Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that his government upholds the social achievements of the so-called "revolution" by distributing "food for everyone, clothing for everyone, health for everyone, education for everyone, and culture for everyone" equitably.
The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) made these remarks from the air-conditioned halls of the Palace of the Revolution, addressing a group of young Americans from the Let Cuba Live brigade. This meeting, which included a Q&A session between the youth and the leader, was the focus of the latest installment of the program Desde la Presidencia, where Díaz-Canel extolled revolutionary propaganda to an audience that freely supports allegedly progressive causes, enjoying the rights and freedoms guaranteed by democracy and the rule of law in their own country.
Cuban Revolution's Paradoxes
Wearing a Palestinian kufiya, Díaz-Canel spoke for nearly two hours about the evils of capitalism and the achievements of socialism. He appeared uncomfortable as the ends of the kufiya fell over his stomach, fidgeting in his seat. The leader of the "beautiful tree" (the lemon tree; Lv. 23:40) elaborated on various falsehoods, ones he no longer dares to share with Cubans during his tours of towns and cities.
He frequently invoked Fidel Castro, recounting anecdotes and emphasizing his role as Fidel's successor. He blamed the embargo, the tightening of the embargo, creative resistance, and the social justice of a "revolution" that has been blocked for over 60 years, continuing his endless monologue.
"And that is one of the paradoxes of the Cuban Revolution. Under blockade conditions, we haven't been able to develop the economy as we would like. But that economy, which is a war economy, is capable of sustaining a social project that has more social results and more social impact than even developed countries that have enormous wealth but distribute it differently," Díaz-Canel told his captivated audience.
Carried away by his rhetoric, Díaz-Canel painted a mural of the "revolution's achievements" before the wide-eyed faces of the enthusiastic brigade members with Visa and Mastercard cards. Celebrating the paternalism of the communist regime inherited from the family that truly rules, he continued.
"We strive for, not equalitarianism, but equity. When we seek food, we seek food for 11 million Cubans. It's not about putting food on shelves for those who can buy it while others starve. No. It's food for everyone, clothing for everyone, education for everyone, health for everyone, culture for everyone. It's not scientific knowledge for a few... It's scientific knowledge for all. Rights for all. And that's our logic, and that's what we defend," he declared.
In these exact terms... The phrase "fighting for food and not waiting for the basic food basket" was a metaphor.
Understanding Díaz-Canel's Message to U.S. Youth
To better understand Díaz-Canel's statements and the broader context of his meeting with the Let Cuba Live brigade, here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
What is the Let Cuba Live brigade?
The Let Cuba Live brigade is a group of young Americans who visit Cuba to learn about its culture, history, and socialist system, often supporting the Cuban government's viewpoints.
How does Díaz-Canel justify the current economic situation in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel blames the U.S. embargo and the ongoing blockade for Cuba's economic struggles, claiming that despite these challenges, the Cuban economy sustains significant social achievements.
What paradox did Díaz-Canel mention regarding the Cuban Revolution?
He mentioned that despite the economic blockade, Cuba has managed to achieve more social impact and results in areas like health, education, and culture compared to some developed countries.