July 14, 2008

Must see video - UPDATED

Message to new readers:

The video you are looking for is below. Since we posted this video we are getting a lot of visitors to this web site, many of which may not be familiar with it. Babalu Blog has nothing to do with Santeria. The name was chosen as something that would be easily recognized as having to do with Cuba.

Here at Babalu we post items of interest to Cuban-Americans. We are what you would consider "hard-line" anti-castro writers. If you like the video below and agree with Speaker Rubio, then I suggest you bookmark our home page and make it a part of regular online routine.

Thank you,

Henry Gomez, Managing Editor


* * *

"There is no statute of limitations on freedom" Marco Rubio gets "in your face" to the national press corp standing up for the historic exilio. Bravo Marco!


Thanks to Cubanita.

UPDATE (from Henry):

I've decided to bump this video up to the top since it was posted over the weekend and certainly is a must see. As I said in the comments, if CANF had selected someone like Rubio to lead it instead of Joedilocks it would be in much better shape than today. Watch the video and judge for yourselves.

Posted by Ziva at July 14, 2008 08:36 AM



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Comments

Maybe this guy will turn out ot be what Alex Penelas (remember him?) might have been.

Posted by: asombra [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 04:50 PM

Very well said! Could not agree with him more.

Posted by: Max [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 05:08 PM

great speech!

Posted by: rrrod [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 06:03 PM

Wow! I was not too fond of Marco Rubio but after this speech, I have a new found respect for him.

Posted by: ORGULLOSADESERCUBANA [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 07:07 PM

ORGULLO, you took the word out of my mouth...WOW!

This is the MOST ABSOLUTE ELOQUENT AND TO-THE-POINT Cuba speech I have ever heard presented by anyone.

This guy has to be 'signed-up' for all the 'talking points' speeches on behalf of the CUBA issue. If anyone can top his speaking and 'grab-your-attention' manner that he posses, then I want to know who it is.

Posted by: LaConchita [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 09:19 PM

I agree with LaConchita, this guy has to be signed-up for all the talking point speeches on behalf of Cuba. He's forceful, has incredible personality, diction and covered all of the important points. I love to see him on one of those morning programs where I've seen Cuban Americans bashed unmercilessly by those smug, arrogant commentators. I love to see him tear them to shreds! Thank you Ziva for posting this on Babalublog.

I'm impressed by this Marco Rubio. Made me so proud!

Posted by: Ray [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 10:06 PM

Marco Rubio is the first ever Cuban-American to be the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He's a stand-up Republican and conservative and as you can see in the video he's smart and he knows what he's talking about. If McCain gets elected he could do worse than appointing Rubio to a high position.

Posted by: Henry Louis Gomez [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 10:32 PM

You are welcome Ray, I was stunned to tears by his honest and eloquent speech standing up for his own. I repeat, bravo Marco!

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2008 11:53 PM

Henry,


I had not heard Marco Rubio speech until now as I realize why the MSM hid the best parts of it on purpose.

Now I see why because he would have embarrassed the CANF and Barack Hussein Obama as he would have made them look like shit and appeasers to the Castro’s regime.

I mostly followed Marco Rubio’s efforts to help Floridians have their real state taxes reduced and read an article in the Herald regarding this issue that truly impressed me because of his commonsense approach to the issue and respect for the regular folks.

Now after hearing this speech, he comes across to me as a smart politician with strong values, the type of politician that we’re lacking today in the political arena.

Also after hearing his speech I’m more proud and impressed by his character. He definitely hit a grand slam with it.

I sincerely hope that if John McCain is elected while getting a big chunk of the Cuban-American vote in South Florida that he gives a strong consideration on giving Marco Rubio a very visible and high profile position in his administration or in the Republican Party.

Ziva,

Thank you very much for posting this speech.

Asombra,

I once briefly meet Alex Penelas before the year 2000 and all I can tell you from the impression I got from that quick meeting is that Alex could never be a Marco Rubio.

