Re: [Marxism] Cuban Dissidents in Disarray Two Years After Arrests - Another View

["John Obrien" <causecollector@xxxxxxx>]

The implication with Walter Lippmann's article "Cuban Dissidents in Disarray 
Two Years After Arrests" is that dissidents to the Castro Regime are ALL "paid 
agents of U. S. Capitalism".

Such simplicity is not a worthy approach of such fine a person as this writer.  
While there is no question that the U. S. government and anti-socialist 
elements have been using willing and unwilling Cubans who are "dissidents" - it 
is not correct to infer that all those who disagree with the Castro government 
are "paid agents".

To follow such "logic and inferences", one could state - that since there are a 
number of "progressives" in the United States who are government agents and 
anti-socialist - that the U. S. progressive movements are also "fronts for U. 
S. capitalism?"  

Last week the Cuban government failed to prevent the International Gay and 
Lesbian Human Rights Committee from having a speaker at the upcoming United 
Nations sponsored AIDS Conference.  Cuba sided with the Muslim governments on 
this homophobic attempt to stifle Gay voices. (Curiously I saw no mention of 
this by Walter Lippmann in his efforts to keep us informed of Cuban 
developments - obviously an oversight, or maybe it reveals not knowing 
everything!!!)

If those like Walter Lippmann - a person who I respect for his years of 
principled service to progressive change, would instead of trying to give 
excuses for the short comings of the Castro government - and demand a more 
socialist practicing government - then it is possible to have a better 
socialist Cuba - and reduce the " Cuban dissidents" - reallyto those who are 
only paid agents and seeking personal gain.

I support the Castro government's opposition to U. S. Capitalism.  I am 
delighted with Fidel Castro thumbing his nose at the U. S. capitalists.  I just 
wish Castro would have the "guts" to instead of opposing and fearing Gay and 
Lesbian empowerment, to see it as long overdue.  

It is sad that some progressive people still insist that Gays, Lesbians and 
others who demand empowerment, must remain silent and not empowered.  I 
personally reject this message "to stay in the closet and be quiet".  I will 
not abandon my Gay and Lesbian Sisters and Brothers in Cuba or anywhere else, 
who face discrimination and homophobia. 

I wait for the day when open organizing by Gay and Lesbian groups for 
empowerment and improving the conditions that exist in Cuba - are "officially 
allowed".  It will be then, that I can have more pride in the Cuban government, 
than the current policies of the Cuban government. siding with the Yemen and 
Malaysian homophobic governments - against Gays and Lesbians. 

Until then, I remain "a dissident" - and I wear that description with pride - 
and wait the day of true justice, peace and freedom - that some say - but 
really do not mean or want - for all.

Forward to Socialism, 

John O'Brien
Los Angeles, CA






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