Blame the victim
After an attack there are certain myopics who blame the victim herself for what happened. If it is a woman who has been raped, someone explains that her skirt was very short or that she strutted provocatively. If it is a robbery, there are those who will say a flashy purse or shiny earrings provoked the criminal’s greed. In the case of someone who has been the object of political repression, there is no lack of people who will justify it, saying that imprudence was the cause of such an “energetic” response. In the face of these attitudes, the victim feels doubly assaulted.
The dozens of eyes that watched as Orlando and I were forced into a car with blows would prefer not to testify, and so they put themselves on the side of the criminal.
The doctor who does not make a record of an act of physical mistreatment, having already been warned that in this “case” there must be no document to prove the injuries received, is violating his Hippocratic oath and, with that wink, becomes the culprit’s accomplice. To those who feel there should be more bruises and even fractures before they can feel compassion for the person attacked, not only are they quantifying the pain, they are also saying to the attacker, “You have to leave more signs, you must be more aggressive.”
Nor is there any shortage of those who are always going to assert that the victim inflicted the wounds upon herself, those who don’t want to listen to the screams or the laments right next to them, but who emphasize and publish what happens thousands of miles away, under another ideology, another government. They are the same non-believers who thought that UMAP* was an enjoyable camp, combining military preparation and farm work. Those who still continue to believe that executing three men* was justified to preserve socialism, and that when someone punches a nonconformist it is because the latter was asking for it with her critiques. The eternal justifiers of violence are not convinced by any evidence, not even the brief initials R.I.P. on white marble. For them, the victim is the cause, the aggressor the mere executor of an obligatory lesson, a simple judge and corrector of our deviations.
Brief medical report
I am recovering from the physical injuries resulting from the abduction of last Friday. The bruises are lessening and what bothers me the most now is a sharp pain in the lumbar region which obliges me to use a crutch. Last night I went to the clinic and they treated me for the pain and inflammation. It is nothing that my youth and good health cannot overcome. Fortunately, the blow they gave me when they forced my head to the floor of the car has not affected my eye, only the cheekbone and the brow. I hope to have recovered in a few days.
Thank you to friends and family who have looked after and supported me, the effects are fading, even the psychological ones which are the hardest. Orlando and Claudia are still in shock, but they are incredibly strong and also will overcome it. We have already begun to smile, the best medicine against abuse. The principal therapy for me remains this blog, and the thousands of topics still waiting to be touched on.
(Editor’s note: Post dictated by telephone)
Translator’s notes
UMAP = Military Units to Aid Production. Forced labor camps established in Cuba in 1965 under the banner of ideological rehabilitation. Inmates included a wide variety of “anti-social elements” as well as religious people and gays.
Executing three men = On April 2, 2003 a group of Cubans hijacked a ferry with about 50 people on it, planning to sail it to the United States. Just over a week later, Lorenzo Copello, Barbaro Sevilla and Jorge Martinez were executed for “grave acts of terrorism.”
Noviembre 19th, 2009 at 16:44
I have family there, I would love to know them and the land that my parents have spoken about with such fondness and care.
Noviembre 16th, 2009 at 04:28
Yoani,
Good luck, and as we say “don’t let the bastards grind you down!”
Noviembre 15th, 2009 at 23:31
Minha mensagem saiu muito mal em espanhol, vou falar em portuguĂŞs que fica mais fácil para vocĂŞ entender, Ă© sĂł usar o tradutor do google.. Li sua matĂ©ria aqui em uma revista muito popular no Brasil, a Veja. Estou chocada com tudo o que aconteceu. Estou indignada e vejo sua luta como um exemplo para todas as mulheres do mundo e todos os povos oprimidos pela força bruta… Espero que vocĂŞ tenha força para seguir sua luta e ser porta voz deste povo que está oprimido e sofrendo. Um abraço do Brasil.
Noviembre 15th, 2009 at 23:18
Hola amiga!!! Acá estoy hablando y saludandote desde Brasil. Yo no escribo muy bien en español, pero me gustaria de dicer de como nosotros acá estamos solidarios con tu luta y tu ganas de vivir por una causa. Que paĂs es este que intenta calarte una mujercon agresiĂłn???
Yo tengo certeza que dĂas mejores para usted y para Cuba están cerca de llegar. saludos ddesde Brasil
Noviembre 15th, 2009 at 10:13
Yoani is an example of courage, intelligence and all that is good in a young generation of cubans, but why anybody here tell her that that freedom she is looking for is not out of our beloved island, freedom is just inside us, and it comes from education, which gives us the freedom to think, Yoani out here is not as free as you think it is….we can talk about that if you want to…keep your brain working and thanks for making a difference…
Noviembre 14th, 2009 at 15:04
yoanis, please, do not give up……. Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation
Noviembre 13th, 2009 at 16:09
“Nana said, ‘Learn this and learn it well, my daughter: like a compass needle pointing north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam.’”-A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Noviembre 13th, 2009 at 03:32
Yoani should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a woman of remarkable courage, strength, intelligence, and integrity.
Noviembre 13th, 2009 at 01:34
They are geting to their end and you are the bravest,more than respet and admiration you deserve.I only feel guilty because the inacction.overwelminly sorry,but 100% on your side.Juan Cralos.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 23:51
#135
Between the lines I was saying “Ms(?) Sánchez, please go away to another country. In Cuba, ironically, you’ve become like a foreign molecule or something, and will be treated like a disease”.
Sorry if I’m overly hysterical.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 19:27
John Two #145
Me too. This is some downright frightening stuff. They are laying it all on the table, I fear for them. I can’t even imagine the courage this takes.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 19:16
was up yall
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 18:32
There is a new posting w/pictures of Yoani calling her attackers to acount.
This people almost looks like anyone … except for their clothes & trainers, well feed and content.
Big guys though muscles & all.
Is there a relationship between the amount of muscle mass & the brain matter?:-)
This girl is pushing the envelope, got to admire her for it!
I feel humbled by her choices …
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 18:15
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the courage it for Reinaldo to publish a photo of the state security thug who allegedly assaulted Yoani and challenging him to a verbal duel. I use the word ‘allegedly’ because Reinaldo himself said that he would apologize if he identified the wrong person as the assaulter.
While I’m sure Rodney will not accept the challenge, this does raise the stakes considerably for the dissident bloggers.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 18:06
#141 & #142
Concub:
Good points … I agree & at the same time:
Most of the world (I think) knows only so much of what goes on behind those walls,
perhaps telling, without embelishments what is a day in the cuban reality like.
My point is to expose the situation, bare bones but truthful.
I am sure there are many things that can be told; the spanish site is full of them.
Perhaps if we tell, if we expose the abuse, the brutality and the poverty of life under the present regime for what they are …
If people not just here or there but everywhere were offered more than a glimpse …
maybe it would create more pressure, the statements from Yoani and the unheard ones
would be more credible, more personal & more effective.
Estatue:
There is an agree to disagree point; please allow me to dream, not of their good intentions (I’ve never done or will do so).
Allow me to dream that in my life time this thugs (your well chosen term) will be held accountable.
Allow me to dream that all this writting back & forth will serve its purpose of informing the world & even other people, not just cubans that this type of infamy will not prevail.
