a strict maximum of 25 children per primary-school class, many of which
have as few as 20. Secondary schools are striving towards only 15 pupils per class – less than
half the UK norm.
“School meals and uniforms are free… ‘Mobile teachers’ are deployed to homes if children are
unable to come to school because of sickness or disability… Adult education at all levels, from
Open University-type degrees to English- and French-language classes on TV, is free and
popular.”
The quality of Cuba’s education is recognised at the top international levels; for example, Cuba is
ranked at number 16 in UNESCO’s Education for All Development Index [7], higher than any
other country in Latin America and the Caribbean (and higher than the US, which is ranked at
number 25).
4. The legacy of racism is being wiped out
Pre-revolutionary Cuba was, in effect, an apartheid society. There was widespread segregation
and discrimination. Afro-Cubans were restricted to the worst jobs, the worst housing, the worst
education. They suffered from differential access to parks, restaurants and beaches.
The revolution quickly started attacking racism at its roots, vowing to “straighten out what
history has twisted [8].” In March 1959, just a couple of months after the capture of power, Fidel
discussed the complex problem of racism [9] in several speeches at mass rallies.
“In all fairness, I must say that it is not only the aristocracy who practise discrimination. There
are very humble people who also discriminate. There are workers who hold the same prejudices
as any wealthy person, and this is what is most absurd and sad … and should compel people to
meditate on the problem. Why do we not tackle this problem radically and with love, not in a
spirit of division and hate? Why not educate and destroy the prejudice of centuries, the prejudice
handed down to us from such an odious institution as slavery?”
The commitment to defeating racism has brought about tremendous gains in equality and racial
integration. Isaac Saney writes: “It can be argued that Cuba has done more than any other
country to dismantle institutionalised racism and generate racial harmony.”
Of course, deeply ingrained prejudices and inequalities cannot be eliminated overnight, and
problems remain, especially as a result of the ‘special period’ in which Cuba has had to open
itself up to tourism and some limited foreign investment. Racism thrives on inequality. However,
Cuba remains a shining light in terms of its commitment to racial equality.
Assata Shakur, the famous exiled Black Panther who has lived in Cuba for several decades, puts
it well [10]:
“Revolution is a process, so I was not that shocked to find sexism had not totally disappeared in
Cuba, nor had racism, but that although they had not totally disappeared, the revolution was
totally committed to struggling against racism and sexism in all their forms. That was and
continues to be very important to me. It would be pure fantasy to think that all the ills, such as
racism, classism or sexism, could be dealt with in 30 years. But what is realistic is that it is much
easier and much more possible to struggle against those ills in a country which is dedicated to
social justice and to eliminating injustice.”
Isaac Saney cites a very moving and revealing anecdote recounted by an elderly black man in
Cuba:
“I was travelling on a very crowded bus. At a bus stop, where many people got off, a black man
got a seat. A middle aged woman said in a very loud and irritated voice: ‘And it had to be a black
who gets the seat.’ The response of the people on the bus was incredible. People began to
criticize the woman, telling her that a revolution was fought to get rid of those stupid ideas; that
the black man should be viewed as having the same rights as she had – including a seat on a
crowded bus. The discussion and criticism became loud and animated. The bus driver was asked
to stop the bus because the people engaging in the criticism had decided that the woman
expressing racist attitudes must get off the bus. For the rest of my trip, the people apologized to
the black comrade and talked about where such racist attitudes come from and what must be
done to get rid of them.”
Who can imagine such a scene occurring on a bus in London, Paris or New York?
5. Women’s rights are promoted
Cuba has an excellent record in terms of building gender equality. Its commitment to a non-
sexist society is reflected in the fact that 43% of parliament members are female [11] (ranking
fourth in the world after Rwanda, Sweden and South Africa). 64% of university places are
occupied by women. “Cuban women comprise 66% of all technicians and professionals in the
country’s middle and higher levels. [12]” Women are given 18 weeks’ maternity leave [13] on full
pay, with extended leave at 60% pay until the child is one year old.
A recent report by the US-based Center for Democracy in the Americas (by no means a non-
critical source) noted [14]: “By several measures, Cuba has achieved a high standard of gender
equality, despite the country’s reputation for machismo, a Latin American variant of sexism. Save
the Children ranks Cuba first among developing countries for the wellbeing of mothers and
children, the report points out. The World Economic Forum places Cuba 20th out of 153 countries
in health, literacy, economic status and political participation of women – ahead of all countries in
Latin America except Trinidad and Tobago.”
6. Community spirit still exists
Modern capitalism breaks down communities. Consumerism and individualism create isolation
and depression. Poverty creates stress and family tension. Inequality leads to crime, which leads
