Brian K wrote:
> On 10/24/2003 1:11 PM Sjoerd while directing tourists to the Zazu Pits,
> was inclined to say:
>
> >"James Anatidae" schreef in bericht
> >news:bna8o0$47cj$1@news3.infoave.net...
> >
> >
> >>I have to say I whole heartily approve of this. Castro is going to die
> >>someday and the more influence America can have with the Cuban people
the
> >>better.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >The last thing that Cuba needs after Castro dies is "influence from
> >America". US influence is probably inevitable, but I guess Cuba deserves
> >some independence after decades of American colonialism followed by
decades
> >of Castro dictatorship.
> >
> >Sjoerd
> >
> >
> >
> >
> The influence is already there. Cubans are avid readers, there is a
> black-market in US authors besides Hemingway. Also, as in communist
> Russia, Levi's are a prized possession, along with US music. As a
> global power, regardless of any overt action, US Culture can be found
> just about everywhere. Even in dirt track Amazon Jungle settlements,
> you can buy a Big Mac.
I don't think that's what Sjoerd means. He means *political* influence, not
cultural influence. Cubans have always embraced Yankee cultural influences,
e.g. baseball, literature (Hemingway), consumer goods, etc. Culturally
speaking, Cubans are the most "pro - US" folk in all of Latin America.
--
Best
Greg
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