It is clear that Cuba has entered a process of major economic and political reform. As a journalist in the mid-1980s, I covered some of Gorbachev's perestroika process for McClatchy News and the L.A. Times. We are, I think, seeing the Cuban variant. Obviously, the Cuban government is not interested in replicating the results of perestroika, which led to the Soviet's collapse. The aim seems clear: to increase economic productivity, including an expanded private and co-operative sector -- reforms essential to preserving the socialist Cuban state and society. Not getting much attention are the political implications of these changes.
In Havana I recently interviewed Mariela Castro Espin, daughter of President Raul Castro. Head of the National Center for Sex Education, she is author of nine academic books and winner of the prestigious Eureka Prize. A mother of three, she is a social activist and leader in Cuba's struggle to achieve equal rights for its gay, lesbian and transgender people.
In this 27-minute interview, Mariela answers probing questions with candor: family issues, her core values, the politics of advocating gay rights in Cuba, criticism of Soviet-style socialism, her critique of multi-party democracy and capitalism, her advocacy of broader public participation within the Communist Party and government. Mariela's interview gives a personal, intriguing window into what is happening in Cuba, and what is likely to be coming.
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Brian Kahn
Host
Home Ground Radio
© Home Ground Radio
The interview resolves around Ms. Espin’s views of socialism, gay rights advocacy and her intimate and loving relationship with her parents. According to Ms. Espin socialism is a cultural change which can only be achieved by the education of the people. Homophobia and prejudice will be eliminated only by education.
The Cuban President’s daughter sees free market ideas as tools for the Cuban government to promote and achieve a greater level of social justice. She advocates that capitalism will be used by Cuba to promote a better form of socialism where everyone is treated equally. This new economic freedom will not be driven by the people or market forces. The Cuban State will manage capitalism for the people’s benefit. In my opinion her views are idealistic and fail to address their inherent contradictions. For some reason she denies that Cuba is a communist state that suppresses political freedom.