Bad Handwriting in La Joven Cuba (28) / Regina Coyula

This is not in response to a post, but arises from the comments area. For better understanding I have copied Osmany’s words in italics; he is one of the administrators http://lajovencuba.wordpress.com, a blog developed at the University of Matanzas on which I comment regularly.

Dear Osmany: You were very helpful in responding to my comment, which leads to the exchange.

Osmany: You say that nothing has demonstrated the benefits of one-party system, but to me nothing has demonstrated the benefits of a multiparty system, where the opposition party does all it can to torpedo whatever drives the policy of the ruling party even if it is the best for the majority. Then comes the “punishment vote,” changes in the party in power, and the poor remain poor and the rich get richer, don’t you see?

Regina: I do not know why you are so pessimistic. I imagine a non-bipartisan, transparent, inclusive process. Empowered citizens, far from pressured, vote for the best terms of capacity, design and integrity. I am interested in a system where people like you and me are not seen as enemies (as we are not), an open system where the law is for everyone equally, in which the elections are accomplished by direct and secret vote.

Osmany: …you don’t doubt that those who ruled Cuba in 1958 will rule it again.

Regina: The vast majority of Cubans belong to the twenty-first century, I do not know about you, but I have confidence in young people. Could you point me a one-party government that combines prosperity and democracy?

Osmany: On other occasions you have referred to your “basement.” Do you think in a “free” Cuba they will take you into account. Now you are useful for thinking contrary to the government. But after?

Regina: A free Cuba doesn’t have to take me into account as an individual. Do you think I won’t continue to be critical of those who come after? The lack of criticism has done and continues to do great damage. In writing, I can be wrong or right, but I don’t do it on anyone’s orders. I plan to continue my personal blog as long as my cousin in Germany allows me to [by helping me to manage the blog].

Osmany: In your blog you promote whatever cause arises that is against Cuba, Zapata Tamayo for example. Do you think the future owners of Cuba will care about these people. Did you see what happened to Reina Luisa [Zapato Tamayo’s mother]?

Regina: Against Cuba, Osmany? Since when is a government Cuba? I want a nation without an owner, I don’t believe in the story of the wolf. Embrace the cause you believe in, but don’t identify with the concept of a nation, which should be inclusive, plural, open, “wide, democratic… finally, the sea.” [From a poem by Nicolas Guillen.]

Osmany: You refer to the blockade as an “embargo” which contradicts the image you want to give because you know well the difference between the one and the other, but fine, it’s your choice. Greetings to you too.

Regina: I refer to the blockade as an embargo, in the first place because the law that defines it is called the “Embargo Law” and, in the second place, to speak of a blockade has great political impact, but we are not subject to a blockade. And, be careful, you vote with both hands for its repeal and it seems to me detrimental to the sovereignty of third parties, the extraterritorial character of the Helms Burton and Torricelli acts.

I hope we can maintain this exchange, especially now that the pagination allows me to access the blog better. I hope for your feedback. Greetings to others and especially to you and your newly growing family.

February 27 2012