1986Uno45S said:
However, in most cases it didn't work, and the leaders were greedy dictators who lived the high life while the everyone else suffered.
And hence this is not Communism, regardless of the fact this name is generally tacked to the movement in order to get the people mobilised. It's interesting to note most 'Communist' dictators are from wealthy, privileged backgrounds and either had a sadistic streak (Mao) or were sick of American Imperialism destroying their countries (Castro).
1986Uno45S said:
I think now there are only three communist countries in the world - China, Cuba and North Korea.
There are a few more, most notably Vietnam. Vietnam is an example of the success of Communism when based around a largely peasent economy - despite this assumption of the country being full of peasent farmers, the Vietnamese have an ability to fight for their beleifs; just ask the Americans
Cuba is also a reasonable success, but since it's partners in the old USSR rejected Communism it has struggled for trade to export it's sugar cane. However, Cuba has a good income base around toursim, which has been well managed by the state and is one of the reasons Cuba has the best Healthcare in the world, and it's free to all Cubans
There is an assumption that once Fidel Castro goes, Cuba will become 'democratic', however, throughout the revolution it's clear to note that his brother (Raul) was far more of a Communist idealist (Fidel was more Socialist), with Raul and Ernesto 'Che' Guevara lobbying Fidel to make the revolution a Communist one. Raul is next in line for the power-seat. Whatever, the impression, Cuban Communism success is attributable to the leadership not having a decodent lifestyle; the same goes for Vietnam.
I have 'Che' Guevarais Biography (A Revolutionary Life) and it is most fascinating, but to put some concept to the reality for many Cubans it is also worth reading a book called 'Waiting For Snow in Havana' (the author's name I can't remember) which gives the viewpoint of the Communist revolution from a child in a wealthy family. I am currently reading the Biogrophy of 'Mao', which is truly fascinating.