From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Cuba solidarity newsletter
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1992 03:19:58 GMT

/** reg.cuba: 185.0 **/
** Topic: Boston July 26th Coaltn Newslettr **
** Written  6:30 pm  Apr 11, 1992 by acossu in cdp:reg.cuba **
CUBA SOLIDARITY
Newsletter
Published by the July 26th Coalition - April 1992 - No. 1  
*****************************
JULY 26TH COALITION
c/o CASA
1151 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
*****************************
 
WELCOME TO OUR NEWSLETTER ....
 
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide members of the July 26th
Coalition and the public at large information regarding the work being done
in solidarity with the Cuban revolution. The newsletter hopes to serve as a
vehicle to network and catalyze the efforts of all groups, organizers and
activists working toward the preservation of peace and justice for Cuba and
its people.
 
It is not our intention to duplicate or replace existing sources of
information that provide timely discussions of issues surrounding the current
situation of Cuba or its history.
 
We ask that our readers participate actively in the production of the
Newsletter. If you can contribute by helping in the production please contact
us and join the Newsletter Committee. If you are too busy but can send us
articles to be considered for publication, please do so. If you can make a
funding contribution, you know that it will be very welcome. If you cannot
do any of the above, but can let us know when the Newsletter has been useful
in your work, we also need to know that.
 
Let's always keep in mind that we are moved by a sense of great urgency.
There's imminent danger of the U.S. attacking Cuba militarily. We need to do
whatever we can and then more, to stop the U.S. from repeating the experience
of the massacre of Iraq. If we join forces we might be able to succeed in the
long struggle for justice and human dignity for all people, particularly
those who, like the Cuban people, have dared to confront a giant oppressive
exploitative power: the country we live in.
 
****************************
 
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE JULY 26TH COALITION
 
The Cuban revolution represents the democratic aspirations of the Cuban
people. Since the overthrow of the U.S. supported dictatorship of Batista in
1959, the Cuban revolution has accomplished great achievements in the areas
of health, literacy, education, infant mortality, support of oppressed
people's struggles the world over, arts, sports and housing.  
 
In contrast, the U.S. government has pursued a relentless course of
aggression against Cuba.  This has taken the form of a thirty year economic
blockade, restrictions on travel, mis-information campaigns, assassination
attempts, and support  of military invasions, such as the Bay of Pigs
frustrated attack on Cuba. Up to this day, the U.S. government continues to
occupy a portion of Cuban soil at Guantanamo Bay against the will of the
Cuban people.  
 
The July 26th Coalition attempts to broadly include all individuals or
organizations who share in the commitment of self-determination for Cuba as
well as for peace and normal diplomatic relations between our countries.
 
We support and help coordinate the activities of our members and also take
on our own initiatives which have included trade labor exchanges, public
presentations of Cuban diplomats, and the distribution of video tapes and
information about life in Cuba.
 
****************************
 
JOIN US!
 
The July 26th Coalition meets 
the first Wednesday 
and the third Thursday 
each  month at 7:30 p.m.
 
For more info call: 424-1176
 
******************************
 
WHO SAID THE CUBAN REVOLUTION IS ISOLATED? 
 
by Samuel Rojas 
 
In the process of demonization of Fidel Castro, the U.S. is telling the
American people that "Fidel is isolated". PBS has portrayed Fidel as "the
last communist" and the media in general begin to play the same role it
played in the past to demonize Noriega, Kaddafi and Saddam.  
 
It's not easy, but they are trying. The members of the "organic media" (read
Gramsci for more information) are trying to simplify things in order to
concentrate the "American mass mind" against one single evil: Fidel.
Presented this way, the U.S. Department's media doesn't have to acknowledge
that there are millions of Cubans who support this revolution. The media are
also portraying the Cuban revolution -personalized in Fidel - as isolated. 
 
This is not true. People throughout the world are showing their support for
Cuba. The governments of many countries may be marching to the drum of the
new world masters, but not their people. This is why most campaigns the world
over are being denominated "people to people." 
 
Let's take a look at a few facts that U.S. mainstream media will never
mention: 
 
Germany. Darmstadt. On February 1 and 2 the "Second Conference in Solidarity
with Cuba took place, with the participation of representatives from 31
solidarity organizations. Among other things, they called on others to
"denounce and stop the hypocritical campaign in defense of 'human rights in
Cuba' while supporting the infiltration of terrorists from U.S. territory." 
 
France. A ship loaded with raw materials destined for the pharmaceutical and
printing industries arrived in the port of Havana on January 27. The shipment
valued at more than one million dollars leads the way for similar solidarity
campaigns worldwide. 
 
