6/15/2010- Members of Congress comment on letter sent by former Cuban prisoners to Rep. Peterson
For Immediate Release Contact: Erica Daughtrey
June 15, 2010 201-222-2828
Washington, D.C.-- Congressmen Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Albio Sires (D-NJ), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), along with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), today commented on a letter sent to Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN) by 256 Cuban former political prisoners who suffered a combined 3,551 years as political prisoners in the Castros’ gulags. The letter by the former political prisoners was in reaction to comments made by Rep. Peterson last week when he declared that, “…people who oppose [H.R. 4645] are not speaking on behalf of the Cuban people, regardless of what they say.”
“No one has more moral authority to speak regarding the Cuban tragedy than Cuban political prisoners and former political prisoners. This letter by 256 former Cuban political prisoners is extremely powerful and must be listened to,” commented Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
“Some of my colleagues believe that enhancing trade and doing away with regulations with the dictatorial regime in Cuba will somehow improve the lot of the Cuban people. The world has been trading with Cuba for the last half a century and what benefits has this brought to the Cuban people? None. On the contrary, Cubans have endured more oppression and repression at every level of society, from preschool to the workplace.
Enhanced US trade to Cuba will only add to the coffers of a regime that does everything within its grasp to take away every right from the Cuban people. The letter of these brave former political prisoners should bring some common sense to those who put profit over freedom,” declared Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
“These former political prisoners experienced the cruelty of the Castro regime for decades, and they understand how increased resources can and will be used to repress civil society in Cuba,” said Congressman Sires. “Their voices must be respected and heard.”
“The signatories of this letter to Rep. Peterson not only represent the suffering of the Cuban people, they are also the embodiment of the struggle for Cuba’s freedom,” remarked Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
Below, please find the text of letter sent to Congressman Peterson today along with the list of signatories, including number of years as political prisoners:
June 15, 2010
Chairman Collin Peterson
Committee on Agriculture
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Peterson:
We are former Cuban political prisoners who have spent a combined 3,551 years in Castro's gulag. We are living testimony of the unspeakable tortures, cruelty and deprivations of the military dictatorship of the Castro brothers.
You recently released a statement concerning H.R. 4645 claiming that, “…people who oppose this bill are not speaking on behalf of the Cuban people, regardless of what they say.” Not only is your statement untrue, but also profoundly insulting to us. We are a community that is comprised of victims of the Castro dictatorship. Mr. Peterson, we are “Cuban people” and we wholeheartedly oppose your bill.
Your statement is all the more offensive when you take into account that the Cuban-American community has four Members that we elect to the U.S. House of Representatives and all four oppose your legislation as well. How dare you profess to know more about the Cuban people, or our plight, than the Members who are elected by us and the family members of Cubans from the island? You have every right to try to advance your agricultural agenda. However, you are not entitled to question our community, which is full of Castro’s victims -- who have suffered brutality that you could not even fathom -- and whose relatives on the island continue to be the victims of that dictatorship’s daily repression.
You have consistently demonstrated a lack of sensitivity to the suffering of our people and an apparent lack of awareness regarding the important leverage that U.S. sanctions represents to our struggle for Cuba’s freedom. You recently stated, “None of us support the Cuban Government’s detainment of political prisoners. However, these policies we have in place today have done nothing to remove the regime or to improve the situation for political prisoners.” Nonetheless, you have never taken the time to meet with any of us, nor have you ever invited us to testify before your committee. If you had, you would not be able to ignore the fact that every dollar your legislation seeks to place in the coffers of the Castro regime will only be used to further repress the Cuban people. Should this legislation pass, Mr. Peterson, we trust that you will be prepared to assume the responsibility for the increased bloodshed it will cause the people of Cuba.
Mr. Peterson, you owe us, our community and our elected Representatives an immediate apology for your offensive statement. Though you may disagree with our views, we hope you will not continue to impugn us for our suffering, deeply held beliefs and tragic experiences.
