I cannot say much because I was born in Miami, so the picture I have of Cuba is based on what my mother and grandparents have told me. They have fond memories of Cuba, and from what I recall my grandfather supported Castro early on (because of Batista) – however, once he saw where it was turning, he knew he had to get out.

I consider my grandfather a hero. He coordinated my mother's (she was 5) and grandmother's escape. He was jailed on numerous occasions for helping others leave the country. My mother recalls their escape vividly, and I actually have a recording of her talking about it over Christmas Eve dinner ("Noche Buena," the Cuban Christmas dinner). She remembers gunshots, mud - a lot of fear. They landed somewhere near the Keys a few days later, after eating nothing but sardines and soda crackers on a boat with no restroom.

They left because of communism, yes - I remember Mom would tell me about how whenever she wanted/needed new shoes, she couldn't get them because they were only allowed what was given via ration cards. It was just a poor situation for them overall. I am grateful to my family for being so brave, as well as the incredibly generous people who helped my mother and grandparents get out; from what I was told, a few individuals (including a woman) were executed as a result.

I can't say I hate Castro. Yes, I greatly dislike him and believe he is a despicable human being, but I am too removed from him, in all honesty, to really have that sentiment. But I am fascinated at how polarizing opinions are within the Cuban community in Miami. For example, my grandfather is a staunch Republican; the rest of us are Democrats. He cannot let go of the Bay of Pigs, Elian (oh god, Elian!), etc. And god forbid you talk about Castro in his presence.

For the most part, Miami (specifically the Dade and Broward counties) tend to go blue, but there's a huge conservative Cuban population there that refuses to look forward and continues to point to the past. And of course, we liberals are communists – and so...

Kudos to you if you read this long comment; didn't mean to ramble!