It’s tricky for me: I spent a lot of time in Nicaragua in during my most idealistic youth, and I PASSIONATELY supported the FSLN’s return to power after decades+ of US-backed rule… and then Ortega promptly became a despot himself. I’m wary of making excuses for any authoritarian.
That's completely reasonable and I honestly think Castro bears tons of responsibility for his government. I just also think that any other leader would have faced immense pressure to impose security measures in that climate It is tricky. US domination doesn't excuse, but may explain, others' acts
I agree with that! But then it all goes back to Ed’s point: we just don’t know. I love having these kinds of conversations—it’s so fun to speculate—but in my experience, anyone who is fully confident that state-level Communism either does or does not work is cherry-picking to support their biases.
It is not particularly clear from the way I am talking about this, but I am, like, pretty far-left for the record! Most of my criticisms of any political or economic system come from trying to figure out if or how they could be improved.