You know I seldom write on political issues. However, it truly bothers me when we act as if the release of some poor folks jailed for simply trying to express their thoughts becomes a political celebratory circus, forgetting many other issues that we should be airing and questioning. We allow the sun to be covered by a well placed thumb and proceed to applaud and wistfully ignore the dirt that is convenient not to show or question.
A few days ago, the Cuban government announced that it would free 52 of 75 people it jailed a couple of years back. This was the result of a joint effort of the Catholic Church leadership in Cuba, the Spanish Government and the Cuban Government. The news was, of course, very well received by many; especially those who still insist in saying that the Cuban government is a democratic government. I personally believe that in freeing these people, the government is revving up the marketing machinery to further its own cause, but also understand that 52 people who were unjustly placed in jail, will now be free.
Interestingly, several of those being freed have stated that they will not accept a forced exile as part of the package (those being freed are being sent to Spain as part of the package deal) because they prefer to stay in the island and continue their cause. It seems that part of the incentive the government has had to free these people, besides public opinion –a concept which carries no weight with this particular group- is to actually reduce the internal resistance and the dissidents’ ranks within the island. As long as they remain there, they will be heard by the people; once they are sent outside, the walls of censorship and control weigh in and their words will not so easily reach those left behind. It is a win-win situation for the Castro regime: good press and a reduction in the ranks of those who dare speak out against their policies and politics.
All is well and good. I believe, however, that there are some basic questions which need to be asked in a loud voice, requiring answers just as loud:
1- Why celebrate the freeing of these people without questioning the government as to the reasons for their captivity in the first place?
2- Why do we not look at the fact that their freedom was first curtailed not for being common criminals, but for simply demanding that the government allow them to freely express their thoughts and their dissatisfaction with governmental policies and politics?
3- What happens to the other 23 or so who remain in jail? There were 75 prisoners, originally taken in at pretty much the same time as part of this group.
4- What happens to many other less celebrated political prisoners, who languish in jail cells fit maybe for the rats and cockroaches which are often their only companions?
5- Why are we so easily derailed from the real issues, with just a little bit of sleigh of hand and well placed propaganda?
I am not sure I have the answers, or that the answers can be given in a conclusive manner. All I know, from first hand accounts, is that life in the island is full of fears and betrayals, often from those within the family of the person being betrayed. Every morning is the beginning of a new daily crusade, just to be able to acquire the very minimal basics in order to survive. And no, this is not due to the “blockade” as some would like to point out. Cuba has continuously traded with many countries around the world (it owes money to pretty much all trade partners, since it usually does not pay its debts), being able to secure goods for their stores and supposedly the consumption of all. However, most of these goods usually end up in stores designed to sell to those tourists who can buy with hard currencies, not usually available to the Cuban citizens.
Some years ago my sister went to visit the island and those of the family (many, I’m afraid) who had had to stay behind. She went to some of these stores in order to buy the children some clothing not available in the regular stores and, when my nephews and cousins tried to go in with her (who went in after showing her US passport), they were not allowed. It seems that, as Cuban citizens, they did not have the same rights of those who came from the outside.
After 51 years, the Castro Brothers have achieved the dubious record of being the longest, continuous same person government in modern history. This ruling “monarchy” has changed the course of a country which was rich in many aspects, including the human aspect and has turned it into a ragged piece of used up land and buildings, populated by a mass of people who follow the “leader”, whether by conviction or obligation. Whenever there may be some courageous exceptions, these people are quickly jailed or beaten into submission.
As all human constructs come and go, this shall also come to pass. I only hope those entrusted with the task to rebuild will be able to, no matter how long it may take, accomplish the rebirth of the best possible country, helping it rise from the ashes. Not just “as good as it used to be” but much, much better physically and much farther down the road to understanding what it means to work together and respect each other’s ideas and dreams.
Be Well!!! Be Back!.
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