Restricted freedom of speech in Cuba is tolerable — for those who believe in an ideology whose actions prove its failure, for those who don’t live under such limitations, and for those who reject reality.

Example #1: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau

But then

Example #2: Jill Stein

But then

Example #3: Joy Behar

While on The View 11/28/16

"They have 100% literacy rate there, everybody gets a free education, everybody has top of the line healthcare, so everyone's healthy, pretty good [....] there's an incredible art scene over there."

Then, on The View the next day 11/29/16...

On being able to freely criticize Trump: "-but I have the freedom to say that and if [Trump] is going to stifle my ability to say that, we are in a lot of trouble here."

News of Fidel Castro’s death has been long awaited by the Cuban American community (and Cubans on the island who aren't allowed to express it). Awaited for such a long time, a common sentiment shared by Cuban Americans is wishing their parents and/or grandparents were alive to witness it. The celebrations post Castro's death of hitting pots and pans rhythmically with honking cars, the waving of Cuban and American flags, and loud chants of “LIBERTAD” was a given, but Castro’s mass praise from the media, celebrities, and political figures was not. I’ve read words of admiration of Castro before, so I was not surprised to find praise from at least some. However, I did not expect it in such volumes from the media and social platforms. What I find most amusing, if at all, is that those who praise Castro are those who claim to be full-fledged supporters of democracy.

Castro apologists like to ignore violations of human rights by boasting about the regime’s “accomplishment” of universal healthcare and free education, but fail to realize it is anything but an accomplishment. This ingenious healthcare system they rave about includes medication shortages, hospital rooms that raise concerns hygienically, and a major lack of the resources needed for proper care. For example, the doctors will give you a prescription or are willing to perform surgery; the catch is that the only way to receive it is if you have family in the U.S. who can send the medication or the tools needed, such as syringes, stitches, or even sometimes LIGHT BULBS. These state of the art hospitals and doctors bragged by the regime are only reserved for the elite. I know this because this is the reality many Cuban Americans, including myself, still live since we have family in Cuba.

In reality, these “free” things are paid for by an involuntary submission of freedom and liberty, coupled with continued oppression of free thought. The island, for its inhabitants, is literally a prison where people are not free to leave, think, express their thoughts or LIVE in any sense of the word. I will never understand how one can praise the “achievements” of someone while disregarding the thousands he murdered, tortured, jailed, and oppressed, all of which is the same oppression these supporters speak against.

English translation: "In Cuba education is not free...you pay for it with your life and liberty."

Some truth to disprove common myths of Cuba

For those who think Cuba's healthcare is great:

"In Cuba, medication for hospitalized patients is free, but all outpatient medications have to be paid for out-of-pocket. And all medications (even aspirin) require a prescription. There are also no private pharmacies (except on the black market) so you have to get your Tylenol at a state-run pharmacy. That is, if you can find one."

For those who think Cuba's education is great:

"Nor is it “free.” In fact, those who graduate from college must work for a number of years for the government at a substandard wage of $9 a month. They are in effect slave labor."

For those who think Cuba's art scene is great:

"El Sexto has become a prominent target of the Cuban regime because his graffiti art is one of the elite’s most feared methods of protest as it exposes their true nature."

The truth is out there, yet many who glorify Castro choose to ignore or simply don't care to do the research. Although it is true, if you have never lived under such oppression or have family directly affected by it, one wouldn't have a true understanding first hand. However, it is common knowledge that Castro was a dictator, murderer, and violently oppressed the people of Cuba. It isn't about having an open mind — but rather accepting actions over ideology while also at least having some regard towards human rights and life.

I'll end this with one of my favorite quotes by Cuba's legendary poet José Martí, "Ignorance kills the people, so it is necessary to kill ignorance."