My Adventure in Miami with President Bush

Myself | 5/20/02 | Me

[walrus954]

Today was an amazing day for I finally got to see President Bush speak in Miami. My day started at 9 am when my father and I set out for the office of Rep. Lincoln Diaz Balarat. I got tickets from the congressman on Friday and had to pick them up. Then, it was off to the Orange Bowl where were boarded a shuttle bus to the James Knight Center. For someone who's Spanish is very shaky (I am only partially Cuban), this was a baptism by fire. I am 15, and I was the youngest on the bus by fire. Not only that, but my 45 year old father was the youngest on the bus by far. The people with us on the bus consisted of old Cuban-Americans who, like all Cuban Americans, had a strong love for Cuba and a passionate hate for Castro. After about a half hour of singing the Cuban National Anthem and reciting poems about Cuba, we made it to the James Knight Center, where we had to wait for two hours in line to get through security.

After this two hours of waiting, we had another hour and a half of waiting. It was interesting, however, because we got to hear the stories of the man who sat next to us who was a political prisoner in Cuba for 26 years. Then, at three o'clock, it started. Our senators and congress men (Graham, Nelson, Ros Lehithn and Diaz Balarat) entered, and Gloria Estefan and John Secada sang the national anthems of Cuba and the US. Governor Jeb Bush came to the podium and spoke in flawless Spanish. Then, he introduced the President of the United States. It felt like a volcano erupting inside the auditorium. All 3,000 jumped to their feet clapping and waving flags and screaming "Libertad" (Liberty!) and "Viva Cuba Libre!" (Long Live a Free Cuba). The feeling of goosebumps doesn't even begin to describe it. The president began to speak in Spanish, but then said he didn't want to destroy a beautiful language and reverted to English. The President gave a great speech spelling out his Cuba policy. After every few sentences, the crowd would leap to their feet, waving their flags, and shouting "Libertad!" and "U-S-A."

It truly was an amazing experience. He challenged Castro to allow free elections and introduced a Cuban refugee kid who came here 6 years ago speaking no English. Now, he will be going to Harvard. It proves what can happen to capable people when they are allowed to prosper in freedom. He then discussed his conditions for lifting the embargo (freeing political prisoners, allowing elections, etc), which I agree with. The President really gave me strength to continue to believe that someday, Cuba will be free again. I hope that this day is soon.

Viva Cuba Libre y Presidente Bush!

Andrew

[floriduh voter]

Truly an experience to meet the President with the highest, consistent approval ratings - ever! But, as many of us gloat over him, he is so charmingly modest until it's time for him to step up to the podium. Then, HELLO DUBYA!

[Boxsford]

Just curious, does Janet Reno speak spanish?

[walrus954]

Thanks! I'm tired right now and put that little piece together. If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer... I know I left some things out.

The crowd really did love President Bush, and, rightly so. He is a great friend of the Cuban people. There was only ONE protester thankfully compared to about 3500 supporters. Some of the people kinda hasseled her, but she'll be fine...

Andrew

[Republic]

Andrew, oh ANDREW!

What a wonderful essay from a fifteen yr old FReeper! I still have chills from reading your account/adventure with our President! Thank you so much for posting this....I second the nomination for POST OF THE DAY! Maybe we need to start this award -at least once in awhile.

Thank you, your writing is superb-you sent the electricity you felt through to all of us. God Bless! Wish our President would have the opportunity to read your words. EAGLES WAY UP!

[Republic]

My guess-whether that WACO massacre-ess speaks fluent Spanish or not-this was NOT a good day for her. Good.

[Ben Bolt]

What an inspiring post. You have had an experience you will recount many times over the years. Thanks for sharing it with us.

I saw it on CNN and was moved to misty eyes. It would be absolutely wrong to reward this Dictator and tyrant with free trade status. He can trade with the rest of the world, and does.

[floriduh voter]

The good thing is that when you start a thread, you can come back and add stuff whenever you want and bump your stuff back to the top! Thanks, tired one. We are not worthy.

[PJ-Comix]

I never heard Jeb Bush speak Spanish before today and was quite surprise at how fluent he is in that language. Very little accent (in strong contrast to Carter's Cuba speech).

[Boxsford]

No, it was not a good day at all for her. All those people that attended,in Florida, went home, electrified their families, praised Bush with their experience and set ol Reno back to be sure.

[exit82]

Andrew, thanks for a super job of reporting. You have a great writing style, and you are only 15! Wow!

And thank your dad for us for taking you today. The apple could not have fallen far from the tree.

[PJ-Comix]

Right now Castro must be thinking: "If only if ONLY I had listened to that old Chinese saying---'Never wish for something because you might get what you ask for.' So what happened? I demanded that Elian be returned to Cuba and I got what I wished for. Then, as a result, Gore lost Florida and the Presidential election. And now the embargo, which Gore would have definitely lifted, continues. Yeah, I got Elian but I wish I had never asked for him. SNIFF!"

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

WOO HOO, Andrew! Nice post. Thank you so much for sharing. When Castro's gone and the Cuban people are free, your children will be hearing about this day and the time you heard the President of the United States tell Castro and the world the true meaning of character.

Thanks for the ping, fv. Glad I didn't miss this one. Could be a young Luis in training. Isn't that great!

[Pegita]

Thank you, Andrew, for touching our hearts in the way you described your day ... I'm especially touched that the love of freedom has not been lost from generation to generation. The generations of your grandfather and father have taught you well ... our country is in your capable hands.

Pegita

[Southflanknorthpawsis]

Great post!!! As someone else said, I could almost imagine being there. I saw it on Fox and thought our president was wonderful.

Thanks for letting us share in the excitement of what has to be a day you will not soon forget.

[kayak]

A great report! Thanks for sharing it with us!

The text of the President's speech is now up on the White House web site ......

Remarks by the President at Cuban Independence Day Event

[lonestar]

Thank you for reporting your experience.

If you run for office when you're old enough, I'll move to FL to vote for you--if you don't change!

[PJ-Comix]

Just curious, does Janet Reno speak spanish?

Si. "Dame su nino. Voy a entregarlo a Castro!"

[floriduh voter]

Hi, Rc. Do I see a Teen FR Chapter in the future?

Anyway, I just received my Jeb e-newsletter in my regular email. I strongly recommend that every Florida FR registered and even non-Floridians subscribe for Jeb's newsletter. It's not too long (except for that Budget one) LOL.

Get emails automatically from our governor by visiting www.myflorida.com. Then you will even know when he's visiting your town.

This is the State site and it's also great if you need any state info.

Before I forget, BTTT!

[walrus954]

Thanks for your posts. This really gave me hope for an organization that I am starting, Libros Para la Libertad (Books for Liberty). We are trying to collect books in Spanish and send them to independent libraries in Cuba to help foster freedom. More on this to come early in the week... If you have books in Spanish, please set them aside. Thanks

Andrew

[snippy_about_it]

Way to go Andrew. You are so fortunate to have been able to attend. You give us hope son. Thank your dad for us, too.