Cubans Know Yellow Ribbons Too

As a Symbol of Grief for Lost Loved Ones

Cubans this week tied yellow ribbons all around the island.

September 12th marked the 15th anniversary for the Cuban 5.

       Fifteen years ago five Cubans were arrested in Miami and charged with spying for Cuba. They then, collectively, became international celebrities because many people around the world, including hundreds of millions throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, believe their assertion that they were in Miami to assist and inform Miami's FBI office about Cuban-exile terrorism against innocent Cubans on the island. Because of Miami's documented reputation for terrorism against Cuba, many democracy-lovers were aghast when the trial for the Cubans was held in Miami. They were convicted and sentenced to exceedingly long terms in different U. S. federal prisons. Rene Gonzalez is on the right in the above photo.

        This is Rene Gonzalez in Havana helping his wife tie a yellow ribbon around a tree as the entire island vividly mourns the imprisonment of the other four Cubans. Rene spent 14 years imprisoned in the U. S. and is the only one of the Cuban 5 to have served out his term. The other four are serving up to life terms.

        Portia Siegelbaum {above} is the outstanding correspondent for CBS News in Havana. This week on the 15th anniversary of the sentencing of the Cuban 5, Ms. Siegelbaum filed a very fair update on how Cubans on the island continue to mourn the remaining four of the Cuban 5 who are still imprisoned in the United States. Because the episode generally projects a negative image of the U. S. and its Miami-fueled Cuban policy, Americans should view the CBS News report on the Cuban 5 to decide for themselves. Rene Gonzalez, who speaks fluent English, told Ms. Siegelbaum: "We had witnesses for the defense from the White House staff to Generals in the U. S. army and the U. S. people were not informed about the trial." In the United States since 1959 Miami has, for the most part, controlled what Americans are told about Cuba. Usually, such as with the Cuban 5, there are two sides, not just one, that need to see the light of day. 

        Portia Siegelbaum on CBS News this week presented both sides of the two-sided Cuban 5 saga, a significant and ongoing event in the annals of U.S.-Cuban history. If you missed her update, you can access it by Googling: "Yellow Ribbons in Cuba Raise Awareness for the Five." It would be worth your time.

         For the past fifteen years there have been "National Committees to Free the Cuban Five" in major cities around the world, not just in Havana. Thus, Americans should understand the nuances and rhythms of what transpired in Miami fifteen years ago. With that understanding, Americans could make their own judgment about an issue that continues, to an exceedingly large extent, give the U. S. and democracy a black eye.

And by the way..............

In the Denver, Colorado area there are tres locales {3 locations} of popular "Cuba Cuba" restaurants.

The "Cuba Cuba" restaurants in the Denver area feature great Cuban-themed food and drinks!

And, of course, the three Denver-area "Cuba Cuba" restaurants have a Happy Hour with Mojitos!

Note: "Cuba Cuba" is presented as Cuba-related news. This site does not have advertisements!

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