Cuba+-+New+York+Times+Article

Period 2- Group 1 (Ashley Hamilton) If Castro turned down assistance from the US, then how are the people in Cuba are going to be independent if most of their agricultural supplies are gone? How ill they be able to function they same way that they did before the hurricane?

(Sinead Ulloa) "I didn't see any sullen faces, and when I saw one, I went up to them and talked to them, and it was because they were at the hospital sick or had some problem," Raul Castro said. -Would it be right to say that that is the truth? How are we so sure? If their certain area of which they live in was indeed affected by this catastrophe would they not have signs of grief?

Period 2- Group 3 (Courtney) //Probing Assumptions:// "The country is going through difficult times, and this is a way to help,"...."He said nothing about his opportunity to make a profit on any extra food he produces after paying off the state for the seeds and other farming materials, which is part of the plan". With this quote, I probed the assumptions being made by the author. The author seemed to emphasize the idea that the man would personally benefit from the reconstructive initiative. He points out that the government was embracing this man as "revolutionary", but in reality he is working for his own personal gain. He is implying that he doesnt necessarily have fatih in the government, but in his ability to profit. He could also be implying that the government is adding these initiatives to essentially bribe citizens into believing in the governmnet, as the with the land reform (for the betterment of the entire country), there is a possibility of gaining a profit (for the betterment of the individual). Overall, the author is trying to criticize the man for not mentioning the gain he would be receiving through these initiatives, as he feels that it makes the initiatives less admirable. //Probing Rationale:// What are the inconsistencies of the logic of Alcides Lopez's statement that no cubans will dies of hunger or abandonment? Do you really believe that ALL Cubans will be supported? Does the Cuban government have the faculties to ensure that?

(Emilio) Has the Hurricane done "catastrophic" damage to all of Cuba or just parts of the country?

KRISTINA (PERIOD 1, GROUP 3) - RATIONALE : DID THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS USE THIS "POLITICAL" THEORY TO RESPOND TO SITUATIONS AND ENSURE THE PEOPLE OF CUBA THAT THEY WOULD BE SAFE?

Period 2-Group 2
 * "As Emilio Triana Ordaz, the communist Party secretary in Los Palacios, put it, paraphrasing Fidel Castro: 'The United States didn't cause the hurricane. We know that. But they've been causing damage to our country for 50 years, and it's holding us back."(Pg 2)**

(Kari) //Probing Viewpoint/Perspectives:// __Another way at looking at this is through the view point of the Americans? Would they disagree with Cuba's Statement?__

The Communist party Secretary, Emilio Triana Ordaz, is saying through the quote that the United States has been a detriment to the Cuban nation for many, many years now (50 to be exact).This makes the United States appear to be a bad, selfish nation. If you were to look at this quote through the __American point of view__, would the Americans disagree with Emilio's statement? I think they would by saying that the American government has attempted to aid Cuba in its crises by allowing them to buy building material and relief supplies in their American market. However, the Cubans have rejected.

(Andrea) //Probing Viewpoint/Perspectives:// __Who benefits from this statement?__

Looking at the statement we see that they are not trying to put the blame on the United States but at the same time the author of the article has shown that the United States has repeatedly given their support to help the Cuban nation. Cuban on the other hand refuses to accept their assistance and can be held accountable for the economic dificulties they are facing right now. This statement can be used to benefit the Americans because they can be viewed as the nation would "wanted" to help but couldnt. We can't expect our nation to force assistance on Cuba.

(Shante) //Probing Implications/Consequences// What are the consequences that might come between America's relationship with Cuba through Ordaz' statement?

(Malcolm) //Questioning Viewpoints and Perspectives// “Seven people were killed countrywide in the two storms; a death toll that even Cuba’s critics acknowledge would have been much higher in a country that did not keep detailed lists of every resident on every block.” I’m not sure if the author was praising the Cuban government’s efficiency in keeping track of all its residents, or if he was passing judgment on them, implying that the citizens didn’t have the freedom that Americans have, or that he feels Cubans deserve.

 Period 2- Group 3 James "While same Cubans are grousing about the delay in recieving aid or the small temporary dwellins where they are now forced to live, it is uncertain to what degree Cubans blame Raul Castro." This statement reveals that the Cubans do have some hate for Raul regarding their current living conditions after the storm. I ask "The Cubans seem are assuming Castro had plans for them to live after a storm like Ike however, how could he if he was just put into power?"

Melissa

"These storms have been catastrophic."

Probe Consequences

What are the effects on the community by the storm being catastrophic?

This statement says the storm is known as catastrophic, meaning that the storm harmed Cuba. Since the storm harmed the community, the community has to become more dependent on their government.

Period 2- Group 4 (Bryan) What are the consequences of Cubans escaping the country, especially after a Hurrucane?

Well if you think about it, if the Cubans don't act quick in moving out of Cuba more hurricanes will keep and continuing on attacking Cuba. So more and more people in Cuba will die and that is not a good thing.
 * >>DAVID P<<**

Probe Consequences The community has to act quick or they will all suffer and probably die.

Period 1- Group 4 (Sangay) Probe Rationale (blue) Probe Implication (Red) "Some Cuba experts based in the United States are predicting a spike in the number of Cubans trying to flee the united States as conditions worsen, especially since October is typically when the fiercest storms slam into Cuba ."

Probe Viewpoints (bold) "But Mr. Ordaz **shook his head vigorously  **  when he heard that. **He said his walks through the neighborhoods of Los Palacios**, where most of the homes suffered **some damage**, had given him no cause for concern."

Is it possible that Cuba's government being so proud and confident in its system will be at blame if people go hungry? Evidence: Alcides Lopez, the vice minister of agriculture said, "There have been very serious effects, but i can say no cuban is going to die of hunger..." Jurgen Roth of German Agro action said, "The state has food reserves, but it is in the coming months when people will begin to feel this. You cant feed 11 million people with cabbage." Where are Cubans getting their food and supplies from? - Karla    
 * -Onix (period 1 group 3)**

Can Cuba and the United States Coexist with each other?
 * Vincent (Period 1 Group 1)**

Why did the USA’s first offer to help out Cuba after hurricane Gustav jump from 100,000 dollars to 5 million dollars after being turned down? Is the Cuban government doing what it is supposed to do, in the sense of hurricane releif? Many people know that Hurricane Katrina caused havak in the United States and that there was no good relief program for damaged and affected areas. Why isn't Cuba learning from the united states mistakes and creating a good reief program for its citizens. Especially because it is in a hurricane region.
 * Gabriel Satinoff (Period 2, Group 1)**
 * Mathew(period 2 Group 4)**