Sincerely,
|
Ignacio Cuesta Valle |
29 years in prison |
|
Antonio López Muñoz |
28 years in prison |
|
Dasio René Hernández Peña |
28 years in prison |
|
Dr. Alberto Fibla |
28 years in prison |
|
Pastor Macurán |
28 years in prison |
|
Roberto Martin Perez |
28 years in prison |
|
Roberto Perdomo |
28 years in prison |
|
Teodoro González |
28 years in prison |
|
Jose L. Pujals |
27 years in prison |
|
Miguel A. Alvarez Cardentey |
27 years in prison |
|
Aldo Chaviano |
26 years in prison |
|
Eleno Oviedo |
26 years in prison |
|
Pablo Prieto |
26 years in prison |
|
Ramón Méndez Pimentel |
26 years in prison |
|
Ramon Conte |
26 years in prison |
|
Víctor M. Cantón |
26 years in prison |
|
Alberto Grau |
25 years in prison |
|
Angel L. Arguelles |
25 years in prison |
|
Felipe Alonso |
25 years in prison |
|
Orlando R. Molina |
25 years in prison |
|
Osvaldo Figueroa |
25 years in prison |
|
Ricardo Montero Duque |
25 years in prison |
|
Angel Pardo Mazorra |
24 years in prison |
|
Ramón San Roman |
24 years in prison |
|
Reinaldo Figueroa |
24 years in prison |
|
Alberto Jané |
23 years in prison |
|
Armando Yong |
23 years in prison |
|
Oscar Rodríguez Terrero |
23 years in prison |
|
Reinaldo López Lima |
23 years in prison |
|
Armando Valladares |
22 years in prison |
|
Basilio Guzmán |
22 years in prison |
|
Carlos Pons |
22 years in prison |
|
Efraín Llerena |
22 years in prison |
|
Ernesto Díaz |
22 years in prison |
|
Eugenio Silva |
22 years in prison |
|
José A. Lamas |
22 years in prison |
|
Silvino Rodríguez Barrientos |
22 years in prison |
|
Abel Nieves |
21 years in prison |
|
Bruno Salas |
21 years in prison |
|
J. René Ramos |
21 years in prison |
|
José J. Santana |
21 years in prison |
|
Roberto Ascue |
21 years in prison |
|
Adalberto Sánchez Zamora |
20 years in prison |
|
Alfredo Mustelier Nuevo |
20 years in prison |
|
Angel De Fana |
20 years in prison |
|
Geovani Perera |
20 years in prison |
|
Huber Matos |
20 years in prison |
|
Jaime Costa |
20 years in prison |
|
Julio R. Sosa |
20 years in prison |
|
Lázaro Guerra |
20 years in prison |
|
Olvildo Praderas Montero |
20 years in prison |
|
Roger Reyes |
20 years in prison |
|
Ana Lazara Rodriguez |
19 years in prison |
|
Angel Alfonso Alemán |
19 years in prison |
|
Edelmiro Delgado |
19 years in prison |
|
Eduardo de Juan Machado |
19 years in prison |
|
Ereido Cruz |
19 years in prison |
|
Gustavo Gallardo |
19 years in prison |
|
José M. Del Pino |
19 years in prison |
|
Luis Zúñiga |
19 years in prison |
|
Marcelo Morgado |
19 years in prison |
|
Raimundo J. Solís |
19 years in prison |
|
Alejandro Moreno |
18 years in prison |
|
Aurelio Candelaria |
18 years in prison |
|
Daniel Gómez |
18 years in prison |
|
Eddie Artze |
18 years in prison |
|
Eduardo Piedra |
18 years in prison |
|
Humberto Hernández |
18 years in prison |
|
Joaquím Chanying |
18 years in prison |
|
José F. Pérez Sánchez |
18 years in prison |
|
Juan Prieto |
18 years in prison |
|
Martín Hernández |
18 years in prison |
|
Miriam Ortega |
18 years in prison |
|
Rafael Rodríguez |
18 years in prison |
|
Raúl Pérez Coloma |
18 years in prison |
|
Roberto Gesni |
18 years in prison |
|
Rubén Gonzalo García |
18 years in prison |
|
Servando Infante |
18 years in prison |
|
Arsenio Parodi |
17 years in prison |
|
Fidelina Fernández |
17 years in prison |
|
Georgina Cid |
17 years in prison |
|
José A. Núñez |
17 years in prison |
|
Mario E. Atía |
17 years in prison |
|
Orlando Castro |
17 years in prison |
|
René Cruz |
17 years in prison |
|
Roberto Jiménez |
17 years in prison |
|
Roberto Rivero Gómez |