to a culture of fear – something that is completely inimical to the project developing a sense of
community and togetherness. Anyone who has experienced life in a modern western city will
understand this only too well.
Cuba provides a very different example. It is an exceptionally safe country, with very little in the
way of violent crime. With a high level of participation in local administration, social stability,
social welfare, low unemployment and a media that promotes unity rather than disunity, Cuba’s
sense of community is something that visitors quickly notice.
Assata Shakur mentions this, and contrasts it with the US [15]:
“My experience in the United States was living in a society that was very much at war with itself,
that was very alienated. People felt not part of a community, but like isolated units that were
afraid of interaction, of contact, that were lonely. People didn’t build that sense of community
that I found is so rich here [in Cuba]. One of the things that I was able to take from this
experience was just how lovely it is to live with a sense of community. To live where you can drop
in the street and a million people will come and help you. That is to me a wealth that you can’t
find, you can’t buy, you have to build. You have to build it within yourself to be capable of having
that attitude about your neighbours, about how you want to live on this planet.”
7. There will be no capitulation to capitalism
The Cuban leadership have had any number of opportunities to sell out their people and to
abandon the cause of socialism. If Fidel had been willing to convert himself into a fluffy social
democrat, abandon militant internationalism, abandon the government’s commitment to equality
and social justice, and accept the subjugation of Cuba’s economy to the IMF and World Bank, he
would be portrayed throughout the western world as a brilliant and righteous man. Instead he
has spent over half a century being portrayed as a ruthless, corrupt dictator.
Many expected that Cuba would give up the cause when its major supporters – the Soviet Union
and the eastern European people’s democracies – did. It was an era when socialism seemed
doomed; the “end of history [16].” And yet the Cubans never considered such an option. They
could see the type of catastrophic consequences that capitalist restoration would bring: massive
impoverishment and demobilisation of the masses; the collapse of the basic moral fabric of
society; an explosion of crime, drugs, racial division, alienation, prostitution; along with, of
course, the accumulation of obscene wealth in the hands of a few. In a thinly-disguised attack on
Gorbachev’s policy of endless compromise with the west and his readiness to throw away any
semblance of revolutionary leadership and vigilance, Fidel said in 1989 [17]:
“It’s impossible to carry out a revolution or conduct a rectification without a strong, disciplined
and respected party. It’s not possible to carry out such a process by slandering socialism,
destroying its values, discrediting the party, demoralising its vanguard, abandoning its leadership
role, eliminating social discipline, and sowing chaos and anarchy everywhere. This may foster a
counter-revolution – but not revolutionary change.”
The 2002 Constitution, approved by 98% of the electorate, states:
“Socialism, as well as the revolutionary political and social system established by this
Constitution, has been forged during years of heroic resistance against aggression of every kind
and economic war waged by the government of the most powerful imperialist state that has ever
existed; it has demonstrated its ability to transform the nation and create an entirely new and
just society, and is irrevocable: Cuba will never revert to capitalism.”
Over a million people – nearly a tenth of the country’s entire population – turn out to celebrate
International Workers’ Day every May 1st. In spite of some limited market reforms that have
been implemented in order to revitalised the economy, Cuba is still very much organised along
socialist lines. The working class has a firm grip on political power. In an era such as ours, Cuba’s
continuing commitment to socialism is very much something to celebrate.
8. Cuba is a functioning socialist democracy
Cuba is far more democratic than Britain or the US. The process of decision-making is far more
open to grassroots participation, and is in no way connected with wealth. It is easy enough to see
that one cannot expect to be successful in politics in the capitalist countries without a good deal
of money behind you; political success is therefore predicated on the financial backing of the
wealthy, who expect return on their investment. Political representation in Cuba is nothing like
this. Representatives are elected by the people, and are expected to serve the people.
“Despite popular belief, elections do take place in Cuba [18]. They take place every five years and
there have been turnouts of over 95% in every election since 1976… Anybody can be nominated
to be a candidate for election. Neither money nor political parties or orators have a place in the
nomination process. Instead, individuals directly nominate those who they think should be
candidates. It is not a requirement that one be a member of the Communist party of Cuba to be
elected to any position. The party does not propose, support nor elect candidates.” As a result,
the Cuban Parliament has representatives from across society, including an exceptionally high
proportion of women.
Beyond representative democracy, Cuba also has a meaningful direct democracy [19]. The
Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDRs) were formed in the early years in order to
organise the population to defend the revolution. “Membership is voluntary and open to all
