Cuba and Socialsim

[Paradox]

I was just wondering what you guys thought about Cuba and socialism. My father had said before that Cuba was probably the country that came the closest to actual socialism. From what I've read about Cuba at Cubasolidarity.com, and from what I've read members here post about Cuba's democracy, it would seem that they have a fairly successful system. Illiteracy is no longer a problem, the healthcare system is great, and the life expectancy is up. But would it be an exaggeration to say they have come closer than any other nation to achieving socialism? What's the situation right now? Are they still heavily dependent on the tourism industry? Besides this, what else keeps them going? And if Raul takes over once Fidel is gone, as many believe, will he get rid of these market reforms? I keep hearing that Raul is more of a hard-line communist, but how will keep Cuba's socialist hopes alive?

[Red Heretic]

Well. Cuba has come the closest, but it should by no means be considered socialism. I think perhaps though if Raul makes some good choices the Cuban people might actually see socialism... but they would have to be very self-less and altruistic decisions that take a very bold person to make.

If not, I think perhaps the vast education that the Cuban people now have may hasten a second revolution within Cuba if the Imperialists do by some chance get a hold back on Cuba.

[RagsToRevolution]

I believe that Cuba is held higher than the USSR in the proccess of achieving socialism. It's still state-capitalist, and Fidel has been notoriously wary of socialism, desptie this, I hold Cuba in high regard, and I feel that it has the highest capacity of all current nations to achieve the true Marxist definition of socialism. Of course, Amerikan ignorance disallows me from voicing this or even visiting the place. Then again, what I may know may be distorted, I would not know until I visit there, until I live it. Which I intend to do, one day.

[Yazman]

I disagree with RagsToRevolution, Cuba is not really state capitalist, and their system doesn't really resemble that of the USSR's. I would say Cuba is the best socialist nation so far, but it still has a long way to go (as does any revolution).

[RagsToRevolution]

I did not compare Cuba with the USSR in the respect of State-Capitalism, because the state controls the means of production I believe it to be, well, State-Capitalism. Until the means of production are owned by the people and hte people only, I do not believe it is socialism.

Not only that, but Fidel has allowed different, minor forms of capitalism to exist in Cuba. I find it analogonous to Lenin's reasoning behind the NEP "one step back, two step foward" except for the ambigous intentions of Fidel towards socialism.

We have not once had a truly socialistic society, except perhaps the Paris Commune, at least in my eyes. But I see Cuba as an example on how the revolution works, it does not immediately become, it must grow and be nurtured.