And don't get me started. I have been to Joisey.
Posted on 08/01/2006 1:40:59 PM PDT by Ebenezer
(English-language translation)
In pointing out Fidel Castro’s work in favor of Puerto Rican sovereignty, Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) Chairman Rubén Berríos today wished the Cuban leader a prompt recovery.
“Linked to the tradition of [Cuban poet and patriot José] Martí, the President of Cuba has been a constant, lifelong defender of Puerto Rico’s independence before all the international forums, particularly the United Nations,” the pro-independence leader stated in a press release.
Berríos, who is also Honorary President of the Socialist International, sent his written message to the President of Cuba through Ricardo Alarcón, President of the Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba.
‘‘Those who believe in a Latin America for Latin Americans recognize the President of Cuba’s enormous anti-imperialist and Latin Americanist work,” the pro-independence leader, who keeps a long friendly and respectful relationship with the Cuban president, pointed out.
Yesterday, after almost five decades leading the Cuban government, Castro stepped down provisionally for the first time and gave his powers to his brother Raúl following intestinal surgery.
For his part, PIP Executive President Fernando Martín told the Associated Press that, at this moment, the party understands that the most appropriate way to express its solidarity with the Cuban government is letting it know of its interest in Castro’s prompt recovery.
“At this moment, we are doing what is appropriate on behalf of our party, what we are doing is joining in the fervent wish of the vast majority of the Cuban people in wishing President Fidel Castro’s prompt improvement,” he said.
‘‘If something else has to be done in the future, we will do so taking into consideration the circumstances of the moment,” he added without going into details.
Castro, who is almost 80 years old, indicated that, during several weeks, he will be away from his duties in the government and as leader of the Communist Party of Cuba.
As expressed by the leader, his 75-year-old brother Raúl will be in charge “in a provisional character” as First Secretary of the Communist Party, President of the Governing Council, and Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
The responsibility of being the chief promoter of the public-health campaign - formerly a function of the president’s - will fall on José Ramón Balaguer; an identical position regarding education will be shared by Ramón Machado Ventura and Esteban Lazo.
Meanwhile, the role of promoting the energy revolution will be assigned to Vice-President Carlos Lage, Castro stated in a directive he himself signed in which he announced the transfer of duties.
Martín was not surprised by these appointments which, according to him, must have been discussed internally for some time now since the Cuban leader’s age makes an eventual succession an increasingly pressing possibility.
‘‘I was not surprised at all by the appointments that were made, but everybody hopes that these appointments are temporary, because everybody wishes that (Castro) recover soon,” he pointed out.
Does this mean we can DUMP that CESSPOOL Drain on our national resources?!
....and the other 95% of the population are eagerly awaiting his death, which we wish it would be slow and painful.
Drop dead, Fidel.
May your soul burn in hell for eternity.
My wishes are for CASTRO and his supporters a speedy
DEATH.
Good gad. What did the people of Cuba ever do to these guys..?
And if I remeber correctly, it was Marxist Puerto Rican Independentistas who set off bombs in NY in the early 80s causing cops to be injured (a former neighbor of mine included).
ping
It is evident from this article that an otherwise "moderate", Social Democratic PIP has veered more and more to the left for a while now. Also, it is sheer hypocrisy to praise Castro as an "anti-imperialist" when Cuba was a virtual colony of the Soviet Union and he was more than obliged to allow Soviet missiles into his country.
Actually, 2.74% in the 2004 election. But I'm sure these idiots speak for all the people of Puerto Rico.
Do most Puerto Ricans want independence? If so, why not?
And don't get me started. I have been to Joisey.
I was being generous.
The Puerto Rico Independence Party garnered less than 3% of the votes in the last general election. That's three percent.
Limitless hypocrisy from the left.Would Mr. Berrios agree to spend some time in Castro's socialist paradise? Probably not.
Now that Vieques island is no longer fit for target practice, what's the point in the U.S. associating with Puerto Rico? Close the naval base and stop subsidizing those people.
Thousands of flowers in full bloom, hundreds of people in one room.
I'd like to be in America, la, la, la, la, America!!
This is not a slight against PR or it's poeple. I would prefer we all speak english, as it unites us rather than makes divisions out of the United States of America and it's protectorates.
We speak English. In fact, Puerto Rico is one of the few US jurisdictions that actually has English as an official language (along with Spanish). Heck, I'm writing to you in English. You could live here for years and years and not need to speak Spanish at all. I know quite a few people that do.
How many referendums on statehood have y'all had?
What were the results?
I know there have been a couple that failed but I can't recall by what percentage?
Many Americans think Puerto Rico should get in, or out. There is no reason for the US to continue to bear the financial burden of Puerto Rico without it becoming a state.
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