residents over the age of 14 years. Nationally 88% of Cuban people are in the CDRs. They meet
a minimum of once every three months to plan the running of the community; including the
organisation of public health campaigns to promote good health and prevent disease; the upkeep
of the area in terms of waste and recycling; the running of voluntary work brigades and providing
the adequate support to members of the community who are in need of help (for example in the
case of domestic disputes etc). The CDRs discuss nationwide issues and legislation and crucially,
feed back their proposals to the National Assembly and other organs of popular democracy.”
Looking at the Cuban system of democracy, you begin to understand the painfully shallow nature
of western-style parliamentarism, where ‘democracy’ means nothing more than “the oppressed
[being] allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing
class shall represent and repress them in parliament [20].”
9. Cuba is a key member of the progressive family of nations
Cuba continues to pursue policies of south-south cooperation and anti-imperialist unity. Its
foreign policy has in no way been swayed by the never-ending propaganda and manipulation of
the corporate press. It maintains excellent relations with Venezuela [21], China [22], DPR Korea
[23], Vietnam [24], Nicaragua [25], Bolivia [26], Brazil [27], South Africa [28], Angola [29],
Zimbabwe [30], Syria [31], Belarus [32], Iran [33], Russia [34], Ecuador [35], Laos [36], Algeria [37]
and other not-very-fashionable countries. Cuba was a founder member of ALBA [38] and is very
active in the recently-formed CELAC [39]. It consistently uses its role at the UN to support the
progressive nations and oppose imperialism, for example voting against resolutions seeking to
demonise Syria [40] and speaking out boldly against the despicable war on Libya [41].
10. Cuba is a friend to Africa
Africa is the continent that has suffered most and benefitted least as a result of the rise of
capitalism. Its enormous contribution to world history has been all but forgotten, and much of
the continent exists in a state of chronic underdevelopment, the result of half a millennium of
slavery, colonialism and imperialism at the hands of a rising western Europe.
Cuba, recognising its own African roots (“the blood of Africa runs deep in our veins [9],” as Fidel
famously said), has from very early on in its revolution supported and built close links with
Africa. Its role in defending Angola and liberating Namibia and South Africa is one of the most
inspiring examples of revolutionary international solidarity [42]. Nelson Mandela put it well:
“The Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom and
justice unparalleled for its principled and selfless character… We in Africa are used to being
victims of countries wanting to carve up our territory or subvert our sovereignty. It is
unparalleled in African history to have another people rise to the defence of one of us.”
Cuba has excellent, mutually supportive with many African states. One way it provides support is
by offering thousands of fully subsidised places at its universities (for example, there are 1,200
South Africans currently studying medicine in Cuba). Cuba is very active in the fight against the
scourge of AIDS internationally, for example having helped Zambia to start manufacturing its
own antiretrovirals [43].
11. Cuba has achieved sustainable development
The World Wildlife Fund called Cuba “the only country in the world to have achieved sustainable
development [44],” measured as a combination of human development index and environmental
sustainability. Cuba is a world leader in the adoption of environmentally friendly technology.
“Organic urban farms in Havana supply 100% of the city’s consumption needs in fruit and
vegetables [45]” – rather different to London, where we rely on a disgustingly exploitative and
ecologically disastrous cash crop system.
Cubans understand that the protection of the earth’s resources is a global project. Fidel Castro
has been very vocal at international bodies for over 20 years [46], particularly in drawing
attention to the responsibilities of the imperialist countries, whose ruthless quest for profit has
caused untold damage to the planet. “With only 20% of the world’s population, [the imperialist
countries] consume two-thirds of all metals and three-fourths of the energy produced worldwide.
They have poisoned the seas and the rivers. They have polluted the air. They have weakened and
perforated the ozone layer. They have saturated the atmosphere with gases, altering climatic
conditions with the catastrophic effects we are already beginning to suffer.”
12. Poverty is becoming a thing of the past
Considering it is an third world nation with limited natural resources, suffering under economic
blockade and coping with the loss of its major trading partners in the early 90s, Cuba’s
achievements in wiping out poverty are spectacular.
A Cuba Solidarity Campaign fact sheet [47] notes:
“Before 1959 only 35.2% of the Cuban population had running water and 63% had no WC
facilities or latrines; 82.6% had no bathtub or shower and there were only 13 small reservoirs.
Now 91% of the population receives sustainable access to improved drinking water. Sanitation
has been a priority since the revolution and 98% of Cubans now have sustainable access to
improved sanitation.
“Before 1959 just 7% of homes had electricity. Now 95.5% of Cubans have access to electricity.
Solar panels and photovoltaic cells have been installed in schools and clinics in isolated areas.”
Income disparity is exceptionally low. No Cuban starves; no Cuban is homeless; no Cuban is

