Babalu Blog

I read that last line as a call by Dr. Gonzalez not to accept half-measures. I can understand his feeling on the matter. He wants full democracy and human rights now. I can see why a man in Castro's prison would feel that way.

I don't know the answer myself. Does limited engagement, and a carrot and stick approach toward gradually bringing in more freedom a good idea? Or is demading nothing less than full freedom the real answer?

I suspect that the gradual approach is the one we will persue, since we have no stomach for forcing Castro from power.

"DO NOT SUPPORT OR PROPOSE A SINGLE SOLUTION OR SETTLEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE CUBAN NATION WHICH YOU WOULD NOT DEEM ACCEPTABLE FOR YOUR OWN COUNTRY."

I may be wrong, but I interpret this line as don't bother doing anything half-heartedly, that won't really resolve the issue with/in Cuba, do as you would do if it were the US at stake.

Thats my point. Do "what" halfhearted? Is he basically tell the US to topple Castro? Or is he telling the US to remove the embargo?
I dont know.

He doesn't say specifically, he says "DO NOT SUPPORT OR PROPOSE A SINGLE SOLUTION.." I guess he means, whatever you decide to do, whether remove the embargo, or attack Castro, or whatever, do it with as much fire and drive as if you were doing it for the US.
I think...

Val, the letter you wrote regarding your Dad, I believe it was your Dad touched me deeply. I have thought about Cuba for many years as I am in my 50's.

Dean & Amanda bring up the questions I have and then you ask, do we topple Castro or lift the embargo. Not to long ago Barbara Walters interviewed Castro & I felt nothing but cold chills as he smiled and told his story of the cuban missle crisis.

Not long ago in a blog I read of a young boy that wanted an american dollar bill, and we find out it was Fidel Castro.

Since there is so much turmoil in Iraq and North Korea, I am afraid this cause will not get the attention it well deserves Val. Dr. Gonzales has a web address and we can write to him there and ask him to clarify his dream.

I am with you and wanted you to know.

Janelle

It is time for Cubans to emulate Santa Claus and make a list, check it twice, name names that are naughty or nice. A public roll of the people who have helped Castro hold down the people from the freedoms all people deserve. The gauleteers who help to squash opposition or criticism, the finks who turn in their neighbors to curry favor or to steal their rations or property, and the teachers who go beyond pedagogy and recruit for the Party.
Let them know that, for the Cuban people, Christmas is coming and Fidel's Fools will be geting a lump of coal in their stocking.

Walter,

What you are suggesting already happened in Cuba when Castro took power. Thousands of "Batistianos" were immediately rounded up, encarcerated and killed. Unfortunately, there is some validity to your statement, I think that those that have been oppressed for 40 plus years will probably be looking for revenge once Castro is done for.

Val, I believe the Dr. may have been referring to the Varela Project when he speaks of half measures...just a hunch. --scott

Scott,

I think you are right. I must say that at this point, such a strongly worded letter, with which I agree as I said before, unfortunately may only serve to confuse the Cuban people further. On the island, the Varela Project is very well known, and for most Cubans, it seems a like something to follow as a possible way out of tyranny. Now, to have Biscet, who is very well known also, state in no uncertain terms that they should accept no half-measures, will put the Cuban people in a quandary. Which way to go?

Yes, which way indeed. I'd suggest that the Varela project be supported while simultaneously seeking a wider range of reforms. Fact of the matter is, the regime isn't going to budge an inch. But the efforts deliniate the passionate from the passive, the collaborators from those who seek freedom. Not that all those who refuse to participate in the signature drive are necessary guilty of anything...but those who empower the regime, participate in round-ups, report on their neighbors, etc.. need to be held accountable in the future. After the mass detentions of librarians, the Varela project seems to be the only thing left to rally around.

--s

Jost don't let the Castroites pull a Danny Ortega and accept the new order only if they are allowed to retain their confiscated loot.