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October 2002 NOT EVEN ONE WORD By Miguel L. Talleda We Cubans, the ones living in exile and those in the island, are witnessing real incredible things. It appears impossible after almost 44 years of Castro’s totalitarian tyranny and hate for the American people and its successfully rich economic system and total freedom, that we still see groups of American citizens going to Cuba to prepare an exhibit of American products, and being gracious to this master of deception. We ask ourselves, how can we explain this behavior? Don’t they know who Castro is? How oblivious can those looking for a good business be? Don’t they know they are helping a declared enemy of the United States? Haven’t they seen the huge billboards that line the highways in Cuba saying, “YANKEES GO HOME” or “FIDEL, HIT THE YANKEES HARD”? Now as his dismal system is nearing its end, with its people hungry, persecuted, and desperately suffering, the evil Castro is trying to cultivate the greed of those who want to make money at any cost by promoting “The Havana Industrial Fair.” Hundreds of American citizens were invited. Castro separated them by their state of residence and he talked to them for hours on end, as if to tire them in order to avoid any difficult questions they may have had for him. It’s the classical case of the dogs continually barking to the quails. The quails are paralyzed and forced to the ground where they become victims of the hunters. When Castro feasted on a banquet with the delegation from the State of Kentucky all kinds of food were served; food that the people of Cuba have never had the opportunity to taste. At this event, this “intelligent,” “this know it all” spoke about the American constitution and showed his astonishment that such a complicated system would work. When the turn came for those of North Carolina, he sat at the head table for a meal of shrimp, fish, lamb, potato, chocolates and other luxuries. This time he spoke of the educational system, how to plant trees, and about ground rotation among other things. With the residents of the State of Virginia, he gave the same old song about the colonial times and the founders of that State. Castro spoke of tobacco, soy beans and showed his interest in the nutrition problem. That is it. Regarding the suffering of the Cuban people, NOT EVEN ONE WORD. Nothing was said about the abuses suffered by the Cuban people or the hunger strikes going on inside the prisons due to the mistreatment of the prisoners. Nothing about the journalists thrown in jail for reporting such misery. Nothing either was said about the double standard where tourists enjoy hotels, beaches, and food, while the people of the island live on a miserable food ration and are prohibited from enjoying their homeland hotels and beaches. And what is really distressing is that these Americans that went to the Fair: industrialists, professors, State officials, Congressmen and even a Governor are the same that with their hand over their heart solemnly stand and salute on occasions honoring the victims of the terrorist attack of September 11. They all say they are totally supportive of the war on terrorism and that they are willing to give their life in defense of this nation. But, and this is difficult to understand. They don’t know, or they don’t want to know, that Fidel Castro is a sworn enemy of the United States. That during his 43 years in power the central thought in his mind has been to destroy this great nation. That there is an enormous amount of proof of how far he has gone in his hate for our democratic system. That he was so cowardly as to send a specialized team to Vietnam to torture the American P.O.Ws. That his spies have reached inside the Pentagon. That he is a friend and comrade of the main international enemies of this country. That a few months before the September 11 terrorist attacks, he declared in Iran that very soon they, the Iranian government and him, would put the Americans on their knees. Are all these visitors to the Havana Industrial Fair unable to recognize an impostor? This is a pity! Could no one have interrupted Castro to make him confess any one of his crimes? No. At this Fair in Havana not even one word was said about the suffering of the Cuban people. |
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May 2002 FOOD FOR THOUGHTS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND By José Alex Ibarra Once again as Americans we celebrated our fallen heroes and those that have bravely served to protect our great nation this passed Memorial Day Weekend. This year its significance hits closer to home for many after the September 11th attacks on our Financial and Military Centers. It has cemented a multi-cultural populace behind the ideal that Liberty above all must endure.
Part of that multitude of people from diverse
backgrounds are those whose ancestry derive from the island of
Cuba. A nation still under the shackles of oppression of a ruthless
dictatorship associated by our very government as a supporter, trainer
and exporter of terrorism. The very terrorism that our nation is now
posed to combat and defeat. Yet our very leaders, while taking a
harder stance against other Terrorist Nation-States, are looking to
embrace and open trade with a nation that our Intelligence services
have identified as a continual threat to this country.
Instead of looking to relax the embargo
against the government of Cuba, this country's leadership should look
toward relaxing the handcuffs imposed upon Cuban Americans to fight
for the freedom of our native land, very much as those that we honor
this Memorial Day Weekend have done on behalf of this great nation.
The handcuffs that I refer to are an outdated agreement signed with a
now non-existent nation to protect the Castrist regime from outside
aggression. The Kennedy-Krushchev agreement signed with the Soviet
Union, a country that ceased to exist over a decade and a half ago, is
archaic and counter-productive to the war on terrorism declared by the
President of the US.
All we ask is for the opportunity to fight
for the liberation of our country. To fight for freedom, the free
exchange of ideals and an open society, pretty much what Americans
have fought for and enjoyed for the last 226 years. Lift the
restrictions on fighting for our freedom, rather than lifting the
embargo. On this weekend it is definitely food for thought.
