And women are respected for their social contribution as members of the work force. Overcoming racial inequality was one of the new society's first priorities, and popular prejudice and institutional discrimination are refreshingly absent. Young people are esteemed as the next generation carrying the responsibility to advance humanity. Services of all types focus on providing them with clothing, food, education, sports opportunities, and much more. And Cubans honour their elders.
Seniors are well-cared for, and no one's grandmother ends up a bag lady.
Castro looks to the future. But no revolution is an island. Cuba's gains are gravely threatened by the loss of the Soviet Union as an essential trading partner and by the decades-long U.S. blockade. In a speech on New Year's Day, Castro identified the globalization of politics and economy as a crucial issue not just for Cuba, but for every nation. Millions of Cubans watched the broadcast of Castro's address, transfixed, as I was also.