DOS CIUDADES TAN CERCA UNA DE LA OTRA Y TAN DIFERENTES

LA HABANA Y MIAMI, MEDIO SIGLO DESPUES
Autor: Juan Carlos León

La Habana solía ser la urbe que todos querían visitar hace 50 años atrás. Turistas de todas partes del mundo, especialmente de Estados Unidos, llegaban a la capital cubana atraídos por su vida nocturna, sus abanos, mujeres esculturales, playas, etc. Con la llegada de Fidel Castro al poder por medio de la fuerza todo esto cambió para desgracia de los cubanos.

Dice un viejo refrán que “A río revuelto, ganancia de pescadores”. Eso mismo sucedió con Miami, quien se ha visto beneficiado en gran medida gracias a la destrucción total que ha provocado en la isla el castrocomunismo. La Capital del Sol es hoy en día una de las ciudades más codiciadas por los vacacionistas que nos visitan desde los cinco continentes.

De acuerdo a testimonios de nuestros padres y abuelos, La Habana era un lugar encantador antes de 1959. El peso cubano tenía el mismo valor que el dólar norteamericano, los autos del año se paseaban por El Malecón acabados de salir al mercado, el Cabaret Tropicana –de fama internacional- entretenía a los más exigentes espectadores y se respiraban aires de abundancia y prosperidad. Hoy el panorama que se ve en nuestra capital es todo lo contrario: ruinas, miserias y calamidades se observan por doquier.

Por otro lado, los primeros cubanos que llegaron al sur de la Florida a finales de los años 50 y principios de los 60 nos cuentan que Miami era prácticamente un campo, con Flagler como su calle principal y contados negocios. Poco a poco estos exiliados se fueron encargando de abrir grandes corporaciones, de desarrollar la construcción de casas, empresas, restaurantes, clubs nocturnos y cadenas hoteleras. Con el tiempo llegaron otros inmigrantes que también contribuyeron con nuestro crecimiento económico y cultural hasta convertir este lugar en el hogar adoptivo de todos los que vivimos aquí.

Tenemos que reconocer que en la actualidad experimentamos sentimientos encontrados: por un lado nos entristece ver lo que han hecho los Castro con nuestra Habana en el último medio siglo pero, por el otro nos enorgullece saber que hemos sido parte del éxito que ha logrado Miami con nuestro esfuerzo diario, trabajo duro y dedicación.

Esperamos que los aires de democracia que soplan por el mundo árabe lleguen a nuestra querida Habana pronto para que, no solo sea bella y próspera como lo era antes, sino también para que sea libre y democrática como lo es Miami hoy.

Miami, FL., USA
03/21/2011

NOVELA DE HEMINGWAY LLEVADA AL CINE LA CUAL ALCANZO UN EXITO ROTUNDO EN TODO EL MUNDO

 

POR QUIEN DOBLAN LAS CAMPANAS
Por José M. Izquierdo

En el pasado los campanarios se usaban para comunicar hechos importantes, indicar peligro, un muerto, la misa, incendio, Etc. “Por quién doblan las campanas” novela del escritor y periodista, Ernest Miller Hemingway sobre la guerra civil española, donde Hemingway trató de transmitir al mundo el peligro que representaba para la humanidad, los hechos que estaban ocurriendo en España utilizando esa metáfora, que sirve también para alertar a los estadounidenses. Estamos escuchando el sonar de las campanas en la nación, que han llegado a la Florida y no prestamos atención.

Los trabajadores públicos y sus sindicatos, están escenificando protestas en toda la nación en reclamo de sus beneficios laborales afectados por los recortes presupuestarios. En la Florida, las protestas por el presupuesto que Rick Scott ha presentado, recorren el estado y han llegado a Tallahassee.

Scott, un empresario que llego a Tallahassee sentado en su fortuna personal, está cambiando los patrones de trabajo tradicionales y trata de imponer su estilo netamente empresarial. Los recortes que propone son fuertes y afectan áreas sensibles como la educación, la salud, y programas de seguridad social. Pero esos recortes afectan también a los empleados públicos y ese es el fondo de las protestas. No se está protestando por los recortes a los servicios de salud, de educación y por los programas sociales en peligro, se protesta por salarios y beneficios laborales de empleados públicos.

Miramos el toro desde las gradas y pensamos que el único que está en peligro es el toro. No, las campanas están sonando para todos, nos están avisando que algo está pasando. Tal parece que Scott está apretando demasiado el nudo, puede ser una estrategia pedir mucho para lograr algo.

