The Revolution Can't Die
Fidel Castro may be on his way out, so what happens to Cuba?
Story by Elizabeth Gonzalez

When I saw the images of Cubans celebrating in the streets of Miami, carrying their flag until early in the morning, I didn't know that they were celebrating the possible death of a living legend. Fidel Castro underwent a surgery and for the first time in 47 years he handed over power of the country to his brother, Raul Castro. I was ready to go into mourning and wear all black if these rumors were true, but I chose not to believe until something more than speculation was said.   

Although statements have been released that he is fine, this scare is only leading us closer to the inevitable moment when Fidel Castro will pass away. It has been a long waiting game for many who wish to see Communism, and probably Fidel even more, stamped out for good.

I still remember the day that I saw Castro in person for the first and probably last time in my life. Four years ago, I went to Cuba with the Venceremos Brigade, a group that challenges the travel restrictions to Cuba from the US and works in solidarity with the Cuban Revolution. Tears streamed down my face seeing him during the speech he gave in Santiago, for celebrations of the 50 th anniversary of the first attack against the Moncada. They came out without any conscious effort on my part, I was just overwhelmed that I was actually seeing a man that has shifted ideas, concepts and the minds of so many of his people and given hope to the world that there are other ways to live.

He spoke with passion and looked strong for his age, but people told us that he was tired because this speech was only a couple of hours and he is known for being very long winded in his speeches. I tried to just soak it all up, intent on keeping my eyes on him, even if it was on the screens of other cameras taping him. It was very unreal and I just felt grateful for being able to witness it and be in the presence of such a historical figure.

The whole time there we met with different groups, cooperative farmers, the federation of Cuban women, hip hop artists, folks who participated as combatants in the Cuban Revolution, and with community members part of the Communities in Defense of the Revolution and heard from them what the Revolution is all about. What I heard repeatedly, and what sticks with me to this day, is that what they have achieved in Cuba is a Revolution of ideas. And the revolution, to them, is still active everyday. They are still working to change people's ideas and concepts, so that people don't only think about themselves and their gains, but for the well being of all human kind. With such limited resources, they have been able to do so much for people not only in Cuba, but across the world because Cuba sends doctors to work in countries all over the world to help those in need. After natural disasters all over the world like the tidal wave that hit Indonesia and hurricanes that devastated southern Mexico, Cuban doctors promptly made their way to the areas to give medical help. They are also in poor countries all over the world to help where medical attention is lacking, when I was in a rural area of Guatemala the doctors that treated me and the community were mainly Cubans. For people who grew up in my generation all we've known is Cuba in its Revolutionary state. We've read of the struggles to get there and it stands as our shinning light, leading the way as a point we can also get to if we are willing to challenge the powers that have a hold over us.

After returning to the United States I was feeling unsure that I would be able to transmit my experiences to others who wanted to know what it was like. I remember returning with a sense of great possibility and inspiration. It was such a stark difference being back and seeing signs that were trying to sell me something everywhere I looked. What else could I think about with all these things in my face, when in Cuba there aren't advertisements like that, but signs that encourage the Revolution and positive thoughts and taking care of the land. I just came back knowing that I could live with less than what I had at home and that changing our thoughts into actions we really can move anything.

The situation in Cuba is of course not at its ideal because there are still problems -- changing lifetimes of ideas may be the hardest thing to do. And there are people in Cuba who do not agree with Fidel or that way of life for their reasons. But to hear a young child addressing a crowd of thousands and speaking about ideas many of us here don't think about until our early adult lives is incredible evidence that this revolution has penetrated the consciousness of the island nation. The dream is so deeply shared, that they are willing to protect it with their own lives. When we talked with people outside their apartments who were part of the communities in defense of the revolution, they didn't give me any details, but said that each person across the country new what their role was in any attempted attack against the country and that they were all ready and willing at a moment's notice. Here is the United States, I only know of people who say they would give their life for a family member, not a belief system.

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