First because he’s a Democrat, and second because he’s “flojo de piernas” in more ways that one.

That’s why I understand now why Alex Penelas backed down after telling that famous comment against the Clinton administration during the Elian Gonzalez saga. In my view the reason that he backed down was that he lacks “cojones” (interpret this comment whichever way you might want), big time.

I may catch some flak from some of you for posting this comment but this is how I see it.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 12:20 AM

This fine young man have potential, and after this speech, I definitively think he is big time political material for higher levels.

In the years I've been living in this country, I've never felt as proud as I did when I saw this video; and certainly, it brought tears to my eyes.

On the other hand, we should also credit the guys at Versailles Beat; although I couldn't see the video in their site, they were the ones who gave me the clue, so I searched it on YouTube. Gracias!

Posted by: Cubanita in Colorado [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 03:08 AM

FreedomForCuba,

It is not so courageous to use insinuations to attack the manliness of a Democrat politician posting under a pseudonym on a very conservative blog.

Maybe you are not acting as the tough guy (or gal) you might think you are. Just wanted you to think about it.

Eduardo J. Ramos

Posted by: Eduardo [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 08:21 AM

Eduardo J. Ramos,


Whether you like a or not the fact is that Alex Penelas “se apendejo” after making that famous comment against the Clinton administration during the Elian Gonzalez saga. It is there recorded in history.

When you are a politician you must have strong values and principles and lot of cojones to make some very strong stands when the political situation requires it, is just that simple.

Unfortunately Alex Penelas displayed weaknesses of character in his actions regarding the Elian Gonzalez saga.

We are both entitled to our opinions, as I could care less how you feel about mine’s just that I had to reply to you to make the following point.

Your attack on me does not bother me as much as my comments about Alex Penelas seem to bother you, I wonder why.

From my part all I can tell you that it is not about being or acting courageous or acting as a tough guy under a pseudonym, is just my take on the issue based on what I have experienced.

If it rubs you the wrong way that’s your problem’s not mine, as I clearly stated that it was my personal take on the situation as I understood that some people in this blog may not like my comments as I stated the following:

"I may catch some flak from some of you for posting this comment but this is how I see it."

I was only expressing my own personal opinion as you are expressing yours.

But remember that there is a big difference between our opinions:

You’re attacking me for the comment I made about Alex Penelas without knowing me.

I meet Alex Penelas in person and my opinion about him (whether you like that opinion or not) is based on my take from that meeting and what happened during his political career.

Plus Alex Penelas dirty laundry and personal failings have come up several times in the Miami-Herald years ago. I don’t know if you ever read them or forgotten about it but it is public record.

By the way you’re right on the fact that this is a very conservative Island on the Net without a Bearded Bastard web site and us who participate here are very proud of it.

I guess that bothers you too.

Just wanted you to think about it.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 10:57 AM

Henry, I'm supposed to want this guy for higher office because el "habla bonito" even though he doesn't have any significant experience and has accomplished very little as speaker of the house. This from the same guy who argues that we shouldnt vote for Obama simply because he is an inspiring speaker. Rubio is even against the casinos that we Cubans love so much. Habla muy bonito pero no es higher office material.

Posted by: Robert [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 01:36 PM

Robert you said this:

"This from the same guy who argues that we shouldnt vote for Obama simply because he is an inspiring speaker."

Barack Hussein Obama is an articulate speaker who lacks substance and has changed political positions constantly during his short political career. His associations with controversial characters like Reverend Wright and extreme left groups plus his liberal record in the Senate is nothing to be proud of and extremely scary.

On the other hand, the special interest groups that have so much cloud in Tallahassee and Governor Charlie Crist have blocked Marco Rubio on his intentions to do more for the people of the State of Florida such as in the case of the real state tax issue.

You can sense far more sincerity coming from that Marco Rubio’s speech that you’ll ever get from Barack Hussein Obama’s total Presidential campaign speeches up to now.


Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 01:57 PM

The "Robert" that commented above is not the same Robert who writes for Babalu.

