Reply #111: those "dissidents" took funds and support from the US?

[nodehopper]

and that doesn't strike you as possibly, just possibly, Cuban propaganda?

Or do you mean people whose relatives immigrated and in the later years sent money back to support their families who were living in poverty? I suppose that deserves imprisonment? If getting financial aid and presents from your family is against a country's progress AND punishable by imprisonment, that doesn't strike you as...problematic?

I don't know what you have been reading, but I really strongly suggest that you read "Before Night Fall" by R. Arenas. Among other things it is an incredible, beautifully-written book. And it has a lot of interesting things to say about Cuba and the daily life in Cuba, I would think as someone seemingly interested in Cuba you would find it at least interesting.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140157654/qid=1135182919/sr=8-10/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-4318404-8844756?n=507846&s=books&v=glance