Really — an honorary degree for Fidel Castro?

Posted on Thursday, 11.08.12
MEXICO

Really — an honorary degree for Fidel Castro?
BY FELIPE TRIGOS
ft@visionamericas.com

Last week, the Autonomous University of Morelos in Mexico awarded the
title Doctor Honoris Causa to Fidel Castro for "his contributions to
agriculture, education and culture". It is shameful that a university in
a democratic country would award such a title to a dictator. Especially
for these alleged contributions.

Lets discuss the "achievements" of Castro and his contributions to the
island in regards to agriculture, culture and education.

Perhaps the university ignores that under the Castro regime, culture,
education and agriculture have been seriously affected by his
government. In kolkhoz (Soviet-style farms), the state has total control
over production. This by itself destroys any possibility that the
farmers may have to achieve growth.

When it comes to improvements in terms of agriculture, Cuba is the last
country to be seen as successful in the field. The university may ignore
that Cuban agriculture covers only 20 percent of the needs of the
population; forcing the government to import products and spend billions
of dollars to feed its people.

It is a misconception that the U.S. embargo is to blame for this
situation and for the economic stagnation in Cuba. Moreover, it is
noteworthy that in its history Cuba was never able to supply the food
needs of the people with its agricultural production.

It is ironic then that Castro is rewarded for the agricultural collapse
in Cuba. If we focus on culture, the situation is no different.

Cuba was a country that had great exponents of popular music. Currently,
foreigners are looking to find and promote what remains of this
community. The restrictions in terms of freedom of speech and press
limit the tools that artists and intellectuals need to perform as such.

Teachers and students of the university awarding this degree would not
have the freedom to express what they think and give awards to people
who share a political ideology that is opposed to the government that
rules them. The Autonomous University of Morelos has every right to
award the prize. It is not entitled, however, to ignore the reality of a
country that suffers daily under one of the most authoritarian regimes
in the history of the region and that is increasingly less educated and
less prosperous.

Cuba and its protectionism limit any student's opportunity to increase
their knowledge. While the country has a very low illiteracy rate,
intermediate and advanced level education in Cuba cannot succeed because
of its lack of technology and openness to ideas that clash with the
regime's authoritarian ideology.

When has a modern university prospered without the freedom of ideas,
thought, and access to technology that allows its researchers to reach
new horizons in terms of education?

How can this title be given to one of the most harmful dictators in the
history of the region?

The Autonomous University of Morelos perhaps still believes in the
utopian ideal of communism that sells equality and forgets about the
suffering to which the Cuban people have been subjected since Castro
came to power.

This university, which bears the motto "For a cultured humanity" seems
to lack humanity and culture by rewarding an authoritarian demagogue who
has treated the people of Cuba with anything but humanity.

Mexico and all Latin American universities must move beyond talking
about the romantic idea of a free and prosperous Cuba. The Cuban people
have lived without freedom, without the opportunity to thrive, and have
been held hostage by an ideology that promotes the interests of the
ruling autocracy.

The universities in the region, beyond awarding prizes to those who do
not deserve them, should promote the restoration of democracy, the
defense of freedom of expression, and defend those who are incarcerated
for defending these rights. No country or people can live without these
freedoms and be independent in terms of economics, education, politics
and prosperity.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Felipe Trigos is an analyst for the firm
Vision Americas LLC in Washington, D.C.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/08/3088374/really-an-honorary-degree-for.html