'Fahrenheit 9/11' Shown on Prime Time TV in Cuba

[kskiska]

HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. director Michael Moore's anti-Bush documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" was shown on prime time Cuban state-run television on Thursday after playing to packed cinemas for a week.

In a country with a deep-seated distrust of U.S. governments, the film has generated widespread public interest and added to a recent barrage of official criticism of President Bush.

Cubans have stood in long lines to buy tickets to see rough DVD copies projected at 120 cinema theaters across the island to unfailing applause.

"We hope this film will lead Americans to see the reality of their government, and not only deny Bush reelection but put him on trial for the harm he has done to humanity," said retired worker Armando Rodriguez.

"The film is a work of love for humanity. It confirms what many of us believe, that George W. Bush is a real threat to the world," said University of Havana professor Arnaldo Coro Antich.

more…
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=5820130

[Cha]

1. This deserves a kick of some kind of historical

significance!

[malachibk]

2. That's all the GOP need to hear

That the commies like F911. Great. I'm glad they like it, but I wish they would've kept it on the d.l.

[Mika]

4. Commies? Straight outta the repug book!

Just what we need.. more brainwashed Dems demonizing the Cuban people like Bush.

:mad:

[qazplm]

6. ummmm...

last time I checked, Cuba was one of the last communist countries in the world. Nothing evil about the people, but yes I think communism is evil because it always, ALWAYS ends up as a dictatorship and Castro is no different.

I will have more respect for the Cuban people when they rise up and get rid of him and bring back democracy for Cuba, and return it to the thriving nation it definitely can be.

[Mokito]

9. Therein lies the trap

The moment Cuba is "democratized", it will also be flooded (U.S.) corporations looking to capitalize on every single inch of "democratic" Cuba that exists.

[kodi]

16. you bet! a literate work force you can pay third world wages to?

that's the value from a capitalist's view point.

[jdj]

20. that sure is the USA in a nutshell.

They told us to go to college and get an education.

Then they yelled "SUCKER!"

[Mika]

21. And you were in debt too

Not so in Cuba. Higher ed is fully funded by the state (all the people of Cuba).

[aquart]

10. Fascism is evil. Communism is a mess.

And the dictatorship of the proletariat is still a dictatorship.

But I worry more about the fascists who don't use that name anymore and never get called by what they are.

[Mika]

15. Yeah right. Who would allow themselves to have this "forced" on them

Who the fuck would believe that one man (Castro) could/would "force" this on a resistant populace?

C'mon people. It takes a nation united to do what the Cuban people have done under the economic embargo that it has faced.

Does anyone really think that people can be forced to do what the Cuban people have done?

I am sick and tired of seeing the Cuban people dehumanized by supposedly informed people.

Wake up!!



Learn from Cuba
http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/learn.htm

“It is in some sense almost an anti-model,” according to Eric Swanson, the programme manager for the Bank’s Development Data Group, which compiled the WDI, a tome of almost 400 pages covering scores of economic, social, and environmental indicators.

Indeed, Cuba is living proof in many ways that the Bank’s dictum that economic growth is a pre-condition for improving the lives of the poor is over-stated, if not, downright wrong.

-

It has reduced its infant mortality rate from 11 per 1,000 births in 1990 to seven in 1999, which places it firmly in the ranks of the western industrialised nations. It now stands at six, according to Jo Ritzen, the Bank’s Vice President for Development Policy, who visited Cuba privately several months ago to see for himself.

By comparison, the infant mortality rate for Argentina stood at 18 in 1999;

Chile’s was down to ten; and Costa Rica, at 12. For the entire Latin American and Caribbean region as a whole, the average was 30 in 1999.

Similarly, the mortality rate for children under the age of five in Cuba has fallen from 13 to eight per thousand over the decade. That figure is 50% lower than the rate in Chile, the Latin American country closest to Cuba’s achievement. For the region as a whole, the average was 38 in 1999.

