Patriotism can move nations to great heights. And watching it take place in a foreign country can be quite inspiring. But when part that nationÕs patriotism is based on lambasting your own home countryÕs, it can be equally disturbing, though curiously enlightening.
Witnessing Cuba celebrate the 50th anniversary of its socialist revolution along with CastroÕs 80th birthday this weekend was one such experience. Visiting Cuba for the first time and participating in SundayÕs military parade after having grown up in Miami, it felt I was betraying a different patriotic agenda. But a desire to understand what I was raised to disdain led me to a interesting conclusion. PeopleÕs complete misunderstanding between basic economic principles and the ill-fated government policies that continuously defy them in vain.
It seemed most obvious regarding the paradeÕs focus on anti-American sentiment. There seemed just as many signs berating Bush and capitalism as there were those declaring Viva Fidel. While itÕs understandable there would be antagonism regarding the US embargo, itÕs a shame many Cubans carry such a misinformed aggression towards capitalism. Considering the bane of their existence is the excruciating difficulty to acquire most any form of property, it seemed a glaring contradiction to excoriate an economic system that would grant them that power. Many if given a choice would rather own a car than surf the internet freely.
Though my expectations of abject poverty were shattered as I visited family and friends, upon closer inspection I realized many could not own the TV sets, cordless phones and internet-less computers were it not for the remesas (monetary gifts) families living abroad send them whenever possible. The interiors of many homes were a startling contrast to the dilapidated facades since even a modest display of luxury brings unwanted attention in the form of government inspections, let alone theft.
But there is only so much that can be attributed to the embargo, futile and unjust as it may be. Restricting an individualÕs right to own property is just as detrimental to the progress of any society as prohibiting their freedom of expression. And the demonization of the basic economic concept to produce goods and services from oneÕs own property in order to render a profit has been one of the more significant reasons why one man has managed to usurp such an absolutist grip over millions for 47 years.
The misconception that capitalism is the direct cause of poverty has led countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Brazil to opt for leftist governments with their current presidents hoping to follow CastroÕs examples. Only time will tell if leaders such as Hugo Chavez and Daniel Ortega will implement totalitarian governments under the guise of ensuring equality for all. An equality which comes full circle in the form of the very poverty they hoped to eradicate.
But CubaÕs needless economic hardships were never touched upon by the hundreds of dignitaries and intellectuals from around the world who gathered this past weekend to celebrate CastroÕs socialist revolution. The reason as to why he never appeared or gave a brief statement mentioning his condition was also left unsaid. Many Cubans were left to express their discontent with being left in the dark in hushed tones as they stroked imaginary beards when referring to the man thousands of others marched along to praise with devotion and fervent patriotism.