And lastly allow me to thank you for your good points, perhaps our pains are similar in our all the memories that do not go away & which I don’t know if I want to forget them.
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 18:02
About the embargo and how important it is or is not to end it, and about communicating with the U.S. government.
I actually agree with those who say “there is no embargo” — at the same time I agree with Hank who points out there is no purchase of Cuban products by the U.S. (But at this point, what do they have to sell? The economy is such a complete shambles. They are selling the oil Chavez gives them… we don’t need it… we buy it from Chavez!)
But I mostly agree with Yoani, that the embargo/blockade that matters — in terms of making a difference in people’s lives — is the internal one in Cuba.
That said, I think it is important for the U.S. to “normalize” relations with Cuba, to end the embargo and the travel restrictions, and to do it unilaterally. For all the reasons discussed below, which Hank summarized most powerful in his comment: “Embargo bad for you, Embargo good for me (Castro).”
Is it the “most important thing”? No, but it’s important.
So, to accomplish this, we have to find arguments that are stronger, a path that is better, than those offered by, and trod by, the hard-line positions representing by the members of the exile community in power in the US government.
As a starting point… let’s think about looking at all those states who have gotten “special exemptions” to do business with Cuba… to sell their products to Cuba. There are a lot of them and they tend to be Republican states. So let’s figure out some ways to work this folks.
Help me out here!
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 17:09
Albert
Many years ago I used to think just like you know. I always wanted to give these thugs the benefit of the doubt, not anymore, reality has show me the contrary, therefore I no longer “dream” about their good intentions because they have none.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 16:00
Albert
You asking for solutions.You also ask me specifically about writing to senators, congressman etc.
Hank asked about demonstrations.
This is what I think
Yoani according to an article linked here by H. Capiro has done more than all the “bravocunada” of the exiles in Miami.I agree with that article.
Yoani which is the most well known Cuban blogger has been classified already by the Havana Regime as counterrevolucionary.
Yoani , Claudia, Ciro Diaz has done a lot of damage to the image of the Castros than anybody else in a long time . They are young,the have no ties to nobody.For them Cuba comes first. They have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. They are the future of Cuba. However they are not only ones , there is a lot human potencial in Cuba.
There are about 200 political prisioners, among them Antunez who started the Municipies of opposition in Cuba. They have one in Placetas already( close to Capiro’s Cabaiguan ).In Havana ,Cuba lives Osvaldo Paya ,creator of the Varela project.
If they start supporting Antunez, Paya. Vladimiro Roca, “Damas de blanco etc writings posts about them. Showing them to the world. introducing them to the international community,that will be more effective than us writing to our political representatives. They will show that in Cuba exists a true Official opposition
You have to realize that this country has many problems to solve itself( health care, housing , Afghanistan unemployment etc).Trust me they are not going to waste their time to answer a letter about Cuba, not even they are going to bother to return a phone call about Cuba.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 15:31
adding to #138
Your point of embargo (thank you for your challenging thoughts)
We MAY agree on the ide that the same way americans circunvent the system an visit Cuba, the business sector is able to do the same (a little more complicated though).
Perhaps some of the consideration for this “potential investors” are for one your good point:
This regime has a history of not paying their bills.
I would like to add to your point: the risk of nationalization, the isolation & limitations of the Cuban market & the potential return value … all a risk.
I think on one hand they are trapped by their own retoric and on the other hand as a consecuence of their retoric they have created their own embargo.
So you see: I believe we are saying similar things from a different perpective.
This is not to deny not just the value of your comment in its contents but the raiser awareness over the issue we are discussing.
Thank you for that!
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 14:50
#138
Statue:
I said “may”
You are right, not just the communist, every totalitarian political or religious regime seems to follow the same steps.
The difference is in the vehicle they choose to use to support their totalitarism.
Dialoge must exist if nothing else on the hope that it will work nevertheless: I am not trying to imply naivete, I just choose not to prejudge.
It is my choice to keep an open mind which; it is a mistake to confuse respect & kindness with weakness.
Nothing lasts forever and this people knows it.
They are presented with all the choices available, they are able to pick & choose from them however: the consecuences when accounatability comes knocking at their door … are theirs and theirs only to suffer, & that is what I believe they fear.
I think we are saying the same thing but in very different ways.
Perhaps it is me not expressing myself clearly for which I ask your forgiveness.
Please take pause & read me twice … since english is not my mother language, at times I have trouble in the translation of my thoughts
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 14:02
Albert #137
It may not be important to you whether Cuba pays for their debts or not, but to me and many others your line of thoughts makes no sense because it really matters.
Dialogue, hmmmmm? You are able to have a dialog with people who are sincere and want a solution to their problem; however I have never seen a sincere communist with good intentions to dialogue in my 50 years of exile or while I was back home.
I respect your opinion which is diametrically opposed to mine; I am no longer a naĂŻve person to expect good deeds coming from a bunch of thugs like they are.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 13:25
spanish:
I just posted a note in the spanish version.
My poor rusty spanish … I never realized till now how much I have forgoten.
Not here or there … there are over 5000 postings!
The thing is, the variety of thoughts, the difference in tenor, the passion …
Not just from cubans but from brazilians even from other languages than the latin based ones.
Statue:
weather th embargo exists or not, in who’s mind or if el caballo’s regime pay or not it may not be that important.
I think the embargo is a political posturing, the reaction to attitudes & behaviours between two countries in a time frame long gone.
Thru the years it has become “cane” that support many issues counting among them the politicians trick used when elections come around.
I do not believe it merits more than a thought on pasing.
The reality may be that the regime does not need excuses, it needs lies and it is running out of them.
This blog (as I am sure others) is proving that (to borrow a phrase from someone’s song) the kicking is creating cracks & the light is comming thru!
We have to think on solutions, arriving at them with a healthy & civil dialog.
The regime loves nothing more than our arguing, I am sure there is a group of ther thugs monitoring, whe they read our discore they use it to shore up their position.
By quibling (spelled right?) in terms & minutia … we give them the ammunition to interrupt & disrupt our dialogue, they weaken our deminish our efficiency by having their thugs insert their carefully picked points of dissention … we are making their job easy, in this blog and any other.
Please forgive me if I am comming across in any offensive or hurtfull way.
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 12:57
Hank #129
Hank, please understand what the message implies when I say “There is no Embargo”.
If Cuba buys goods directly from the US in CASH, then to me and any other person who understand trade, THERE IS NO EMBARGO. What Cuba wants is a bunch of suckers to lend them credit and never pay them back, like they have being doing all these years.
DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW WHAT EMBARGO MEANS TO CASTRO? Maybe not.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 12:38
#134
I think you are talking about the “death squads” &the foundations of the future Condor operations in the south cone of america.
From the “right or from the left” there were incredible violence & horror.
Either side jsutified its existence at the expense of the people.
The elite being the paternal protector of the weak & ignorant …
Nevertheless, times have changed, these thing have not gone away but, it is harder to conceal.
The web as a vehicle of communication bares nacked this horrific violations.
That is (in my opinion) why we must be involved, participate & opine.
What has happened cannot be changed, must not be forgoten, it requires for lessons to be learned and most importantly it demands that we move on.
