My Meeting with the [Congressional] Black Caucus by Fidel Castro

[Better Believe It]

April 9, 2009

The Objective Realities Are More Powerful Than Obama's Sincere Intentions
My Meeting with the Black Caucus
By FIDEL CASTRO

The long struggle for equality and justice was illuminated by the life and example of Martin Luther King whose thinking and work today enthrals millions of people in the world and who was the reason, in my view, why a black citizen, at a moment of deep crisis, reached the U.S. presidency.

As a result, a new meeting with the Black Caucus would take on, for me personally, a special significance. I learned about their stay in Cuba from the comrades who looked after them during their visit, the basic ideas of the congressional organization and the opinions held by its members.

Raul had also communicated to me the magnificent impression they had made on him during his meeting with them which had extended for almost four hours last night, on Monday.

When Barbara Lee arrived at the house, accompanied by Bobby Rush, Democratic Congressman for Illinois, and Laura Richardson, Congresswoman for California, together with José Miyar Barrueco, the Minister of CITMA, who for many years was secretary of the Council of State, it was 11:35 a.m.; the skies had cleared and radiant sunshine filled the courtyard. I was really happy to see Barbara once again and to have the possibility of personally greeting Bobby and Laura, two people whose names were by now familiar because of their words spoken at the meetings with Raul, Alarcón, Bruno, Miyar and the relatives of the Cuban Five.

Their meeting with me lasted 1 hour and forty-five minutes, by the clock; in reality, it took half a minute if I were to judge by the speed with which it took place and my desires to listen to them.

Please read the complete statement by Fidel Castro at:

http://www.counterpunch.org/castro04092009.html

[ensho]

1. kick

nt

[Vidar]

2. Both Castro & the CBC give me hope. Recommended.

[Gregorian]

3. I read this and feel fury at how we have behaved as a country. Up until now.

I can only feel shame. Until now.

I hope we build upon what we have now. I hope we can continue to include, and support, and communicate. How oppressive this country has been. Until now.