deprived of education, healthcare or housing. There are very few countries in the world that show
such unambiguous dedication to people’s basic human rights.
13. There is no homelessness in Cuba
A country that truly cared for its people would move heaven and earth to ensure that they all had
somewhere to live. This is exactly what Cuba does [48]. Rich countries like Britain and the US
(which has over 600,000 homeless [49]) could learn a thing or two.
14. Cuba makes an important contribution to science
At the time of the revolution, Cuba was stuck in a vicious cycle of underdevelopment, without the
knowledge, resources or political will to use science as a tool to improve the lives of its people.
Now there are over 230 institutions devoted to scientific research and innovation [50]. Cuba’s
biotech industry is considered the best in the world among developing countries, and has
generated important innovations in cancer research [51], AIDS research [52]. Cuba created the
world’s first vaccine against meningitis B [53]. Nobel Prize-winning scientist Peter Agre has stated
[54] that “what this small country has done in the progress of science and eradication of diseases
is worthy of recognition,” adding that Cuban science’s greatest asset is its large pool of highly
qualified, enthusiastic young scientists.
15. Free medical training is given to thousands of international students
Cuba provides full free medical training (including food and board) for hundreds of students from
across the world, with a special emphasis on Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. With over
10,000 current students, la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina [55] may well be the largest
medical school in the world. The quality of the training is world class: the school is fully
accredited by the Medical Board of California, which has the strictest US standards. The only
contractual obligation for students is that, having completed their training, they return to their
communities and use their skills to serve the people. Another demonstration that socialism
implies a level of humanity, compassion and altruism with which capitalism simply cannot
compete.
16. Gender justice is being achieved
Cuba has, over the last 20 years, been making dramatic progress towards full equality for all,
regardless of sexual preference. Cuban-American journalist David Duran writes [56]: “Cuba is
leading by example and positively affecting the lives of not only the LGBT people who reside
there but others all over the world who see these massive changes taking place so quickly in a
country where most would think the topic of homosexuality would be off-limits.”
The National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) campaigns [57] for “the development of a
culture of sexuality that is full, pleasurable and responsible, as well as to promote the full
exercise of sexual rights.” This includes working to combat homophobia and to move on from the
‘machismo’ culture often associated with Latin America.
In a display of humility and honesty very rare for a politician, Fidel Castro in 2010 admitted
responsibility [58] for the mistreatment of homosexuals in Cuba in the early decades of the
revolution.
17. Natural disasters are dealt with better than anywhere else
Like other countries in the region, Cuba is vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes.
These natural disasters, if not properly prepared for, can cost thousands of lives. However, with
its well-oiled Civil Defence System and highly mobilized population, “Cuba is one of the best-
prepared countries in the world when it comes to preventing deaths and mitigating risks in case
of disasters [59].” Although recent hurricanes have caused major disruption and economic
damage, the numbers of dead and injured have been impressively low as a result of Cuba’s
preparation and relief efforts. One need only compare this with the US government’s response to
Hurricane Katrina (with its 1,833 fatalities) to see the difference in priorities between the two
countries’ governments.
18. Cuba’s major export is doctors
Cuba’s ‘Operation Miracle’ has helped restore sight to millions of people [60] across Latin America
and the Caribbean. Cuba also has a huge number of doctors working in other countries of the
Global South [5], helping to spread Cuba’s hard-won expertise in the field of saving lives. “A third
of Cuba’s 75,000 doctors, along with 10,000 other health workers, are currently working in 77
poor countries.”
In response to the Haiti earthquake disaster of 2010, Cuba immediately (within hours) sent
1,500 medical personnel to help with the relief efforts [61]. “They worked in 20 rehabilitation
centres and 20 hospitals, ran 15 operating theatres and vaccinated 400,000 people. By March
2010 they had treated 227,143 patients in total (compared to 871 by the US).” Cuba has even
offered to develop a complete programme for reconstructing Haiti’s healthcare system. Emily Kirk
and John Kirk note [62]: “Essentially, they are offering to rebuild the entire health care system. It
will be supported by ALBA and Brazil, and run by Cubans and Cuban-trained medical staff. This is
to include hospitals, polyclinics, and medical schools. In addition, the Cuban government has
offered to increase the number of Haitian students attending medical school in Cuba. This offer of
medical cooperation represents an enormous degree of support for Haiti.”
Cuba provides Venezuela with 31,000 Cuban doctors and dentists and provides training for
40,000 Venezuelan medical personnel (in exchange for which, Cuba receives 100,000 barrels of
oil a day – a great example of two countries cooperating on the basis of their strengths).
19. Cuba loves sport
The Cuban Revolution has, from the beginning, recognised the value of sports in terms of
promoting health, building community and developing national pride. Since 1959, Cuba has
developed a wide-ranging sports infrastructure and has achieved massive levels of participation.
In the 54 years since the revolution, the island has won 67 Olympic gold medals [63], compared
with just four in the preceding 60 years. It consistently comes second (behind the US) in the
Pan-American Games, punching well above its weight.
20. Cuba loves culture
Cuba places a strong emphasis on affording its citizens the facilities for cultural expression and
enabling them to nurture their talents. Cuban children are guaranteed free access to artistic
education [64], including musical instruments. There are more than 40 art schools [65], along
with a system of neighbourhood cultural centres around the country for enabling art and music.
The state level support, combined with a deep-rooted culture of music and dance, makes for a
hugely vibrant and participatory culture. Music is everywhere in Cuba, and being a street
musician is a state-licenced job. “If you stop to listen, you’re expected to pay, and musicians are
around every corner [66].”
The full range of musical forms are supported and promoted, from classical music to Cuban folk
music to hip-hop. The Ministry of Culture even has a division devoted to hip-hop, and Fidel has
referred to rap as “the vanguard of the revolution [67].”
SUPPORT CUBA!
Cuba is under constant threat from US imperialism. Its development is made unnecessarily
difficult by an unfair and illegal blockade. Yet it stands as one of the great beacons of socialism,
and deserves the support of progressive people everywhere.
Some essential reading
Isaac Saney – Cuba: A Revolution in Motion

