Comments on: Fidel and the Future http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/ The Virginia General Assembly from the perspective of 7 West. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:25:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2 By: Rev. L. William Yolton http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/comment-page-1/#comment-72 Tue, 22 Aug 2006 16:05:55 +0000 http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/#comment-72 There have been extensive contacts between my church and the counterpart in Cuba, which used to be a subsidiary. I’ve always thought the best way to modify the revolutionary government in Cuba was through open contacts and full commercial exchange. The best educational level and health care accessibility are an embarrassment to the U.S. Certainly the human rights record is suspect, but we can’t boast. Guantonamo is better known to Cuba than to U.S. citizens. Cubans have a vivid memory of when the U.S. controlled it for the oligarchy. We could do better.

]]> By: Kris Amundson http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/comment-page-1/#comment-59 Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:41:50 +0000 http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/#comment-59 We stayed at the Hotel Nacional — lovely and right on the beach. You have not had a mojito until you’ve had one there! On the trip with me was Dan Domenech, then superintendent of Fairfax County. He had not seen Cuba since he was ten. I must say he was mostly very sad to see how badly things had deteriorated.

]]> By: Mimi Schaeffer http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/comment-page-1/#comment-57 Mon, 07 Aug 2006 05:31:34 +0000 http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/#comment-57 Where did you stay?

I used to live in Miramar, a few miles outside Havana; and a few blocks from the beach.

I was all set to go visit (haven’t been to Cuba since I left in ’61 as a child of nine) but wham, Bush said only folks with parents and siblings.

I only have aunts and cousins.

I often wonder how I would feel since my Spanish is that of a 9-year old. My cousin e-mails me (she teaches at the University of Havana and has e-mail privileges).

I have to put through the Spanish translator for an easier read, even though I can speak without a foreign accent.

]]> By: Kris Amundson http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/comment-page-1/#comment-56 Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:08:55 +0000 http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/#comment-56 Wonderful beyond words. This trip is good or better, and this was one of the very best. I am still processing. Will post pics and reflections as I can formulate the words — and get help with the photos, of course :-)

K

]]> By: James Martin http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/comment-page-1/#comment-55 Sun, 06 Aug 2006 22:12:04 +0000 http://www.7-west.org/2006/08/06/fidel/#comment-55 How was your trip?

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