[CubaNews] FW" RaÃces' Reaction to Cuban Dictator's Resignation

[Walter Lippmann <walterlx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

(These are a little band of rightist gusanitos who
probably prefer latte to cafecito. They have the
nerve to call themselves "non-partisan" when they
really are more accurately called "bi-partisan"
====================================================

From: Raices de Esperanza <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Feb 19, 2008 2:21 PM
To: walterlx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RaÃces' Reaction to Cuban Dictator's Resignation

Cuban Dictator "Resigns"
The Cuban people are still deprived the right to exercise their fundamental freedoms despite today's permanent resignation by Cuba's militant dictator.  In a statement released in Cuba's state-run newspaper Granma, the despot published a letter revealing his plans, "I will not aspire to, nor will I accept the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief." He cited his ailing health condition as reason for his resignation saying, "It would be a betrayal to my conscience to accept a responsibility requiring more mobility and dedication than I am physically able to offer."
 

More than ever before, real change is possible without an iconic figure at the helm of the Cuban regime.  Roots of Hope encourages not only our network but the entire international community to reach out to Cuba's youth and offer their support and solidarity.  Let's share with our brothers and sisters on the island our hope for real change.  Now is the opportune time to support the struggle for actual democratic change on the island nation.

Island Youth
What YOU can do
Cuba will be in the forefront of news for the next few days. It will be on the minds of many of us and spike the interest of many more. We need to use this momentum to get our message out and give a megaphone to those who are silenced. Roots of Hope encourages all members of our network to express their thoughts related to recent events in Cuba.  Here's what YOU can do:
 
video1) Film a video to post on YouTube
The time is now to for our generation to make an impact. Consider this: The lack of information Cubans have access to has limited their understanding of the possibilities in the world.  If we are to replace fear and isolation with hope and empowerment, we must help them see what is within their reach.  Make a brief, video clip offering a glimpse into your life or those of your group of friends. Let us show the spirit of youth outside of Cuba and give a message of hope and solidarity.
 
call
 
 
2) Host an Island Direct Call with youth in Cuba
Speak directly to youth in Cuba who are living the headlines and show them they are not alone. Please email island@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for logistical facilitation.
write

3) Write an op-ed (less than 300 words).
It's our time to tell the world what this resignation means to us and how it should inspire a new generation to work for real change. 
Then SEND:
 
Please submit your work (videos, op-eds, poetry, paintings, etc) to the Roots Communications Team at press@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and we can help you edit, develop and submit to blogs, newspapers, or post on YouTube.  Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions, as well.

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April 10 - 13
Click below for more details and to APPLY NOW!
InterCambio

Raices issued the following statement to the press today:

Roots of Hope Communications Director Joanna Burgos issued the following statement today regarding the resignation of Cuba's Dictator Fidel Castro:

"Cuba's future leadership should be determined by the people, not dictated by a despot's parting wish. At this time of transition, Roots of Hope asks the world to help Cuba's youth finally experience the full fruits of freedom and democracy that they now feel at their fingertips. This new generation of leaders longs to be authors of their own future.  In this critical time, we must all stand with them and empower them to make this dream a reality."
-X-

Roots of Hope, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan group sponsoring academic and cultural initiatives to empower youth to become authors of their own future

=========================================
     WALTER LIPPMANN
     Los Angeles, California
     Editor-in-Chief, CubaNews
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CubaNews/
     "Cuba - Un ParaÃso bajo el bloqueo"
=========================================


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