The New Equivocation

The New Equivocation / Fernando Damaso
Posted on December 15, 2013

The violence organized by State Security to repress those who think
differently on Human Rights Day, in Havana as well as in other
provinces, shows once again the true roots of the repressive regime.
While in South Africa the President tried to confuse people by talking
about tolerance, respecting differences, dialog and peaceful solutions
to problems, here his henchmen did the exact opposite.

The beating of the Ladies in White and L and 23rd streets, the refusal
to allow a space to hold the Puños Arriba (Fists High) concert of the
Cuban Hip Hop Movement (an end finally achieved in a circus tent), and
the harassment outside the Estado de Sats site, quickly reflected on the
Net and reported by the foreign press as front page news, show the
forces of order, henchmen, enraged people, young pioneers and students
with their teachers in the lead, actively participating in these acts of
repudiation. What will UNICEF say about the this, about the use of
children without permission from their parents, in these shameful and
degrading acts? Is this how the Cuban state educates our children?

Despite the visits to people's homes to sow fear, despite the
preventative detentions, the blocking of access, and the statements that
we have the strength to stop them, the planned events were held, and
although they could have been inconsequential, this government violence
elevated their importance and brought them to the world's attention. One
more mistake by an outdated regime used to ignoring the opposition,
doesn't understand that the only way to resolve the national problems
needs the participation of everyone, without exclusions.

To suppose that developing messianic formulas in air-conditioned offices
by governmental commission will provide viable solutions, shows the
stupidity of the principal leaders. If they don't listen to all the
opinions and if they don't take into account political discrimination,
it will only be more of the same which, after being developed, will be
submitted to the citizens for their approval without them or their legal
representatives participating in its preparation. The old saying that
man is the only animal who trips twice over the same stone, can be
applied to the Cuban government, affirming that the setbacks have been
and are many.

15 December 2013

Source: "The New Equivocation / Fernando Damaso | Translating Cuba" -
http://translatingcuba.com/the-new-equivocation-fernando-damaso/