July 20, 2005
Today's must-read
Venezuelan essayist Gustavo Coronel has an incredibly good essay about the living conditions of Cuba's "doctors" who've invaded Venezuela. Using only firsthand primary sources, he writes about how these "doctors" live in penury amongst the slum-dwellers of Venezuela and try to get cash and soap back to their families in Havana as best they can, hiding their deeds from the Venezuelans so that they don't see their poverty. Frequently, the horror of the castro regime makes itself known to local Venezuelans, who notice the Cubans are much poorer than themselves. Remember, these are the gunfire-riddled shantytown slums of Caracas and the Amazon jungle we are talking about. The saddest thing is when the Cuban doctors first confront the Internet - it's too much for them, they aren't allowed Internet back in Cuba.
For some of the Cuban doctors, this is not their fault. This is simply exploitation of the highest order by two Pirates of the Caribbean.
Don't miss this essay, the best on the topic I have ever seen. Read it here.
Posted by Mora at July 20, 2005 11:51 AM
Comments
"Todas las tardes, después de la visita a los pacientes, vamos a un cibercafé, aunque sea un ratico, y nos metemos en Internet. Nos enteramos de tantas cosas, que allá ni nos imaginábamos. Esas informaciones nos han ayudado a tener una perspectiva más amplia sobre nuestro país y el mundo. Ahora nos damos cuenta de por qué Internet no puede tener vida en la Isla. Porque abre la mente", afirma Nora."
And this is the positive thing. When these doctors return to Cuba, they won't be the same anymore.
Posted by: Eleggua at July 20, 2005 02:19 PM
Thanks, Mora, this is a really interesting article.
Posted by: Regina at July 20, 2005 02:56 PM
Thanks Mora great article. I would take exception to this statement however.
"The world has to know the truth and give both Castro and Chávez what they deserve: global repudiation."
Repudiation? No, they deserve death.
Posted by: Kathleen at July 20, 2005 03:25 PM
Last time I was in Venezuela I met several Cuban doctors. They mostly talked about the things they wanted to buy and bring back to Cuba (TVs, sound systems and other appliances; but also clothes and shoes). Never mentioned anything about the revolution, or how good it was. They could go for hours talking and inquiring on what to buy and where to get it cheaper. Then, suddenly at about 8 o'clock (evening) the say they had to leave (I met them several times). Always at the same time. I guessed they had some kind of curfew. Also, they could not travel to another city, that they told me.
Posted by: frank at July 20, 2005 04:48 PM
I think that Venezuelan doctors should reach out to their Cuban colleagues and encourage defections. That would be really effective.
Posted by: CB at July 21, 2005 07:07 AM