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Open letter to President George
W. Bush. from ex-Commander Huber Matos.
August 9, 2006
President George W. Bush
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
The secretive and “temporal” dynastic transfer of power of Cuba’s aging
dictator to his brother reveals their weak and illegitimate mandate.
Regardless of the official propaganda and some biased news coverage, the
Cuban people long for freedom and prosperity. However, the
dictatorship’s monopoly on information distorts the people’s perception
of reality and prolongs their continued submission. It is one of the
most important factors in repressing and controlling discontent.
The American government has always known how important communications
are when it comes to promoting freedom and democracy; hence the funding
of Radio and TV Marti. By the same token, the Cuban dictatorship has
systematically and effectively jammed broadcasts which they know
threaten their survival. In addition, the Cuban government’s ability to
defeat American communication efforts also intensifies the sense of
hopelessness in the population.
On May of 2004, the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba (CAFC)
recommended using a Commando Solo aircraft to achieve effective
broadcasting. .Now, after two years of delay, it has been implemented.
We think that in order to overcome the possible jamming of airborne
transmissions, it will be necessary to simultaneously broadcast through
several channels and frequencies. CAFC’s latest report also advises
broadcasting from other countries. We believe this to be a wise course
of action.
We are very thankful for your loyal commitment to Cuban democracy;
however, we are concerned over the suggested allocation of funds in the
second report by CAFC. Adding them to the ones already approved to
promote a democratic change in Cuba for the years 2007 and 2008 would
result on a 235 million dollars budget. In that same time period, Hugo
Chavez will back Cuba’s dictatorship with four billion dollars. We hope
your administration will reexamine this problem because achieving the
objective of freeing the Cuban people from the repressive grip now
controlling their minds and spirits is far from being resolved. There
simply are not enough resources or adequate planning behind any current
initiative.
Mr. President, Radio and TV Marti were named after Cuba’s foremost
patriot whose role in exile significantly contributed to those who were
fighting for independence in our motherland. The present exile community
has the right and the duty to follow in Jose Marti’s steps.
Respectfully,
Huber Matos B.
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