Larry, on the propaganda, probably so, but propaganda also blinds us from learning from other nations. Canadians think they have the best health system in the world, as most Americans may think of theirs. A distinguished panel appointed by our prime minister has revealed how we're being misled on Afghanistan. Canada could learn from Scandinavians, among the world's most productive economies who are working hard to limit poverty.

Other countries do better than Canada with environment and development of natural resources.On any terms, however, what Cuba has done in social reform over 50 years is remarkable. I was there at the time of the revolution, from one end to the other, in the Sierra Maestra, later at the Bay of Pigs one week before the invasion, interviewed Castro a couple times. He did what he told me he was going to do. Remarkable for a politician.