From Rags to Riches

“Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.”

NICHOLAS M. BUTLER
AMERICAN PHILOSOPHER
(1862-1947)

Recent headlines have revolved heavily around the “official” stepping down of oft-controversial Cuban leader, Fidel Castro. During his near 50 years of rule, the impoverished people of the Caribbean nation have felt the strain of a closed economy. But, with just a couple of weeks under their belts, the new regime, led by Castro’s brother Raúl, has already signed into law two international human-rights treaties (both of which were long-opposed by the elder Castro).