Parallel Universe
(blog by Stan) Moving back and forth between superpower U.S. and struggling Cuba is sometimes jarring in terms of the differences, but other times it feels like we're traveling through a wormhole into a parallel universe, with striking similarities. On both sides of the divide there is anxious commentary about the impending collapse of the societal foundation, with U.S. authorities and security apparatus focused on January 6 with the intent of prosecuting anyone who had a hand (or a voice) in promoting insurrection, and Cuban authorities and security apparatus focused on July 11, with the intent of prosecuting anyone who had a hand (or voice) in promoting insurrection. This week I received a link from a Cuban friend who wanted me to know about a pastor recently arrested and detained for a few hours, presumably for suspicion of seditious behavior. He was released and put under house arrest. Many friends are complaining about the encroachment on human rights, the lack of freedom of