A TIME TO COME TOGETHER

A TIME TO COME TOGETHER

By Alfredo M. Cepero

Under this simple and direct title, three reputable Cuban leaders inside the island: Martha Beatriz Roque, Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet and Vladimiro Roca, signed a document in October 2005 that could become a milestone for the forces opposing Castro’s totalitarian regime. It is a call to analysis and reflection without conditions or prerequisites. It calls upon all Cubans to work together for democracy and human rights without the constrains of a formal unity movement. The same unity that has escaped us for almost half a century because, in the words of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca: “we do not know the meaning of the middle ground”. And I could add: “the consensus either”. However, it is expected that, acknowledging the obstacles, we might be able to achieve the level of cooperation that could lead to a sovereign, just and democratic Cuba.

Based upon the same premises of the October 2005 document, the Assembly for the Promotion of Civil Society, from inside Cuba, and the Cuban Patriotic Forum, from Miami, signed a five points document in September 2006 as a basis for their cooperation toward the establishment of a government based on the rule of law in the island. Both documents, the 2005 and the 2006, share the same basic points that serve as cornerstones to the programs of most organizations working toward a transition from dictatorship to democracy with justice but without vengeance.

Therefore, I can not think of any rational or logical reason why the Cubans inside and outside the island can not work together (not united but together) toward the establishment of democracy in our country. Work together to withstand the last gusts of the devastating hurricane that has descended upon us for the last 48 years. Once out of the storm and enjoying the blessings of freedom, each one of us could walk the path dictated by his or her personal principles and believes. We will then be able to overcome our differences through the ballot boxes and without jails, killings and hatred.

However, it should be made crystal clear that this approach does not include all the Cubans. Those supporters and cronies of the dictator that have violated human rights and committed crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their heinous actions. The Nuremberg trials might provide some guidance on this matter. On the other side, we must be aware that this will not be an easy task but one that must be done. Because for freedom to prevail justice must be achieved.

And finally, we Cubans must be aware that achieving those goals will demand energy, imagination and, most of all, courage. After all, humanity’s greatest achievements have started in a dream, made possible by courage and derailed by fear. We all have the capacity to be as great as our dreams and as small as our fears. At this crossroad in our history we must have the vision to dream with a free and just nation and the courage to transform that dream into a brilliant reality.