“Six for every 1,000 in infant mortality - the same level as Spain - is just unbelievable,” according to Ritzen, a former education minister in the Netherlands. “You observe it, and so you see that Cuba has done exceedingly well in the human development area.”

Indeed, in Ritzen’s own field, the figures tell much the same story. Net primary enrolment for both girls and boys reached 100% in 1997, up from 92% in 1990. That was as high as most developed nations - higher even than the US rate and well above 80-90% rates achieved by the most advanced Latin American countries.

“Even in education performance, Cuba’s is very much in tune with the developed world, and much higher than schools in, say, Argentina, Brazil, or Chile.”

It is no wonder, in some ways. Public spending on education in Cuba amounts to about 6.7% of gross national income, twice the proportion in other Latin American and Caribbean countries and even Singapore.

There were 12 primary school pupils for every Cuban teacher in 1997, a ratio that ranked with Sweden, rather than any other developing country. The Latin American and East Asian average was twice as high at 25 to one.

The average youth (age 15-24) illiteracy rate in Latin America and the Caribbean stands at 7%. In Cuba, the rate is zero. In Latin America, where the average is 7%, only Uruguay approaches that achievement, with one percent youth illiteracy.

“Cuba managed to reduce illiteracy from 40% to zero within ten years,” said Ritzen. “If Cuba shows that it is possible, it shifts the burden of proof to those who say it’s not possible.”

Similarly, Cuba devoted 9.1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) during the 1990s to health care, roughly equivalent to Canada’s rate. Its ratio of 5.3 doctors per 1,000 people was the highest in the world.

The question that these statistics pose, of course, is whether the Cuban experience can be replicated. The answer given here is probably not.

“What does it, is the incredible dedication,” according to Wayne Smith, who was head of the US Interests Section in Havana in the late 1970s and early 1980s and has travelled to the island many times since.

Mr Kerry, Tear down the wall!

[Mika]

12. LOL

"I will have more respect for the Cuban people when they rise up and get rid of him and bring back democracy for Cuba.."


Its easy to say such things in a vacuum of info.

Cubans kicked out the bloodiest dictator (who was supported by the US government and US military) there ever was in Cuba (Batista). The Cubans people need to prove nothing to Americans regarding their commitment to self rule.

I have been to Cuba many times, including during the 1997-98 election season.

Cuba is NOTHING like the picture painted by US government propaganda.


Here are some of the major parties in Cuba. The union parties hold the majority of seats in the Assembly.

http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/cu.html

* Partido Comunista de Cuba (PCC) {Communist Party of Cuba}
* Partido Demócrata Cristiano de Cuba (PDC) {Christian Democratic Party of Cuba} - Oswaldo Paya's Catholic party
* Partido Solidaridad Democrática (PSD) {Democratic Solidarity Party}
* Partido Social Revolucionario Democrático Cubano {Cuban Social Revolutionary Democratic Party}
* Coordinadora Social Demócrata de Cuba (CSDC) {Social Democratic Coordination of Cuba}
* Unión Liberal Cubana {Cuban Liberal Union}

Plenty of info on this long thread,
http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=6300&forum=DCForumID70


http://www.poptel.org.uk/cuba-solidarity/democracy.htm

This system in Cuba is based upon universal adult suffrage for all those aged 16 and over. Nobody is excluded from voting, except convicted criminals or those who have left the country. Voter turnouts have usually been in the region of 95% of those eligible .

There are direct elections to municipal, provincial and national assemblies, the latter represent Cuba's parliament.

Electoral candidates are not chosen by small committees of political parties. No political party, including the Communist Party, is permitted to nominate or campaign for any given candidates.

--

Representative Fidel Castro was elected to the National Assembly as a representative of District #7 Santiago de Cuba.
He is one of the elected 607 representatives in the Cuban National Assembly. It is from that body that the head of state is nominated and then elected. Raul Castro, Carlos Large, and Ricardo Alarcon and others were among the nominated last year. President Castro has been elected to that position since 1976.

http://www.bartleby.com/65/do/Dorticos.html

Dorticós Torrado, Osvaldo

1919–83, president of Cuba (1959–76). A prosperous lawyer, he participated in Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement and was imprisoned (1958). He escaped and fled to Mexico, returning to Cuba after Castro’s triumph (1959). As minister of laws (1959) he helped to formulate Cuban policies. He was appointed president in 1959. Intelligent and competent, he wielded considerable influence. In 1976 the Cuban government was reorganized, and Castro assumed the title of president; Dorticós was named a member of the council of state.

