Should We Sign the “Oath” to Castro’s Revolution?
Don’t judge, And you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, And you won’t be condemned. Set free, And you will be set free. (Luke 6: 37)
By Vicente Morin Aguado
HAVANA TIMES — Fidel Castro’s funeral rites are being used as an opportunity to call for a new oath: to sign the “concept of the Revolution”, which was declared by the Comandante 16 years ago, and which has been circulated to death, and can even be found in the country’s nightclubs.
The famous manifest was proclaimed by Fidel’s eternal right-hand man, now Head of State, General Raul Castro, as “the quintessence of the ideological struggle” of the Communist Party which he leads.
The document has been written up based on short phrases which remind us of its author’s Catholic education. When reading it, you can understand how any honest human being on this planet could sign it very easily without shame. Even those who oppose socialism outright can find a general mention in the system, without tedious repetitions, that has been established in Cuba for over more than half a century.
Therefore, you have to ask yourself: Do I agree with, for example, “being treated and treating others like human beings”?
All of the phrases present in the document communicate concepts that the majority of people would approve of, without ideological or political differences. .However, we should ask ourselves another question
Why should we sign an oath that is being imposed on us by authorities which are questionable in their origin and real results when we assess the well-being they promised during their 57 years in power?
Funeral rites of a historical figure who had global impact are a respectable subject in any country. However, this moment shouldn’t be taken advantage of by the government that is organizing these funeral honors to impose a new oath.
I believe Cuban people’s conscience should pretty much agree with the concept of the Revolution, just as it is known; but daily life comes into clear conflict with what is communicated because of the political rhetoric of Castro´s discourse.
You just have to remember the 9,000 arbitrary arrests of peaceful opponents this year alone which still hasn’t even ended. Who would oppose the biblical Sermon on the Mount?
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew. 5: 6-10)
We took an oath in April 1961 to defend Socialism on the corner of 23rd and 12th Streets in Havana; at the turn of the new millennium, in Bayamo, Antonio Maceo’s great prestige backed the Baragua oath: to never betray the Revolution; two years later in 2002, pens came back out to confirm the irreversible nature of the Socialism at every Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR).
To sign or not to sign? We should take a look around us; carry out an intimate, family-like, in-depth analysis. Every Cuban citizen has the right to choose. I just hope it isn’t the proverbial ease of our Cuban nature that drives our hand.
The embargo which you incorrectly call a blockade, does not prevent Raul Castro’s son-in-law General Rodriguez from importing toilet paper from V ietnam for sales in the TRD stores – does it?
False equivalence. Then US embargo has nothing to do with the lack of toilet paper. Castro mismanagement can take credit for that.
The Castro regime Dan has only ever demonstrated one purpose – “harmless opportunity” is a guile-less description of a national program designed to ensure compliance with the dictate of the regime.
Don’t millions of US kids recite the pledge of allegiance on a daily basis ? I anticipate the forthcoming comments that, “oh this is different, they aren’t forced to recite it” and “you’ll lose your job in Cuba if you don’t sign”, but I don’t buy it, from what I’ve seen. I was in Cuba back when the first pledge was signed, and I remember numerous people in Banes I know who didn’t bother to sign and were unconcerned about any consequences. Likewise, after seeing what that Koeperncik guy had to go through for not standing for the national anthem, it’s hard to make the case that there is not pressure on students to conform. I believe that this is nothing more than a harmless opportunity for Cubans who want the chance to reaffirm their identification with the Revolution.
Fidel Castro swore to hold free & fair elections once Batista was overthrown. But as soon as Fidel seized power, his promise went out the window. Why should the betrayed and oppressed Cuban people swear an oath to that tyrant?
A good way for the government to keep check of the populations views and opinions. Big Brother is definitely still watching and controlling you! as it has been for most peoples lives!
Time for change is now, however you will never be allowed a vote to change government or government policy!
Meaningless. The regime has lost it’s symbol. It’s concern with consent of the govern is understandable. Another oath won’t suspbstitute for breakfast, lunch and dinner.