December 10, 2004
In your face, fidel. (Updated)
From Reuters:
Cars drive past the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana with its front yard adorned with Christmas decoration, December 7, 2004. Since the legalization of Christmas festivities by the (f)idel (c)astro administration following Pope John Paul II's visit here in 1997, nearly 30 years since Castro outlawed them, one of the most public Christmas displays can always be found in front of the U.S. mission, just across from the Jose Marti Anti-Imperialist Tribune, a square where the government organizes the largest anti-American protests. PICTURE TAKEN DECEMBER 7 REUTERS/Claudia Daut
Jingle f*cking bells, fidel. Jingle f*cking bells.
UPDATE: Katie sent me a link that just gave me goosebumps. I absolutely love this:
From the CANF site:
In an unprecedented act, the United States Interest Section in Havana has constructed an immense billboard in lights with the number "75" in solidarity with the 75 political prisoners who were arrested and unjustly condemned in April of last year.Once again Mr. James Cason and the United States government demonstrate their commitment to Cuba's dissidents.
Next Sunday December 12th will be the inaugural celebration for all journalists and children of Cuba's opposition leaders
The adornment has an immense Santa Claus sleigh and thousands of colorful lights as well as an impressive Christmas tree.
WAY TO GO, JAMES CASON!!!!
UPDATE: Apparently, it bothers fidel that the US Interests Section has the cojones to show a little solidarity with Cuba's prisoner's of conscience.
Posted by Val Prieto at December 10, 2004 12:43 PM
Comments
There has never been a Santa Claus in Cuba. The Reyes are "Melchol, Gaspar and Vastasar, and besides to get a toy in Christmas every family gets a day to go to the store and a number, then you have to make the line of the store, and then you only have the option to have 3 toys (el basico, el no basico y el dirigido) they are divide in sections. The basico is the big today(if there is any, (bicicle, a truck, a doll etc) el no basico ( are board games) and el dirigido are some (palitos chinos, a ball etc)Some families dont have money to buy any toys , and some kids dont get toys neither.
Posted by: yamy at December 10, 2004 01:46 PM
What a sweet display! I had NO IDEA the US government could be so spirited and righteous. For once, I am grateful for our message-sending mission in Havana. They did a good job and stuck up for the right thing against all protocol against a thug regime with no redeeming value whatsoever!
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at December 11, 2004 12:14 AM
I hope the ACLU doesn't see this...
Posted by: Patrick at December 11, 2004 03:06 AM