As for what he wrote, vote for Obama if you want. I never said we shouldn't vote for him because he speaks well. That would be ridiculous. I said I'm not voting for him because he's a socialist. I was also angry with my fellow Republicans for nominating a guy who is much less inspiring a speaker as Obama is. As for your opinion about Marco Rubio, you can think whatever you want. The fact is that he sponsored and passed a bill to get rid of the property tax for primary residence homeowners in Florida through the house. He has no control over what the Senate does and what the governor does.

Posted by: Henry Louis Gomez [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 10:50 PM

Marco hit so many bull's-eyes in a row, I lost count. Amen! Ditto! Bravo!

Posted by: jluix [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 13, 2008 11:04 PM

Jorge Mas Santos would be wise to disassociate himself from Joedilocks and Raul Martinez and Barack Obama and spend more time with Marco Rubio. Could you imagine Rubio as the executive director of CANF?

Posted by: Henry Louis Gomez [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 14, 2008 12:28 AM

Why is everyone missing the SECOND-MOST important thing about Marco Rubio....

HE IS A FLORIDA GATOR!

:)

Posted by: Cangrejero de Caibarien [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 14, 2008 12:41 AM

Jorge Mas Santos would be wise to disassociate himself from Joedilocks and Raul Martinez and Barack Obama and spend more time with Marco Rubio. Could you imagine Rubio as the executive director of CANF?

Henry,


You’re so right on this comment that is not even funny.

If Jorge Mas Santos were to follow your suggestion the CANF would return back again to the political powerhouse status that once had representing the majority of the Cuban-Americans.

But after speaking to Ninoska this year at Cuba Nostalgia my views were reinforced and verified my suspicions about Jorge Mas Santos.

I feel that does not a fraction of the brains, wisdom, leadership qualities, business vision and values that his father Jorge Mas Canosa had.

Unfortunately Jorge Mas Santos seems to have inherited very little from his father qualities.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 14, 2008 08:54 AM

Henry,

Thanks for clarifying that the person who posted above as "Robert" wasn't this Robert.

Damn, that was top notch stuff by Marco Rubio. No teleprompter, but straight from the heart and dead-on. Take that, Mr. Obama. Did this ever make it to the MSM? I doubt it, but just want to make sure.

With that kind of intelligence, passion and integrity, Marco Rubio will be an even greater force to reckon with in the future. He's only 37 years of age, for crying out loud!

Posted by: Robert [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 14, 2008 06:10 PM

Wow! What an articulate (and handsome) guy.

Posted by: Mariana [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 14, 2008 07:13 PM

Comment from a Gringo, comparing Rubio and Obama as orators. Rubio has something to say. He takes a stand. Obama speaks in platitudes, in generalities, "change we can believe in." Given the many times that Obama has reversed himself, it is difficult to tell where Obama really stands. Not so with Rubio.

Posted by: GringoTex [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 14, 2008 11:05 PM

Gringo Tex,


I feel exactly the same way you do. Barack Hussein Obama speeches are no more and no less than an articulate bullshit act without concrete substance.

Like you said, once your start dissecting his speeches you’ll understand that they’re full of generalities without concrete substance and, given his constant flip-flopping you’ll never know what he stands for, which is the most dangerous part.

And that’s why I don’t trust Barack Hussein Obama as far as I can piss.

I said on another post that you can sense more sincerity coming from that Marco Rubio’s speech that from all of Barack Hussein Obama’s presidential campaign speeches up to this point.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 15, 2008 08:00 AM

I think this video is inspiring. We needed someone like Rubio for a long time. He makes his point clearly, with aplomb and direct, no beating around the bush as is usual with politicians. I am glad he reminds us all of our roots, regardless of which generation we come from. He makes me proud to be a Cuban. Im glad Obama was in the audience, he needs to hear the truth in simple words...

Posted by: Gracie [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 15, 2008 09:48 PM

Gracie,

Do you think that Barack Hussein Obama cares about the truth when he’s an articulate bullshit act?