17 years in prison |
|
Angel Lucena |
16 years in prison |
|
Antonio García Rivero |
16 years in prison |
|
Caridad Roque |
16 years in prison |
|
Evaristo Sotolongo |
16 years in prison |
|
Francisco Javier Denis |
16 years in prison |
|
Jesús Rodriguez Beruvides |
16 years in prison |
|
José Carreño |
16 years in prison |
|
Luis González Infante |
16 years in prison |
|
Manuel Barba |
16 years in prison |
|
Mario Fajardo |
16 years in prison |
|
Mercedes Peña |
16 years in prison |
|
Pedro Fuentes Cid |
16 years in prison |
|
Raúl García |
16 years in prison |
|
Agustín Robaina |
15 years in prison |
|
Alberto Montes |
15 years in prison |
|
Angel Cuadra |
15 years in prison |
|
Angel M. García |
15 years in prison |
|
Arelis Rodríguez San Román |
15 years in prison |
|
Carlos Calvo |
15 years in prison |
|
Delio Blanco |
15 years in prison |
|
Edel Ravelo |
15 years in prison |
|
Francisco Cruz |
15 years in prison |
|
Gerardo Rodríguez San Román |
15 years in prison |
|
José Chirino |
15 years in prison |
|
Juan Ramón Díaz |
15 years in prison |
|
Luis J. Chirino |
15 years in prison |
|
Mario Cruz Martínez |
15 years in prison |
|
Nin Amaro |
15 years in prison |
|
Orlando Martínez Paz |
15 years in prison |
|
Ramón González |
15 years in prison |
|
Ramon "Rino" Puig |
15 years in prison |
|
Raúl Arteaga |
15 years in prison |
|
Rodolfo Rodríguez San Román |
15 years in prison |
|
Rudesindo Rodríguez Blanco |
15 years in prison |
|
Tebelio Rodríguez San Román |
15 years in prison |
|
Teresa Bastanzuri |
15 years in prison |
|
Enrique Cepero |
14 years in prison |
|
Elio Cuencio |
14 years in prison |
|
Germán González |
14 years in prison |
|
Jorge Dulzaides |
14 years in prison |
|
Omelio Rodríguez |
14 years in prison |
|
Angel Reyes |
13 years in prison |
|
Arbelio Marin |
13 years in prison |
|
Bernardo Ricardo |
13 years in prison |
|
Eduardo J. Cano |
13 years in prison |
|
Eleuterio Martínez |
13 years in prison |
|
Heriberto Castillo |
13 years in prison |
|
Jorge Guzmán Chaple |
13 years in prison |
|
Alicia de Busto |
12 years in prison |
|
Angel García |
12 years in prison |
|
Aniceto Cuestra |
12 years in prison |
|
Celedonio Invierno |
12 years in prison |
|
Feliciano Mohamed |
12 years in prison |
|
Jorge Luis Delgado |
12 years in prison |
|
Jorge Valdez Paez |
12 years in prison |
|
Jorge Portuondo Jorge |
12 years in prison |
|
José A. Jiménez |
12 years in prison |
|
José A. Lima |
12 years in prison |
|
Juan Besu |
12 years in prison |
|
Jose Luis Gallareta |
12 years in prison |
|
Juan Casas |
12 years in prison |
|
Juan Valdés de Armas |
12 years in prison |
|
Juan Medina Plata |
12 years in prison |
|
Medardo M. Salcedo |
12 years in prison |
|
Pablo Castro |
12 years in prison |
|
Rafael Marques |
12 years in prison |
|
Reinaldo Aquit |
12 years in prison |
|
Jesús González Martínez |
11 years in prison |
|
Edgardo Llompar |
11 years in prison |
|
Alberto Abreu |
10 years in prison |
|
Armando Loo |
10 years in prison |
|
Aurelio Vázquez |
10 years in prison |
|
Candelario L. Puentes |
10 years in prison |
|
Emilio González |
10 years in prison |
|
Enrique Pérez García |
10 years in prison |
|
Enrique Ruano |
10 years in prison |
|
Hector Sanchez |
10 years in prison |
|
Fermín Amador Chamizo |
10 years in prison |
|
Fernando Arias |
10 years in prison |
|
Fr. Miguel Angel Loredo, OFM |
10 years in prison |
|
Frank Perez |
10 years in prison |
|
Gladys Ruisánchez |
10 years in prison |
|
Gloria Argudín |
10 years in prison |
|
Guillermo Rodríguez |
10 years in prison |
|
Idalberto Sánchez Vidal |
10 years in prison |
|
Irma Ferneandez Llorca` |