Richard Gott – Cuba: A New History
Cuba and Angola: Fighting for Africa’s Freedom and Our Own
DL Raby – Democracy and Revolution: Latin America and Socialism Today

Theo MacDonald: The Education Revolution
Piero Gleijeses: Conflicting Missions
George Lambie: The Cuban Revolution in the 21st Century
Salim Lamrani: The Economic War Against Cuba
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URLs in this post:
[1] around the world: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/latin-

lessons-what-can-we-learn-from-the-worldrsquos-most-ambitious-literacy-campaign-
2124433.html
[2] Haiti: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Over-150,000-Haitians-
benefit-from-Cuban-literacy-program-12522.html
[3] Australia: http://links.org.au/node/3422
[4] boasts better health indicators than its exponentially richer neighbour 90 miles across the
Florida straits:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2007/jul/17/internationalnews
[5] one of the highest ratios in the world, compared with one for every 370 in England:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cuban-
medics-in-haiti-put-the-world-to-shame-2169415.html
[6] Kofi Annan:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/sfeature/sf_views_uriarte.html
[7] number 16 in UNESCO’s Education for All Development Index:
http://havanareporternews.com/cuba/unesco-highlights-cuba%E2%80%99s-
commitment-education
[8] straighten out what history has twisted:
http://www.themilitant.com/2010/7415/741560.html
[9] discussed the complex problem of racism: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/17145
[10] puts it well: http://www.revolutionarycommunist.org/index.php/fight-
racism/2413-assata-shaku
[11] 43% of parliament members are female: http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=19854
[12] Cuban women comprise 66% of all technicians and professionals in the country’s middle and
higher levels.: http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/9feb-FATHERHOOD.html
[13] 18 weeks’ maternity leave: http://cuba-
solidarity.org.uk/resources/WomeninCuba.pdf
[14] noted: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/06/cuba-made-great-strides-in-
gender-equality_n_2819031.html
[15] contrasts it with the US: http://www.fantompowa.net/Flame/assata_interview.htm
[16] end of history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_End_of_History_and_the_Last_Man
[17] Fidel said in 1989: http://theagentofchange.tumblr.com/post/53143576114/fidel-
on-the-role-of-revolutionary-leadership-in
[18] Despite popular belief, elections do take place in Cuba: http://cuba-
solidarity.org.uk/resources/DemocracyinCuba.pdf
[19] Cuba also has a meaningful direct democracy: http://www.ratb.org.uk/130-
news/ratb-writes/253-cubademocracy-community
[20] the oppressed [being] allowed once every few years to decide which particular
representatives of the oppressing class shall represent and repress them in parliament:
http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/ch05.htm
[21] Venezuela: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/28/us-cuba-venezuela-
maduro-idUSBRE93R00Y20130428
[22] China: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-06/02/c_124799756.htm
[23] DPR Korea: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/us-cuba-korea-
idUSTRE7BJ2BX20111220
[24] Vietnam: http://www.asianewsnet.net/news-29537.html
[25] Nicaragua: http://www.laht.com/article.asp?
ArticleId=331177&CategoryId=14510
[26] Bolivia: http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/18ener-Cuba-Bolivia.html
[27] Brazil: http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=92672
[28] South Africa: http://www.southafrica.info/news/international/cuba-
170912.htm#.UfFyEGTN7Ww
[29] Angola: http://allafrica.com/stories/201211271355.html
[30] Zimbabwe: http://panafricannews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/zimbabwe-cuba-
relations-hailed.html
[31] Syria: http://sana.sy/eng/282/2010/06/29/295684.htm
[32] Belarus: http://www.belarus-magazine.by/en.php?
subaction=showfull&id=1249717733&archive=1303368700&start_from=&ucat=3&
[33] Iran: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/wn/newsworld.php?id=965793
