Nestor, thank you for those links. Interesting reading. As far as your previous quote is concerned.."Communism would work if the system is free of corruption or outside influences." -that saying goes for democracy as well. As a Cuban American, I have first hand view of what Castro's government did to my family. Whether your opinion on communism is favorable or not is not an issue. It would be great if everyone could be treated equally and paid equally. I'm pretty certain that America is not entirely at fault for Cuba's poverty. Does Castro have the power to improve socio-economic conditions in cuba? I think not. If he does, then he's a brutal dictator. If he doesn't, then it was a bad move on his part to alienate Cuba from the rest of the world. I think that Castro's fundamental government policies are genuine. He's not out to "conquer" or abuse power in any which way. His dislike for America and capitalism is rooted deep in his ideas and for the most part, I respect and admire him. Why? Because stood up against the super power- America- and won. But I don't want those values thrown upon my family. They were forced to leave behind everything. They worked hard for their money, houses and land...but it was all taken away. Castro did that, not America. If that's not corruption of government then I don't know what is. -iliana