The Cuban government was reorganized (approved by popular vote) into a variant parliamentary system in 1976.

You can read a short version of the Cuban system here,
http://members.allstream.net/~dchris/CubaFAQDemocracy.html

Or a long and detailed version here,
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0968508405/qid=1053879619/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-8821757-1670550?v=glance&s=books

[leesa]

24. So does capitalism.

[PhuLoi]

29. Damn, you beat me to it!

You're quick.

[PhuLoi]

28. The same can be said for unrestrained capitalism.

[malachibk]

13. I think you missed the sarcasm. See, I was saying...

that is how the repugs will spin it. Sorry you took it that way. Not demonizing anybody.

[Mika]

17. OK. Thanks for the clarification

I'm jumpy tonite. Tired of the stereotyping and demonization. :hi:

[Judi Lynn]

31. You'd never hear this if any of them had ever learned anything

about Cuban history! Ignorance is bliss, and all, right?

It makes it so easy for propagandists to keep people cluelessly living with vast misperceptions bordering on criminal when they won't even stir their bleeps to waddle off to a bookstore or library, or, heaven forbid, start doing research on the internet.

As soon as more Americans get caught up on their history of this hemisphere, we won't be having people wandering around in complete ignorance saying things which will deeply embarrass them once they FINALLY learn the truth.

You may remember John Kerry said tonight that the higher road isn't as easy but it takes you to a better place. That would apply to processing information like propaganda. You have to put out a little effort to educate yourself but it takes you to the truth.

Yaaaaaay!!!!!!!




Ol' Joe McCarthy showed 'em good, didn't he?

[rastignac5]

33. Agreed- Cuba is not communist

It's a dictatorship with zero political freedoms.

[Mika]

34. step 1 - remove head from sand

Oswaldo Paya and other Cuban Dissidents reject US Free Cuba Commission recommendations
http://havanajournal.com/politics_comments/P1709_0_5_0/

In separate statements Oswaldo Paya, who has spearheaded the Varela Project aimed at forcing economic and political reform from within the current system; Cambio Cubano (Cuban Change) leader Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo; and Elizardo Sanchez Santacruz, who leads the National Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation all said they opposed the US efforts including using a US military plane to broadcast pro-democracy messages into Cuba.

But.. but.. but.. "It's a dictatorship with zero political freedoms."


Go to Cuba and tell that to the Cuban people, and they will laugh in your face (especially if you are American).

Oh.. that's right.. Americans are subjected to such harsh travel restrictions by their own government that they cannot travel to Cuba, like everyone else the world over can. Very little political freedom here in America, when it comes to supporting Cuban sovereignty and Cuban-Cubans.

[rastignac5]

35. I've traveled to Cuba three times

I lived and worked in Central America for six years. I know the people and politics of the region better than most gringos.

What disgusts me is the way simpleminded people draw a line in the sand of Latin American politics that separates their angels from their demons. Both rightwingers and leftwingers are guilty of it. Castro has made universal healthcare and education priorities in Cuba. This is good. Castro is also a militaristic dictator who allows for no political or intellectual freedom. This is bad.

It's because so very few Americans can perceive the realities of the political situation in Latin America that U.S. policy in the region has been so brutal and inept.

[leesa]

25. Grow up.

[thebigidea]

3. strangely enough, they did the same thing with "Free Willy"

[Mika]

5. I hope that Dems wake up. Cubans are not any kind of enemy!

Cubans have stood in long lines to buy tickets to see rough DVD copies projected at 120 cinema theaters across the island to unfailing applause.