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May 2002 EX-PRESIDENT CARTER’S TRIP TO CUBA By Miguel L. Talleda Many Americans and Cubans alike have asked us what is the opinion of ALPHA 66 regarding Ex-president Carter’s trip to Cuba. Our internet page has been flooded with articles, opinions, and editorials from various newspapers on this issue. This is why when we give our opinion, we are careful because we are not seen as one person, but rather as one of the voices that represents the thinking of the organization. There are various aspects that need to be analyzed with respect to Carter’s trip to Cuba. First, he had every right to make this trip, after having requested and been granted permission from the U.S. government. But this does not deny the fact that a great many Americans did not see this trip to their liking, since it represented a visit to a tyrant that does not have, and never has had, anything other than a demented hatred of this country. Whatever our opinion may be, we cannot ignore his brave speech in front of the tyrant himself and his cronies, gathered at the University of Havana. He proposed structural change to Cuba’s Communist system, that if accepted by the Castro government, would once and for all defeat the ferocious oppression and suffering of the Cuban people. It is clear that Fidel Castro will pay scant attention to these proposals made by Ex-president Carter. These scoundrels are enamored of what they have done for the past 43 years, because while they have trampled on the Cuban people, they have been able to enjoy the spoils of their exploitation. There is no other way to describe them but as the bandits that they are! Our position on the Varela Project has always been to observe with respect. This is the work of a group of "dissidents” that wants to change the Socialist Constitution toward a “gradual and peaceful evolution of the society.” Nowhere does this Project propose the total elimination of the oppressive system the Cuban people are currently suffering. In other words, it says, “it would eliminate embezzlements, misappropriation of funds and theft, the corruption of workers and government employees, abuse of power, and parasitism…” It would also contemplate the right to freedom of expression and association, the right of Cubans to establish businesses and amnesty for all political prisoners. There is no doubt that the threats, incarceration, and offenses to which the proponents of the Varela Project expose themselves and their families are worthy of respect. Having said all this, we believe the tyrant Castro will not pay any attention to the Varela Project and will stall as long as possible to make the proponents of the Project think he will do something and thus keep them distracted. This is really serious. The effort of the Cuban people needs to be as OPPOSITIONISTS not dissidents, because only in this way will they create the conditions for a civic struggle, that will once and for all put an end to the bloody dictatorship presided by Fidel Castro. This has been the struggle of Alpha 66 since its founding and which continues to this day. The fact that Ex-president Carter made mention of the Varela Project in his speech, that was broadcast throughout Cuba on radio and television, is a positive development. There is no doubt that many Cubans will think about the freedoms they now lack and the system of slavery that has been perpetrated upon them. In the end they will be convinced that they will be truly free only when they once and for all cut all ties, at great risk, with the Communist system that hovers over them like a heavy plow. But there is one truly negative aspect of the Ex-president’s trip to Cuba. We are referring to his raising doubts that the Castro government is experimenting with biological and chemical weapons and using these as a means of negotiations with the most dangerous terrorists states in the world, Iraq and Iran. That the Cuban government denies developing these dangerous weapons is not surprising. To downplay the danger posed by Cuba in this area could cause disastrous consequences, especially at this time when the entire free world, and the United States in particular, is living under threats that cannot be precisely determined. To ignore Castro’s own words pronounced in Tehran, Iran, in May 2001 and published by the French press is a grave danger. Here is what the tyrant said: “The United States government is weak and we are able to see this from up close. I can tell you that we do not fear that country. The people of Cuba and Iran are capable of bringing the United States to its knees.” |
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March 2002 Cubans seeking asylum at Mexican Embassy A response to WABCRadio/Curtis & Kuby -New York Dear Ron: I am writing in response to comments you made earlier this week which stated that the Cubans seeking asylum at the Mexican embassy had been kicked out because they had "busted" through the gates (hence, broken the law), and furthermore, they had been listening to Radio Marti--which, of course, echoes what Castro said, and immediately implicates the Cuban American community. I realize you are the left wing of the program, and defending the Castro government against a group of innocent freedom seeking civilians should not surprise me. But it does. It does for two specific reasons. First, as an attorney, you are a man of justice and a man that abides by the rule of law, a reference you make quite frequently on your program. Second, as a radio talk show host, you are a man of free speech. It is well known that both of these principles are in short supply in Castro's Cuba. So why are you denouncing the actions of a group of people who are clearly desperate to leave Castro's tyranny? Because they busted the gates? What a precedent! As you well know, diplomatic immunity has been a long standing gateway to freedom and was particularly useful behind the Iron Curtain and during WWII to escape Hitler's atrocities. Castro's Cuba is also on that list. Another point that needs to be made is that Jorge Castaneda, Mexico's Foreign Minister did indeed say that , "the doors to Mexico's embassy in Havana were open to Cubans". These are statements he explicitly made in Miami prior to the incident. The problem lies in that he was taken up on his offer, something he didn't expect . The results: a demonstration of failed diplomacy as Mexico aims to play both sides of the fence. This will serve as a good reminder to our friends down south the next time they whine about the rights of Mexican illegals in this country. As far as your suggestion that the refugees were listening to Radio Marti--what if they were? Where's the crime? They certainly are not going to be informed on Castro's state controlled media. Or is it that the message sent by Radio Marti is not politically correct? Surely you must understand the Cuban people's craving for information. As much as I enjoy your program (thanks to Curtis), I don't think I would approve having it as my only source of news and information for a period of 43 years. Yet, this is one example of the many tragedies Cubans have had to endure throughout the past decades ,while the emperor empowers his empire. What seems to be truly important here, more