THOU SHALL NOT SLEEP WITH THE ENEMY

There are those who would want the U.S. government to change its policy toward Cuba. They propose an end to the so-called embargo. No, they are not asking for an end to the embargo Fidel Castro and his repressive regime has imposed on the lives and rights of the defenseless Cuban people, they are asking us to sleep with the enemy.

One of the arguments in favor of ending the U.S. embargo is that there is no credible case that Cuba is a threat to our national security. Who was in favor of nuking the United States back in October 1962, during the Cuban missile crisis? Castro was. Along with his friend Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who is it that has very close ties with Iran, with North Korea, and with other well-known enemies of our country? Castro has. What country is a haven for terrorists like known ETA operatives, and other fugitives from justice? Communist Cuba is. Finally, what country in our vicinity has the laboratory facilities, the resources, and the knowledge to produce chemical and biological weapons? Communist Cuba has. Case closed.

If communist Cuba has not brazenly attacked the U.S. up to this point, it is because it would mean self-destruction. Do not for a moment doubt what Castro and his minions would do in our moment of weakness, should our nation become vulnerable due to terrorism or some other reason. The U.S. is awash with Cuban spies and collaborators. We have only uncovered a few of them, including Ana Belén Montes, a senior U.S. Intelligence analyst in our capital. This is no time to sleep easily. It is a time to remain vigilant and continue to put pressure on our enemies.

Another argument for ending the embargo is that U.S. companies cannot do business in Cuba as the rest of the world can. In other words, we should place the almighty dollar and business profits on an altar while relegating God, human rights, and all that is decent to a basement—the kind of place not easily accessible to the human conscience. If the rest of the world wants to be oblivious to the plight of the Cuban people, let them do business and be damned. “Merchants at the temple," we do not want to become. Jesus whipped the daylights out of those trespassers. Let us hold the high moral ground, and not be like them. The same goes for U.S. tourists who want the freedom to visit Cuba and spend money on the island--thereby helping that regime stay in power. Hey! If you do not care one bit about the lack of freedoms for Cuban citizens, then why should moral minds care about your freedom to travel wherever you please? Go visit the North Pole...in the wintertime...naked.

Should we be concerned how the U.N. General Assembly votes on this issue? Not one bit. Did you hear about the Oil-for-Food Iraq program, and how billions of dollars went into the wrong pockets under the supervision of the United Nations? We are not obliged to respect the opinions of the members of a body that is inefficient, ineffective, and at times corrupt. Otherwise, why would they give seats in the Council for Human Rights to countries known to be notorious abusers? Therefore, we should follow our own good conscience, not caring about the opinions of those who have none, and disregarding the views of those whose judgment is impaired.

Finally, there is the argument that we should deal with Cuba as we deal with China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia—countries that do not have democratically elected governments that protect the human rights of their citizens. The U.S. justifies that policy believing economic trade will eventually help bring democracy to those countries. To be honest, I am not sure whether this is a good policy or a bad policy. My question is, what are the “side effects,” and how long must we wait before we know if there are any? In other words, how long must we wait until China, for example, renounces authoritarianism and embraces democracy? Suppose it never happens. Instead, suppose China becomes a military power equal or greater to that of the United States of America—made possible in good part by all the profits from having become our trading partners. Would you feel safer in that kind of world? Consequently, unless China and other dictatorships change their stripes soon, nobody can persuade me “sleeping with the enemy” is a good policy.

Last time I checked, we are supposed to be red-blooded Americans, not a nation of cold-blooded reptiles. Before being in favor of ending the embargo, consider the emotional aspect of the situation. Take into account the feelings of all those who have had family murdered or killed in the name of, or because of, that olive-green-gear garbage revolution. If you were in their place, would you vote to end the embargo?

If you tell me the embargo hurts the Cuban people, I will tell you Castro hurts the Cuban people even more. He is been doing it for over 47 years. His is a material and spiritual embargo. Many were born after he seized power. They never experienced the beauty and goodness of our Cuba. Like pacified zombies, they walk around as in a daze—anesthetized by years of propagandistic indoctrination. They are psychologically unable to lift a finger to protest their condition or fight for their freedom. The fear is too great. They know what happens to those who speak or act against the government. As a result, to escape becomes the solution for many, risking their lives at sea with homemade rafts. The only ones who live well over there are those at the top, though part of the booty trickles down to collaborators of the dictatorship.

If Castro truly wants the U.S. embargo to end, then let him allow free elections. Let him endorse freedom of speech and assembly, so that those who have complaints can make them known. Let the people hear from leaders who favor freedom and democracy. Give all Cuban citizens the right to bear arms, and make them available. Right now, they cannot buy a BB gun.

In summary, if Castro is so sure about the support of the Cuban people for his system, then why can he not make these allowances? The answer is because he knows better. He can only maintain his system afloat through repressive tactics. He cannot afford to let the Cuban people decide their future freely. In addition, he and his supporters are cowards. They are brave and invincible when beating up on dissidents—powerless citizens, men and women of all ages—but how would they fare in an even fight? They do not want to try. I would bet on that. Therefore, and bottom line, if they do not change, we do not change. Keep the embargo as it is, or make it even harder for Castro and his cronies to breathe.

Recommended reading: Ercian Testament - Part Three, Chapter 25, “Heaven for Humans, Hell for the Namuh,”