Click here to sign a petition asking that the families of the Cuban Five be allowed visitation. These five men have been cruelly denied the right to see their families and something needs to be done now. Thanks.
The Cuba Advocate newsletter was first published in March 1991 as a joint effort of the Colorado Hands Off Cuba Coalition and the U.S.-Cuba Friendship Society of San Diego. Even though the format is now electronic rather than print, the original aim -- to advance the cause of improved relations between the United States and Cuba -- remains the same.
The Cuba Advocate has a public interest agenda. We advocate ending the U.S. economic blockade and travel ban against Cuba, restoring full diplomatic relations, and closing the Guantanamo naval base, which is now being used by the United States to perfect torture techniques against so-called "enemy combatants" in the phony "war on terror." We also urge an end to the unwelcome, U.S.-sponsored radio and video broadcasts directed at Cuba.
The Cuba Advocate believes that the people of Cuba have a right to sovereignty and self-determination; we believe that the U.S. economic blockade and travel ban against Cuba violates the rights of both Cubans and U.S. citizens; we believe that it is cruel, inhuman, immoral, illegal, un-American, and genocidal to prevent food and medicine from reaching people living in a sovereign nation which offers no threat to the United States; we also believe that it is inappropriate behavior by the U.S. Government to interfere with other nations' trade and relations with Cuba.
The Cuba Advocate believes that the Cuban Revolution of 1959 represents the victory of the Cuban people over imperialist domination, the victory of human needs over private profit, the victory of the working class over the gambling and drug barons. Today, 49 years later, the Cuban Revolution exists to millions worldwide as a symbol of hope for the future of humankind.
It is in this same spirit that The Cuba Advocate celebrates the acheivements of the Cuban Revolution.
Who I'd like to meet:
We do not do a lot of posting, but we just wanted to share a few speeches that we consider essential to understanding President Castro and Cuba. In a world in which imperialist technological development, greed, and the desire for power have so intoxicated the rich, industrialized nations, the humanist values of ethics, reason, compassion, cooperation, and human understanding have been abandoned. Who would have thought that two national leaders -- like George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein -- could not even sit down to talk and discuss their differences in a public forum before one unleashes a barrage of high-tech weaponry against the civilians of the other? Doesn't that constitute a crime against humanity? Does the United States have some divine right to judge others in this imperfect world?
President Castro has reportedly been recovering from intestinal surgery, yet some media outlets report his condition as "grave." We wish him well and offer these speeches as our tribute to him. (See blog & scroll down)
The Speeches
1. A Manifesto for the people of Cuba
2. Biofuels and the internationalization of genocide
3. May Day 2004
4. The course of human events must change or our species will not survive
5. May Day 2002
6. Free the Cuba Five
7. The world economic crisis and its impact on Cuba
8. The first victims of war are the innocents
9. Terrorism is dangerous and indefensible
10. On the 40th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution
11. History will absolve me
12. 1992 Rio Earth Summit
13. To the 34th UN General Assembly (1979)
Read the speeches. Weigh the positives with the negatives. We do not think that President Castro has always been right and fair and just, but we DO think that the world would be a better place for all of us if we listen to his advice. Castro himself would be the first to tell you that he has made mistakes in this imperfect world, but his observations and advice on geopolitical politics is sound and deserves a fair reading. In our opinion, he is one of the greatest statesmen on the planet. Thanks for stopping by!
Obama has missed an opportunity to do the right thing
Obama’s much anticipated changes to U.S.-Cuba policy have turned out to be much ado about nothing. While changes in family remittances, unlimited travel to and from the island to visit relatives, and increased telecommunications are positive steps, the economic blockade remains intact. The “wet foot/dry foot” policy of instant citizenship for those who make the treacherous 90-mile trip to U.S. soil remains in place, as does the cruel, inhuman policy of using food and medicine as political weapons. Thus far in his presidency, Obama has proven to be a status quo politician interested in propping up capitalist banking and corporate interests while working people take a back seat. On Cuba policy, he is playing south Florida politics very effectively and will likely win some supporters in the next election cycle, but his slogan of “Change We Can Believe In” has been forgotten. Supporters of normalizing relations between the U.S. and Cuba must continue to encourage Congress to do what Barack Obama has failed to do. Sadly, Obama has missed an opportunity to do something positive and right for human relations in the world. He said we would not stand idly by while injustice happens in the world, yet here we are, marking time.
Season Greetings from statesofunrest They don’t know it’s Christmas It’s not Christmas in the Third World and they don’t care They’re too busy being raped by our capitalist nightmare A million fingers scrape about in the rubble So we can feel secure in our privileged bubble They don’t need a jolly Santa no Coca Cola lie Our fat celebration’s just a spit in their eye It’s not a happy Christmas it’s not peace and goodwill It’s just another year of death capital gain capital kill Rampant disease massive Aids culture World banks hover like blood lust vultures Centuries of depravity from civilisations Carving up the riches of innocent nations So stuff your belly fat let the drinks run free Cos Africa is dying under a Joshua tree Another freezing starry night another barren landscape Another fat hand grabbing at a Christmas cake They don’t know it’s Christmas don’t defend the lie Don’t pretend to feed the world while you watch them die There’s no baby in a cradle but there are thousands in graves Starved to death by the greed of the rich and depraved It’s not a happy Christmas it’s not peace and goodwill It’s just another year of death capital gain capital kill It’s not a happy Christmas it’s not peace and goodwill It’s just another year of death capital gain capital kill
This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read
it every day You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1 There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude
remarks.
So..........If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone, including
the one that sent it to you. If you get it back, then they really do love
you.
And always remember....when life hands you Lemons, ask for tequila and
salt and call me over!
Good friends are like stars, You don't always see them. But you know they
are always there.
"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though
Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"
I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here
than a whole truck load when I'm gone!
Forward to all your friends, including me. And don't tell me you're too
busy for this.. Don't you know the phrase "stop and smell the flowers"?