than busting through gates, or listening to the radio, is how these Cuban citizens were snatched from the Mexican embassy in the middle of the night by Castro's police, and so far, there are no reports of their whereabouts. Important is also how journalists who tried to cover the incident were beaten by the police, as their cameras were thrown to the ground. The government eager to block the cameras from capturing the influx of Cubans who were seeking asylum. And even more depressing is how Castro has used this incident as an excuse to round up dissidents--subjecting them to harassment, coercion, and imprisonment. How about reporting that to your listeners Ron? I realize that the problem of Cuba belongs to the Cubans. To those within the island, and to those of us in exile. However, I think it is important to remind people like yourself, people who live with impressive privilege, that you should not apply a double standard to the plight of the Cuban people. The crimes Castro has committed against his own people, the amount and severity of the abuse, all cloaked behind a mask of political bravura, cannot, and will not, be forgiven. Justice needs to be done. So, I ask you Ron, as a man of justice, and as a man of free speech, I ask that you apply the same principles of freedom that you demand for yourself and those you care about, to the criteria in judgment that you apply to the people of Cuba. Don't defend Fidel Castro unless you're prepared to trade places with the people of Cuba. Otherwise, the words are pure entertainment . Sincerely, Margarita Talleda |
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Article published on February 7, 2002, in the
section "Your Views," letters to the Editor, by the Daily Breeze, one of
the most important newspapers in the Los Angeles area. "FIDEL" BILLBOARD INSULT TO CUBANS I am writing about a huge billboard in the city of Torrance on Torrance Blvd. and Western Avenue. The name “Fidel” appears in large letters in the center with the image of Fidel Castro to its left. This is the propaganda of a television network. I believe this is not only an insult to thousands of Cubans who live in the South Bay, but to all citizens who respect freedom and democracy. Who is Fidel? He is the first terrorist of this hemisphere. He is a tyrant who for 43 years has murdered thousands of Cuban for one reason: They fought for their freedom. He has destroyed the economic system of Cuba. He spent more than $3.35 billion that the former Soviet Union gave him to send guerrilla fighters and arms to Angola, Congo, Yemen, and Ethiopia (in Africa) and to Bolivia, Panama and Nicaragua, (in South America). He trained terrorists from Colombia in Havana, including his leader Manuel Marulanda. In Havana, he trained Comandante Marcus, the leader of the guerrillas in Chiapas , Mexico. I believe our leaders should not permit this kind of propaganda for a terrorist in our clean city. If it is permitted today, tomorrow we will see the image of Hitler or Osama bin Laden in the same place. God Bless America. OSCAR TALLEDA Torrance |
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Letters to the Editor for Jan. 8, 2002 (This response was published today, 01-08-02, by the Santa Maria Times) *Put ear to ground in Cuba To the Editor: Re: The letter published on Dec. 5 in the Santa Maria Times, written by Luis M. Segui, president of the Central Coast Division of the "Cuban American Education Fund." Mr. Segui's letter is a rebuttal to columnist Roger Hernández. There are two parts I would like to address in Mr. Segui's letter, and I want to refer briefly to the first part. To characterize the Cuban people on the island as a happy-go-lucky people, who could care less about being subjected to 43 years of a communist system, manipulated by the worst scourges the world has ever known, is truly an insult to your readers. How could they possibly like a tyrannical system whose laws prohibit them from enjoying the basic liberties, afforded the peoples of all free societies? Why is it that year after year thousands of Cubans continue to risk their lives and those of their children in the shark-infested waters of the Caribbean? The usual failures of communism, which have occurred in all countries where the communists have established their destructive system, creates a well-known lack of incentive that causes production to go down. It has happened in Cuba, not because of the U.S. embargo, but because they are both corrupt and inept. Castro can buy anything, any product, any medicine anywhere in the world. The major problem is, that he has no credit, and for that matter no credibility. Now he whines and places blame on the U.S. embargo, because he wants the American people to pay for his failures. But let's go to the second part of Mr. Segui's letter and take a look at terrorism. The problem faced by Americans and the free world since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 is to figure out correctly who are our friends and who are our enemies. The goal of our enemies is to destroy, not only the U.S. but also Western civilization, and with it our way of life. President George W. Bush has clearly stated that with the terrorist there is no dialogue, that the only way to fight them is to bring them to justice or to kill them. Now, Mr. Segui doesn't like the suggestion that Cuba is a terrorist nation. Of course, Cuba is not a terrorist nation; it is a nation occupied by a well-known terrorist, Fidel Castro, and a group of bandits, whose victims are their own people living under Castro's tyranny, himself a declared enemy of the United States. The scope of Fidel Castro's involvement in terrorism is impossible to relate in a short letter like this. However there are some significant circumstances that merit a closer look, due to the danger they pose to the lives of the American people. Can we afford to wait for a catastrophe to fall upon us as a result of the wicked mind of Castro? Is the information released thus far on the development of chemical and bacteriological weapons by the Cuban tyranny not evidence enough? Isn't it naive to think that all the time and money Castro has spent on programs for the development of biological weapons is not a part of a sinister plot against this country? Castro and his cronies are now trying to appear as if they are against terrorism. However, what logic is there in trying to sweep under the rug 43 years of a well-documented hatred emanating from this sinister character? The French Press on May 9, 2001, quoted Castro in Iran as saying: "The North American regime is weak and we see it from a close point of view. I can tell you that we are not afraid of that country. The people and the governments of Cuba and Iran can make the United States kneel to the ground." My suggestion to Mr. Segui: Stay in Cuba on your next trip and put your ear to the ground. Miguel L. Talleda |
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It has been a concern to many people
knowing that the Senate confirmation of Otto Reich to the position of
Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere has not been
decided, specially at these moments when President Bush needs all his
cabinet to undertake the difficult task of presiding the War on Terrorism.