To do strive, to do better …
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 12:19
Obviously, Brazil has been through some bad times from the 60s to the 80s. A lot of people were abducted and tortured (I’ve never actually read the Marquis de Sade, but I’m thinking those tortures were the kind of thing he’d be capable of dreaming up). There was a famous satirist who died of a heart attack; some people still wonder about that one. A number of people had to flee to Europe or wherever and came back more recently. At the time, people just disappeared and were never seen again.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 12:12
#131-#132 and others on the subject of the embargo
Firstly I like to say how proud I am to be in the company of so many smart people.
Secondly I can see that now we have moved forward from the nit picking (spelled right?) & personal name calling etc. int the really positive thoughts.
We represent what we claim Libert & Freedom.
Now:
Most goverments of the world posture & double talk for reasons of their own (the politicians, our reps?)however: without disassociating from them I belive there is more power in the communication & dissemination of ideas thru the web that thru the musty old offices of the life long politician.
We have the fortune of coming up with potential tangible solutions.
Lets take the embargo:
The pros and the cons are being put on the table, Andy wants to explore more, when done (all of us included) we may have a solution to be presented for scrutiny all over the web … add to it our reps add to it goverments of the world.
I believe that he weight of this opinion has more power & reach than a simple note in a politician’s agenda.
Lets work at it, go into one issue at the time, lets be inclusive & remember, civility, tolerance and most important honesty of thought.
This is partly your fault Yoani, you refreshed our memories, energized and inspired us.
You are “there” but we are “here” & our bridge for now is the web and there we are at your home, drinking coffe and just talking (boy I would love to have a true coffe right now!)
a hug & a wink
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 08:46
From Hank in #131
It seems to me that this all springs from the contradiction foisted upon the people of Cuba:
Embargo bad for you, Embargo good for me (Castro).
=========
Hank, you have really nailed it with that characterization. The question for me, then becomes, how do we communicate this to the State Department, the US Senators and Representatives that have to kill the Helms-Burton act?
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 07:45
Andy,
Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot coming from you.
I took a look at what has been going on at the Miami Herald site and the fake posts are pretty obvious. This is something I would like to explore in greater detail if people are interested. How does the double-think of advocating for one thing, but scheming for the opposite work and what is the best way to expose and defeat it? It seems to me that this all springs from the contradiction foisted upon the people of Cuba:
Embargo bad for you, Embargo good for me (Castro).
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 06:10
BRAVO! Hank! Hip Hip Hooray!!!!!!!
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 05:38
Statue of Liberty,
I respectfully disagree. Of course there is an embargo. How can you possibly say that the embargo does not exist?
The limited trade that occurs between the United States and Cuba is just that, LIMITED. And the embargo that exists goes both ways, it is a two-way street. If it isn’t, then what is it exactly that we import from Cuba?
Cigars? No.
Sugar? No.
Rum? No.
Textiles? No.
Chemicals? No.
Timber? No.
Minerals? No.
Livestock? No.
Seafood? No.
Oil? No.
Athletes? Yes, those who manage to defect.
Music? Yes, thank goodness.
Name one thing we import from Cuba, please, because I would like to know.
Last time I checked, we don’t allow anything in from Cuba except those lucky souls who happen to make it here under the wet-foot, dry-foot policy or win some sort of immigration lottery.
Free and unfettered trade between the US and Cuba is completely different from what we have now and is the opposite of an embargo. The embargo, as I understand it, is many different things, among these are the complete and utter lack of (1) free and open trade across all industries, and I mean ALL industries, because there are a lot; (2) unrestricted travel for anyone; and (3) unlimited communications between the citizens of our two countries, in all forms, phone, email, TV, internet, you name it.
I also disagree with your argument that lifting the embargo would necessarily lead to unlimited credit for Cuba (i.e. the Cuban government) at the expense of the US. This is simply not true. A creditor, unable to collect, does not extend further credit. The reference to US bailouts as evidence to support the premise that this is all leading to a black hole of debt is inapposite. The US bailout as you referred to it, is a stimulus designed to fix the US economy. The corporate recipients of this aid have to pay it back, which is what they are doing, with interest.
I think that what proponents of the embargo and continued travel restrictions fear is that by lifting and removing these things, we support the obscenity that is the regime in Cuba. Reading the brilliant posts this evening and having thought about this a great deal, I think that these fears are misplaced.
The value in ending the embargo is in raising up the Cuban people. So What if we collaterally help the aging, decrepit dictatorship? Proportionately, the aid we give to the Cuban people will far outweigh any benefit we provide to the criminals in Havana. As so many of us hope and believe, their days are numbered - and they know it. Let’s show them the door and, excuse the profanity, remind them to be careful not to let that door hit their asses on the way out.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 05:03
Nothing like having all your fave blogs on RSS feed… so check it out folks. Yoani’s husband, Reinaldo Escobar, has challenged Agent Rodney to a VERBAL duel… Friday the 20th… at the same corner the nonviolence march started from.
http://www.desdecuba.com/reinaldoescobar_en/
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 04:20
1) Statue of Luberty! I am with you that the embargo is a hoxic. Unfortunatly the rest of the World is consistenly voicing their objection to our opinion therefore maybe there is just the two agian the majority.
Yoani your response is very weak and years old when you attempt to reverse the truth and lay a weak defense
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 04:04
This latest development, the posting of “Agent Rodney’s” photograph is, to say the least, Alarming. Correct me those of you who know more about what has been going on than I do, but has this ever happened before? Ever? Has anyone called out a Cuban Agent, in Cuba, like this, in this way?
Assuming the Twitter feed has not been hacked, and the photograph and identification are real, this is pretty dramatic stuff. A serious gambit with scary consequences.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 03:50
Here we go again with the embargo.
I said it many times before and I say it again. There is no such thing as the embargo! Foreign Trade Statistics shows that last year alone, trade with Cuba amounted to over 711.5 millions Dollars paid in cash. Every year the Cuban regime buys more goods than the year before, in CASH from their number one enemy, The United States of America. Those who have sight but no vision need to understand the fact that lifting the embargo means to grant lines of credit to a corrupt and swindler regime. If you have any doubts, name one single country that has being paid for their debts, name one, just one. There will be a large number of banks and trading companies ready to offer credit once and if the embargo is lifted without any assurance that they will see a single penny of their money. We have enough financial problems in this country at present time to add more logs to the fire. Take a quick look at the recent government bail out to Banks, Financial Institutions and Car Manufacturers and so on. The public debt is so astronomical and out of control that it will take few generations to repay it. I could care less if for 50 long years the Castro’s regime has blamed us for their inadequacies to provide their own with their bare necessities, it is not our fault or our responsibility, only theirs. If we lift the embargo tomorrow, they will probably stop mentioning the embargo but they will quickly create a new campaign of defamation against this great nation of ours, so who cares of what the Castro’s regime says or do, not me. If other European nations would like to continue subsidizing the crumbling Cuban economy, so be it, but I do not support any single penny of ours to help this butcher in continuing victimizing our people like he had done for 50 long years, not with our money.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 03:33
YOANI WILL BE THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF A DEMOCRATIC CUBA!!
GLOBAL POST ARTICLE:Yoani Sanchez vs. the state
How will Cuba deal with a 34-year-old blogger with spotty internet and a massive global following?
