Now, more than ever, is it a great comfort to hear words of consistency and defiance in a time when all the noble post World War II Socialist acheivements in my country (free healthcare, free education, social benefits etc) are being attacked more fiercely than they have ever been. Not even Thatcher or Blair managed to undermine the collective social conscience of the UK people to the extent that the current administration is managing to. We are being held to ransome by a corrupt band of bankers and elitists who are successfully managing to ever widen the gap between rich and poor, men and women and between people of different ethnic backgrounds.

I have often, during my lifetime, been ashamed of the actions of my country in international matters but have always relied on the tenacity of the British public when it came to defending our basic sense of human decency at home. Beyond the endless demonstrations that never seem to acheive anything it feels like we have finally given up the fight.

Keep strong for me Commandante, you are my solitary oasis of hope!

As an American friend of Cuba, I want to express my happiness at my ability to access CUBADEBATE in English. I am ashamed that I never learned to speak Spanish & remain angry at my country’s school system’s short sighted failure to promote Spanish/English bi-lingual education to me as a child when I could have picked up both languages easily.
I admire you and all you have done, with your comrades, to remain committed to your ideals to provide for the people, despite the illegal attacks & embargo placed upon your country.
May you live a long, healthy & productive life. Your vision & intelligence is such a precious gift to all people striving for a world of economic and social justice for all living beings.

Chaplinlives My name is to keep the memory of Charlie Chaplin alive. A great man and artist who was victimized for his staunch fight against fascism.