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 15, 2008 10:38 PM

No Freedom, I dont think he cares, but its nice to have someone with the PANTS to tell him how it is and stand up for our beliefs. Only last November, the Washington Post, one of the most influential newspapers, that supports the party in chage of Congress, had a derogative pic with us being kicked out of the US in mass. Try even breathing something similar for blacks... Rubio is right in saying that we are the only ethnics who apparantly it is OK to trash

Posted by: Gracie [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 15, 2008 10:46 PM

Gracie,


Don’t get me wrong, I agree and understand your point, but unfortunately Barack Hussein Obama has a hidden agenda and could care less about Marco Rubio’s speech.

Like you said, Marco Rubio’s speech it was more directed at the MSM for years of merciless attacks against us the Cuban-American community. Like he said, we are the only ethnic group that is politically correct to be attacked by the MSM.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 08:31 AM

I love every word of this speech, and wish it were in prime time TV rotation so that every American would hear his honest rebuttal to 50 years of MSM lies about Cuba. When he said that Cuban Americans were the only ethnic group that is was politically correct to attack, he struck at the heart of their prejudice and hypocrisy. These so-called "liberals" with their holier than thou attitude, with their causes, with their whole litmus test mentality of what is acceptable political belief had, in that short statement their true nature as liars and hypocrites exposed. You cannot be a believer in MLK words and ignore Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet. You cannot be a believer in the premise of our constitution that all men are created equal, ignore, and excuse the suffering of the Cuban people. Marco Rubio, in this wonderful heartfelt speech succinctly summarized a half century of MSM collaboration with the castro regime that facilitated the world to turn a blind eye to victims of the 20th century's number one terrorists, fidel, and raul castro. To me, Marco Rubio is a champion.

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 09:38 AM

Ziva,


Unfortunately even here in Miami where Cuba’s issues are always on the news the whole contents of this speech were not published by the MSM. Not even by the local TV English channels.

If it wasn’t for you I would not gotten to see the whole speech, so thank you so very much again for your dedication to Cuba’s freedom.

If we only had allies like you in the MSM on this battle, Cuba would have been free from the Castro brothers tyranny a long time ago.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 09:58 AM

I thought this young man spoke earnestly and passionately about undeniable truths. How did the US turn its head for 40+ years while Fidel methodically destroyed Cuba? Meanwhile, the US got involved in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada (yes, GRENADA), Afghanistan, and Iraq to name just a few countries, and don't forget that we actually invaded Panama and yanked Noriega out for processing through our justice system! Rubio says it clearly, why was nothing done for Cuba?

Posted by: Carmen [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 10:08 AM

Carmen,

That's the $64 million question.

Been asking myself the same question for the last 36 years that I have lived in the good old United States of America.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 11:00 AM

JFK signed off on US action for a free Cuba with the Soviet agreement.

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 01:11 PM

Ziva,


The US Government is still honoring an agreement with the old Soviet Union which no longer exists; this fact does not make any sense to me at all.

Therefore I’m still asking myself the question because I suspect that there must be more to this issue that we as regular citizens are not aware of.

I suspect that only those in the highest positions in the US Government have the answer to that question.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 01:58 PM

Freedom, I agree with you, I didn't mean to infer that the agreement was the basis for the non-action, more a symptom. We know that the State Dept, contrary to the "official" word, knew about the castro brothers's communist activities at least as early as Bogota 1948. It's a seditious web.

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 02:19 PM

Really quick, once again we must ask the question what about China? What about N. Korea?
China is still killing people everyday in the name of communism, every day many people die there.
And why is it we conduct business with them really simple because they own somewhere around 22 to 28% of our debt. So what we are saying in fact is it's ok to kill in the name of communism as long as you provide us ( us being the USA) with something! So my little Cuba has nothing to give the big USSA so that's where we are people.If Cuba had a little oil ( then we would be in business) but it just does not. As far as Mr Smooth talker, give us something pal, ALGO!!!! Por Favor!!! I mean what we have been doing for 40 some odd years has done what exactly? The people on the island are and have been suffering. Has the bearded one suffered? I seriously doubt it. So what is the answer, I am not pretending to know but a pretty speech to keep the nonsense going on is not enough.
I do know that we are one people not Republicans and Democrats, not Black and White. We are one people and we have to unite to stop the despicable way our country, this US of A has been raped by corporate AmeriKa by "The military industrial complex"!

