In Memory of Oswaldo Paya

In Memory of Oswaldo Paya / Rosa Maria Rodriguez
Posted on July 27, 2013

Text of quote: "Let them call free and democratic elections on a the
basis of a new electoral law and an environment that allows all Cubans
to have the right to be nominated and elected democratically, to
exercise freedom of expression and of the press, and to freely organize
political parties and social organizations with total plurality. Yes or no?"

Oswaldo Payá came into this world and left it in leap years. He was a
righteous man, devout Catholic and exemplary parent. As he was also with
his country and with his time and his proposal to compel change to the
iron structures of the Cuban dictatorship; but in exchange he received
bullying, harassment and constant threats — open and veiled — against
his person and his family.

He worked for the nation and the full exercise of the rights of Cubans.
He thought up and developed multiple proposals for the democratization
of Cuba, which the government authorities systematically ignored for
more than two decades. Is is that men who carry freedom in their souls
and think and feel in a clearly democratic way, something that naturally
repels tyrants.

In this year since his death in circumstances disputed by his family,
small changes have occurred in the way of achieving the oligarchic
objectives and perpetuating the government. Many have stepped aside to
advance and to gain ever more space for externalizing the designs of the
dictatorship, and among them are the annihilation of opposition
political organizations inside Cuba. The ubiquitous presence — the
unseen, which is equally or maybe more effective — of Cuban
intelligence, the same here as in the world, conspires to prevent
democrats from achieving our goals.

Today, when many opponents and dissidents seem confused in finding the
way and means to achieve the desired democratization of Cuba, the
dictatorship is consolidating and positioning its family, friends, and
trusted staff.

They find it easier due to the absence of a path and a common and
unifying leadership animated not by the violence of the raised machete,
but by the sincerity, uprightness and intelligence of a proposal for a
liberating transition and real changes.

A year after the death of Payá, they continue to lack the support of the
world community to strengthen our society in the search for authentic
paths not vitiated by police influence. That leaves us to imagine viable
proposals that are agreed and achieve international support to promote them.

23 July 2013

Source: "In Memory of Oswaldo Paya / Rosa Maria Rodriguez | Translating
Cuba" -
http://translatingcuba.com/in-memory-of-oswaldo-paya-rosa-maria-rodriguez/