I received this question from Klout, asking me to respond to an inquiry from a reader whom I assumed was planning a visit to Cuba.
What are some things to do in Cuba?
My response:
I don’t know why you’re visiting Cuba, an island suffering from 54 years of rule by a ruthless dictatorship that uses force to control every aspect of citizen’s lives. I don’t know if you’re staying in an exclusive resort, or traveling around the island, but in either case keep in mind that the hotel you stay in, the restaurant you eat in, the tour guide assigned to you, the entertainers you enjoy, are all employed by the state, and these are the best jobs on the island where the average wage is $20 a month. Not enough to cover the basic necessities. So tip generously, and leave gifts of soap, and other essentials if you have the means to do so. In addition, please keep in mind that all the people who are serving you, must stay in the good graces of the dictator in order to keep their jobs and survive. Dissent and opposition to the government is against the law, there are no guaranteed human rights or the rule of law, as we understand them in Cuba. Just in the month of November this year, there were over 700 political arrests of peaceful dissidents, in some cases they were beaten, and their children were threatened with rape and physical harm. This is how dictator maintains power.
You can make a difference by choosing to educate yourself, to know the facts about Cuba that you won’t learn from a tourist brochure, or from casual news.
Please watch the documentary, “Oscar’s Cuba”, on You Tube; it’s about a leading dissident in Cuba. Know that since the release of this film, he’s no longer behind prison bars, but still is still monitored, and unable to travel out of Cuba.
Also, visit a well-known blog whose purpose is to document and share the stories of the Cuba’s political prisoners, many of whom are Amnesty International Prisoners of Conscience, Uncommon Sense.
Learn about The Ladies in White and their activities.
Please read the U.S. Department of State travel advisory on Cuba that provides important information for American travelers.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Cuba is an authoritarian state that routinely employs repressive methods against internal dissent and monitors and responds to perceived threats to its authority. These methods include intense physical and electronic surveillance, as well as detention and interrogation of both Cuban citizens and foreign visitors. U.S. citizens visiting Cuba should be aware that any on-island activities could be subject to surveillance, and their contacts with Cuban citizens monitored closely. Human rights conditions in Cuba remain poor, as the Cuban government limits fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Cuba, but Cuba generally welcomes U.S. citizen travelers and U.S. citizens are generally well received. The United States Government provides consular and other services through the U.S. Interests Section in Havana (USINT), but U.S. diplomats are not allowed to travel freely outside the capital and may be prevented from providing assistance outside Havana. USINT operates under the legal protection of the Swiss government but is not co-located with the Swiss Embassy. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on U.S. Relations with Cuba for additional information.
Blogs to visit:
Babalu Blog
The Real Cuba
Capitol Hill Cubans
The Cuban Archive
Her response? You are not helpful. Cuba I(s) supposed to have some of the best scuba diving in the world and amazing white sand beaches for kite surfing. Please don’t talk to me anymore.
Lets flood the island with tourists, that’ll bring democracy to Cuba. Sure, sure it will.