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Letters
Letter to George W. Bush from Ernesto
Rodriguez, Secretary General Alpha 66.
November 15, 2004
Honorable George W. Bush
President
The White House
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. President:
It is with great satisfaction that I write you this letter. As a former
Cuban political prisoner and unwavering fighter in the defense of
freedom and the sacred principles of dignity and justice, I could not
miss congratulating you on your historic victory in the presidential
election of November 2. You must be very happy for the wise decision of
millions of Americans, who, during a difficult time for the United
States and all humanity, made the right choice in electing a leader to
head this great nation for the next four years.
Those of us who love freedom and democratic institutions, Mr. President;
those of us that will not waver and are not intimidated by blackmail or
evil threats, support you in the global war against international
terrorism. We strongly support American troops in Iraq and wherever duty
calls them to topple a tyrant and bring peace to those oppressed. We
support them against those that act like butchers and enslave their own
people and against those that kill, mistreat and humiliate the poor and
defenseless. There is no other alternative but to hit these tyrants hard
until they are decisively toppled.
“For Cuba, it is time”. These are the words José Martí uttered when
suffering and despair had made life unbearable for all the citizens of
our beautiful island. For Cuba, it is time! is what all Cubans today
feel in their hearts. And since you have understood and valued our
longing for freedom, we ask your continued support for any alternative
that will, without yielding, shorten the way to the total liberation of
our homeland. I dare to assure you, Mr. President, that the Cuban people
are decisive and brave and will know how to break the chains of the
tyranny that oppresses them when the moment arrives for the final battle
for which we have been preparing every day with love and dedication.
There is another phrase I learned from Martí: “TO HONOR, HONORS”. This
is why I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I will
always be grateful and proud that you received me, along with other
fellow political prisoners, in the Oval Office over two years ago when
we celebrated May 20th, the anniversary of Cuba’s independence. I have
also always felt great pride and gratitude that your father, the
Honorable George Bush, offered his generous hand in solidarity with the
international campaign for my freedom. Upon my release, he honored me
with a similar invitation to the White House in the spring of 1991. For
this honor, in gratitude, please extend to him my most fervent feelings
of fondness and admiration.
On this occasion, Mr. President, I take this opportunity to wish you and
your family and the brave people of the United States a very merry
Christmas and prosperous New Year. May God bless America and continue to
guide her in pursuing the destiny of this great nation with firmness,
goodness and wisdom.
Respectfully,
Ernesto Díaz Rodríguez
Secretary General
ALPHA 66
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