[34] Russia: http://english.pravda.ru/business/companies/16-04-2013/124296-
russia_cuba-0/
[35] Ecuador: http://www.diplonews.com/feeds/free/18_July_2012_56.php
[36] Laos: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-06/23/c_132479107.htm
[37] Algeria: http://www.juventudrebelde.co.cu/international/2012-10-18/cuba-and-
algeria-celebrate-50-years-of-good-relations-
[38] ALBA: http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3154
[39] CELAC: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Cuba-hosts-CELAC-
coordination-meeting-15777.html
[40] voting against resolutions seeking to demonise Syria:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-07/07/c_123382602.htm
[41] speaking out boldly against the despicable war on Libya:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39809#.UfF082TN7Ww
[42] one of the most inspiring examples of revolutionary international solidarity:
http://www.invent-the-future.org/2013/06/cuito-cuanavale-25-years-on/
[43] start manufacturing its own antiretrovirals: http://medilinkz.org/south-
africa/Zambia/7541.html
[44] the only country in the world to have achieved sustainable development:
http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/newspaper/vol-7-no-7/cuba-
environmentally-sustainable-development-is-possible.html
[45] Organic urban farms in Havana supply 100% of the city’s consumption needs in fruit and
vegetables: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/43404
[46] over 20 years: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/3551
[47] A Cuba Solidarity Campaign fact sheet: http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/faq-
answer.asp?faqid=5
[48] This is exactly what Cuba does: http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3477
[49] over 600,000 homeless: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/09/usa-
homeless-numbers-spending-cuts
[50] over 230 institutions devoted to scientific research and innovation:
http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=73510
[51] cancer research: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53426
[52] AIDS research:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hl8DZaisjLQ4brQ4xmHHqgB
oOc0w
[53] world’s first vaccine against meningitis B:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/406780.stm
[54] stated: http://www.radiohc.cu/ing/specials/opinion/7819-thanks-to-the-
advancement-of-science-in-cuba-many-lives-have-been-saved-worldwide.html
[55] la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina: http://monthlyreview.org/2011/03/01/the-
latin-american-school-of-medicine-today
[56] David Duran writes: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-duran/is-cuba-taking-
the-lead-on-lgbt-equality-in-latin-america_b_2411729.html
[57] campaigns: http://www.workers.org/2007/world/lavender-red-107/
[58] admitted responsibility:
http://colorlines.com/archives/2010/09/castro_admits_responsibility_for_persecutio
n_of_cubas_gays.html
[59] Cuba is one of the best-prepared countries in the world when it comes to preventing deaths
and mitigating risks in case of disasters: http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/05/community-
drills-part-of-cubas-top-notch-disaster-response-system/
[60] millions of people: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8059287.stm
[61] relief efforts: http://cuba-solidarity.org.uk/resources/Cubaninternationalism.pdf
[62] note: http://cuba-l.unm.edu/?nid=77007&q=Emily%20J.%20Kirk&h=
[63] 67 Olympic gold medals: http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=90054
[64] guaranteed free access to artistic education:
http://www.periodico26.cu/index.php/en/education-en/2267-all-cubans-have-free-
access-to-artistic-education
[65] more than 40 art schools: http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=82102
[66] If you stop to listen, you’re expected to pay, and musicians are around every corner:
http://www.wbur.org/2013/01/16/a-berklee-professor-dives-into-cubas-vast-music-
scene
[67] the vanguard of the revolution: http://www.workers.org/2007/world/hip-hop-
1011/
[68] Tweet: https://twitter.com/share
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Invent the Future 20 Reasons to Support Cuba - Invent the Future 8/8/15, 1:50 AM