Pero hay algo que tanto en la Florida como en el país nadie puede cuestionar; Los presupuestos hay que ajustarlos, son tiempos de austeridad y eso se hace buscando más dinero, recortando gastos o trabajando con eficiencia. Esto último, nuestros funcionarios públicos no lo saben hacer.

Sentimentalmente todos somos solidarios en defender a los trabajadores dondequiera que estén, son parte de nuestra familia, amistades y vecinos. Pero los sindicatos de trabajadores públicos y sus empleados han disfrutado tiempos de esplendor y privilegios que nadie disfruta en el sector privado. Esos tiempos terminaron, con justicia y equidad tienen que ajustarse a la realidad.

Tampoco es justo que los contribuyentes que no pueden mas con la carga que tienen encima, tengan que ajustarse más el cinto para mantener beneficios excesivos a los trabajadores públicos y sus sindicatos y más que todo, a un sector de políticos y funcionarios públicos que son más beneficiados que los obreros.

Lo expresado por el poeta John Donne (1572- 1931) nos sirve bien a nosotros “Las campanas doblan por ti, por mi y por todos”, nos están avisando del peligro. Escúchalas.

josemizquierdo@hotmail.com

Hialeah, FL., USA
03/20/2011

Dennis Kucinich Wonders Why Missile Strikes Aren’t Impeachable Offenses

By Doug Powers  •  March 20, 2011 11:40 AM

**Written by Doug Powers
Yesterday, US and British forces launched over 100 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Libya in an attempt to knock out its air defenses.
A group of left-wing House Democrats are fretting about the constitutionality of this military action (military action seems to be about the only time this bunch worries about constitutionality). Rep. Dennis Kucinich — who recently awarded himself the Purple Molar for injuries he sustained single-handedly attempting to thwart an olive pit attack at the congressional cafeteria — is even talking about impeachment:

A hard-core group of liberal House Democrats is questioning the constitutionality of U.S. missile strikes against Libya, with one lawmaker raising the prospect of impeachment during a Democratic Caucus conference call on Saturday.
Reps. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.), Donna Edwards (Md.), Mike Capuano (Mass.), Dennis Kucinich (Ohio), Maxine Waters (Calif.), Rob Andrews (N.J.), Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas), Barbara Lee (Calif.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) “all strongly raised objections to the constitutionality of the president’s actions” during that call, said two Democratic lawmakers who took part.
Kucinich, who wanted to bring impeachment articles against both former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney over Iraq — only to be blocked by his own leadership — asked why the U.S. missile strikes aren’t impeachable offenses.

I love the smell of a potential primary challenge in the morning.
Others on the left who helped carry Obama into office on their shoulders are going apoplectic as well. Michael Moore suggested that Obama return his Nobel Peace Prize and compared him to Bush (a charge that will be especially hard for Obama to avoid if he’s going to recycle W’s speeches, but at least that might help keep the greens happy). Louis Farrakhan asked Obama “Who the hell do you think you are?” Obama’s even lost Joan Baez, and you know how the old saying goes: If you’ve lost an aging folk singer from the 60′s, you’ve lost… well, not much actually.
**Written by Doug Powers

"Be Careful, brother..."

HotAirPundit makes note of this exchange highlighted by The Final Call of Louis Farrakhan speaking with talk radio host and “long-time friend” Cliff Kelley on WVON-AM 1690 on March 11:

From The Final Call:

To President Obama, Minister Farrakhan delivered a pointed warning: “Don’t let these wicked demons move you in a direction that will absolutely ruin your future with your people in Africa and throughout the world. They don’t like the way you handled (former Egyptian President Hosni) Mubarak! They don‘t like the way you’re handling the situation in the Arab world! So I would advise you to be careful-and move with wisdom and skill.
And then, Minister Farrakhan offered President Obama some divine advice.
“Why don’t you organize a group of respected Americans, and ask for a meeting with Gadhafi? You can’t order him to step down, and get out-who the hell do you think you are, that you can talk to a man that built a country over 42 years, and ask him step down and get out? Can anybody ask you? Well, well there’s a lot, now, [that are] going to ask you to step out of the White House, because they don’t want a Black face in the White House,” said Minister Farrakhan.
“Be careful, brother, how you handle this situation because it is coming to America! It has already started. Look in Wisconsin! Look in Ohio! Look at what’s going on in your country! And remember your words because the American people are rising against their own government: It’s not Muslims; it’s not Black people! It’s White militias that are angry with their government, and they are well armed. Are you going to tell them-’Put your arms down, and let’s talk it over peacefully?’ I hope so. But if not, America will be bathed in blood, not because Farrakhan said so, but because the dissatisfaction in America has reached the boiling point. Be careful how you manipulate the dissatisfaction in Libya and other parts of the Muslim world,” he warned.