Posted by: luislopez [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 09:05 PM

Tell me Luis, how exactly has corporate America negatively impacted your life? What exactly don't you like? What is your vision for the U.S. of America? (not Amerika which is an insult and not welcome here)

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 16, 2008 10:20 PM

luislopez,

Comments like this you made on another post:

And as for the Devil remark yes there is a devil and he is still in the white house today!!!

Or this one you made here:

I do know that we are one people not Republicans and Democrats, not Black and White. We are one people and we have to unite to stop the despicable way our country, this US of A has been raped by corporate AmeriKa by "The military industrial complex"!

Demonstrates to us that you have been drinking gallons of that Bushittler Halliburton Cool-Aid that many of Barack Hussein Obama’s supporters are hooked on it.

Let me warm you that shit happens to be very harmful to your mental sanity if you keep drinking it and it will qualify you for idiot of the year award on this blog.

Please do as all a big favor, this is a conservative Island on the Net without a Bearded Bastard web site and we don’t need assholes like you spewing you lefty stupidity on us because we won't buy any of it.

Please take your bullshit act someplace else (I’m sure that DAILYKOS.COM will welcome you with open arms and kisses) because even if you’re Cuban, your stupid, ignorant lefties views are not welcome here.

I have a better suggestion for you. Why don’t you go back to Cuba to live under Raul Castro.

You’ll probably feel much better there since you said that the good old United States of America is currently run by the devil residing in the White House.

Go back to Cuba if you dislike America so much, nobody is holding you here against your will.

And please don’t send me a reply, I said everything that I needed to say to you and don’t care to engage in a debate with you..

Certainly don’t want or need to hear any more of your stupidity. Could care less about your green views or whatever stupid values you hold.

Posted by: FreedomForCuba [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 17, 2008 12:17 AM

Luis Lopez, I see that you are just as frustrated as us and you do make many points that are dead on but why attack your own people?? The US Government has had many opportunities to tighten the grip on the Castro regime, but what happens every time? The Far left liberal Democrats get in the way, all the times. Not to mention the commie MSM who praise the regime on a daily basis and who, by the way, never made this short but powerful speech available to the general public. Why attack the Cuban-Americans? If it weren't for us all, they would have there own way and if we didn't give a shit, Cuba would be forgotten forever, never mind being free. Cuba would be totally closed up just like North Korea is. We provide hope and you should help, not complain. Corporate America is not the topic here. It's a young Cuban-American who is expressing hope. A new generation spreading the word, continuing on, making the "World" aware of what is going on in Cuba, because people forget, it's been 49 plus years. That's what this post is about. It's not about Corporate America. Am I right with what I'm saying? Please respond???

Posted by: Cubanology [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 17, 2008 01:48 AM

I think that every thing is politics only is has been too many promess and nothing happen, American went to Iraq and destroy the dictator hassam hussein but Fidel Castro still there and only because CUBA has not got the black crude or petrol, only has sugar cane and cigars, what up set me most is the cubans still believe that america is going to free cuba come on wake up and smell the coffe,

Posted by: cuban in exile [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 19, 2008 03:01 AM

since 1959 we are listen to the american but we have not got what a man have to go and free cuba look back and the history will tell you every thing we have to depend of some one to resolve our problems

Posted by: cuban in exile [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 19, 2008 03:11 AM

I forgot all theses cuban that in 1959 had money left cuba to america because of the revolution but at that time no one got the balls to fight agains castro so we all left cuba and did nothing about it and now want america to free cuba to tell you i do yhink that the cubans including me wants every thing on a tray without do in any thing if we did nothing about with what moral tell our generation to do some thing that we did not do , wake up and stop thinkind and talking shit about cuba that the truth the past is the past and think about the future