“Sanchez couldn’t be reached for comment, but she told the BBC this week that she would not be intimidated or silenced. “The only thing these attacks do is generate more Google hits for my name, and increase the solidarity of the international blogging community,” she said. ”
http://www.globalpost.com/disp.....-the-state
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 02:59
I agree with Julio and Andy below that the embargo should be ended. I addition to the reasons pointed out, I believe ending the embargo will allow us to play chess with the regime seated at the same table, and we’ll be able to beat them at their own game. Fifty years of isolation from the Cuban community in exile and the world at large has only protected the regime from the rigors of exposure to other’s ideas, ways of life and communication.
Allowing free travel would permit us to pick and choose from a number of options, which may run counter to the regimes objectives. For instance, we could choose to stay only at Casas Particulares instead of government owned hotels. We could dine out only at paladares or other private restaurants. We could encourage the private sector by spending money only on businesses that are privately owned, etc. The possibilities are endless, since money could be used as our vote.
In addition, I know people, myself included, that would join that protest that Yoani was trying to attend in a heart beat if given the chance to attend, while visiting Cuba, even at the risk of being arrested and expelled.
But the most interesting part, will be seeing what that government, made up of creepy old men, do when millions of visitors start pouring into the island, and start mingling with the people there. This would be the ultimate way to stir the pot.
Just prior to the announcement of the end of the embargo, I’d just like to sit back and watch what they figure out next… is it going to be another Mariel, or will they shoot down a jetliner its way to Jamaica or South America. Both of these options are hypothetical, but may cross their mind. Their options will be limited and I’ll enjoy watching their desperation in the face of world opinion, in trying to figure out how to maintain their once steady anchor of xenophobic blame, in the the face of the major storm that will ransack them for a change instead of the people.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 02:37
Wow! Yoani’s Twitter feed just identified one of her assailants as “Agent Rodney” and posted a link to his photograph.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 01:02
Seguimos observando la cobardĂa de los Ăşltimos tiempos del castrismo. la GeneraciĂłn Y debe convertirse en la GeneraciĂłn del Abecedario, necesitamos no callar más y enfrentar el abuso, el diario atropello y la ufana mentira con la verdad de la vida diaria. Nesecitamos desarmar el invento morboso con argumentos irrefutables. El cubano se ha convertido en lobo del cubano, el vecino a veces en lobo del vecino, hermano en lobo del hermano. Detengamos mentir por complacencia y hablemos con la verdad entonces dormiremos mejor y habremos cambiado el tono del prĂłximo dĂa, se habrá comenzado a ganar la más dura de las batallas: la de dividirnos. Fuerza Yoanis, fuerza Biscet, fuerza a Cuba, mi Isla,… nuestra Isla.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 00:58
Seguimos observando la cobardĂa de los Ăşltimos tiempos del castrismo. la GeneraciĂłn Y debe convertirse en la GeneraciĂłn del Abecedario, necesitamos no callar más y enfrentar el abuso, el diario atropello y la ufana mentira con la verdad de la vida diaria. Nesecitamos desarmar el invento morboso con argumentos irrefutables. El cubano se ha convertido en lobo del cubano, el vecino a veces en lobo del vecino, hermano en lobo del hermano. Detengamos mentir por complacencia y hablemos con la verdad entonces dormiremos mejor y habremos cambiado el tono del prĂłximo dĂa, se habrá comenzado a ganar la más dura de las batallas: la de dividirnos. Fuerza Joanis, fuerza Biscet, fuerza a Cuba, mi Isla,… nuestra Isla.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 00:54
I also wanted to commend Albert for his call to be respectful of honest political differences.
I’m active on the political left in Canada and one of the things I really appreciate about Yoani and the other independent Cuban bloggers is how they help get a very different message out about Cuba than the one put out by the Castro regime. As an active member of Amnesty International, I am frequently dismayed at how all too many people on the political left (even some with otherwise impeccable democratic credentials) have a blind spot when it comes to Fidel Castro (and yes other Latin American demagogues like Hugo Chavez). That’s why the independent bloggers pose such a danger for the regime though - due to internet restrictions - the threat is likely bigger outside Cuba than inside it.
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 00:41
Great comments from different people in this thread.
I well understand wellwisher’s frustration with the lack of reciprocity of the Castro regime to the overtures offered by the Obama Administration including the recent licensing of a Miami company to lay a high speed internet cable between Key West and Havana. The Castro regime is refusing to let them. And I have no doubt that were the embargo lifted tomorrow, the Castro regime would find other things to rail against (e.g. US military bases in Colombia).
My latest thinking is as follows. Travel ban - I’m surprised that the freedom-loving American people have put up with this infringement on their civil liberties for so long. I know the ban is largely symbolic as Americans can easily travel to Cuba from third countries - but still it serves no purpose other than providing cover for the Castro regime to deny the Cuban people the right to travel abroad.
Embargo. Apart from its propaganda value to the Castro regime, it hurts the Cuban people and increases their economic dependence on the regime. And while I’m not opposed to embargos in all instances (e.g. in conflict zones), for 48 years? I think it was Einstein who said ‘the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.’
Noviembre 12th, 2009 at 00:05
Wellwisher and Andy,
That truly was a great exchange of ideas. I have to admit, I was also leaning in favor of continuing the embargo and not lifting the restrictions on travel. But you pulled me back from the brink, Andy. Thanks to both of you for the well-reasoned analysis.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 23:25
Wellwisher… oh my goodness… I can’t believe you changed your mind. Well yes, my arguments were so brilliant and well stated and blah blah and more blah blah (!!!! — big grin!!! — )…
No, what I think is the most amazing thing in the world is that people talking calmly, and with open minds, and listening to the other person, and really thinking about things… well obviously it can change everything.
It’s just as possible you would change my mind because I am really listening to you and trying to understand your point of view….
Because we both know from the start that we are on the same side… we are just talking about the practicality of what works and what does not work.
Please post a link to Herald Forum… I feel ready to take on the world!
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 22:10
With regards to the embargo and Americans travel to Cuba I agree with what Andy wrote below.
Let’s not give them any more excuses.
They always look for excuses somewhere else but in themselves or their system!
They have a totally inefficient economy that is unable to provide for itself and provide not even the bare minimum. That is why we saw Raul Castro on his trips abroad begging for money to other countries. They have the solution on their hands let the people work and be productive without the intervention of the government but they do not want to allow that because doing so will mean that people will not depend economically from the state. If people do not depend economically from the state then they can be free to speak and say what they want and as we have witness
Castro does not like critics.
Is a pity that Venezuelans do not see what has happen in Cuba they are going on the same road.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 21:58
I am wondering what does the Cuban government does with all the money they get.
Let me explain
When people buy things in Cuba using CUC (Cuban currency with higher value than the US dollar) the Cuban government has already taken a 20 percent chunk a sort of Tax on money people receive from abroad.
After that people can use their CUC to buy things in government stores. Now since they have no competition because the goverment controls every store they can actually fix prices to anything they want therefore they can actually charge much higher prices for things that here in the US will cost a lot less.
Now remember this people are paying with CASH or with full backing of American dollars
So the question I have is
WHAT HAPPEN TO ALL THAT MONEY?
