ABSTRACT
Topic: An Unassuming
Revelation: Cuba’s Social Policy towards the AIDS Epidemic
Authors: Michael Christie,
Ph.D. Department of Engineering and Computing, FIU, Miami, FL
Leroy A. Binns, Ph.D. The
Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Studies, The
Union Institute, Cincinnati,
OH
The thrust of the discussion
is nestled in Cuba’s complimentary approach to the treatment of the HIV/AIDS
virus.
In a comprehensive and
comparative fashion the contents therein give credence to a developing nation
that demonstrates expedience and emphasizes a history of continuity with
remarkable results. The composition specifically assigns credit to two tenants
namely the National Commission on AIDS and the sanatoria for curtailing the
deadly disease on the island. In spite of controversy surrounding the latter
the document details its significance in administration and education and lays
the foundation for ambulatory service and special training.
Underlying the report is a
journey that enlightens the reader to a process rich in application and outcome
during a period in which the plague has transformed the Caribbean and Latin
America community. Meanwhile it also speaks to a collaborative effort inclusive
of government, medical agencies, laboratories and the public towards a common
good.
The country nonetheless is
not without its shortcomings and therefore monetary constraints and matters of
confidentiality and discrimination are pivotal to the presentation. In fact an
elaborative characterization accentuates a 50 year old commercial interdiction
and bioethical interpretations as deterrents. Whereas the first contributes to
an inability of the exchange of goods, services and information the other is
arguably at the core of a debate on affordability and accessibility.
Against all likelihood a
contrasting analysis of regional states inclusive of America aided with the
utilization of charts and graphs documents Cuba’s astonishing success in
restricting HIV/AIDS. The Cuban model as described is an exemplary work in
progress but likewise the fulfillment of a socialist philosophy towards
humanity.
Name of Conference: Ethical
Issues in Biomedical Engineering
Topic Area of Interest:
Abstract
US Foreign Policy: A
Declaration of Inconsistency
Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.
An expose of two realities
conveys similarities and vast distinctions - the latter uniquely identified by
controversies surrounding the application of US foreign policy towards Vietnam
and Cuba.
On display is an illustration
of variation in treatment awarded by Washington to the recipients
aforementioned. Albeit both entities suffered a comparable lot originating from
adherence to a conflicting ideology Hanoi’s 19 year ordeal ended with the
restoration of diplomatic relations with the White House. To the contrary Cuba
with an equivalent system of government remains a pariah.
A descriptive analysis
utilizing excerpts, figures and projections document commercial success and the
lack thereof. In short an examination of a growing trading and investment
partnership between the United States and Vietnam unveils prosperity visible in
the form of expansion and returns. Further the essay articulates the importance
of America’s endorsement of Vietnam’s membership to the WTO as such privileged
association increases possibilities and advances favorable speculations.
The discourse nonetheless
follows a path of disintegration as Cuba receives microscopic consideration.
While embracing the socialist leadership in Vietnam it outlines Cuban
seclusion.
Within the context of a
global economy the discussion chronicles Washington’s archaic interpretation of
Cuba and the severe consequences of such assessment. In essence restrictions to
commercial activities with lineage to a 46 year old trade embargo add a
perplexing dimension to the account - a disregard for moral and fiscal
prudence.
With the inclusion of
citations echoing American public support for congeniality accompanied by the
academic and business community’s assumptions of lofty benefits from exchanges
with Cuba the article questions the pertinence of a strategy lacking
effectiveness. Moreover in light of comradeship with Vietnam the presentation also
suggest overt prejudicial behavior in need of expeditious attention.
In accordance with the
concept of democracy a proposal inspires a constructive engagement of
government, professional and educational sectors to overcome this impasse and
stimulate an evolution.
Abstract
The Post Cold War Syndrome
Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.
In 1991 the world seemingly
breathe a sigh of relief as the cold war finally came to an abrupt end. On
December 25th 1991 the president of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics Mikhail S. Gorbachev formally announced his resignation thus
terminating the status of the superpower to the East and possibly the ideology
commonly known as communism.
For many political observers
the stakes were high with regards to global stability. The shackles that had
politically and economically crippled Eastern Europe and its satellite states
causing devastation and unrest had now vanished and hope for democracy and free
market economics sprang eternal.
America gained and coveted
title of world protectorate yet the task at hand has proven itself to be beyond
her wildest expectations Cultural differences and political turmoil aided in
the creation of hot spots on the continents of Africa and Europe which have
given unmatched meaning to military adventurism.
It will become obvious by
disclosure that the circumstances surrounding the demise in Somalia, Burundi,
Rwanda, Chechnya and the former Yugoslavia are often times unrelated
nonetheless collectively they portray the emergence of a new catastrophic rea
void of solutions.