Many letters are getting to the Senate floor on this subject. The
following is a good example: -0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0 - To: Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd Re: Mr. Otto Reich's Nomination Dear Senators: When President Bush nominated Mr. Otto Reich to the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, his decision was made for the same reasons he selected the rest of his cabinet -- specifically, they were the best people for the job. Recently, the State Department sent to the Senate a priority list of President Bush's nominees, including Mr. Otto Reich, who incidentally was nominated on July 12. Weeks have passed and still no action has been taken. Mr. Reich still can't get so much as a hearing. I urge you to take a hard look at the reasons for this delay and to rise above any ideological differences, in order to focus on what is truly in the best interest of the United States and its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. Indeed, time and again life forces unexpected priorities upon us. September 11 was one of these moments, a time when we need to rethink what is important. For example, when we reflect on the exaggerated, offensive grilling John Ashcroft received prior to the approval of his nomination, it is evident that the concerns voiced against him at that time, now seem quite petty, when compared to the professionalism and efficiency he has demonstrated while carrying out his duties and responsibilities. I would be curious to know how each of the senators, who were present at those hearings, would address the issue of "racial profiling" at this period in time. Attorney General John Ashcroft is simply one example of President Bush's exercise in good judgment. Now, more than ever, we need Mr. Reich's expertise in the region, to help isolate the real threats to this nation and to help promote freedom and democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere. Terrorism is very much alive in Latin America, with links to Bin Laden and other terrorist groups. Why should we ignore this? Let's not fall asleep at the wheel, now that we have been so crudely awakened. As a resident of New York City, the September 11 tragedies have certainly underscored how in times of crises, only the Bravest and the Finest deliver. Mr. Otto Reich delivered for President Reagan during the Cold War. Now, I urge you to let him do the same for President Bush. Kind Regards, Margarita Talleda |
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"ALPHA
66 STRONGLY
CONDEMNS THE COWARDLY AND CRIMINAL ATTACKS PERPETRATED BY
THE INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA" |
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August
2001 For many people, Cubans included, the Latin Grammys are a reason for pride and joy. It means recognition of our music, our artists, and all those that speak our language and have succeeded in giving the world the gift of our melodies, with their voices and instruments. But
what happened that the Cubans in Miami united once again, as during the
Elian Gonzalez saga, and backed by more than 195 organizations, decided to
protest the holding of the Latin Grammys in that city? What made them
renounce the prestige and financial gain that such an event would bring to
their community? Our
sense of dignity is the reason. A small and elite group of artists from
Cuba that work closely with the Castro government, in bringing dollars to
the regime so that it can continue to oppress our people, has been
nominated in various categories to receive the prestigious Grammy. This
was sufficient for the Cubans in Miami to protest. It is a double offense
to the men and women whose families are forced to live under a system of
abuse and miseries and where many have lost their lives for opposing the
terror that reigns in their homeland. To showcase these, Castro cronies at
the Latin Grammys deeply offends the patriotic sensibility of each Cuban,
that has had to abandon his or her homeland to become an expatriate,
because freedom in our country has been hijacked by a bunch of bandits. When
we look at the particulars of why these artists that sing Castro’s
praise were included to participate in the Latin Grammys, we find some
interesting surprises. Why is it that New York Congressman, Jose Serrano,
constant defender of Fidel Castro, was in contact with the leadership of
the Latin Grammys, discussing whether or not these should stay in Miami?
Was he following instructions from his friend, the tyrant? Why is it that
the issue of the Latin Grammys had become a topic for the Round Table, a
television program in Havana? During one of those discussions, Jorge Ruiz
Rojas nonchalantly said, "I am a member of the jury of the Latin
Grammys and for me it has been a pleasure and a stroke of luck". How
is possible that people from the Castro government are part of the Latin
Grammys? Jorge Luis Rojas must be highly "integrated" in the
Communist system, to be allowed to make such comments on Cuban television. But
should we be surprised? Is it not CBS the network selected to cover the
event and is this not the same network that has continuously profiled the
"gains" of the Castro dictatorship? Isn’t the president of CBS',
as the mayor of Miami-Dade, Alex Penelas, has said, a close friend of
Fidel Castro? Aren’t the reporters from CBS the ones that admire
everything about Castro, while claiming "not to understand" that
the Cubans in exile are fighting against Communism? The same reporters
that label us extreme right wing, troglodytes, and other insults
perpetuated by the Castro government? Well,
fine, the Cubans in Los Angeles will rise to the occasion and will also
protest the presence of the Latin Grammys at the old Forum in Inglewood.
We will protest against the organizers of this event and their
collaboration with the fainting tyrant of Cuba. We will protest against
the artists from Cuba, that are coming to try and show the world that in
Cuba there is freedom and that they are the proof. Only a few weeks ago,
Omara Portuondo, one of the Cuban participants at the Grammys went to
Venezuela to celebrate the birthday of Fidel Castro and was seen on
television hugging and kissing this ill-fated character. Our
protest will be dedicated to those artists and musicians still in Cuba,
that are condemned to obscurity and misery because they will not conform
and sing the praises of the regime. These artists are not allowed to
travel or to enter into record contracts with any major music label in or
out of Cuba. Furthermore, it is these music companies that are behind the
collaboration between Castro's government and the Latin Grammys. As
recent proof of this we read in the August 22, 2001 edition of "El
Nuevo Herald," in the section "Carta de Cuba," written from
Cuba by Juan Uribe, how Jorge Alfonso, a member of the group Los Cubanos
has been waiting six years to make a record; and Juan Izaguirre of La
Charanga Oriental, who says they would like to play in Miami, but are not
given permission because the government only allows travel for those that
praise the system. In his letter Juan Uribe goes on to say that Alberto
San Juan is a singer that mixes son with rap. He walks the streets of
Havana singing his harsh and dangerous lyrics, in which he puts on trial
the socialist system. "I don’t know if the Grammys should have
stayed in Miami or not", says Alberto San Juan. "Here in Havana
there was a rap festival, but only those who praise Fidel could perform. I
was not allowed to participate". The
protest against the Latin Grammys at the Forum in Inglewood is an
opportunity for not only the Cubans in Miami, but all Cubans that are part
of this great Diaspora, to show that we repudiate the partnership between
CBS and Michael Greene, president of the Grammys, with the bloody tyrant
of the Caribbean. |
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August 2001 PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT By Miguel L. Talleda In the 7-15-01 issue of PARADE magazine, that comes every Sunday on hundreds or perhaps thousands of newspapers throughout the nation, in its “Special Intelligence Report” by Lyric Walwork Winik, wrote under the title VENEZUELA’S PRESIDENT PROVOKES WASHINGTON: “Since he came to power in 1998, U.S. officials have felt that Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez was trying to pick a fight. In Beijing recently, he denounced “U.S. Imperialism”; last summer he toured Irak with Saddam Hussein; he’s been cozying up to Castro and trying to get Russia into OPEC. Especially worrisome are reports of meetings with Colombian guerrillas, backed by drug cartels. Now Chavez plans to upgrade Venezuela’s weapons. And the U.S. has little leverage, since we rely on Venezuela for 15% of our oil imports.” Surprised by this last statement I wrote back to PARADE: It is important to bring to the attention of the American people that President Chavez is turning Venezuela into a totalitarian communist system, with the guidance and support of Castro’s Cuba. This will have grave consequences for the Venezuelan people and neighboring countries. But your conclusion that “the U.S. has little leverage, since we rely on Venezuela for 15% of our oil imports” is not only ludicrous but an insult to the champions of liberty, democracy, and human right throughout the world. Do you mean to say that the same American power that took on powerful enemies like Hitler’s Germany and Japan, and that was instrumental in bringing down the Soviet Union and its empire will now sit down and see Latin American countries follow the cruel example of Fidel Castro and subject its people to communist tyranny? We better wake up. America doesn’t need the nuisance of another Castro and the Venezuelan people do not deserve that kind of punishment. Four weeks have gone by, and on PARADE magazine no reference to my letter or any kind of explanation or justification has been made. So that means that the sentence—“the U.S. has little leverage, since we rely on Venezuela for 15% of our oil imports” remains the message that the millions of PARADE readers have to take at face value. Well, we are in a new century, with new technology and people have new forms to communicate their ideas. If the “spike” has been the traditional means to do away with unwanted news or opinions, we now have the Internet, where millions of people are able to reflect on each other’s ideas and statements, such as the one we are referring to – which is detrimental to this great nation. |
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March
2001 |
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February 2001 We are glad to add to our ALPHA 66 web page this letter/request to present Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet with the Nobel Peace Prize. It fills us with pride and appreciation to know that not only our three distinguished representatives in the U.S. Congress are signers of this request, but that Dana Rohrabacher, Peter Deustch and Christ Smith are also signers. Dr. Biscet deserves to be recognized as a true believer of liberty and democracy, and is paying the price for his belief in the worst conditions imaginable.