I Am Not Into You By: Laura Mirabal

Just because someone likes you very much, doesn’t mean that you necessarily like them back.  

Why are relationships between men and women so complicated?   

When the woman does not reciprocate the advances of the man pursuing her, he should not harangue her and spew hurtful comments which do not make any sense at all.

A woman should not feel pressured into giving in to his advances, especially when they haven’t even met – only spoken on the phone.

There is a lot to be said about a man’s character when that man feels offended if the woman does not act as he would like her to act.

Where is it written that the woman owes this man even the time of day?

She has been nice in talking to him, and accepting his compliments, she never led him on to believe that there could, or would ever be any more than a friendship.

So, it is very curious that the man lashes out at the woman because she has not reacted the way he wanted her to at the prospect of his visiting her hometown, possibly with the intention of meeting her. 

Get a grip!

Mind, Body & Soul, By: Laura Mirabal

You and I may have the same philosophy, I stay away from people who might irritate me or bring me down psychologically and emotionally.  I am a very happy person, enthusiastic and friendly, and I tend to gravitate towards people who have the same traits; by doing so, I feel much healthier - emotionally, which in turn boosts my energy level.  Wellness is not just about the physical body, I must also include my emotional "body" too.

I believe that the way I "choose" to react to various situations also plays a huge role in my mental wellness.  I am a huge fan of using self-help and motivational tools and resources available to me.  Through the years I learned that I decide how much power someone or something will have over me.  No one can make me feel anything, I either allow something or someone to upset me or I decide not to allow something or someone to upset me - I am in control - not outside forces. 

I want to add that a happy person gains the most knowledge - and the more knowledge we gain makes us happier and it makes us feel more powerful.

From the Apostle to Ireland to A Reason for Partying… contributed by: Carlos Espinosa

There are few saints whose feast day elicits more enthusiasm than St. Patrick’s Day.

Unfortunately, instead of remembering and celebrating the life of the 5th Century Catholic Bishop, called the Apostle of Ireland for almost single-handedly helping convert the nation to Christianity, the day is more commonly known for parades, shamrocks (the symbol he is believed to have used to explain the Holy Trinity), green clothing (gotta wear green or get pinched), leprechauns (Irish folklore), and green beer, lots and lots of beer.  An old Irish saying states, “In heaven there is no beer… That’s why we drink ours here!”

Therefore, St. Patrick's Day, like Cinco de Mayo, is infamously known for partying and reveling, especially in the United States.

In fact, the day of the patron saint of Ireland, is one of the biggest days for alcohol consumption in the U.S. and one of the busiest days of the year for bars and restaurants.  And, you thought Fat Tuesday was the last day to party until Easter.

It seems almost every restaurant and bar has St. Patty's Day decorations, food and drink specials and activities.

One of my favorite “establishments,” Duffy's Tavern in West Miami, sets up tents outdoors to handle the overflow of patrons tonight and another restaurant/bar nearby, John Martin's Irish Pub in Coral Gables, hosts a yearly bash that includes street closures and a U2 cover band (which is appropriate considering that many of their lyrics have Christian undertones).

This year, since St. Patrick’s Day lands on a Thursday, it coincides with my men’s group’s weekly meeting, as we prepare for an upcoming retreat. Following our meetings, we usually go to Duffy’s to get a quick bite and share in some male bonding. However, yesterday, as we were getting ready for work, my wife asks, “You are not going to Duffy’s after your meeting this week, right?” Was that a question or a suggestion? In any effect, we probably will skip out on our regular routine to avoid the crowd.

But, for the benefit of those who will be going out tonight, let's remember why the Irish have been celebrating the day for over a thousand years.

Although many legends have surfaced about St. Patrick over the years.  According to the saints own Confessions, which is one of his writings authenticated by scholars, he was actually born in Scotland, and considered himself a Roman-Briton. At the age of sixteen, he was captured along with some of his father's workers and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep.  He was kept in deplorable conditions in captivity for about six years, where he experienced many hardships, including hunger.

During that time, he turned to God.  After many months of prayer and fasting, he felt the Lord telling him to return home.  He continued growing spiritually, through continuous prayer and focusing on God.  Finally, one day, Patrick was able to escape and fled to the coast, where he found sailors willing to take him back to Britain.

St. Patrick writes that after returning home, he had a dream where he heard the voices of Irish children, including in their mothers' wombs' calling out to him to rescue them.  He became a priest and later ordained Bishop of Auxerre by St. Germanus, who was his mentor for many years, before being sent to take the Gospel to Ireland.

