A woman, the owner of a recently opened snack bar, responds to the inquisitive questions of a reporter about her use of the public space. In the evening, her statements along with many others will be broadcast in an extensive television report about the invasion of common areas by the new private businesses. A very controversial topic. On one side are those spending their own money to build a counter, or to enlarge it to serve more customers, and along comes a demolition order for having extended into areas that don't belong to them. On the other side, we encounter many passageways which, like certain entryways and walkways, are giving up space to the advance of construction extending from inside the houses. But it is notable that the penalization of this urban encroachment is not applied to everyone with the same severity. The state seems to have a free right-of-way -- literally -- to invade spaces, pushing pedestrians out into the streets, or constructing the greatest atrocities without any accountability to the people who live there.
In the neighborhood where I live, for example, a hotel covering an entire block rose at an incredible pace. Initially it was planned as a shelter for the patients of what is called Operation Miracle, but for about a year, responding to the laws of supply and demand, it has opened its doors to the public. This institution -- without the consent of a single neighbor -- stole a part of the sidewalk of Hidalgo Street. Where before there was room for us to walk by free from the danger of cars, the enormous building now has its truck loading area, an ugly ramp where there are never any vehicles unloading goods.
The damage appears to be irreversible in this case, because unlike the improvised constructions of individuals, here we're talking about a mass of concrete which no one could cut a piece out of. People on foot, many of whom come out of the market and who used to walk along a sidewalk protected by curbs, feel like it's not even worth it to complain. "It belongs to the State and you already know..." they tell me when I try to call for volunteers to protest. And the saddest thing is, they're right. Not even the incisive reporter who criticizes the expansion of certain private businesses on prime time news, will prepare a story about this piece of the city they have taken from us.
Yoani's blog, Generation Y, can be read here in English translation.
Translating Cuba is a new compilation blog with Yoani and other Cuban bloggers in English.
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People without insurance are attended in any hospital acute service..... for not acute condition you can visit one of the several FREE Clinique and medical centers in USA:
http://www.freemedicalcamps.com/vcamp.php?cityid=54
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga-gcUoFwsA
Documentary that exposes the current Cuban reality.
"When I was young I was fascinated by the myth of the Cuban revolution, but being now in Cuba and saw another face reality. They are people of great valor and courage despite the fact that Cubans are imprisoned in their own home. I knew it was a project dangerous but it was my story, real and proper, that I should continue it "
Pierantonio Maria Micciarelli
The Process of Eminent Domain
The legal process of eminent domain is called condemnation, and it varies by state -- but the basic steps are similar. Once the local government decides that it needs a parcel of land or a building, it contacts the owner to negotiate a selling price. At this point there are three different paths the process can take:
If the property owner agrees with the sale and price, then the government issues payment and the landowner gives up the deed. This is the simple route and usually the road less traveled.
Many times the property owner doesn't agree with the sale price. In this situation, the two parties proceed to a hearing where "fair value" is established. Attorneys and appraisers are involved, and the property owner can request that a jury make the decision.
Sometimes the property owner refuses sale entirely. When this happens, the government files a court action and posts public notice of the hearing. In the hearing, the government must prove that it tried to negotiate the sale and that the takeover is for public use. If the government wins, an appraiser establishes fair market value and the property owner is paid and evicted. Both sides are allowed to appeal the decision.
CLICK LINK FOR ENTIRE ARTICLE!
http://money.howstuffworks.com/eminent-domain1.htm
Given this blogger lack of candor about the process, I have some doubts about her version of events too.
Power(tools) to the people?