They should not need to get credit to buy food since people in Cuba buy this food using CASH. So anybody care to explain or guess what happen to the money in Cuba?
Are the government official skimming from the top? Or depositing this money in special accounts for themselves?
Wish we could hold these people accountable and be able to ask them directly so that they explain what happen.
They do not want freedom of expression because then they do not have to give answers back, They do not want other parties because they do not want any other competing solutions to problems that could be better than theirs.
So that is how we have a government now for 50 years that is totally corrupt and that keeps lying to its people and the world just because one man (Castro) wants to keep the jar of the “Honey of power” for himself.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 21:54
Andy- OK. You have convinced me to re-change my mind about the embargo( I think I said Blockade in error a couple of times)Let Fidel see it end,if he allows it without doing something completely outrageous and stupid, and if he survives that long. He has already said He does not expect to outlive Obama’s first term, so let us hope he is correct for once. But No credit Whatsoever, which will render the end of it moot, as they can’t afford to buy anything with cash. Good talking with you. We’ll speak again. Amigo. Wish you would comment on the Herald Forum. We need to overwhelm the Cuban Gov’t. posters there who clutter up the site, and confuse the isses. Mas Adelante, Compay.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 21:40
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE TRANSLATORS AND THOSE WHO PUT THIS BLOG TOGETHER!NOTICED THE SURGE IN COMMENTS WICH IS A GOOD THING, BECAUSE THEY SEEM MORE BALANCED THAT THE SPANISH VERSION! CONGRATULAZIONI!FELICIDADES!CONGRADULATIONS!!TO ALL THE STAFF!
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 21:04
Wellwisher — I completely understand your sentiments and worries about what message ending the embargo would send. But here are my thoughts about that.
If the US ends the embargo — to Fidel’s horror — he will of course find a way to say they have caved into him, he won… blah blah blah. THEN (except he won’t live so long) he will spend the NEXT 50 years saying, “the bloackade killed us… we are still trying to recover from the blockade… we can’t recover from the blockade over night… blah blah blah….”
The point is… HE HAS TO HAVE AN ENEMY. Now, he will not have one.
So — think about the bully, the torturer, the harasser. What do they want? They want to be the most important person in YOUR world. What is the best defense? Ignore them. Walk away. Spend your time with your own friends. Of course if the bully can he will chase after you and beat you up. But Fidel is past chasing… he will just gnash his teeth and write his stupid reflections. Who cares. Ignore him. Let the U.S. ignore Cuba if it wants. I don’t care.
But just end the embargo and turn your back.
As for the unpaid debts… ok that is the one weak point…ending the embargo will give Cuba $X credit with which they can buy U.S. products… a debt they will never repay. But so what. It’s about one year’s worth of their purchases. Then the debt limit is reached. Next year… they can buy nothing. It’s worth it. It’s worth it just to be “rid” of it. To end that excuse.
And one more thing… Fidel IS going to die. And soon. Let’s not leave this “excuse” to his successors. When he dies… let the whole thing — the totalitarian socialist state — crumble into the sea.
And let Cubans be free.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 20:42
Andy re the Blockade- OK. It is clear that Reinaldo is no supporter of it And Yoani grew up hearing the Blockade was responsible for every shortcoming and deprivation in Cuba. I know this. I just would hate for the smug Cuban Gov’t to think they can continue to DO Nothing, except for Brutal acts of repression against their own Citizens, and we continue to make concessions to them. That is why I believe that right at this moment, to end it would send exactly the wrong signal. On its face,the embargo is a farce. Cuba buys more than half of all her imported food from the US now, and they have no cash to buy even what they purchased last year, so they would not be able to buy many Caterpillar tractors or GE refrigerators, so some would say why not just end it and take away Castro’s main excuse for the shortcomings of the Socialist Masters? And he would find a Way to scuttle the deal, as was so eloquently pointed out- it is not in his interest to not have it in place. This would be the main reason I could support its ending, but No Credit to Cuba, a tremendous debtor Nation who has defaultd on payments to its joint venture partners from Spain and Canada,and elsewhere. How to end it without appearing to be caving in to the Whining Cuban Gov’t.? Nothing is Ever easy when it comes to Cuba, is it? But a resounding NO to sending them a million tourists and Billions o dollars to prop them up. No WAY. Thanks for the astute and informative reply.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 20:26
#105
Andy:
you come thru clear as chrystal …
I think the politicians are affraid of the wrong thing … it is not for the votes the’ll get (if they do) is their lack of understanding about the Cuban situation …
These guys think they know what (perhaps) the Miami crowd wants & try to address themselves to what they think the Cubans want to hear.
Which in my book sounds like … “who are you to think you know what I think & the tell me about it”?
Why don’t you ask me directly … I’ll give you a direct answer.
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 20:12
on #107
thoghts:
It is sad that on the inspiration of the “perfect man” (Sartre’s opinion) the new man created in cuba is the result of a systematic brutalization.
I feel sad about what people choose to do when there are no choices other than the one’s by the regime.
What it has done to the mind of the good people of Cuba? basically good people, friendly & prosperous, dignified & free.
This regime has managed to turn one against the other, has turned goodness into predatorial behaviour, it has degraded the human dignity to a point of survival bestiality.
I belive that deep inside ther is a lot of those tools of the repression that regret (if deep inside the folds of their concience) having to do what they do …
I pray that when the time of change comes … understanding & forgiveness is applied to those with genuine remorse for what they had to do …
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 19:58
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....37815.html
This article by Yoani in the Huffington Post is titled: The U.S. Embargo: A convenient Excuse for Cuba’s Own failures.
She says:
“If my friends were leaving the country en masse, it was because of the United States policy of harassment; if the cockroaches were crawling all over the walls at the maternity hospital, it was the fault of the North Americans; even if a meeting at the university expelled a critical colleague, they explained to us that he had fallen under the ideological influence of the enemy. Today, everything begins and ends with the blockade. No one seems to remember the days when they promised us paradise, when they told us that nothing — not even the economic sanctions — would prevent us from leaving behind our underdevelopment.”
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 19:57
#103
Wellwisher:
It is us the ones that can lend our voices more freely than she.
We share in their suffering & their burden, we are priviledged in our situation.
We can & must help; what is needed is ideas, comment, participation & commitment.
We know what Liberty & Freedom is … they either never knew it or have forgoten how sweet it can be or they can still remember how it used to be before this regime.
Yoani is doing what she can from a very confined & dangerous place.
We are the result of her courage & determination, she made us remember … our duty as human beings, as patriots, as possesors of diginity and deserving of rights.
I agree with you wellwisher but she does not need to speak up, at least not alone, not anymore …
We all speak, the regime can stop a few … in Cuba, but not all … around the world.
Thank you wellwisher: for your keen awarness, for you compassion & caring for the potential suffering of others and …
The truth is painfully real for them … if it was not so … why dedicate resources to spread false information? perhaps that is the best they can come up with?
Let them! in the world there are more of us than of them & I don’t think the have cornered the market on smarts, only on power at the pint of a gun …
Their time will come & they know it …
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 19:56
Here is a post from Yoani’s husband, Reinaldo Escobar, making it very very clear, over and over, he does not support the embargo.
http://www.desdecuba.com/reinaldoescobar_en/?p=245
In his words:
… Let me make it clear that I do not agree with the blockade.