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February 2001 Letters to the Editors is a favorite mean to let our views be known and to attract the attention of most readers. Letters are the common people’s voice, and on multiple occasions an amassing source of wisdom. Alpha 66 members constantly recur to this form of expression for their views. Lets see what the following letters bring: On LA PRENSA, San Antonio, Texas Bilingual Newspaper – February 4, 2001: THE PRICE OF MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIPS IN CUBA. A response to a story from Congressman Rodriguez’ office. By Dr. Carlos D. Carbonell, M.D.,E.A.C.P. The same as with other branches of professional activities, medical scholarships offered by the Cuban Communist government has a price: the indoctrination given in a very subtle and skillful way to the students who could attend the Cuban medical school. It is an excellent way to inject into the curricula methodical “brain washing.” This is an indirect criticism of the United States educational opportunities. Additionally, those who graduate from that school, which is not classified as acceptable, must serve e the Communist government in different areas of the country. It is interesting that the Communist Party will pay for the tuition and the living expenses of American students. Dedicated students here can apply for and receive scholarships and continue their studies in Texas. They don’t have to go to Cuba to serve the Communist government, which ignores basic human rights and kills thousands of people because of political reasons. Graduates also become mouthpieces for the Communist regime. Some Cuban communist physicians in the “gray zone” become useful by visiting several countries to obtain medicines, which are distributed to the select class of Communist Party, to the tourists, but not to the general population. San Antonio students, beware, do not go to Cuba, don’t become Communists agents in other countries, you have the opportunities here! Maybe you have to work harder. To my good friend Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez I say, instead of encouraging our South Texas youth to study medicine in a country ruled by a brutal dictator, you should be fighting to get the necessary funds, so that our students can study in this country, where freedom prevails.
On the “Daily Breeze”
Torrance, California – February 8, 2001 |
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November 2000 THE HAUNTING OF A TYRANT By Cpt. Jose D. Avila In the mist of strong criticism, Cuba’s dictator has again ventured out of his stronghold. This time he is visiting Panama to attend the X Ibero-American Summit Conference. He should arrive on Friday November 17, just before noon. Representatives of previous Panamanian governments, like Mr. Ricardo Arias Calderon, have identified the links between Fidel Castro, and Manuel Noriega’s abusive government. Links like the “assistance” provided by Castro, when he sent his experts to teach Noriega’s Defense Forces on the same repressive tactics used in Cuba today. Some tactics which were applied against the Panamanian people, in an effort to silence their cry for free elections and democracy. One of the most interesting points of Castro’s visit is that his planners have requested on the Panamanian government, that all Panamanian bodyguards, assigned to Castro’s custody, must have the same type of blood as Castro. Hmmmm!, let me guess. Is Cuba running out of blood that he can not bring his own?, or is it that Castro really doesn’t trust the Panamanian people?, or maybe the ghosts of all those he has murdered (over 97,000 at last count) are haunting him, to the point that he sees enemies where ever he goes? One thing for sure, Alpha 66 shall not rest and other solution shall not be viable, except for the removal of the communist government, that has brought so much pain and suffering to the Cuban people, as well as the Latin-American countries, that have felt the sting of Castro’s emissaries of death. We call upon the countries represented at this Summit, to accept no more excuses from Castro, when it comes to democracy and human rights for the Cuban people. Do not let Castro attempt to lecture you on the “gains of the Revolutions,” or the “evil of the embargo,” or any of his aging and hollow rhetoric. Let those free Latin-American governments set the pace for the Summit, by urging Castro to bring immediate change to Cuba, social justice for all, freedom as the rest of Latin-America enjoys. Justice will prevail! |
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October 2000 90 MILLION DOLLARS ARE NOT ENOUGH By Cpt. José D. Avila The US Senate yesterday approved a law by which the relatives of three Brothers To The Rescue men, who’s small unarmed Cessnas were shot down by top of the line Cuban Migs in 1996, will receive approximately 90 million dollars, a small amount when you consider that these valuable men, conducting a heroic human effort, tried to identify the small rafts bringing waves of freedom hungry Cubans. These men will never walk on this earth, all because of the wickedness and murderous actions of Fidel Castro’s regime. Three years ago the courts decided to grant the victim’s relatives the compensation, however the communist government in Cuba hollered, jumped, and went into a frenzy stating that the freezing of the funds, where the compensation was to originate, was illegal, of course, not as illegal as shooting down unarmed Cessnas in international waters. As before, Castro’s allies in the US will again rally to Castro’s cause, by appearing on international TV, commenting about how terrible this decision will be for the people of Cuba. To them, and to all those who still try to ignore the holocaust perpetuated just 90 miles of the shores of this nation, I say; take a look at the people of Cuba, they are the ones who risk all when they board the same rafts Brothers To The Rescue was attempting to find in that dark day in 1996. The real people of Cuba are the ones who are right now acting against their oppressors. These people, our relatives, are not the ones who are asking for the embargo to be lifted or for relations to be normalized between the US and