St. Patrick spent about 30 years going to one end of the country to another, preaching, converting, baptizing, and ordaining priests along the way.  Although, he met resistance, and there are stories of his life being threatened, he successfully converted the country's pagan nobility and their families, which served as an impetus to spread Christianity to the masses.  He also laid the groundwork for hundreds of monasteries, schools and churches that later spread throughout Ireland.  He died on March 17, 461.

The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday almost ever since.  On St. Patrick's Day, families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Because the feast day is during Lent, restrictions on the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage (the post effect of the alcohol and cabbage must not have been pretty!).

The tradition was brought to the United States before the Revolutionary War.  And the first St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in Boston, then in New York and other U.S. cities before becoming a tradition in Ireland. 

So, before taking that first gulp tonight, think about St. Patrick and ask him to help convert your heart as he helped convert Ireland.

Cheers!

And, remember, although not known for the same type of celebration, St. Joseph’s Day is on Saturday…



For more information on St. Patrick, check out this article by Deacon Fournier of Catholic on Line.

BISCET, EL MACEO DE NUESTROS TIEMPOS

Autor: Juan Carlos LeónL GOBIERNO CUBANO EXCARCELA AL DR. OSCAR ELIAS BISCET

BISCET, EL MACEO DE NUESTROS TIEMPOS
Autor: Juan Carlos León

El Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet fue excarcelado recientemente, aunque no se sabe por cuánto tiempo el reconocido opositor estará en la calle, ya que según ha dicho: “No descansará hasta que Cuba sea libre”. La mala vida en la cárcel no pudo doblegar a este Antonio Maceo moderno del cual los cubanos nos sentimos tan orgullosos.

Luchar por la libertad de nuestra querida patria desde el exilio tiene cierto mérito, pero hacerlo desde el corazón de la isla esclavizada es admirable y son muy pocos los que tienen coraje para hacerlo. Biscet es uno de ellos, pero no el único, también lo han hecho Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Ariel Sigler Amaya, Guillermo Fariñas, Yoani Sánchez, entre otros.

El médico de 49 años fue uno de los 75 disidentes que el gobierno cubano encarceló en la Primavera Negra del 2003. Estos opositores pacíficos fueron sentenciados a largas condenas de prisión por el solo hecho de pensar diferente a los Castro. Ha sido tanta la presión de la comunidad internacional que los tiranos no tuvieron más remedio que dejar libres a estos hombres, los cuales han sido desterrados de su tierra natal en la mayoría de los casos, sin embargo, al doctor Biscet ni dándole candela como al macao hay quién lo saque de su Cuba.

De acuerdo a imágenes vistas hace poco, Biscet se ve más delegado y algo demacrado, canoso, e incluso le faltan algunos de sus dientes de arriba. Esto es lo que le hacen los dictadores a los hombres y mujeres que discrepan de ellos. El verdadero rostro de la revolución cubana ha sido puesto al descubierto para que el mundo entero vea que no era tan buena como muchos pensaron al principio.

Biscet se ha convertido en el Maceo de nuestros tiempos y un ejemplo a seguir para los que deseamos la libertad de la tierra de Martí. Su lucha continúa y debemos apoyarlo de cualquier forma posible. ¿Cómo? Usando todos los medios que tenemos a nuestra disposición, especialmente el internet y sus redes sociales (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), no participando en las actividades revolucionarias, escribiendo, hablando, denunciando, en fin, formando una resistencia unida y concatenada no importa dónde estemos.

El Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet merece ser seleccionado como el Premio Nobel de la Paz 2011por su lucha a favor de los derechos humanos de todos los cubanos y la democratización de la Mayor de las Antillas.

Miami, FL., USA
03/14/2011

BALSERO Amaury Gutierrez

BALSERO Amaury Gutierrez

The Anniversary

She could not breathe; her pain battered her heart like the waves of a roaring storm while trying to stand on the shore.

Just when she thought she could breathe again, again the wave would rush right back to shore to drag her back into the depth of despair and anguish.

Just as she was starting to feel that a silver lining was just peeking out of the ink-black dark horizon, her constant companion, sorrow, would embrace her and not let her go.

Why did this day have to come so soon? 

She wanted to stop crying, she wanted to stop thinking of what this day would have meant to them.  So many years she devoted to this fairy tale existence she so longed for. 

She dragged herself out of bed, absent-mindedly dressed to go out, and somehow found her way to the door, to face another day without him.

Would he remember the date?  Would he remember her?  Would he remember their life together? 

From the moment they met they never separated.  They were Siamese lovers; one could not do without the other. 

Where one went the other had to go too, they both had to breathe the same air, they both nourished each other with their intoxicating love.

There was only room in their world for them; no one else seemed to exist. 

“Oh,” she thought, “if I could turn back the clock and relive those years again.”