The Opposition Needs Something More Than Courage

The Opposition Needs Something More Than Courage / Jorge Olivera Castillo
Posted on October 24, 2013

HAVANA, Cuba , October, www.cubanet.org – I have heard more than once
that the opposition is nothing more than a symbolic "testimonial," which
will fail to turn itself into an important political reference in the
short and medium term.

Most significant are not so much the affirmations, as the people (Cubans
and foreigners) who make them, many of them on the condition of
anonymity and without knowledge of the subject .

It has not been easy to resist in the midst of so many difficulties, and
even to advance agendas that would seem impossible in such adverse
circumstances. However, despite the many mistakes committed in tactics
and strategies, the government repression and the unending flow of
leaders into exile, the Cuban opposition has a moderate margin of
credibility.

To say that all the effort of more than three decades has been a
failure, would be false. Along with the many setbacks, there are
successes; not many, but they represent the moral fortitude and
resilience of opposition groups.

Unfortunately, many of our initiatives attest to the courage and
determination of the opponents, but failed to extend our struggle to a
substantial part of the people. Nor is there unity among opponents. The
egotism of some and their persistence in undertaking unrealistic and
overly ambitious plans continue to damage our struggle.

The regime, despite its talent for repression, is recognized in
international forums. The denunciations of flagrant violations of human
rights, in addition to being ignored by the mainstream press, don't
receive attention from other governments or these forums.

The hundreds of arbitrary arrests every month, the increase in the
numbers of political prisoners and the beatings of peaceful opponents in
the public streets, pass before the eyes of the world without
consequences for the dictatorship.

To move forward we must "professionalize" our struggle. We need the
humility to recognize what we are lacking and our potential. If we don't
correct our tactics we will not achieve legitimacy for our aspirations.

With our divisions, our ambitious goals, and the discourse that clamors
for external corrective measures, including military intervention, the
opposition grows the vicious circle.

We must maintain our fundamental principles, but readjust our
strategies, and look for new, more effective, methods.

Jorge Olivera Castillo, oliverajorge75@yahoo.com

From Cubanet, 23 October 2013

Source: "The Opposition Needs Something More Than Courage / Jorge
Olivera Castillo | Translating Cuba" -
http://translatingcuba.com/the-opposition-needs-something-more-than-courage-jorge-olivera-castillo/