As much as I admire the “Ladies in White” for their fearless and constant dedication -in trying to obtain the release of their loved ones from prison- I don’t consider them to be members of the opposition or of the dissidence.

In their own words the “Ladies in White” have stated that they ARE NOT politically motivated nor do they have any ideological preferences. It wasn’t until they received a lot of criticism from the opposition inside Cuba (due to their selectivism when it came to the release of ONLY their loved ones,) that they’ve also included in “their demands” the release of ALL political prisoners.

I wasn’t the least bit surprised when Miriam Leiva and her fellow “Women in White” “applauded Barack Obama on his stance to talk to raul castro unconditionally” because ALL they want and hope is “that his policies may help free their husbands and sons.” Let’s not forget that her husband, Oscar Espinosa Chepe, made the following statement when Cuban-Americans in Miami were planning a celebration on fifo’s death: “Castro is an elderly person who has ruled Cuba nearly 50 years, and even if he is leaving behind a very sad legacy, he will always leave behind a sentimental thing of respect among many people. Don't forget that a majority of the population at one time in history saw Fidel Castro as a god, even if he has lost much of his former popularity.” As far as I’m concerned both Chepe and Leiva have a big red stripe down their backs. Which I might add it’s why members of the opposition such as Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello and others have not joined them during their Sunday walks or offered their support.

I wonder… Did Miriam Leiva (Chepe) and the “Ladies in White” write a letter to President Bush thanking him for taking a stance in the defense of Cuba’s freedom, and for bringing to light the plight of Cuban prisoners of conscience on May 21 of this year? Think not.

Firefly,

In fairness to las damas, the letter you are referring to was penned by Leiva and was a separate letter than one the group sent as a whole. Robert did a post about this at 26th parallel.

Ouch! Leiva's quote has to hurt those who jumped in praise of her anti-sanctions letter to Obama.

Excellent point.