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OBP: Letter to Mr.
Carter
May 2, 2003
Jimmy Carter
The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Mr. Carter:
I had the occasion of writing to you twice during the past year. First
letter - dated March 31 2002 - attempted to dissuade you from traveling to
visit the Cuban dictator Castro. At the time, I pointed out the failure of
the misguided Papal visit in 1998 to facilitate democratic changes or foster
an improvement in the sordid human rights record of the Castro regime. You
answered "You're completely confused."
In the second letter of June 16 2002, I castigated you for "paying homage to
Castro the repressive dictator, who for the past 40 years has systematically
oppressed and trampled the human rights and dignity of the Cuban people."
The same letter also stated your trip had only served as a propaganda tool
for the communist dictator, would bring no change in the Castro regime, and
"the Cuban people would continue to suffer oppression, denied human rights,
and subjected to the continued reprisals of the Castro tyranny when daring
to exercise a basic right such as freedom of speech. An unlikely scenario, I
think not!"
"You're even more confused" was your reply. I wish I were Mr. Carter, from
the very marrow of my soul, I wish I were.
Do you finally realize Mr. Carter, that the Cuban dictator used you to
substantiate his nefarious scheme? In exchange for your declarations
favorable to the Castro regime, he allowed you access to Cuban dissidents in
orchestrated meetings. While you were making public speeches about human
rights and the Varela Project - sowing false expectations with the Cuban
people - informants from the internal security apparatus were busy taking
names and collecting information on the poor souls who dared to work for a
better life.
Do you understand you were duped, Mr. Carter? Castro extended his invitation
and phony gesture of good will because he had the apparatus in place - the
network of state security informants - to harvest the fruits of the false
hopes you planted!
Upon your return last May, you smugly stated "the Cuban government would now
have to decide how to respond to the petition (Varela Project) campaign's
demands" (NY Times 5/18/02). This was followed by your article in the
Washington Post declaring: "there are indications of openness and reform in
Cuba…a clear voice calling for freedom of speech."
Well, Mr. Carter, the response is the same typically horrifying response the
Cuban people have customarily received from the brutal Castro regime for the
past forty some years - mass arrests, executions, and incarceration.
The monster of the Caribbean has struck again, arresting over 70 peaceful
dissidents, defenders of human rights and independent journalists. They
possess no weapons, no bombs. Only paper and pen, books, and ideals
promoting democratic change.
The silence is deafening, Mr. Carter. Where are the daily press releases?
Where is the familiar mop of white hair, the toothy Carter smile? The ritual
appearances with the talking heads of the nightly news? When are you going
to admit you were hoodwinked? When are you going to speak out against the
barbaric, repressive regime of the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, and condemn
the man?
Most of all Mr. Carter, when are you going to offer an apology to the Cuban
people for supporting the repressive Castro regime which for over forty
years has routinely oppressed and continuously despoils the dignity of the
Cuban nation.
Respectfully,
Oscar B. Pichardo
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
E- mail Qbnchzhd@aol.com
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