I have been promoting a novel idea of “campaigning” on behalf of Afro-Cuban Prisoner of conscience, Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet. The campaign was to be for president of Cuba in the upcoming “election” for president of the council of state which is a sham put on by the communist party that rules Cuba.
While the idea has merit and could have had great legs in terms of raising awareness of Cuba, the plight of its people, the plight of the political prisoners and Biscet himself, we have just learned that Biscet’s wife, Elsa Morejon, does not want us to proceed with the campaign out of fear of repercussions from the regime.
We have to respect her wishes and, as one of the organizers of the campaign said, we can’t play with someone else’s skin. So I will be taking down my posts about the matter.
Elsa Morejon did ask that we continue to spread the word about the plight of her husband and we will.
Thanks to those of you whose imagination was captured by this effort and encouraged us.
While his wife’s concern is completely understandable and should be respected, I think the idea of campaigning for an opposition candidate is great.
There’s got to be at least one recognizable name in Cuba’s dissident movement who would ve (or whose family would be) willing to consent. Payá, some member of Las Damas, Fariñas, whoever. Doesn’t matter if people “campaigning” agree with the politics 100% or not… besides the point, right?
Henry,
Thank you for clarifying this with Dr. Biscet’s wife. That was my concern when I expressed reservations about this campaign yesterday.
Bombillo is right, however. Running an opposition candidate would highlight the absurdity of the Cuban political system. And the hypocrisy or castro being a “candidate.” I wonder if there is someone whithin Cuba willing to take this on?
Dr. Biscet would have been an ideal candidate for many reasons. But his situation is precarious, and his wishes must be respected.
Henry,
How about a symbolic campaign for a dissident with not face or name that represent all of them united under the same principles of freedom and democracy. It will actually reinforce the fact that for fears of repression to their families a name can not be use and at the same time will raise the awareness of the problems in Cuba.
I think that a name is not important, there are more than 300 political prisoners in Cuba and way many more opposing the government in the streets with monumental sacrifices and all of them deserve the same attention from us.
Vic,
Unfortunately I’m a little disillusioned right now. I don’t think such a thing could work without a real face behind it. And Dr. Biscet’s principles made for an excellent “platform”. Doing it without someone in particular means we are projecting our principles on someone.
Vic,
Unfortunately I’m a little disillusioned right now. I don’t think such a thing could work without a real face behind it. And Dr. Biscet’s principles made for an excellent “platform”. Doing it without someone in particular means we are projecting our principles on someone.
Well done in contacting her. It’s too bad but ENTIRELY understandable. At least she knows how many folks are thinking about her husband abroad.
-Gabriel