- Ian Jay Germaine
Since Democrat Party obtained control of both Houses of Congress and finally the Presidency under Barack Obama in January 2009, there has been a cry from their mouths of wanting to see “Economic and Social Reforms”. Sometimes in reference to our Government, a Capitalistic Democratic Republicanism and sometimes as the goal we needed unfriendly nations to show advancement in our eyes, for recognition and “normal relations”.
As we currently strive for a map through our own sea of troubles, economic, energy, health care, education and employment, it is only fitting that we look around the world as a point of reference to see just how we fare. Are others in the same shape, better or worse than the United States is?
And again it’s important to be introspective and look in the mirrors of our own house. Well, we are aware because of basics that Europe is going through many of the same problems as Energy, the Economy, balance of trade and National Debt which are pushed to the limits. Unemployment is high as it has been in many cases for years but most have reached the double digits and ours is not far behind. Our fight has been by most part the same related to terrorist that would see Fascism and Anarchy rampant.
But a little closer to home is needed to see possibilities of directions to steer clear of. Or perhaps we are mistaken and a real wake up call is needed.
We are rudely aware that many of the South and Central America’s people are in dire straits as they have been throughout the past half century and more. The major problems are political in nature, but education along with an economic infrastructure as well freedom of commerce seem to be lacking. But one neighbor 90 miles off the Florida Coast needs a better view.
On August 1, 2009 Raul Castro brought us enlightening comments of his Island Nation. With a previous comment from Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, “Washington wants to see economic and social reforms in Cuba before doing more to improve relations.” "I wasn't elected president to return capitalism to Cuba," Raul Castro said, "or to surrender the revolution. I was elected to defend, build and perfect socialism, not destroy it,"
The main part of his speech it seems was to let the people know that Cuba had to make cuts in spending. He was adamant that Communism was secure, even with what “AP” reported as “grim economic news”. Areas to be cut were enumerated as, universal health care system, free education through college and subsidized housing and food provided on a monthly ration system. This is the back bone of Communism in Cuba since the revolution. With 90% of the economy run by the government and an average $20 per month income, lies an example of well being.
Now some might say the health care and education sound great, but first the must realize everyone doesn’t have the opportunity to go to college. The basics of reading, writing and arithmetic are taught.
Universal Health Care is rationed and more stringent than the European or Canadian models. Age and importance to the collective are factors in availability of certain services. Finally Cuba reports a very low rate of infant mortality. Of course premature as well as infant that die before certain ages are considered still born or aborted and those past their prime are considered expendable when ill.
Is this our economy, is this where we stand?