Castro. They just want to worship God. They just want to have access to the same medical facilities and services as the members of the Communist Party have. They just want to be able to bury their kinfolk with dignity instead of government supplied cardboard boxes. They just want to have access to the areas of Cuba which are now being denied to them simply because they are nationals. Like before, and like we always will, we will continue to believe in the American system, the one which fights not just for the rights of those oppressed half a world away, but for those who 90 miles from the US are shouting now louder than ever ¡VIVA CUBA LIBRE! Please join us in our struggle, it is an honorable and just cause, one that can no longer be ignored. Hundreds have already contacted us identifying the many various things that can be done right there where you live, work, or worship. Saying nothing, doing nothing is bidding the devil’s work; Castro’s actions. |
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August 2000 TO ALL “PADRES” FANS AND THE PEOPLE OF SAN DIEGO IN GENERAL. By Sergio Mayea, Alpha 66 Comt. Recently, Larry Lucchino, president of the San Diego “Padres” baseball club with regard to an invitation to visit the island of Cuba stated: ( Jan.6, 2000, the San Diego Union-Tribune) that he was not going because he was recovering from cancer treatment. “The timing was quite unfortunate” Lucchino said. “I’ve been deeply interested personally and professionally in Cuba and wanted to go for quite some time” He said he is interested in having the Padres play the Cuban team at some point in the future. Now the Pastors for Peace have made public in their internet page that the San Diego Padres, has been sponsoring a trip to Cuba by 11 and 12 year old baseball players from Garberville, California including one 11 year from San Diego. Mr. Lucchino should concentrate his ideas in a better way, in order to give the “Padres” a better sport quality and leave out these activities to help the perpetuation of the communist regime of Fidel Castro. Every one knows that the system implanted in Cuba for 41 years has committed all kind of crimes, suppressed all liberties and his violation of human rights is the worst in this hemisphere. We believe this tyrannical regime is unworthy of any help by free loving people. The “Padres” is an institution of which everybody in the area of San Diego is proud off. To take attention away from baseball to promote a communist tyranny is an unforgivable mistake. The “Padres” belong to our people and everyone should be concerned with this turn of events. We should not follow the example of the Baltimore, Orioles, who have come down from a formidable first class baseball Club to a machine in complete disarray, because their direction instead of spending their efforts in winning games, chooses to fool around with the Castro-communist tyranny. Doesn’t anybody knows of Castro’s jinx? His years in power have shown that any one close to him is attracted by the evil spirits of his sadistic personality..… and pays the price. We are filing our protest with Mr. Lucchino; with the editor of the San Diego-Tribune sports page and with our representatives in Congress Bob Filner (619-422-5963), Randy “Duke” Cunningham (760-737-8438) and Duncan L. Hunter (760-353-5420) and we urge you to do the same, to save San Diego from such a shameful break of principles. We believe the people of Cuba have the right to live free, with a free baseball organization, and they will be grateful to you for your concern. |
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June 2000 |
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May 2000 There is an important task that looks easy, but in reality requires effort, disposition and a sense of duty in front of the tragedy of our home land. It is to be alert and ready to refute in the press, radio or wherever the opportunity shows, everything that tends to confuse the prevalent situation in Cuba. Now, with the possibility of the deportation of Elian, when furiously has come out the Cuban root in all of us, this is not a task for a few, but a responsibility to be shared by the whole Cuban American community. The following letter published by the DAILY BREEZE, of Torrance, on May 10, 2000, is a good example of what is to be done: “Cuban Dictator ought to be tried for his crimes” Your May 1 editorial, “U.S. must shift its Cuba policy,” stated that Fidel Castro is a tyrant, a dictator and, at 73, not long for this world. His nation is a Communist country of mostly poor people who want a better life and more freedom. You are correct! The Cuban people want a precious thing: FREEDOM. So the question should be: Can this man provide freedom and a better life for his people if, after 41 years in power, he has demonstrated himself to be an inept leader who has led Cuba to utter ruin? I seriously doubt it! Jails in Cuba are full of political prisoners, and thousands of Elians are waiting to come to the United States of America. His international debts are enormous. Cuba is on the list of terrorist countries along side Moammar Gadhafi, Saddam Hussein and many others. He is the oldest dictator on earth. He has insulted each of the American presidents, from Eisenhower to William J. Clinton. Recently, he was condemned as a violator of human rights. He has sent guerrillas in Colombia, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Bolivia. Is he a president or a murderer? If any justice exist in the world, Fidel Castro will be sent to an international court to be judged for all his crimes. Oscar Talleda Torrance |
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May, 2000
AN ANSWER TO CONGRESSMAN STEVEN KUYKENDALL Dear Congressman Kuykendall:
I am in receipt of your letter of May 15
regarding my inquiry on the Elian Gonzalez case. I am disappointed
to read that you support the actions taken by the Clinton Administration
to remove Elian from his Miami relatives. I am not sure your
assertion that "most of the courts have supported reuniting Elian
with his father" is accurate. The issue before the courts has
always been whether Elian should be given an asylum hearing by the INS.
The custody issue has not been debated in any court.
