QUOTE(Dr Mike from Ottawa Canada @ Jan 1 2008, 02:28 PM)
Cuba , and most Caribbean nations are in fact poorer than we are in North America. But I could likely find some homeless people within a few minutes drive of where I live. And this is true of all North American cities. In Cuba the people do not enjoy many of the liberties I have seen in other countries. But there are no homeless people, the kids who need glasses all have them. The same is not true for many in countries I have visited.
I don't know enough to comment on the availability (or not) of state issued glasses, but I will offer a theory regarding America's homeless.
Prior to the 1960's our state and local governments provided mentally challenged individuals housing with professional treatment. They were called "mental institutions" and/or "insane asylums". People that were declared legally unable to care for themselves due to a mental or physical condition were routinely institutionalized.
At some point American society with the support of the courts determined that it cruel and inhumane to force people unable to provide for themselves into these terrible institutions. So, when nobody else is willing to help, or the challenged individuals do not want help, Americas' streets have become their home, and we label them "homeless".
I have not been to Cuba, however I remember around 25 years ago when Castro released his criminals and mentally deficient people out of jail and institutions and sent them in overcrowded boats to enter America as political escapees.
I believe that Cuba still houses their criminals and mentally challenged in squalid jails and disgusting state run asylums. As Cuban institutional residents it's likely they receive free aspirin when they feel ill. And maybe even state ordered lobotomies and free electric-shock therapy when warranted.
On your next visit to Cuba please visit a Cuban asylum or jail and meet the people that in America would likely be wandering the streets homeless.