United States. On January 25, more than 4,000 demonstrated their support for
Cuba at a rally in the Javits Convention Center in New York. Leaders of the
influential trade union AFSCME delivered a check for $10,000 to the Cuban
delegation to the United Nations. 
 
Italy. The Italian-Cuban Friendship Association launched last September a
solidarity campaign that has received a warm reception and soon the first
ship loaded with medicine, 100,000 notebooks, and thousands of pens and
pencils will arrive in Havana. Italian activists are stressing the need to
counteract anti-Cuba propaganda in Italy and the world. 
 
Nicaragua. Daniel Ortega, general secretary of the Sandinista Liberation
Front reaffirmed the militant solidarity of the Nicaraguan people with Cuba.
Ortega said that "just as the U.S. has accepted the decision of the
Salvadoran revolutionaries to sign agreements which ended the war in that
country; so should the aggression against Cuba come to an end." 
 
The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) while meeting in Managua repeated
its call for all Latin American workers to organize material aid for Cuban
factories, hospitals and schools and to condemn the U.S. blockade of Cuba. 
 
Mexico. The city of Puebla's Committee in Solidarity with Cuba collected more
than $100,000 to purchase oil that will be sent to Cuba. As of this date,
negotiations continue with the Mexican Petroleum Company which is refusing
to sell the oil. 
 
The Popular Socialist Party of Mexico donated $50,000 to the Communist Party
of Cuba which was delivered to Freddy Torres, political adviser in the Cuban
Embassy in Mexico. 
 
Angola. Luanda. The Angola-Cuba Friendship Association declared their
commitment to continue to support the Cuban revolution. 
 
Peru. A campaign entitled "A Liter of Oil for Cuba" has been launched in
Peru. Trade union and political leader have opened up an account at a local
bank in which the money collected will be deposited. 
 
Ecuador. Christian youth demanded that Latin America must support the
revolutionary process in Cuba at a mass rally held at a downtown church in
Quito. The activity was lead by parish priest Fabian Vazquez. 
 
Chile. For the last three months a campaign that bears the same name as the
one in Peru, "A Liter of Oil for Cuba", has been underway. Two renown leaders
of the Chilean left, Mario Palestro and Rafael Maroto have also opened a bank
account to collect the donations made by people of Chile to support Cuba. In
the memory of Chileans remains the days when Cuba sent tons of sugar to break
the U.S. boycott of the Salvador Allende government (1970-73). 
 
As we see, the peoples of the world are working to support the Cuban
revolution from the grass roots up. Besides the campaigns we listed here,
many others are in progress. Let people know that millions the world over
will resist the plans of the United States to destroy the Cuban revolutionary
process because it represents an example of progress for the oppressed masses
of the world. In spite of what the capitalist media want us to believe Cuba
no esta sola. Cuba is not alone.
 
***************************
 
U.S. DENIES VISAS TO TRADE UNIONISTS
 
The tour of the three Cuban Trade Unionists to visit sixteen cities in the
U. S., including Boston, was halted when the U. S. State Department refused
to grant them visas.  The Cubans were scheduled to participate in forums and
meetings with students, workers, and unions from around the country. The
meeting scheduled in Boston for February 12, was held at SEIU Local 509
headquarters in spite of this setback.  The evening was informative and
educational, with discussions from speakers who have visited Cuba and the
presentation of a video on a prior labor tour from Cuba.  We urge you to call
or write to the State Department to express your opinions of this affront. 
Cuba Desk, U. S. Department of State, Washington, D. C.  Or call: Vicki
Hudelson (coordinator) or Stuart Lippi at 202-647-9272.
 
****************************
 
SEND MEDICAL AID TO CUBA
 
     Cuba is known for probably the best medical care in all the developing
world.  In fact, Cuba has made several important research contributions,
including the production of new vaccines which are used internationally. 
However, recently this excellent record is being threatened by the U.S.
embargo of trade to Cuba combined by the loss of trade with the Soviet Union
and Eastern Europe.  
     MediCuba is a project launched by the Task force on Medical Aid of the
National Network on Cuba and has begun sending medical supplies to Cuba.  So
far, the organization has raised $10,000 to be sent to attempt to offset the
embargo.  The aid is sent legally in the form of gift parcels from
individuals, an exception to the trade restrictions.  
     In addition, other organizations have formed to send medical aid to
Cuba.  The U.S.+Cuba Medical Project has applied to the Department of
Commerce for humanitarian license to donate medical supplies to Cuba.  If the
licence is denied, a legal challenge has been prepared.
     Cuba needs your help now. You can contribute to either of these
organizations now by: 1) Donating funds to buy medical supplies. 2) Sending
medical supplies (For safety reasons, everything must be sealed and
unopened).  Please contact:
 