I am representative of a sizable Cuban American
community that resides in the 36th District. We were appalled by
the tactics used by the INS against the Gonzalez family in Miami and
strongly condemn their actions. Many in our community view this as
a threat to the freedoms we so dearly cherish. After all, it was
because of these kinds of tactics that our families fled the
totalitarian regime of Fidel Castro.
The Clinton Administration has shamelessly
wanted to return Elian to Cuba since he first arrived here. The
President's intentions were made clear when even as mediators appointed
by Janet Reno were asserting that progress was being made for a peaceful
and orderly transfer of custody, a federal swat team removed Elian at
gun point threatening the lives of everyone in his home, including other
children. We can't help but think that some deal has been struck
between President Clinton and the Castro government. Returning
this boy to Cuba after his mother gave her life in pursuit of his
freedom would be immoral. To have our government be the conduit
for this return is even more shameful. I urge you to reconsider
your position or at the very least demonstrate some sensitivity to
constituents who believe Elian should be given the chance to live in
freedom.
Sincerely,
Mariana Gitomer
Torrance, CA 90504
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November 1999 |
June 1999
AND THE CARNIVAL GOES ON
In the last few years the governments of Latin America have invented all kinds of summits.
They began by asking the government of Spain to participate, and for the next one have
included the Caribbean countries and Europe. This meeting called La Cumbre
will take place June 28 and 29, 1999 in a very appropriate place, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
famous worldwide for its exuberant carnivals.
Generally at these summits three subjects are discussed and proclamation is signed which
is later thrown into the wastebasket, as an example of a bad joke. These subjects are (1)
the consolidation of democracy. (2) respect for human rights and (3) to fight terrorism.
The dignitaries for these summits, however, show a lack of character when they allow Fidel
Castro to attend as an equal. It is no secret that this man is the worst violator of human
rights and a sworn enemy of free elections -the cornerstone of democracy- as well as a
self-declared instigator of terrorism. Not only is he known for fomenting terrorism in
Africa, but he has confessed with extraordinary cynicism, to be responsible for the
bloodshed in this continent, where his perverse embryonic mentality incited civil war on
the streets of Uruguay, Argentina, El Salvador, and Nicaragua to name a few. This with the
only purpose to impose communist slavery.
A rotten potato always ends up destroying the whole barrel and now we are seeing how
democracy in Latin America is beginning to deteriorate. We are seeing the lack of respect
for constitutions, the basic foundation that should remain sacred. We are seeing changes
made to these foundations by governments that want to stay in power. Can we expect
anything different from those who embrace and want to adulate the tyrant? ?
Alpha 66 is very grateful to the group of deputies to the Congress in Brazil, headed by
Leal Varella, Marcos Cintra and Ricardo Izar, for having sent to the Chief of States
participating in this summit a formidable protest, for the presence of Fidel Castro. The
title of their document is Communist Cuba-a strident dissonance at Rio de Janeiros
CUMBRE. If they dont pay attention to this protest by the Brazilian Deputies,
we shall see the distinguished dignitaries fraternizing with the tyrant responsible for
the misery, crimes and calamities of a beautiful country in the Caribbean. And the
Carnival goes on
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July 1999
TIME MAGAZINES ICONS.
The famous TIME Magazine made its analysis of the most important people or events of the
Twentieth Century. As a whole, it hit the nail on the head, but not totally within its
proper perspective. In the case of Ernesto Che Guevara, the myths and the
fiction of fables were more powerful than the facts. But since it is difficult to reach
the pages of TIME with any clarification that could shed light on the issue, we provide
the following letter that was sent to the magazine, but remained unpublished.
TIME Inc.
Rockefeller Center
New York, NY 10020-1393
Dear Editor:
I am writing in reference to your article Che Guevara, from the Heroes
and Icons of the 20th Century edition. By Ariel Dorfmans account, one would believe
that Guevara is in line to be canonized. Many are mislead to believe the imaginative
fictions spun about the generous Che who tended wounded enemy soldiers,
however the true history has not yet been written. When communism breaths its last
oppressive breath in Cuba, good old Che will not be hailed as a hero, nor will he remain
unblemished as he is today.
In Cuba it is no great secret that Che was escorted from La Sierra Mountains
to El Escambray Mountains in the province of Las Villas, without engaging in
any combat. His participation in the guerrilla campaign is at best a gross
misrepresentation. Guevara was appointed by Castro as Mayor of a fortress, La
Cabaña, in Havana. There, with his henchmen, he cruelly participated in firing
squads that murdered thousands of innocent Cuban citizens. Where was the generous Che
then? In reality, Guevara was a failure. He failed when he was appointed President of
Cubas National Bank. He failed as Minister of Industries. He failed in Africa, and
finally in Bolivia.
The real Guevara was cruel, rancorous, and full of hatred, not quite what the new and
improved version will have you believe. He spoke of the New Man, but he could
not even transform himself. In time the truth will inevitably seep out, and people will
discover that Ernesto Guevara was no saint, nor is he worthy of any homage.
Sincerely,
Oscar Talleda
June 1999
A CLARIFYING BOOK
By Miguel Talleda
A book has just been published entitled THE COST OF THE IDEAS. It is written by Jorge Aguilar who, while still in Cuba, came to
the conclusion that socialism was nothing more than a big farce and joined groups that
denounce human rights violations. As a Delegate of the Democratic Solidarity Party,
in Pinar del Rio, he had the opportunity to give several interviews to reporters and radio
stations outside the country, until 1995 when he was granted political asylum in the
United States.
Spanning 219 pages, THE COST OF THE IDEAS is a detailed interview from inside Cuba with Mr. Jesús Yánez Pelletier,
ex-captain of the Fidel Castros personal guards, who now acts as vice-president of
the Pro-Human Rights Committee in Cuba. Several pages also contain recently taken
photographs from within the island.
Soon after his appointment in January 1959, however, Yánez Pelletier understood that
Castros regime was being converted into a true communist tyranny, personally
directed by a Commander full of ambition and hate. This cost Yánez Pelletier 11
years in prison.
