Sep 14, 2008 12:44
In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they
were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least
receptive.
When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced
the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned
who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he
would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and
education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring
justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when
the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change,"
everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"
But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's
guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time
everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By
the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing.
By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now
working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had
been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the
time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats,
rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere
else in the world the most fortunate Cubans.
Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised
change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What
will it cost America?
Wouldn't we?