More on Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez

Vicente Morín Aguado

HAVANA TIMES — After reading the numerous comments written in response to my article “Yoani Sanchez Launches Virtual Realism in Cuba”, I must concede that some of the criticisms leveled at a number of ideas in the piece are valid. Nevertheless, I continue to stand by my fundamental concerns and arguments, about which our habitual commentators say nothing, namely:

1- In view of Sanchez’ important individual contribution to the current struggle for greater freedom of expression in Cuba – a right that continues to be curtailed in the country – I again want to pose a very concrete question: What specific contribution to Cuba’s future, to an economic and political vision for the country in the coming years, can the blog Generation Y make? What is Yoani’s proposal?

2- There is an evident and unacknowledged contradiction in the fact that the most popular blogger of our troubled world emerged from a country where Internet access is markedly limited.

Simply attempting to use official servers in Cuba to email journalistic pieces is, in and of itself, a serious issue. These servers are closely monitored and strict regulations apply to all users.

Of course, there are journalists with due authorization to do this, whose articles are sent to sites that have also been reviewed and approved by the pertinent authorities.

Like any Cuban you might run into in the street, struck by an obvious contradiction, I can only say: I’m totally confused! Are we or are we not living in a virtual reality world?
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Vicente Morín Aguado: morfamily@correodecuba.cu