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I watched a couple of interesting shows on Public Television (PBS) last Tuesday night. They commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Back in that October of 1962, I was then 20-yrs-old.
Olga & Vasili Arkhipov…
The PBS show that followed documented the heroism of Vasili Arkhipov, who commanded four nuclear subs on their way to support Cuba at that time. more…
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Just over 16% of the population of the United States is Hispanic. Those of Mexican origin number some 12%, Puerto Ricans 2%, Cubans less than 1%, and the remainder are assorted Caribbeans, and Central and South Americans. (Whites are 64%, and Blacks 13%.)
The Real Cuba...
Within this Spanish-speaking mélange, while similar in language and culture, there are significant variations. Relative to voting, conservative or liberal, one would have to comprehend these differences. more…
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Athelete's Village, FCI Ray Brook, NY
As a remote mountain location near the Canadian border, it was ideal for certain prisoners. Many were Native Americans, perceived by the criminal justice system as wards of the state, along with Washington, DC prisoners at the time, Canadians awaiting completion of their sentence, and a number of other prisoners from around the planet awaiting deportation.
There was also a large group of Cubans and other Hispanics. Actually, quite an ongoing Athelete’s Village representation of the world. Fully 27% of the federal prison population are aliens (mostly Hispanic). more…
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Medina is a Cuban who left his homeland during the Mariel exodus in 1980. Having been in jail in Cuba, while not convicted of any crime, he was put on a boat along with many other “criminals.” He was given an 18 month sentence here on a minor infraction.
When I met Medina working alongside me in UNICOR, he was in his 19th year in federal prison. Not having any family in the US, immigration simply kept him locked up. One of many such prisoners. Medina was long used to dictatorial authority…
He lost no time fending for himself and for his family in Cuba. At UNICOR, with overtime, he easily makes about $300/month. He sends almost all of his money home to Cuba. A Canadian company forwards it for a small fee; the Cuban gov’t takes 10%, which, overall, is a significant income for the state. Medina also maintains several hustles in prison: A “store,” laundry, and room cleaning. more…
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