MediCuba
1870 Wyoming Ave, N.W., #604
Washington, DC  20009
202-667-3730
 
U.S.+Cuba Medical Project
1173-A Second Ave. #232
New York, NY 212 251-0672
 
****************************
 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
 
Our task is to change U.S. policy toward Cuba so that the people in that
country will be left in peace to determine how they want to develop their
land. At this time there is legislation pending in the U.S. Congress that
will interfere in Cuban internal affairs. We must stop this legislation.
 
Through two pieces of proposed legislation the right-wing forces in the U.S.
Congress and the sponsorship of the Bush Administration are trying to
overthrow Fidel Castro and destroy the Cuban economic and political system.
 
The Cuban "Democracy" Act (HR4168) drafted by Rep. Robb Torricelli (D-NJ),
Chair of the Westen Hemispheres Subcommittee, seeks to further tighten the
U.S. embargo against Cuba. The bill would place sanctions on third party
nations trading with Cuba. It also allows for providing direct assistance to
dissident organizations.
 
The Mack Amendement to the Export Amendement Act (HR3489) is the second
proposed bill, equally destructive of the Cuban way of life. This is a
serious threat since it is closer to becoming law. The Mack Amendment was
introduced by Senator Connie Mack (R-FL). It is aimed at third country
subsidiaries who trade with Cuba on behalf of U.S. corporations. Since 1975,
subsidiary trade with Cuba by U.S. corporations has been exempt from the U.S.
embargo. Seventy percent of the subsidiary trade has been food and medicines.
The Mack Amendement penalizes subsidiaries trading with Cuba. Great Britain,
Canada, France, Spain and Brazil, to mention a few, have all opposed the
amendement as a violation of their territorial rights. The Bill has passed
both the House and Senate. The next step is the Conference Committee. 
 
It is urgent to mount a strong campaign to defeat the Mack Amendement and the
Torricelli Act.
 
There are two Bills we should support:
 
The Weiss Bill (HR434) for medical supplies introduced by Rep. Ted Weiss (D-
NY). This Bill would remove the U.S. embargo on the export of medicines,
medical supplies and instruments to Cuba.
 
This Bill is presently in the Western Hemispheres Subcommittee of Common
Foreign Affairs.
 
The Berman Amendement. At the present time, trade of information, ideas and
travel between the U.S. and Cuba are nearly prohibited by the U.S.
government. Only a few categories of travelers from the U.S. are 
LEGISLATIVE...
 
allowed by the U.S. government to go to Cuba.
 
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) is planning to introduce legislation to open up the
travel and trade between our two countries after January 1992. This Bill
should be supported. The present travel ban is a denial of our Rights under
the U.S. Constitution.
 
Representatives Ted Weiss and Howard Berman should know we support their
efforts on our behalf.
 
URGENT!!
 
The Torricelli Bill hearings are going on right now. On Wednesday, March 25,
the Foreign Affairs Committee was scheduled to hear from the general public.
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Fascell, the members of the House Foreign
Affairs Committee and your representatives need to be shown that a consensus
is forming among voters which supports a more human and realistic policy
towards Cuba. A sample letter follows, since time urges please fax it to
202-225-0724:
 
Dear Rep. Fascell, 
        Please start taking count. I am another voter  urging a positive change
in U.S. relations with Cuba. 
        I strongly oppose HR 4168, Rep. Robert  Torricelli's initiative entitled
"The Cuban Democracy Act of  1992". It is unjust and inhumane. 
        Instead of making Cuba the unfinished  business of the Cold War, I urge
you to support legislation that  would allow free trade with Cuba, end the
travel ban for U.S.  citizens, and lift the remaining limitations on the free
flow of  information across the Florida Straits. 
        Sincerely. (your name.)
 
****************************
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, April 9, 1992 - 7 - 9 p.m.
Preview/Discussion
LIVING WITH AIDS IN CUBA
(45 min. video tape)
MIT 4-231 (Bldg. 4, 2nd.Fl.)
 
 
Thursday, April 23, 1992 - 5 - 6 p.m.
A PEACE VIGIL FOR CUBA
at the Park Street T Stop
 
 
FOR UPDATED INFORMATION CALL
THE PEACE AND JUSTICE EVENTS HOTLINE (617) 787-6809 
 
 
** End of text from cdp:reg.cuba **