Cuba a thriving, happy haven, 50 years on

By JUANITA RODRIGUEZ

The United States government has been threatened by the success of the Cuban revolution from its very beginning in 1959. That a small island might launch a revolution and empower the masses was - and remains - unthinkable to the Powers That Be in Washington, D.C. The U.S. has a long history of retaliation; of assaults, assassination attempts and devious disruption of the social, economic, agricultural, cultural and political fabric that is Cuba. Still, Cuba not only survives; in many ways, it is thriving.

I recently returned from celebrating the 50th anniversary of the July 26, 1953 Cuban revolution at the Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. This was a holiday that began on the eve of the 25th. Neighbors blocked off streets and welcomed musicians, poets and dancers. Huge pots of a community stew brewed over open flames, and people danced and awaited the midnight hour, when everyone stopped and respectfully sang the national anthem.

There is unmistakable pride and dignity shared by these people, who have suffered through an illegal trade blockade by the United States for the past 44 years, yet who still stand strong in defense of their rights and sovereignty.

Cuba has no homelessness, drug abuse, alcoholism, graffiti or littering! The people are healthy looking, bright, zesty and full of life and laughter. There is music and dancing everywhere, at all hours. Every neighborhood has a family doctor living - as well as practicing - locally.

Medical and dental treatments are absolutely free. The fine arts are woven into everyday life and artists are supported and encouraged; so are athletics. Education is free to all and is a priority, even for very rural residents. Literacy is extraordinarily high, especially considering that it was at about 35 percent in 1959. Infant mortality is very low. There is no need for classes on self-esteem in Cuba! People are proud and have a strong sense of belonging and unity.

The revolution has taken a top-heavy society, where the wealth was shared by a very few; where commerce was dominated by foreign owned companies, and the masses were poor, disempowered and were worked for very little. The revolution has survived not only the blockade but also the Bay of Pigs assault and the failed Operation Mongoose and the CIA's ongoing dirty war.

Fidel Castro has survived more than 300 assassination attempts. The revolution has survived major hurricane disasters; the revolution has survived the break-up of the Soviet Union and thus the loss of its major ally and trade partner. The revolution not only survives, but today sends aid or services to over 93 countries internationally!

Cuba has the right to defend its sovereignty. The politically powerful, extreme right-wing Miami-based groups that are backed by CIA money and intelligence need to be stopped. Their distorted view of Cuba in our media needs to be corrected. Travel restrictions need lifting, thereby restoring our constitutional right to travel to Cuba. In this way, U.S. citizens will see for themselves the strength and beauty of the Cuban revolution.

As I see it, the world should be paying very close attention to Cuban society, acknowledging the errors, but learning from its successes. Against great odds, it has achieved what other nations have been unable to achieve. I saw a healthy, active, intelligent, proud and unified people, celebrating 50 years of a Revolution that have changed the world.

Juanita Rodriguez Rodriguez of Lewisburg recently traveled with Pastors for Peace to Cuba. She can be reached at juanitar@proaxis.com.