… I remember that I do not agree with the blockade.
… I reaffirm, I do not agree with the blockade.
… You do know that I do not agree with the blockade?
… Let no one doubt that I do not agree with the blockade.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 19:50
Wellwisher
I appreciate your good wishes and I know there are strong feelings about the embargo and the travel restrictions on both sides. I think it’s very clear that Yoani has chosen to come down on the side of ending them. As she has said over and over again, the embargo (”blockade” in Cuban government parlance) is the government’s first and last excuse for the misery of the Cuban people. So, strip away this false justification and expose the socialist state for the failure it is.
For my own way of thinking:
#1 — If the embargo were effective it would have worked over the last 48 years or so. It hasn’t worked. And it’s not going to work. Fidel will die in his bed, still in charge until his last breath. Perhaps ENDING the embargo will change nothing, but it will at least end that excuse, for the last Cuban on the island who still believes it.
#2 — Every time the US has come close to ending the embargo, Fidel has done something horrible to make sure it won’t happen. When Clinton was close, Fidel shot down the Brothers to the Rescue plane, and sure enough, the embargo stayed. So… if Fidel likes it, I don’t.
#3 — Maybe that was the real reason for the beating of Yoani. To outrage the US against Cuba and keep the status quo. These old men are desperate. They can see no way out. They are telling the Cuban people to “work harder and produce more.” But they know it’s not going to work. They have to have the embargo to =blame for their own failures.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 19:28
The Cuban Government poster continues Loudly today to use Yoani in his justifications to end the embargo. Yoani- Would you please think long and hard about this, and come out strongly against more concessions for Cuba? I know it will be you and the entire population who will suffer more, and Fidel will never be without a meal and a new colostomy bag, but we should not give them Any more props to bolster their tired and failing Regime. Please speak up so this False poster on te Miami Herald site can be outed.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 19:06
#98
Humberto:
The the thruth comes out from anyone that wants to be heard, left right & middle.
There are some unavoidable truths that unite us all.
That is why I keep on saying … everyone’s opinion counts and it must be welcomed & treated with courtesy considerated and responded to with civility & respect.
As made evident by your mention, Liberty is a reality when & where it is respected, even from oposite sides.
Freedom (for me at least) is a never ending exercise, it does good for the soul & keeps me fit
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 18:43
99
Wellwisher
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 18:30
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I believe in this site homepage under “Articles and Interviews” chapter there is an article where Yoani talks about that…….. I have read others interviews where she says to be against the embargo and travel bans but do not have the link.
Congratulations every one …. the English site of this blog has reached 100 comments for 2 consecutive posts!!!!!……. I remember it only have happened once before in the entire life of the blog.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 18:38
And another compliment to the Moderators of this site- your site is Much more professionally run than the Miami Heralds’s, and they are a huge conglomerate. Congratulations!
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 18:30
Dear Friendly Translator, First Congratulations on the valuable service you provide. I wonder if you could get Yoani to clarify if she has actually called for an end to the embargo and travel restrictions for US citizens to go to Cuba? The reason I ask is because there are loosely disguised Cuban Gov’t. posters on the Miami Herald site who are using her name, saying she has called for the elimination of these two restrictions. I used to say Yes to this- eliminate the both of them, but I have done a complete turnaround in the face of increasing Cuban intransigence, and their unwillingness to move forward positively with some sort of meaningful concession on Cuba’s part. Also the recent re-alignment with the Russians, and the scary KGB thug Putin,and the inclusion of the GRU Head General from Russia who was visiting at the time of the Juanes concert. They have agreed to re-build, re-arm and re-train the Cuban Army, and apparantly the state secret police apparatus. Should we reward Cuba for these kinds of actions? And now comes the beat down of Yoani and her companion. Can we gain Anything by making unilateral concessions to Hooligans such as these Communist Masters?
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 18:26
GREAT ARTICLE ON YOANI EVEN ON THE VERY LEFT LEANING HUFFINGTON POST!!
HUFFINGTON POST ARTICLE: The Next Cuban Revolution
“Truth is, connecting Cubans to the rest of the world is bad for Fidel Castro (still very much in charge) and his two henchmen, fear and ignorance. The people, armed with information, will break the chains that hold them down.”
“Perhaps the Internet Age demands a new kind of Noble Peace Prize winner. Someone like Yoani Sanchez.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....53359.html
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 17:16
Does anyone know if there are similar blogs by people in places like North Korea or Burma?
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 16:26
Thank you for your courage and sharing your story for the world to witness. We publish Alternativesmagazine.com and would like to bring your story to a wider audience. Please contact me if you are intersted.
Thank you,
Werner
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 15:07
#91 & #93
The idea (not to be redundant) is to postulate the ideas and work on them.
No idea is a bad idea, in a thinking group setting all it takes is a considerate and civil way to each others opinions & ways of thinking.
With mutual respect & keeping the inspiring goal in mind anything is possible.
Lets all put our ideas forth, to work things out & if something comes up … good for all.
What do you think?
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 14:16
Here is a link to an article in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....ions_world
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 13:59
Albert, Concubino and Translator,
Thank you for your welcome and remarks regarding my post. I guess that the point I am trying to make is that there are real, concrete actions that can be taken to draw more attention to these events and show our support for the people who need it.
With respect to the demonstration idea, while I understand that the majority of Cubans live far from DC, there are many other people (Cubans and non-Cubans alike) who feel strongly about this and for whom a trip to DC would not be too difficult. Demonstrating in DC requires some planning and a permit is required, but it does not seem very difficult to obtain. If a demonstration in front of the Cuban Interests Section is not possible, then there are many other venues where such a thing could be organized. Here is a link to a useful website that provides information on how to plan a demonstration, should the need ever arise:
http://www.ehow.com/how_207398.....ngton.html
Other cities probably have similar requirements. I offer these ideas merely to advance the conversation and welcome yours in return. Hank
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 12:51
#91
concub:
what’s your opinion on the part about getting in contact with the senators & congressman?
Or somehow (excuse my ignorance about this things) establish creditable contact with the media (I believe the term is “networking”?).
Or like the Lady from Italy’s effort with a signature collection drive of some sort.
I think if we put all our heads together more ideas can be explored.
This will serve to create some kind of protective devise for Yoani and the unheard voices to function with a modicum of safety fro any future reprisals.
Just thinking …
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 12:41
Hello Hank
Welcome to this forum.
The problem with demostrating in fron the Cuban Interest Section in Washington is that the majority Cubans live far away from that area.Besides they are quick to call the police and demostrations are quickly dispersed.
I have try in the past to do what you mention(emailing , faxing etc) with no avail. They simply ignore you.
Your English is excellent and although everybody in your country speaks English,(is part of the curriculom starting in elementary school) you may help by translating GY to your native language.Email the friendly English translator she or he may be able to help you if you are willing to do that. That way GY will in be 19 languages!!
Thanks
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 12:30
Hi Yoani, I’m glad you´re fine. I knew your blogg few days ago by a very serious journalist web site in Brazil (ObservatĂłrio da Imprensa) and I became very simpathyc with your cause.
