Mutual Respect

Mutual Respect / Fernando Damaso
Posted on January 22, 2015

The reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the governments of
Cuba and the United States has been well received by the majority of
Cubans both within and outside the island. Although it represents only
the first step in solving the dispute between the two governments, it
provides the basis for achieving a normal coexistence between close
neighbors, both geographically and historically.

During the process of resolving this dispute, it is hoped that steps
will also be taken to resolve another dispute: that between Cubans and
their government

As expected, there are those who do not agree with this first step, who
reject it and will do everything possible to make it fail. These people
are found within the governments of both countries, as well as among the
internal and external opposition. Some have lived too long under this
dispute, and it is too difficult for them to give up what has become a
way of life.

I am referring to government figures, who have made careers for
themselves taking advantage of the dispute, enjoying the perks,
experiencing neither shortages, scarcities, nor the "Special Period,"
and also some opponents who, although it has cost them a great deal of
work, have benefited from it, through media attention, economic
assistance, and the occasional trip abroad.

This is also happened with some Cuban-American politicians, Both
Democrats and Republicans. It is a well-known reality and cannot be ignored.

Those of us who are committed to change and have as our main objective
the well-being of Cuba and all Cubans, without any kinds of differences
or exclusions, I call on to fight to overcome the obstacles that
undoubtedly will appear, and to advance this process.

It is noteworthy that, in recent days, in the press and in the
Government-supported blogosphere, there have appeared some articles
which, instead of promoting understanding and good relations, try to fan
the flames of discord, recalling difficult times in recent history,
where the only culprit, with or without evidence, continues to be the
American government, while Cuba continues to play the role of innocent
victim: they appear to be stuck in the story of Little Red Riding Hood
and the Big Bad Wolf

If we really want to have good relations with our neighbor, and so the
language of the barricade and of the ignorant, used for so many years,
should begin to vary: respect, to be effective, must be mutual.

18 January 2015

Source: Mutual Respect / Fernando Damaso | Translating Cuba -
<http://translatingcuba.com/mutual-respect-fernando-damaso/>