Posted on February 27,
2010
California Mayor Advocates Freeing
Cuban 5 TIs and National Solidarity
Human Rights Examiner
Deborah
Dupre'
A key for justice and the release of allegedly
falsely imprisoned persons (FIPs), the Cuban 5 targeted individuals
(TIs) due to their anti-terrorist work, is awareness raising
about their combined case. Deisy Francis Mexidor of the International
Committee to Free the Cuban 5 has, therefore, released the
following explanation about the persecuted Cubans and her interview
with California Mayor 60 miles from Los Angeles who is subsequently
advocating for their release.
In response to an interview with Prensa Latina, the Mayor
of the City of Richmond, California, Gayle McLaughlin, affirmed
that “known political causes in my country were resolved only
when there was massive support of public opinion, as it happened
with Angela Davis. That is why”, she added “the lesson of working
among broad sectors of the US public is extremely valuable
in a critical time when the solidarity with Gerardo Hernandez,
Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez y René
Gonzalez needs to be increased”.
The first time that the Mayor heard about the case was through
the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five.
She then decided to reach to other California mayors. She told
them about the humanitarian issue of family visits, particularly
the violations against two of the wives Adriana Perez and Olga
Salanueva. It was from that initiative that she joined with
12 other mayors in writing a letter to then US Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales urging him to intervene and allow visas for
family members.
In support of what McLaughlin considers a “critical case,”
McLaughlin recalls that last year she presented a resolution
that “was unanimously approved by the City Council of Richmond”.
In the text, the resolution called for freedom of the Cuban
Five, as they are internationally known.
These men imprisoned since 1998 in the United States are serving
long and outrageous sentences. As a local elected official
concerned about social justice within her own community and
globally, the case of the Five immediately “garnered my sympathy
and concern,” McLaughlin said.
“In particular,” she explained, “the 10 years of Sister City
relations between Regla in Havana and Richmond provides an
additional reason to show our solidarity with our Cuban brothers
and sisters.”
In response to a question about the White House’s current
discourse, McLaughlin pointed out, “unfortunately President
Obama continues to uphold George W. Bush's stance on terrorism
but it is not entirely surprising because for over 50 years
US/Cuba relations, America's Democratic and Republican presidents
alike have maintained a hostile and aggressive position towards
our neighboring island. The is the case with the war on terror,
Democrats and Republicans have much in common, mainly furthering
the U.S. economic and military interests throughout certain
regions - like Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.”
McLaughlin went on to say, “It is extremely hypocritical that
U.S. leaders keep people like the Cuban Five in jail while
allowing real terrorists like Luis Posada Carriles to roam
free in this country. This hypocrisy proves that the war on
terror is really not about protecting people from harm but
is actually about maintaining US hegemonic power and control.
The sad irony is that in order to do so the US perpetrates
and supports a whole host of terrorist acts such as those committed
by Cuban exile groups in Miami against the Cuban population.”
Asked about her challenges as a Mayor of a city with more
than 100 thousand people, she stated that, “They are large
because we have a long history of social, economic and environmental
injustices to reverse. During the 100 years of domination,
the Richmond Chevron refinery has profoundly impacted the health
of our residents and our planet. On the other hand we are fortunate
to have a wonderful diverse community comprised in its majority
of Afro-Americans and also Latinos, many of whom are newly
arrived immigrants”.
When asked about where her strength lies as mayor McLaughlin
replied, “In my belief, confidence, and respect I have for
the people of Richmond.”
The interest of Gayle McLaughlin for the Antillean Island
started when she was 21-years old. Since then, she understood
that, “Cuba's history has been very much focused on overcoming
oppression and domination. Knowing this has made me question
the unfair representation of Cuba by various US institutions
such as our education system, the media, and the political
status quo.”
When she first visited the Caribbean nation in 1986 with the
Venceremos Brigade, she said that, “it was a transforming experience
because the people of Cuba touched my heart, soul and mind.
I took home with me from that trip a visceral understanding
that went beyond my intellectual understanding, of what it
means to be part of a changing world that puts people first.”
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