Just as well funded and powerful as the military? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/socrazy.gif" alt="" /> Will it be a neighbor reports neighbor kind of thing? How about a littel explaining here. OT, Idigit planning to enlist?
This is probably the most frightening thing I've heard from the man's mouth yet.
Cuba, anyone? The CDR? A file kept on each resident - report any counter-revolutionary activity.
The ultimate in "community organinzing"! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) are voluntary non-governmental organizations that finance their own activities through annual dues paid by their members. From a North American perspective, they are similar to a combination of a block watch committee, community center and neighborhood enhancement project. (editor's note: <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" />)
Founded on September 28, 1960, with 122,000 chapters and eight million members, they constitute the largest mass organization in Cuba. They arose out of the need to unite the people in defense of the Revolution from hostile actions by the U.S.
They exist in every neighborhood across the island, comprising some 50-100 families, encompassing a block or two. Neighbors get together and form a committee and democratically elect its directors at regular monthly meetings. Anyone can raise anything at a CDR meeting – and they do!( <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" />) It is one of the responsibilities of each CDR chairperson to convey worries and concerns raised at each meeting to his or her representative in the legislative assembly (Peoples Power) <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />, thus the government is incredibly sensitive to the thoughts and needs of the people. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Most CDR meetings are extremely lively and are conducted with good humor. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> CDRs are noted for running huge parties, fiestas, and the like several times a year, with dancing in the streets and each household bringing items of food.
Today they serve important tasks like organizing blood donations, immunization campaigns, spearheading neighborhood cleanup and beautification, collection of recyclable materials and environmental protection. All of this is done with the aim of protecting citizenry, property and community improvement. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
More recently, the difficult economic situation brought about the need for the creation of collective gardens for the cultivation of food and medicinal plants, as well as aquaculture.
CDRs also host local forums for neighbors to discuss and debate new laws or any important issue or event. They carry out cultural, sports and recreational activities for children and reinforce the relationship between the schools and the community, provide sex education, social matters and children's education.
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
