Plebiscite not only for Cuba, but by the Cuban people

Plebiscite not only for Cuba, but by the Cuban people / Orlando Luis
Pardo Lazo
Posted on December 24, 2014

The American President, Barack Obama, decided on behalf of Cubans. His
holiness the Pope decided on behalf of Cubans. The Army General Raul
Castro decided on behalf of the Cubans. Everyone, except the Cubans ,
decided on behalf of Cubans.

After more than six decades without any consulting of the popular will
in free and competitive elections, it's finally time for Cuba to decide
for Cuba with everyone participating and for the good of all. It's
finally time for Cubans to decide for Cubans.

Any international solidarity will be useless if Cubans don't have a say.
Any dissent and national opposition would lack a legal framework as long
as there is no referendum by Cubans. There is no legitimate government
without the effective participation of the governed. No consensus will
be credible as long as Cuba does not decide for Cuba.

One learns in the open exercise of freedom, how to live in freedom. The
American President and His Holiness, and the General of the Army and all
authorities of good faith in the world are invited not to decide but
instead to accompany Cubans in this decision, in a historic meeting
where the transit from totalitarianism towards an open society or
another controlling regimen is defined.

The demand for a national referendum is already in motion. May no one
speak for the Cuban people but rather support the Cuban people so that
they may recover their voice.

Translator's note: The graphic is a "suggested design" by El Sexto for a
new Cuban flag.

Translated by William Fitzhugh

23 December 2014

Source: Plebiscite not only for Cuba, but by the Cuban people / Orlando
Luis Pardo Lazo | Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/plebiscite-not-only-for-cuba-but-by-the-cuban-people-orlando-luis-pardo-lazo/