FYI, movie tickets in Cuba are about 10 cents. Baseball tickets are about 5 cents.

"We hope this film will lead Americans to see the reality of their government, and not only deny Bush reelection but put him on trial for the harm he has done to humanity," said retired worker Armando Rodriguez.

"The film is a work of love for humanity. It confirms what many of us believe, that George W. Bush is a real threat to the world," said University of Havana professor Arnaldo Coro Antich.

Viva Cubañia!

[Karenina]

7. It opened here tonight!

I'm SO looking forward to the weekend buzz! Gotta find an "original language" theatre in the 'hood! :bounce::bounce::bounce:

[rocktivity]

8. What's Spanish for "blowback?"

Maybe you should have thought twice about accusing Cuba of human sex trafficking, Georgie!

:headbang:
rocknation

[DemoTex]

11. I'm kikkin'!

BTW: Fidel, please send me a 24-pack of Montechristo #5s. Skinner has my address.

[Swamp Rat]

14. Yay Cuba! Yay Castro!

"Castro is great! Give us the chocoloate cake!"

[Mika]

18. Castro this Castro that

Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that Castro this Castro that

Grow up.

[Swamp Rat]

19. HAHAHAHAHA!

That's all you got sucker?

[goforit]

22. Go............Cuba!!!......ROFLMAO!!!!.....This isa just too funny!!!

Viva la revolution......of media hype!!!

[govegan]

23. Fascism and fascists are recognizable to socialists

In a speech on Monday, Castro portrayed Bush as a "sinister" religious fundamentalist bent on destroying Cuban socialism and lengthily discussed the U.S. president's past drinking problems as the root of his "bellicosity."

Castro drew laughter from his audience quoting Moore's book "Stupid White Men" which questions Bush's reading abilities.

Castro shows himself more wise than 99.99% of the faux journalists that dominate the US.

[Tight_rope]

26. KICK FOR CUBA!

[Mika]

32. And another kick

:kick:


Sorta like Cuban health care and ed - I guess Castro is forcing this on Cubans too. :crazy:

Just like us Americans have to be forced to watch Moore's propaganda film, and just like we would have to forced to accept more teachers and better schools for our kids, just like we would have to forced to accept more doctors and a universal health care system.


Viva Cubañia

[Tight_rope]

27. Moore needs to show the movie to the world...~

[jayctravis]

30. Yeah...

Does this signal perhaps the DVD should be released in this country before the election?

They're afraid of losing *money* by cutting into the box office receipts?

[Judi Lynn]

36. Senate race spotlights Cuba policy

Senate race spotlights Cuba policy

By Mark Hollis
Tallahassee Bureau
Posted July 29 2004

Tallahassee · Fidel Castro and U.S. policy on Cuba have emerged as critical topics in the Republican race for the U.S. Senate, signaling the importance that the leading contenders place on support from South Florida's Cuban exile community.

On Wednesday, the issue escalated into a spat between GOP front-runner Bill McCollum and his nearest rival, Mel Martinez, that culminated in McCollum filing a complaint with state Republican Party officials.

McCollum, a former Orlando-area congressman, charged in a letter to state GOP Chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan that Martinez has attacked his integrity "in a manner that is quite simply deplorable."

The complaint arises from statements to reporters by Martinez and his aides suggesting that McCollum is "working in tandem" with Castro to keep Martinez out of office.
(snip/...)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-pfcastro29jul29,0,208513.story?coll=sfla-news-palm
(Free registration required)

:eyes:

You remember Bill McCollum from the House Impeachment action against Bill Clinton.



Mel Martinez, _Bush's appointment to Secretary of Housing and Urban Developement.

[Mika]

37. McCollum is "working in tandem" with Castro??? ROTFLMAO

Good gawd. These people are truly truly nutz. :crazy:

[Freddie Stubbs]

38. Gotta love the last paragraph

Cuban dissidents who saw "Fahrenheit 9/11" praised the United States for its freedom of expression and lamented that such criticism of a president was not allowed in Cuba where the one-party state controls the media.