ARMED FORCES
Lead Cuba to democracy
BY ERNEIDO OLIVA
mgeoliva@aol.com
It is clearly evident that the Cuban Revolution is fading without its
leader, Fidel Castro, even though his critical health issues over the
past year remain a ''state secret.'' But even if he overcomes all his
health problems, as many of his followers have assured us, he will never
be viewed again as the charismatic and strong dictator who held Cuba in
his tight reign of misery, corruption and despair for 48 long years.
Bedridden and without hope of recovering soon, Fidel transferred his
omnipotent powers to his brother, Raúl. However, the ''Dauphin'' does
not appear to have his brother's motivation, personal strength or
leadership abilities to continue as the head of a country that is in
desperate need of political, economic and social reform.
The future of Cuba looks very dreadful. No one wants to see or encourage
a mass exodus from Cuba, and it would be a great tragedy for Cuba if it
happens. However, many international analysts have predicted that in a
moment of desperation, thousands of Cubans could decide to revolt or
take to the sea seeking a better life.
I believe that the members of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR)
are fully aware of the situation and, as human beings, are concerned for
their welfare and their family members. However, concern is not enough;
action is needed as well.
FAR members have in their hands all the tools necessary to change the
status quo and, accordingly, improve the well-being of all Cuban people
and avoid a massive exodus that may create an international crisis
greater and more dangerous than that of the Mariel boat crisis of 1980.
As they walk, ride a bike or use public transportation during their
daily trips to their military installations, they should:
• Take a close look at the frightened, hungry and longing faces of the
men, women and children they pass by.
• Evaluate their environment and notice the decaying and destroyed
buildings and the garbage that lines both sides of the streets.
• Talk to their comrades in arms about what they have seen and heard.
Undoubtedly, it will become obvious to them how much they all have
suffered awaiting for the Castro brothers' unfulfilled promises.
Cuban military personnel have waited far too long to do what they should
have done many years ago: Demand the immediate departure of both Fidel
and Raúl so that a better future for the Cuban people can begin. They
should demand the establishment of a democratic government in which the
Cuban people can share new and great opportunities. A new government that:
• Reorganizes and uses the new armed forces to defend and protect the
population from those who oppose freedom and democracy and to help the
people in emergencies.
• Enables the people to enjoy the benefits of their work and not risk
their lives at sea looking for better opportunities.
I hope that the members of the Cuban armed forces realize that the time
has come for them to unite and demand the initiation of democratic
changes before it is too late. It is what they must do to save
themselves and their country. It is what they must do to create a
brighter future for their loved ones. They must act -- now.
Erneido Oliva was deputy commander of the Bay of Pigs invasion Brigade
2506 and later deputy commander of the Washington, D.C., Army National
Guard.
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