I normally don't post on the weekend, mainly due to the fact that the bulk of my time is spent searching for body parts misplaced during my treks to AREA 51. I found this letter, sent to me by my pal, Gipsy, to be quite compelling and I thought I'd share it with you. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.
Jimmy
Letter from a Cuban - CHANGE
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 their 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?
CHANGE
Would we?
Manuel Alvarez, Jr. Sandy Hook
9 comments:
Very heartfelt letter. I understand. Change will happen no matter who is in office. What lies ahead is anybodys guess. Anne
Jim i need change right now these paid toilets are killing me!
I think it is safe to say no "one" man can ruin America. No matter who ends up in office and least they have to answer to the people and such. Not to say mistakes can't be made...but we will never let something like Fidel happen here.
I like that no thinks it can happen here. Sad thing is it can. It is already happening slowly. The fact that no one thinks it can happens really makes it dangerous because everyones guard will be down. Great food for thought.
Julie
There are already things going on...the stage is being set. We need to be diligent and really consider the consequences of who we vote for when we pull that lever in November. Linda in WA
While I do not fear Cuba's history to be our future, I do think we would all do well to ask the question, "What change?" I have not heard a consistent, well thought out plan from the eloquent young man who currently chants this mantra.
Good entry! Thought provoking.
Donna
We had better think about that change and we had better think before we vote. Interesting entry. Paula
Makes you think, doesn't it??
Sure, we need change.... but what kind of change do we really want??
Jackie
Jimmy
I dislike Fidel so much it's hard to think.
I appreciate the author's courage and ability to hang on.
hugs,nat
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