Some important headlines have been coming from Atlantic Magazine blogger Jeffrey Goldberg, who recently interviewed Fidel Castro.
1) Fidel: 'Cuban Model Doesn't Even Work For Us Anymore'
Readers of this blog shouldn't be too surprised by Fidel's statements. Contacts within Cuba, have been telling us, that Raul was fond of the Chinese model. In comments I'll talk more.
2) Fidel to Ahmadinejad: 'Stop Slandering the Jews'
3) Chavez: 'We Respect and Love the Jews'
RENEGADE EYE
9 comments:
I have picked up this on a few blogs today. I really must get over and read this. The old man is softening eh? Interesting as all get out.
Sherry: I've believed for a few years rumors Raul is impressed with the China model.
It's time to wrap Fidel's shriveled up old carcass around some good Cuban tobacco and smoke his ass.
When I read Fidel's 'Cuban Model Doesn't Even Work For Us Anymore' comment, my jaw dropped to the floor. Raoul might have said that, but never Fidel.
However, a few days later, Fidel clarified his comment, saying that by "the Cuban Model" he meant CAPITALISM (and specifically the NEP-like capitalist ventures that dominate the tourism industry - and the tourist industry dominates - and perverts - the entire Cuban economy).
The "Cuban model" indeed doesn't work, making a simple tourist guide earn three times more than a university professor or a doctor. In a long run, that's unsustainable...
Ren,
the China model
There is no "China model". "China model" is capitalism. More ruthless and more darwinian than American capitalism.
Sonia: I agree with you on the Chinese model. There is a Chinese model. China as opposed to East Europe, slowly and intelligently moved to capitalism. They were protectionist, and instead of allowing China to be flooded with cheap commodities, they did it. In the 90s, when people were afraid Hong Kong would be socialist, it worked in reverse.
Cuba doesn't have the infrastructure or the working class reserve like China. It will be a disaster.
Ren,
China as opposed to East Europe, slowly and intelligently moved to capitalism
Absolutely false. There is far more capitalist exploitation in China than in Eastern Europe. Trade unions are a joke in China. In Eastern Europe, they are very strong.
Sonia: Not true. Russia did the shock doctrine type transition.
Chinese capitalism is ruled by the party, so actually China doesn't even have an independent capitalist class. China for a few years had an NEP style transition. Capitalism is so strong in China, it can't really be called an NEP.
Eastern Europe has an older working class. Having unions is not surprising. Chinese workers were peasants not that long ago.
Castro's statement isn't surprising, if you read my posts on Cuba. I know several leftists who are really confused.
Castro hated the Cuban Communist Party for their support of Batista. I was told today he wrote an essay against socialism.
Fidel has never been an intellectual or very consistent in his analysis or system of thought. Part of the problem.
As for China, capitalism is a moving target, always morphing. The real question is :will China be able to adapt to changing situation?
Troutsky: I agree on both counts.
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