Posted by: cuban in exile [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 19, 2008 03:24 AM

Cuban in exile - Cubans fought against castro with heartbreaking, noble bravery against the worst odds. Get yourself to the Bay of Pigs Museum and learn the truth about that. Read Enrique Encinosa's "Unvanquished" you will learn just what great warriors "these" Cubans were, fighting against terrible odds in the Escambray rebellion. You will learn how they were willing to die, and so many thousands did so, and you will learn what horrible brutality they suffered from castro. They bravely sacrificed their lives trying to free Cuba. Your heart will break with pride of them. Go and learn Cuba's real history, not what you were taught by the regimes propaganda.

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 19, 2008 04:37 AM

I love every word of this speech, and wish it were in prime time TV rotation so that every American would hear his honest rebuttal to 50 years of MSM lies about Cuba. When he said that Cuban Americans were the only ethnic group that is was politically correct to attack, he struck at the heart of their prejudice and hypocrisy. These so-called "liberals" with their holier than thou attitude, with their causes, with their whole litmus test mentality of what is acceptable political belief had, in that short statement their true nature as liars and hypocrites exposed. You cannot be a believer in MLK words and ignore Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet. You cannot be a believer in the premise of our constitution that all men are created equal, ignore, and excuse the suffering of the Cuban people. Marco Rubio, in this wonderful heartfelt speech succinctly summarized a half century of MSM collaboration with the Castro regime that facilitated the world to turn a blind eye to victims of the 20th century's number one terrorists, Fidel, and Raul Castro. To me, Marco Rubio is a champion.

Marco Rubio congratulations for a speech well delivered!!!!!

Posted by: LuisC [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 19, 2008 08:05 AM

Cuban in Exile
First and foremost, I am personally INSULTED by your comment. This is not the place to express your personal resentment toward Castro's Regime by practically insulting ohers who have made well thought out comments that are backed by research and personal experience. This blog values intellectual points of view toward Cuba's situation. You should have done some research before making such foolish statements. Aside from the political aspect, you should be aware that you and your family came to this country in search of a better life that was not afforded by your homeland. As far as fighting back toward the regime... MANY did. Have you ever heard of a political prisoner??? You know, those men and women who refused to pretend they were in favor of the regime and were punished for it. They were imprisoned and robbed of their freedom and family. Don't they count? Or how about all of those successful business and land owners who were murdered b/c they wouldn't give up what they spent a lifetime working for? Let's be realistic here! The U.S. which houses one of the most able and advanced military units around the world took some time to organize and execute a counter-attack after Sept. 11. Hence, the Bay of Pigs was the Cuban Exile Counter Attack. And by the way, you should also look into the Russian Missile Crisis. Did you forget the threat of nuclear war waged on the US 90 miles from Florida's coastline? Cuba's situation is not as cut and dry as your mindless statements were. And always keep in mind that you have the freedom to post on a blog bc of what sooooo many Cubans sacraficed!

Posted by: Proud Cuban American [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 23, 2008 12:31 PM

Wow!!! I had never heard of this blog until a friend sent me this video about Mr. Rubio's speech. He really nailed it with what he said in this short video about Cubans. I found it to be eloquent and with verifiable substance. I just pray that he continues to stay true to his convictions and always fights for what he believes in. He truly brought tears to my eyes. I hope Mr. Rubio was born in the U.S.A. so that maybe someday soon I could proudly say; "you can count on my vote for president"

Posted by: Gringo777 [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 27, 2008 01:44 AM

GringoTex, FreedomForCuba, and Gracie:

Although Rubio's speech is eloquent and moving, you have to realize that Rubio is a Cuban-American speaking in South Florida reiterating the long-standing conservative position of America's dealings with the Cuban government. This isn't groundbreaking and it isn't effective. The idea that continuing the same failed policy against Cuba will suddenly free the Cuban people (after it has failed for 40+ years) is overly optimistic.