I am here to say I’m very proud for your fight against violence and for speech freendon in Cuba.
Keep the fight!
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 11:10
#80
Hank: that is the spirit! that is a start …
It may be self evident nevertheless: it seems as if we wait looking left & right to see who moves front first.
These are not easy things to do, some people has scars & memories not healed.
This prevents the moving forward: some have a broken spirit from years of abuse & torture (not necesarily physical).
Some just lost hope & they are just surviving.
None of them is alone, yet most of them don’t know about the voice of Liberty beause they forgot or becasue they never heard it.
Either way it si our responsibility, Cuban or not, our duty to echo Liberty’s voice, propagate it and make it known from every fiber of our hearts.
Its a start, that is how ideas move, like the “human wave” it takes one person to stand up & move … then the next & the next, all individuals, all different, all free yet all together.
Lets go lets move
Thanks Hank!
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 10:46
Un abbraccio dall’Italia e dalla prima podradio. Nella trasmissione online dal 13 al 15 novembre djUbik parlerĂ di Yoani e del suo blog. Stay tuned for rock ‘n’roll!
A hug from Italy and from Radio Rock The Original! Download the podcast on line from Nov.13th to Nov.15th: djUbik will speak about Yoani’s blog and abduction. It will be in Italian, but I’m sure it will be understood!
Hold on Yoani! :-))))))))
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 10:13
Wow, you are really courageous. What those people don’t get is that they can’t repress your voices by doing such things, instead they are just drawing more attention to your movement. Keep that spirit.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 08:16
Hi Hank, and welcome to the blog! Your comment got held because it had three links in it, the email and the two URLs. Any comment with more than two gets held because that is a characteristic of a lot of spam. I’m going to try to see what happens if I reset the number to three; if we get a lot of spam I’ll have to change it back.
A general note to everyone, if you have multiple links to post, try posting them two per comment in multiple comments.
And to Hank and all the new people commenting here: WELCOME!!!!!!!
Your Friendly English Translator
PS “Su comentario está esperando ser moderado.” = Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 06:19
Freedom will prevail. Keep inspiring the world. You will
succeed. You are part of history already like other heroes
to whom we all must be thankful for their courage, wisdom and restless struggle in the pursuit of happiness.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 05:35
Hello, I posted a note a few moments ago and got a message that reads as follows:
“Su comentario está esperando ser moderado.”
Note sure what that means, but I hope that me note got through. Thanks
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 05:04
NTN24 in the show La Noche today 10th of Nov. talked about this abuse, even Yoani goes on the air. http://www.ntn24.com/content/d.....ni-sanchez
Good thing good thing…This must be heard!
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 04:20
WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE: Beating Rattles Cuban Bloggers
“The assault, believed to be the first against the growing blogger movement on the island, has cast a spotlight on the country’s record of repression, highlighting how little change there has been in political freedoms during the nearly three years since RaĂşl Castro took over as president from retired dictator Fidel Castro.”
“…according to a recent report by the Inter American Press Association, a watchdog group.
The group said Cuba currently has 26 journalists in jail, and it cited 102 incidents against Cuban journalists in the past year, including beatings, arbitrary arrests and death threats.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....ions_world
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 04:14
Yoani,
I live in a peaceful coastal community on the east coast of Australia called Noosa. I recently read of your kidnapping in a state wide paper that told your story and gave background of your blog and its awards. I am a training school teacher (secondary) and intend to use your blog as a guide for my students to compare and developed an understanding, as well as a respect for the rights and good nature we are blessed with in this country. I will also use your blog as a awareness tool as to what is happening in the wider world, and it’s society’s concerning the so called “counter-revolutionaries” speaking out for the right to express freedom of speech, expression, opinion and assembly in there strongest terms. As an independent voice, stand tall, and speak loud… We are listening!!
Shaun Morris.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 01:45
#67
Here are a few suggestions:
(1) For people living in the US: demonstrate in front of the Cuba Interests Section in Washington, DC. Here is a link to their website, address, phone numbers, as well as an email address:
Cuba Interests Section
2630 and 2639 16th Street, NW, Washington DC 20009
Telephone: (202) 797-8518
Fax: (202) 986-7283
E-mail: cubaseccion@igc.apc.org
URL: http://embacu.cubaminrex.cu/De.....tabid=1025
or
http://embacu.cubaminrex.cu/De.....abid=10037
email them, call them, fax them and let them know we are watching and we do not like what we see (as so eloquently stated by Beatrice in #59);
(2) For people living outside of the US, demonstrate in front of the Cuban Embassy of your country, email them, call them and fax them;
(3) Organize petition drives demanding respect for the basic human rights espoused by the Human Rights Foundation in #78 and send them to Cuban Embassies throughout the world;
(4) Demand that Yoani be allowed the fundamental right to travel, to which every free human being on this planet is entitled, so that she may accept in person the awards and honors she has earned;
(5) Tell all your friends about Yoani’s blog and forward links to her blog to everyone you know;
(6) Write, call and email news organizations in order to focus more attention on this from the mainstream press;
(7) Write, call and email your representatives and senators;
(8) The more light we shine on this outrage, the more pressure we put on those who perpetrate these crimes. They should not be allowed to get away with this any longer.
Noviembre 11th, 2009 at 00:00
I`m so sorry this happend to you, I`m watching a documentary from Cuba and you are in it, and I wanted to see your blog.
I can not believe how bad things are in your country.
They need more people like you who speak their mind.
Keep up the god work, I will follow your blog
Tanja-Norway
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 23:40
HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION:
Cuban Bloggers Kidnapped, Assaulted by State Security on their Way to Peace March
“This is a blatant attempt by the Cuban government to silence independent thought and speech and should be condemned by human rights groups and governments across the globe,” stated Thor Halvorssen, president of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). “These bloggers were attacked for peacefully expressing their opinions. Does the Cuban government realize the preposterous irony of violently assaulting citizens who were on their way to protest violence?” asked Halvorssen.”
http://www.humanrightsfoundati.....11009.html
Mission
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) unites people—regardless of their political, cultural, and ideological orientations—in the common cause of defending human rights and promoting liberal democracy in the Americas. Our mission is to ensure that freedom is both preserved and promoted.
Our definition of human rights is based on the founding ideals of the human rights movement, those most purely represented in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1976). Although current debates about whether it is possible to define universal economic and cultural rights are useful and important, those debates tend to divide those who would otherwise be strong allies in the struggle for rights. Our definition of human rights sidesteps those debates, focusing instead on the essential ideals of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. We believe that all human begins are entitled to:
The right to speak freely
The right to worship in the manner of their choice
The right to freely associate with those of like mind
The right to acquire and dispose of property
The right to leave and enter their countries
The right to equal treatment and due process under law
The right to be able to participate in the government of their countries
Freedom from arbitrary detainment or exile
Freedom from slavery and torture
Freedom from interference and coercion in matters of conscience
We seek, in particular, to sustain the struggle for liberty in those areas where it is presently under threat. HRF does not support nor condone violence.
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 23:22
TO ALL TRANSLATORS OF ALL LANGUAGES! I wish I was a millionaire so I can send each one of you a cool million for all your selfless work! When Cuba is FREE of Communism I would love to pary with all of you with seveal cases of Havana Club Reserva! which is my favorite!
