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The amount of Soviet aid given to Cuba was comparable to the amount of U.S. aid given to various other Latin American countries.But the bigger point is this - While Castro's Cuba may have been a model of socialism in the seventies and eighties - that model was built of massive Soviet aid. Their vaunted nationalized health-care system(which is good) was funded by soviet aid. The US embargo certainly hurts Cuba but even if the US embargo was not there - investors from the US and Canada would not have been rushing into Castro's Cuba. Neither are the Europeans or Japanese or their Chinese.
Soviet aid itself did not run spur Cuba's economic growth.
Cuba compares favourably with Costa Rica by any social or economic index. Cuba has a higher HDI, a similar GDP per capita, and a much more equitable distribution of income.If you compare Cuba to Costa Rica - you will see 2 different systems and what Costa Rica has done for its people versus Cuba. Costa Rica did not get an significant US aid despite being an ally. They dont need it. They have done quite well by themselves.
The main reason for Costa Rica's economic growth in recent decades is its tourism industry (largest in Latin America). Cuba began pursuing tourism only in the past few years, but it seems to be the most promising future industry for the country.
The ground reality is that Cuba is doing better than probably any other Latin American country. They have shown that socioeconomic growth is not linear, and can follow different paths. They have shown that a country does not need to be a puppet or ally of the U.S. to accomplish great things for its people. There is a reason why Cuba continues to be an inspiration for so many people in Latin America, and even around the world. Whether or not you want to admit that is up to you, I could care less.Cubans may claim that they stood up to Uncle Sam and yes they did. But most Cubans are struggling to get by. What good is that boast - when you are saddled with a bankrupt ideology and you are struggling to exist ?
I know you dont agree with me, and thats fine. But for me, realities on the ground trump ideology.
BTW: I am proud to be an American of Malayalee origin. There is no pretending. This is one of the few places on the planet where you will be accepted for what you are. Not who you are or who your father is or who your parents know.
After having been raised in Malaysia - you will never catch me apologizing for being an American, even if I dont support everything the US does.
I love you accuse other people of romanticizing leftist regimes, and here you are romanticizing America, lol.
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