To respond to your glib comments about Obama: Why don't you "trust" him? Because his speeches are about ideas and ideals? It's interesting to me that you will praise Rubio's speech, which was replete with lofty, high-flung ideals, but try to discredit Obama for giving the same type of speeches.

Posted by: CJCruz [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 27, 2008 10:11 AM

CJCruz, your attempt to equate Rubio's heartfelt declaration of loyalty to his heritage, and real life Cuban-Americans, who have suffered so much from the Castro regime, with Barack Obama's shallow, self-serving rhetoric, is to put it mildly, disgusting. You sir, are not welcome here.

Posted by: Ziva Sahl [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 27, 2008 11:57 AM

I was very impressed by Mr. Rubio’s speech, this I the first time that some one, after Mas-Canosa, has spoken so eloquently about Cuba. Also, that such young person could express the way he did towards Cuba. I don’t know how old most of the people that write here are, but I’m sure most of you are younger than me. This is the first time that I write in any place like this, I think is worth it.
I left Cuba 43 years ago, with my mother. I had problems in school because I didn’t think the same way as my classmate. I was accused of been a false leader and if it wasn’t because my father was here already I would have been send to a psychiatric facility to be examine to determ what was wrong with me and why my ideas didn’t agree with the regime. I was 13 at that time. It took my father a year to be able to wring us, my two sisters and my mother, to this country, via Mexico. When I red some of the comments from someone that doesn’t know about people fighting for Cuba, my response to that is, and some of the reasons why: You are afraid that one of your own (family) will turn you in; that the government will take any of your love one and disappeared them, just because you didn’t agree or said something against the regime. Fear was and is one of the most used weapons in that system, and like I said, specially, is one of your own who would turn you in. I saw it happened and lived through it, and till this day couldn’t believe that actually happened. My father’s first cousin Andres Vargas Gomez, was imprisoned just for speaking the truth, his brother was with Castro. Vargas Gomez served 25 years in several prisons he left Cuba to the US in 1980. Maybe now, after so many years, things have changed, but I doubt it. Kids are brainwashed, teaching them how to use guns and kill who ever is against the regime, by telling them that is against their country.
This part is for whoever thinks that only the rich left Cuba when the going got tough, we weren’t, both my parent worked.
Also, I remember FC speeches, his first one in 1959 and the last one I heard in July 26, 1965, we left the following day. Obama brings me memories of the word “Change” said before almost half a century ago. Sorry if this is long, first timer. Thank you.

Posted by: MVictoria [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 30, 2008 01:21 PM

I also wanter to share this letter that was send to me. Need no introduction.

Letter from a Cuban, READ VERY SLOWLY...

"C H A N G E"

From Richmond Times-Dispatch, Monday, July 7, 2008 ~

Dear Editor, "Times-Dispatch",

Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day, and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba, and a few months later, I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said, "Praise the Lord."

And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change"; everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received th eir free education, it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented, Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

"C H A N G E"

Would we?

Manuel Alvarez, Jr. Sandy Hook

Posted by: MVictoria [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 30, 2008 01:26 PM

I have had the opportunity watch Marco Rubio speak on many occasions in the past and he has always impressed me with his concern for the community and the issues that we face. I have also seen more tangible action from Marco Rubio than Barack Hussein Obama. Barack Hussein Obama takes pride in telling people he is NOT like the people pictured on our US currency. Marco Rubio takes pride in telling people that he is a Cuban-American and son of a Cuban exile. You can also count on the fact that Marco Rubio talks from the heart and what he believes in. This speech was no different. It was spot on the issues we all face as Cubans, perfect in its timing and delivery, and emotionally brilliant! It only reinforces my belief that I need to do a better job of constantly communicating our unwavering position on Cuba. We all need to be more like Marco Rubio and take a stand in what we believe, regardless of the political backlash. You will never see Barack Hussein Obama do that.

Posted by: Son of a Freedom Fighter [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 1, 2008 12:18 PM

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