Humberto Capiro
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 22:24
Never lose hope, the world watches as things unfold. The revolution inside the revolution already born. The window is open the curtains pulled back. Viva Cuba, Cuba libre o muerte!
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 21:12
no + Violencia
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 20:46
#72
Albert
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 19:33
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AMEN!!!!!!
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 20:13
Te apoyamos, Yoani!
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 19:33
#67
Carbo:
we know what may come, we know how hard it may be (if nothing else by experience)
When the time comes, a spontaneous response must go accross the web, borrowing someone elses words, a wave most go forth the likes no one has ever seen or felt.
the wave of Liberty, the one wich will knock of the wall of represion permanently.
At the same time the rebuilding of a society, the healing of wounds, the change of habits borne of the necessity to survive, in other words the consecuences of this animals’s actions; that is the important work, there is where our support may be needed … all the while I urge Yoani and the other unheard voices to be prepared as best they can … I pray to God to give them strength to go thru this trials that may come.
Distance makes a difference, silence condones.
a hug & a wink
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 19:21
67
Albert
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 18:30
#66
……..Yes, unfortunally it may lead to it.
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I going to paste a comment I wrote long time ago about an action Yoani and her friends performed in a Book Fair in Havana.
This comment fits perfectly to your and Humbert worrier:
“I have to say that not only you are full of pride Yoani…….. We all Cubans feel full of pride because you and the whole Cuban Youth beside you and yours colleagues.
The other day when you and your friends decided challenge the dictatorial control by performing an public act of disobedience at Havana’s Book Fair I wrote that the Cuban Youth had found a new way to push back the regimen, a new way of fighting the control that makes the repression’s institutions disoriented and leaves the tyranny unarmed. I predicted that the action at the Book Fair would be a victory despite the counteraction the government would decide to take, if they decide to attack and send some of these young people to the jail and others to the hospital then the international repulse against such a barbarian act would left the dictatorship with a very dirty face and many of their international planes and policies in treats, if they would decide take no action it would mean a tremendous public victory for these young people that from this exact moment would have in theirs hands the initiative of the new way of political fight they have started.
After I wrote those things some doubts assaulted me, I was thinking that maybe Yoani and the other in the Book Fair was not aware about what they had started and what a powerful tool they had created.
To day all my doubts are vanished, today I understand they know very well what’s happening and how to drive the hammer “to knocked down in one go or byte by byte the wall of the dictatorship”
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 18:50
#68
Carbo:
good points, very good points!
Least we forget, the embargo is in effect all over the world right?
Europe, the middle east, africa, south america and the rest … they do “no business” with cuba (as the regime wants the people belive)?
Or just that the lies are getting old as the regime is and the light of truth is begining to show thru the cracks.
Either way, nothing last forever, sooner or later the inevitable will come to be.
Castros or no castros, their cliques or not, the time is comming …
We’ll wait you out … time is another thing you can’t control and get used to it!
eh caballo … donde estas? vas bien … para el infierno …
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 18:32
Yoani, Mantente fuerte y no dejes que estos bestias te destruyan el espiritu que es lo mas importante que tienes. De lo lejos te apoyamos.
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 18:31
Marciano
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 10:23
“marked by schools in the countryside, Russian cartoons, illegal emigration and frustration” y el boicot economico de Estados Unidos a Cuba no te ha marcado??
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Why would be she marked by something that do not exist?????
USA supply to Cuba 85% of the food the country needs, USA is the major donor of medicines and medical supplies to Cuba, US ziticens send more that 1000 million dollar every year to Cuba, USA still honors the Non Aggression Pact signed with USSR despite USSR dissolved 20 year ago, US presidents signs year after year a special law to avoid cubans in USA wage war on Castro regimen, no single US president since Johnson left this law unsigned. By this law all cubans captured in the intent of waging war on Castro are condemned to 10 years in prison, fines of $250.000 and confiscation of all weapons and transport devices.
In exchange of this benvolence and protection the tyranny left go to USA all cubans capitals, the Tourism industry, Citric Industry, Fishing Industry, Sugar industry, Commerce industry, Media industry, Chemical industry and 20% of our population helping to raise the city of Miami from a sleeping fishing town to the most important city in USA’s commerce with America.
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 18:30
#66
Yes, unfortunally it may lead to it.
Therein is where Yoani’s and the other unheard voices courage & determination is at.
In their knowledge of the impending suffering, in the waiting for what is known but not when.
Their commitment will be tested and is only a matter of time.
So … what do we do until & if our fears come to reality?
Does anyone have a suggestion?
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 17:53
MIAMI HERALD ARTICLE:Cuba’s blogosphere has developed a sharper edge
Cuba’s blogosphere has taken on a decidedly harsher face in recent months, an act of online defiance in the face of government retribution.
“Carefully, but with daring determination, some Cubans whose blogs once focused largely on the frustrations of daily life are moving toward sharp-edged commentaries and activities that some fear will eventually lead to a crackdown by the communist government. ”
http://www.miamiherald.com/new.....25230.html
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 16:42
I deeply condemn this coward attack,,,,,, once more time, the dictator and his mafia gang, are probing that they are the real killers.
The “Assassin in Chief”, his brother, and the rest of the old gang did show how dangerous and abusive their power is!!!!!
Those “Titeres” and those “Hit men” are the cruel hand that shows how will be the Government’s reaction is the all people decides to move on without them!!!!
Freedom is our main goal!!!!,,,Yoanis keep on doing it!!!!,,,you are incredible BRAVE!!!!
Candido
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 16:39
Keep goingo Yoani,
<>
paolo (firenze, Italy)
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 16:02
The video; Reading the Riot Act was beautiful…For your pain go see the man in Vedado with the Hot Hands…He works wonders for pain. Peace be with you.
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 15:17
Dear Yoani,
Don’t get dispirited because of those few who criticize and question you: they are a minority (which always seems like a large number, especially in the world of the internet, where moderates stay quiet and extremists get loud).
Cuidate, sos una persona que Cuba, y todo el mundo necesita mas que sabes. No lo olvides, estamos aqui leyendote, siguiendote, preocupandonos por ti, y esperando tus proximas noticias.
Keep on fighting! We’ll spread your word!
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 14:54
about comment #59
That’s the spirit! I think that is a greta idea, if it could be done from every country by the people, a grass roots idea.
If it gains momentum, think of the posibilities; if there are just a few signatures … the regime can ignore them, use the paer for whatever they please.
But if there are more than a few signatures, from more than one place … who knows?
It might make a difference, it is all in the doing, all in the showing the spirit of liberty can not be stopped.
My proudest thoughts to o you Beatrice, for your courage to take a stand, to choose and to go forth with an idea.
a big hug & a wink
ciao Beatrice
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 14:37
change is comming to cuba soon. they cannot censorship the internet and oppinions.
the word and truth is spreading. next year in havana
Noviembre 10th, 2009 at 14:14
Yoani, my deepest admiration and simpathy for the courage you express through your blog. Although I doubt it will sort in any noticeable outcome, we’re collecting signatures to bring to the Cuban Embassy here in Rome - italy, just to let them know that the world is watching and not liking what it sees. Keep up you terrific work! Beatrice - Italy