Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Oh man that tear gas stings....
Fuck, I just got tear gassed by the damn Ecuadorian police department. Hey Correa, here's a policy platform, switch the type of gas used by the police, because the current brand really stings.
Just coming from Cuba, the only encounter I had with the police was to make sure that the motorcycle I was riding on wasn't stolen.
Two countries, two realities. Two political transitions well underway. Since Fidel did not show up for his birthday bash, there is no doubt that his era is over. A long time ago the leader became a legend, but now he is just a legend.
While Castro did not attend his birthday bash there was a letter sent to congradulate Hugo Chavez on his victory. Some argue that if the man can dictaphone a letter to the press then he could make a phone call or appear in public.
I'm not so sure. My reckoning is that Fidel is quite ill and is not so much on the mend as he is fighting for his life. The approach in Cuba is to let him lie quiet, display the old triumphant photos and parades and speeches. Better than than dragging a sick man infront of the cameras. But western society demands it. Look at the passing of Pope Juan Paul II. That poor guy was dragged around like circus exhibit before he passed. To me the Cuban approach is much more humane.
But where does the future lie? No one knows. And really, that's the damn problem. The new Cuban era does not have a plan of action per se, nor do they have an idea on how to make one. It will be interesting to see what evolves over the next while. But rest assured these are new leadership days in Cuba but with the same social programs that defines and holds the country together.
Now for Ecuador. I'm not saying another word on them until they changed their tear-gas brand. Goddamn this stings.
Just coming from Cuba, the only encounter I had with the police was to make sure that the motorcycle I was riding on wasn't stolen.
Two countries, two realities. Two political transitions well underway. Since Fidel did not show up for his birthday bash, there is no doubt that his era is over. A long time ago the leader became a legend, but now he is just a legend.
While Castro did not attend his birthday bash there was a letter sent to congradulate Hugo Chavez on his victory. Some argue that if the man can dictaphone a letter to the press then he could make a phone call or appear in public.
I'm not so sure. My reckoning is that Fidel is quite ill and is not so much on the mend as he is fighting for his life. The approach in Cuba is to let him lie quiet, display the old triumphant photos and parades and speeches. Better than than dragging a sick man infront of the cameras. But western society demands it. Look at the passing of Pope Juan Paul II. That poor guy was dragged around like circus exhibit before he passed. To me the Cuban approach is much more humane.
But where does the future lie? No one knows. And really, that's the damn problem. The new Cuban era does not have a plan of action per se, nor do they have an idea on how to make one. It will be interesting to see what evolves over the next while. But rest assured these are new leadership days in Cuba but with the same social programs that defines and holds the country together.
Now for Ecuador. I'm not saying another word on them until they changed their tear-gas brand. Goddamn this stings.
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