Posted on 01/01/2009 2:09:40 PM PST by NormsRevenge
SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (Reuters) – Cuba celebrated on Thursday the 50th anniversary of a 1959 revolution whose leader Fidel Castro transformed the island into a communist state that has survived despite decades of opposition from the United States and the collapse of its Cold War benefactors.
The revolution's landmark anniversary comes at a time when the era of Fidel Castro, now 82 and in poor health, is winding down and uncertainty hangs over the future of the Cuba he built into an improbable world player admired for its social gains but criticized for its human rights record.
Celebrations have been subdued as Cuba is mired in economic problems and divided on what the revolution has achieved.
Raul Castro, who officially replaced his older brother as president in February, was to speak on Thursday evening in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba from the same balcony where Fidel Castro proclaimed victory after U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista fled on January 1, 1959.
Fidel Castro has not been seen in public since undergoing intestinal surgery in mid-2006 and was not expected to attend. But in a brief message on the front page of Communist Party newspaper Granma on Thursday, he sent his congratulations to "our heroic people" for 50 years of revolution.
...
Cuba was buffeted in 2008 by three hurricanes that caused $10 billion in damages and by the global financial crisis.
As it has for decades, the government also blames its woes on the United States' 46-year-old trade embargo against Cuba, which it says has cost the island $92 billion over time.
Although widely condemned by governments around the world, the embargo is the cornerstone of U.S. policy that has sought the overthrow of the Castro government almost since the revolution's birth.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Couples walk past under a "50" street decoration sign in Old Havana December 31, 2008. Fifty years after Fidel Castro led a band of rebels to victory over U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista, his revolution goes on, Cuba firmly in its grip, in what some view as a triumph and others a tragedy. Picture taken December 31, 2008. REUTERS/Stringer (CUBA)
Map of Cuba with key events in the Castro-led revolution, 50 years ago. Communist Cuba marked the 50th anniversary of its Revolution Thursday faced with an uncertain future, its iconic, ailing leader Fidel Castro withdrawn from power and the economy in dire straits. (AFP/Graphic)
Vehicles drive past a billboard of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Santiago de Cuba December 29, 2008. Fifty years after Fidel Castro led a band of rebels to victory over U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista, his revolution goes on, marking its 50th anniversary on January 1, 2009. The billboard reads, "Santiago, rebellious yesterday, hospitality today, heroic forever". REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)
Nonetheless, a socialist paradise.
Just ask every leftist who's gone there...and stayed there.
What?! None have? How can that be...???
In 46 years the embargo has not done anything to break the Castro’s grip on power. Perhaps it is time to lift the embargo and try something different.
After all, we trade with the Chinese and they are no better than the Castros.
The Cubans celebrated by having one chicken,in one pot.
whatta buncha losers.
they get stuck with a half-life—no freedom, no careers, nothing.
and bozo castro hoards about a billion dollars in foreign accounts.
Makes me want to drive my 1953 Chevy to the hospital for a check-up.
I'll be sending my dog. He does a great job of "marking" things like this.
Like bombing Castro's house.
Looks like now the Democrats have a new holiday to declare for the United Nationalist Socialist States of Amerika.
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