- Invent the Future - http://www.invent-the-future.org -

20 Reasons to Support Cuba

1. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world

2. Health-care is free, universal, and of high quality

3. Education is free, universal, and of high quality

4. The legacy of racism is being wiped out

done to get rid of them.”

5. Women’s rights are promoted

6. Community spirit still exists

Assata Shakur mentions this, and contrasts it with the US [15]:

7. There will be no capitulation to capitalism

The 2002 Constitution, approved by 98% of the electorate, states:

8. Cuba is a functioning socialist democracy

class shall represent and repress them in parliament [20].”

9. Cuba is a key member of the progressive family of nations

10. Cuba is a friend to Africa

11. Cuba has achieved sustainable development

12. Poverty is becoming a thing of the past

A Cuba Solidarity Campaign fact sheet [47] notes:

Income disparity is exceptionally low. No Cuban starves; no Cuban is homeless; no Cuban is

13. There is no homelessness in Cuba

14. Cuba makes an important contribution to science

15. Free medical training is given to thousands of international students

16. Gender justice is being achieved

18. Cuba’s major export is doctors

19. Cuba loves sport

20. Cuba loves culture

Some essential reading

Isaac Saney – Cuba: A Revolution in Motion

DL Raby – Democracy and Revolution: Latin America and Socialism Today

Article printed from Invent the Future: http://www.invent-the-future.org

URL to article: http://www.invent-the-future.org/2013/07/20-reasons-to-support-

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[1] around the world: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/latin-

[16] end of history:

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