10 years in prison |
|
Jesús Pérez |
10 years in prison |
|
Jose A. Gutierrez-Solana |
10 years in prison |
|
Jose Bello |
10 years in prison |
|
Julio Cepero |
10 years in prison |
|
Lionel Rodriguez |
10 years in prison |
|
Manuel Amaro |
10 years in prison |
|
Manuel Jiménez |
10 years in prison |
|
Mariano Rodríguez |
10 years in prison |
|
Mireya Muro Morales |
10 years in prison |
|
Nelson Rodríguez |
10 years in prison |
|
Oneida Fernández |
10 years in prison |
|
Pedro Juan López Diaz |
10 years in prison |
|
Raul Martinez |
10 years in prison |
|
Regino García |
10 years in prison |
|
Renan Yanes |
10 years in prison |
|
Ramon Couto |
10 years in prison |
|
Rene Piedra |
10 years in prison |
|
Reinaldo Morales |
10 years in prison |
|
Roberto Gessne |
10 years in prison |
|
Rodolfo Masó |
10 years in prison |
|
Sigfredo López |
10 years in prison |
|
Teresa Pérez Pous |
10 years in prison |
|
Tony Artiles |
10 years in prison |
|
Vicente Gener |
10 years in prison |
|
Víctor M. Hernández |
10 years in prison |
|
Virgilio Morera |
10 years in prison |
|
Arturo Estevez |
9 years in prison |
|
Berta Cantón |
9 years in prison |
|
Casimiro Lopez Periu |
9 years in prison |
|
Domingo Martínez |
9 years in prison |
|
Efraín Taquechel |
9 years in prison |
|
Elías Gonzalo García |
9 years in prison |
|
Eugenio Llamera |
9 years in prison |
|
Gabriel Aztengo |
9 years in prison |
|
Gerardo Rodriguez Capote |
9 years in prison |
|
Gregorio Ariosa |
9 years in prison |
|
Jorge Fernández Rodríguez |
9 years in prison |
|
José R. Toledo |
9 years in prison |
|
Luis Masón |
9 years in prison |
|
Marcos González |
9 years in prison |
|
María Elena Pujol |
9 years in prison |
|
Miguel Hernández Falero |
9 years in prison |
|
Nelly Rojas |
9 years in prison |
|
Orlando Lopez Periu |
9 years in prison |
|
Raúl Martínez |
9 years in prison |
|
Tomás Benito Paz |
9 years in prison |
|
Adolfo González García |
8 years in prison |
|
Juan Alborna Saldo |
9 years in prison |
|
Enrique Ruano |
8 years in prison |
|
Pedro Corzo |
8 years in prison |
|
Servando Mesa |
8 years in prison |
|
Angel Nicasio Bueno |
7 years in prison |
|
Elías Gonzalo |
7 years in prison |
|
Hernán Reyes |
7 years in prison |
|
Alfredo Garcia Menocal |
6 years in prison |
|
Jorge Cruz |
6 years in prison |
|
Elba González |
6 years in prison |
|
Elda Torres |
6 years in prison |
|
Emelina Nuñez |
6 years in prison |
|
Ildefonso Pérez |
6 years in prison |
|
Ino Martell Casuso |
6 years in prison |
|
José Luis Fernández |
6 years in prison |
|
Ana María Rojas |
5 years in prison |
|
Carmelo Zamora |
5 years in prison |
|
Carmen Voloso |
5 years in prison |
|
Dionisio Gonzalo López |
5 years in prison |
|
Dr. Tomás Barrios |
5 years in prison |
|
Eduardo "Eddy" Arango |
5 years in prison |
|
José Albertini |
5 years in prison |
|
Maritza Lugo |
5 years in prison |
|
Miguel Tatte |
5 years in prison |
|
Roberto Ruiz |
5 years in prison |
|
Agustín de Jesús Lastre Barroso |
4 years in prison |
|
Carmen Arias |
4 years in prison |
|
Emiliano Reinoso |
4 years in prison |
|
Ignacio R. Barrios |
4 years in prison |
|
Juan Hernánez Pujol |
4 years in prison |
|
Gladys Campanería |
3 years in prison |
|
Ileana Curra |
3 years in prison |
|
Pedro Morales |
3 years in prison |
|
Alvin Ross |
2 years in prison |
|
Sergio Llanes |
2 years in prison |
|
Vicente Echerri |
2 years in prison |
cc: The Hon. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
The Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart
The Hon. Mario Diaz-Balart
The Hon. Albio Sires
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