CANF's vision for new times

VERBATIM
CANF's vision for new times
Posted on Sat, Jun. 07, 2008
By JORGE MAS SANTOS

Below are excerpts from a speech by Jorge Mas Santos, chairman of the
Cuban American National Foundation, before the CANF's Cuban Independence
Day luncheon.

The Cuban American National Foundation has and will continue to create a
great legacy for generations to follow, a legacy begun by the work of
Jorge Mas Canosa, my father, a man who founded this great institution
many years ago, a man of great virtue and commitment who believed in the
purity of the human spirit and that freedom is an inalienable right
endowed to us by our Creator. His life was dedicated to the cause of
Cuba's freedom, his commitment driven by a desire to inspire a younger
generation to shed the fear imposed on them by Castro's ruthless regime,
to empower them to bravely go forth. . .

Democratic transition

Our viability and longevity as an institution has come from our ability
to adapt to the ever-changing political panorama. We have always been
innovative and embraced change when necessary, taking risks at the cost
of being criticized because our ultimate reward -- Cuba's freedom -- is
so great. In that pursuit we have remained true to our legacy,
constantly seeking new ground to break, new avenues that would lead us
closer to achieving our dream. . . . We at the CANF have a new vision
for a new time. We would encourage the next presidential administration
to adopt changes to current policy that would help facilitate the
democratic transition we all desire:

• Allow direct, substantial, and unfettered aid to Cuba's dissidents,
changing the rules that today ironically make it impossible to send cash
aid;

• Engage the democratic forces including those in the military and
civilian government who do not want to see their sons and daughters
forced to hold a rifle and yell socialism or death. They need to know
that they can count on the protection of the United States and are key
figures in undermining the current regime's hold on power;

• Rebuild our intelligence capabilities in Cuba, which have been
dismantled over the last decade, leaving our nation's security
vulnerable and depriving us of the information we need that could truly
help the opposition movement on the island;

• Today we depend on foreign diplomats and foreign nations to send aid
and assistance to Cuba. While we are grateful for their efforts and
support, this is a responsibility that should fall on the shoulders of
Cuban Americans. We call on the lifting of the 2004 restrictions on
travel and remittances imposed on Cuban Americans which have prevented
us from becoming active participants in destabilizing the regime's hold
on power.

Full of hope for Cuba

These policies are specific, tangible, and effective, but, most
importantly, can be accomplished by Executive order. We ask for the
implementation of these policies not just on behalf of our Cuban exile
community but on behalf of our brothers and sisters on the island; the
wives of political prisoners who hold peaceful sit-in's in revolutionary
square, the brave young blogger that writes about the hopes and
aspirations of a generation to breath free, the activists who have
collected thousands of signatures petitioning the government for
reforms. These are the individuals who must have a voice and a seat at
the table when Cuba's future is being discussed.

Despite the obstacles, today we are full of hope for Cuba's future,
reinvigorated by their efforts and bravery, renewed in our commitment to
provide light and hope and lift the veil of darkness that envelopes over
Cuba.

http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other_views/story/561543.html