The Truth at Half Staff

Przednia okładka
Xlibris Corporation, 2003 - 285
Introduction

I wrote this book to criticize the tradition historians who rely on falsehood, instead of facts; the fundamentalists who rely on dogma, instead of spirituality; and the common woman and man who journey through life with closed eyes and minds. Too often facts are skewed so people can go through life without facing the harsh realities. In a speech, Ronald Reagan said, "Facts are stupid things." Unfortunately, it is from this standpoint that millions form their opinions on various issues. Many traditionalists are content with presenting half-truths and even lies. They would have people thinking that history is filled with pleasantries, so people can feel good. Most Americans fall prey to these historical demagogues who are concerned with only presenting their own personal beliefs. To them, facts are irrelevant. But, it is extremely important for people to realize that there is nothing pleasant about history. History is ugly and chaotic. The purpose of this book is to present the truth and facts in regards to various issues, some past and some present. Unlike Reagan, and others of his ilk, facts are extremely important to me. Sadly, most people are unwilling to accept facts because they have been trained to believe. But it is important to remember that a thinking person is far more valuable to society than someone who can only offer another person's thoughts. Instead of just listening to the one-sided arguments presented in most history books and by most politians, people should be willing to hear all sides and then form an opinion. It is only when we are willing to think for ourselves that our minds can grow and function fully. Hopefully, the reader will ponder the conflict views expounded between the covers of this book and the criticisms that arise will be based on facts as oppose to paroxysms of emotions. Beauty is spoken but with these eyes I see; just what the truth is, I don't know anymore.

1. Castro and His Human Rights Policy in America

For the past forty years, Americans have been subjected to anti-Castro rhetoric by many of Castro´s detractors. We were told by many politicians that the enigmatic Fidel Castro was the greatest human rights violator that the Americas had ever seen. He has been accused of being a mass murderer on the same level with Hitler, a drug smuggler, and a brainwasher of millions of innocent citizens in Cuba. We were also told that millions of Cubans reside in fear of an out of control dictator bent on doing anything and everything to stay in power. Keep in mind, most of these allegations were substantiated by those who had never been to Cuba.

The purpose of this reality check is not to prove or disprove the allegations levied against Castro, but to note a gesture made by Castro over forty years ago. A gesture that would have been unheard of by any of his American detractors. When Castro came to America, he chose to recognize Blacks as human beings. The recognition of Blacks as human beings was something that millions of whites in America were still having trouble accepting.

Angered by the poor treatment that he and his entourage were receiving at the Shelburne Hotel in Midtown New York, a hotel for whites only, he moved his entourage to the Hotel Theresa in Harlem. For those who have never heard of the Theresa, this hotel was a famous African-American hotel that catered to minorities when white hotels would not. At the Theresa, Castro ate with blacks, sang with blacks, conversed with blacks, and slept among blacks in the same lodgings.1 Castro could afford to do this because in his eyes, blacks were truly human beings. But, in the eyes of Castro's critics, the so-called defenders of democracy, despite their call for more human rights in Cuba, Blacks and other minorities were simply inferior beings. When Cast

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