• unfreeradical@slrpnk.net
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      3 days ago

      The Castros rule Cuba in the same sense that the Windsors rule the UK. The role is effectively only ceremonial, with a minimum of formal powers.

      • Deceptichum@quokk.au
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        3 days ago

        So they do have formal power above the average citizen?

        Why make excuses for it at all. Accept the L and push for better.

        • unfreeradical@slrpnk.net
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          3 days ago

          I am simply explaining the situation. No one is making excuses. The situation is not ideal in Cuba, the same as everywhere around the world, but it is much less severe than you represent.

          Raul is now retired. He had served as the head of the Party, which is a position elected from within the Party, and as the president, which is elected by the National Assembly, itself elected popularly. All of his political power was through such formal positions, which others were free to seek as his replacement.

          Also, union participation is nearly universal. As such, an unpopular government is obviously unlikely to remain in power except by capitulating to worker demands. Moreover, workers wield more power, relative to the state, than mostly everywhere in the world, including the states that style themselves as the most free. Thus, even high-ranking offices carry limited power in practice.

    • dogbert@lemmy.zipOP
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      4 days ago

      Real democracy is when you get to choose a new capitalist pedophile every 4 years!

        • dogbert@lemmy.zipOP
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          4 days ago

          Yeah, I’m sure all those liberated slaves would agree with you.

          • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
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            4 days ago

            Most people desire more liberation than merely not being a slave. This is a very unserious reply.

            • unfreeradical@slrpnk.net
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              3 days ago

              The government and revolution are both immensely popular among Cubans.

              The government monitors and represses subversive activities, but so does every other state.

              Union participation is nearly universal, and laws are passed by a national popular assembly.

              The Family Code was recently revised, through a process of nationwide contribution and referendum, which serves as an example of functional democracy.

              All was achieved despite constant colonial bombardment by the US. Cubans correctly identify as their enemy the US government, not the government of Cuba.

              • dogbert@lemmy.zipOP
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                3 days ago

                Damn, are Cubans not aware there are American anarchists fighting for their freedom on the internet?!?

      • Miles O'Brien@startrek.website
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        4 days ago

        Hilarious that you immediately jump to “America bad” with absolutely no indication of where the poster is from.

        Yes, America bad, but that’s a huge whataboutism

        • dogbert@lemmy.zipOP
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          4 days ago

          My response had nothing to do with America specifically. Westoids again convincing themselves that only America is guilty of this fake democracy pedo-grift 🤣