The countries’ conflicts
depict ethnic cleansing of epic proportions, the massive destruction of
commercial centers and rural districts and most unfortunately the starvation,
torture and deaths of scores of their inhabitants. These tragic occurrences
have accented indifference or an inability on the part of the United States of
America to preempt the continuation of human destruction. Moreover it has
clearly defined reluctance on the part of Western Europe, Russia, the United
Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to resolve crises
independent of US leadership.
Somalia is an illustration
worthy of recognition. This sub-Saharan African state amidst anarchy failed to
receive substantial assistance from the US, and the UN until world scrutiny
became overbearing. To make matters worse the former’s relentless search for
the previous head of state and faction leader Said Barre overshadowed the
reconstruction of the Mogadishu government while the latter procrastinated to
provide humanitarian aid hence resulting in the unthinkable.
Despite vivid revelations of
recent disaster in Somali, Burundi and Rwanda suffered a similar fate. The US
and the UN were not forthcoming with assistance. In fact Washington refused to
engage the warring Tutsis and Hutus in the interest of peace and prosperity
instead she grudgingly chose to operate under the auspices of a hesitant UN in
supplying armory for peace keeping efforts. Both were also highly criticized
for lethargic executions to nutritional and medical concerns.
In contrast to the above
mentioned states, Chechnya which is geographically located within the borders
of the Russian republic is comprised of the most homogeneous settlement. Nonetheless
both distinctions have contributed to generic elements associated with
political autonomy.
An attempt to procure
independence from Moscow has tested president Yeltsin’s political intentions,
most notably his unaccommodating approach to opposition. The national
government’s resolution, the deployment of its army which consequentially
climaxed into a major irreversible conflagration accentuates a lame Russia
lacking the aptitude to resolve domestic disputes by diplomatic means.
The ongoing debacle in the
former Yugoslavia may best serve as the archetype of failure within the
international community. America’s premature acceptance of the newly created
states of Serbia and Croatia, her hesitance to challenge the Bosnian Serbs and
her imposition of an arms embargo against the Muslim minority in Bosnia have
been contributing factors in the malaise. Equally as destructive is Russia’s
unwavering support for the Serbs and Western Europe’s, the United Nation’s and
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s indecisiveness to halt atrocities
faced by mankind.
In short, this composition is
intended to question the assumption being presented by the academic community
with respect to successful world leadership.
Abstract
US Policy in Grenada and its
Implications for Cuba
Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.
Contrary to optimism and a
political school of thought expressed by many social scientists in favor of a
post socialist era in Cuba, it is the author’s contention that the substitution
of communism with western democracy in Cuba could result in political and
economic pandemonium akin to that experienced in Grenada.
In an attempt to support such
hypothesis a comparative analysis accents pre and post revolutionary Grenada.
The article notes the need for political transformation that aided in the
removal of a corrupt Eric Gairy establishment and gave rise to its replacement,
the Bishop regime. Information that later unfolds defines the philosophy and
successful agenda of the New Jewel Movement which was in contradiction to US
designs for the tiny island. Further US fabrication, continued resistance and
infiltration of Grenada due to her leftist persuasion by the likes of the
Soviet Union and Cuba all took its toll on a youthful government and are also
integral components in the equation.
This essay evaluates the
aftermath in US/Grenadian relations subsequent to the US staged invasion of
Grenada and arrives at the conclusion that the political and economic climate
had deteriorated considerably throughout the mid and late 1980s. A cogent
illustration magnifies the perception that Washington’s abandonment of
substantial investment to the island displays deception. Meanwhile a
combination of foreign inaction and the local political parties’ inability to
create the necessary mechanisms to enhance national growth resulted in a period
of bedlam.
Given the sequence of events
and America’s imperialistic objectives the composition subscribes to the theory
that US/Cuban relations parallel US/Grenadian relations at various times during
the 20th century. Case in point is America’s attitude towards both
countries when under the tutelage of alleged democratic personalities. Although
questionable, the US sought to maintain a congenial relationship with the
states under scrutiny through diplomatic and financial channels. However transitions
were faced with propaganda and isolation. Grenada faced isolation following the
extinction of Gairy while Cuba suffered an identical fate with the expulsion of
Batista.
Other conspicuous
characteristics do abound and are collaborating themes associated with this
thesis. Grenada’s ties to the United States prior and subsequent to the
revolution paints a picture of unequal partners of which the latter stands to
benefit at the former’s expense. The same can be said with regard to Cuba
during the Batista era. In essence both countries have experienced restrictions
and on several occasions fiscal endorsements from Washington under the pretext
of infrastructure, industrial and human development in an effort to attract the
flight of foreign capital.
In short Grenada albeit
disadvantaged by size and resource in comparison to her Spanish neighbor
provides insights into a post communist Cuba. The island’s historical and
political likeness to Cuba which includes unfortunate circumstances resulting
from consistent and disingenuous American foreign policy is critical for
examination.
