<html> At 05:14 AM 07/12/2002 -0400, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite cite>The myth of socialism in such countries still has a powerful grip on the intellectual imagination of the West. This is unfortunate because it helps to block the revolutionary project. There are those among us, the Proyects and the Joneses and other luminaries of the Leninist left, who will still argue that Cuba represents the future. Imagine the pathos when the true state of affairs finally dawns.</blockquote> Where else in Latin America would a normal citizen be guaranteed a good education and  health care? That is important. Not only that, but I am convinced that if there is a counter-revolution in Cuba, it will ultimately be defeated. Otherwise,...I completely agree with your criticisms. Romania used to be like that: the dollar economy and the native economy, so I know.  As for basic necessities/commodities...all was relatively well until Romania borrowed $$ and then had to completely redefine its economy as an export-based one. That's when the real poverty/lack of goods started. I tried to go to Cuba and see for myself, but never made it past Mexicana airlines. (My kids have a diff last name than mine, and it turned out I needed written permission from their father to take them out of the country.) Then GW took office and i got scared to go because of the penalties. Joanna</html>