What Will The New Cuba Be Like?

Assuming that Fidel Castro is out of the picture for a prolonged or even indefinite period of time, it is inevitable that Cuba will change, but the question is: How? Will it be a change for the better or a change for the worse in Cuba. Many cubans are probably afraid of going in the direction of setting up a democracy because they fear the price of fighting against those who would claim power for themselves. Others fear the increase in dictatorship control over the lives of Cubans. Both of these are valid fears.

I'm sure many people will be watching what happens in Cuba very closely over the next few months. Cubans, Americans, Communist leaders, other leaders like Blair and Bush are already keeping a close eye on the tiny country as well giving their own suggestions for what they think should happen. Our own President Bush said recently:

"I urge the Cuban people to work for democratic change on the island. We will support you in your effort to build a transitional government in Cuba committed to democracy, and we will take note of those, in the current Cuban regime, who obstruct your desire for a free Cuba,"

That seems a little bold but still a little on the shy side if he wants to encourage Cubans to be bold and take risks and stand up for democracy. I think we need to do better than this.