A Hierarchy of Needs

Do a survey of what is being written in the MSM about the death of Fidel and the succession to the throne of Raul, and you'll come away with the impression that free health care, guaranteed schooling, and a plate of food are an acceptable replacement for the freedoms we enjoy. As Tennyson's Ulysees says, "as if to breathe were life." Forget Patrick Henry: "Give me liberty or give me death!" In our age of moral relativism, totalitarianism is good for some, if not for us. After all, the same people that see in the succession and its supposed coming quasi Chinese reforms a positive sign are the same people who criticize the Patriot Act. Go figure.

Anyway, I've been struggling with how best to use the non-occasion (at least it will be by the time they get around to announcing it) of Castro's death to help further the cause of freedom in Cuba. Celebration of said occurrence is guaranteed to occur. And I can't say I would stop it. After all, I share in the impulse. At the same time, the scene of glorious rejoicing on the streets of Miami would indicate to the American public that it's over. Only, of course, it isn't over for those who live in Cuba.

Then yesterday, the feast day of Cuba's patron, La Caridad del Cobre- an apparition of the Virgin Mary- Gusano wrote something which struck a chord.

And I got me one of those big old candles with her likeness on it and I'm going to light it right now and join the millions of Cubans that today pray that, just like she saved those three Cubans from the storm so long ago, that she protect our island during the looming tempest. And that once the clouds begin to clear that the light of freedom shines brightly to every corner of our enslaved island.

That's it, I thought. What if the announcement were met with something symbolic, a mass procession, maybe a candlelight vigil for those still suffering under the yoke of the Castro Crime Family? An ecumenical prayer service, representing a cross section of Cuban culture, with Priest, Rabbi, Ministers, maybe even Buddhist monks. With all the press that will certainly descend on Miami, what better way to put the spotlight on the regime? Use the partying to get attention, then....

Alas, I discovered the Mediterrenean, because as Gusano informed, plans are already in the works for something like, as well as a memorial mass for those who lost their lives in the seemingly interminable national nightmare. I look forward to hearing more.