Granma is now running letters to the editor. In the March 28 on-line edition, there are three letters responding to the article by Granma editor Lazaro Barredo, discussed in this blog last week. Barredo’s message was that if Cubans want more, the first step is for them to work more.
The first thing one notices about the letters is that neither the writers nor the editors aim for a crisp 250 words.
As for substance, one writer agrees with Barredo that more work must precede material benefits.
Another expresses understanding of Barredo’s point but concludes that “it should be our government that takes the pertinent steps so that salaries correspond to the individual’s output as a basic step to increase production.”
Another writer argues that no “substantial change in the economy” and no solution to the dual currency problem can be achieved unless
I think it's safe to assume that these "Letters to the Editor" if not entirely orchestrated are at least selected based on what they want the population to read. That being said, this tone of "change is required" is something new and should be considered a positive development.
ReplyDeleteAs with any state media stories and remarks made by government officials, there is a lot of reading between the lines and guess work to determine what they are trying to accomplish by making such statements. For example, we have already seen that last month's "off the cuff" statements and so called "criticisms" by the UCI student were actually foreshadowing or a set-up of things surely already approved.
The intricate guessing game of what is Cuba continues.
Essentially, Raul is covering his rear. All of these recent changes serve to let out just enough steam from the pressure cooker to prevent an all-out rebellion. Raul the pragmatist certainly doesn't want to end up like Benito Mussolini - thus the changes.
ReplyDeleteAgain, they don't address the ultimate problem in Cuba, but they're a welcome step and at least put to bed, some of the humiliations imposed on Cubans by the government.
"letter to the editor" are always selected on what the owners of the paper want the readers to read.
ReplyDeleteYou'll never see a certain type of letter in WSJ. Likewise, all of the mainstream media censor certain types of folk - like real intellectuals, who cannot explain things in 30 seconds - they have little voice with the billy-bobs of this society