In pages 157 and 158, the book reads as follow:
Aguilar: The help given
to Fidel Castro by foreign organizations like Pastors for the Peace, is routed to
different uses. Most of these donations are sold in dollars by the Cuban government to
their network of commercial businesses. The proceeds from these sales are used to
strengthen the regimes power. Very little of this assistance actually reaches
the people. The greatest amount of this humanitarian help is really used by the government
as a vehicle of political propaganda.
Yánez Pelletier: That
is very serious. Those pastors are no more than elements of Castros propaganda that,
as we all know, is very powerful. One morning, a woman who lives nearby showed up with her
nose destroyed by a punch delivered by one of the members of the State Security, after she
protested about the vigil conducted by those "individuals" in front of the
United States Interest Section in Cuba. She asked: Why dont you conduct a
vigil for the freedom of the political prisoners in Cuba? They nearly killed her.
I honestly tell you that those Pastors for Peace are no pastors. How could they allow the
beating of a woman who only wanted to express her feelings? They are not Pastors for
Peace, but instruments of propaganda used by the Castro regime.
Aguilar: All of the
propaganda received by those men, laid out of course by the tyranny, is turning against
them. Now the people repudiate those individuals.
Yánez Pelletier:
Its because the pastors are not what they claim to be.
Here is the information contained in the book, THE COST OF
THE IDEAS, about the so called "Pastors for the
Peace," who in their game of cooperation with the Cuban communist regime, had the
nerve to file legal charges against ALPHA 66. Trial is pending in court in San
Diego, California.
| June 1999 REMEMBERING GENERAL IGNACIO AGRAMONTE LOYNAZ (*) Cuban attorneys obstinately follow principles passed on to us by the founding lawyers of the Cuban nation, and we would like to convey to foreigners and our confused Cuban compatriots, that our liberty and dignity is not to be negotiated. Therefore, we are against any coexistence or dialogue with the Cuban regime, as long as it does not guarantee Liberty and Democracy within a state of law. Even more so today, as a repugnant international delinquent, forever disguised as a guerrilla, maintains Cuba as an immense prison with greater repression, more abuse, and more violations of human rights, while our friends from Central and South America, with a few honorable exemptions, embrace the decrepit tyrant, whose only interest is to maintain his power at whatever cost. We do not own the crystal ball to predict the future, but neither do we lose faith that one day, in a not too distant future, the collapse of this tyranny will take place. Dr. Luis R. Aguirre, President California Chapter of the National Cuban Lawyers Assoc. (*) Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz was a courageous Cuban attorney who fought valiantly in the 1868 war to liberate Cuba from Spain. He is a Cuban hero, a dynamic figure of our history. |
February 1999
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER IN HISTORY
The line of conduct of ALPHA 66 does not leave any doubts. The butcher has to be
destroyed. There should be no escape for him. The Pope came and for some people it was the
last hope to have a peaceful solution to the Cuban situation.
But the Cuban people knew better. They know that they have to get rid of the traitor and
his henchmen. In front of the Pope, in a loud voice, and in the presence of the tyrant,
they shouted: WE WANT LIBERTY. At the same time the people intensified their
clandestine operations, by showing their dissatisfaction with graffiti and continued
sabotages against the sugar production and other factories. They have scared the
authorities with their many protests. In addition, the growing independent
journalistic movement is bravely informing the outside world about the abuses of the
usurpers.
In fear and dismayed in confronting a movement which is multiplying, Castro raised the
salaries of the police, hoping that they regain a will that is beginning to falter, in
view of a people ready to start a new revolution. And as if the laws were not already
abusive enough, Castro called on his puppet, National Assembly, to raise the prison terms
for those sentenced for political reasons and to reestablish, officially, the firing
squads.
A question that is on everyones mind is whether the democratically elected
Presidents of Latin America will go to Cuba to celebrate with this super assassin his
latest abusive conduct. Will the King of Spain, for example, demean his royal status by
appearing in Havana as if nothing has happened? Fortunately history is vigilant. If there
is something a public man must be careful about is his character in the face of difficult
situations. To appear as the accomplice to the destruction of people, even if this
is only in the simple act of raising a glass for a toast or salutation, will result in a
great stigma. Anyone doubting this assertion only needs to look back in history, to see
the many that were left demoralized for showing poor character in the face of difficult
situations.
January 1999
ALPHA 66 COMMUNIQUE
The U.S. State Department has once more set
forth rules to show flexibility in its relations with the communist regime of Fidel
Castro. With these changes, they pretend to distinguish Castro's mentality from the
ruinous totalitarianism he imposed on the Cuban people. This is a misconception.
Over and over the declarations for years by the totalitarian power that runs the country
has emphatically reiterated that they are not going to make any change and that the
"Socialism or Death" system will never be abandoned. Repression will continue at
the same rhythm. Castro takes any concession in favor of the Cuban people as a victory for
him and what results is an increase in the repession and abuse of the opposition, of
dissidents and of the defenders of human rights.
The only way to bring democracy to Cuba is to continue with internal actions against the government and preparing the people for a popular revolt. That is the road that ALPHA 66 and its freedom fighters inside Cuba are taking. Those who think that the people inside Cuba are absent from this struggle against the tyranny are mistaken. Minorities are getting ready for combat and the people are taking a militant position on diverse activities. ALPHA 66 has always been on this road to liberation and will continue its heroic endeavors until we can join the uprising of the people. We have done it before and will continue until Cuba is liberated.
There is no alternative for a democratic change with Fidel Castro or his oppressive regime. Democracy is a very definite concept. Democratization on the other hand is just a word adapted for political plots and coexistence with Castro. The real watchword is Liberation; Democracy will undoubtedly follow.
Andres Nazario Sargen, General Secretary
Diego Medina Hernández, M.D. Press Secretary
Hugo Gascon Gongora, Financial Secretary