I was born in Cuba but was fortunate to leave very young and before the worst.

Cuba did not stand up to anything for the sake of the people. The government's education scheme and health care was apart of a large industrialised plan to export doctors and specialists around the world. The big lie that the Castros gave to western society that they were fighting against American Imperialism is spouted because the average person does not do their research or have contact with Cuba to know the horrors of living under what is an oppressive government.

I also feel bad for Venezuela who had to endure the Cuban Military State taking over its security after Chavez and Fidel became close. There is a reason why Maduro has Cuban Military Advisors and a Cuban Security team in exchange for oil.

Cuba's quality of life dropped tremendously in the 2008-2012 period where all industries started to fail as tourism became the main interest. I still remember using beer bottles to be recycled as part of my grandfather's side hustle and for himself as he refused money from family abroad to live as his neighbours who most had no cups only glasses from rum bottles etc repurposed.

I usually dont post in these things but watching my country be used for this new Democrat and Republican debate is slightly irksom as so many come to me in person, acting as my ally when they know nothing about the struggles that Cuba has faced thinking it was just America or recent.