The historic events in Cuba are complex. The far right (including Trump supporters) are exploiting the legitimate grievances of the protesters as an excuse for them to promote some military intervention in Cuba like the mayor Miami has advocated. We reject that nonsense. Yet, we realize that the government of Cuba is having a crisis, because of the pandemic, lax economic growth, civil liberty violations, the embargo, and other reasons. The people of Cuba has risen up to desire true freedom in enormous numbers. They are entitled to freedom unconditionally. Yet, we have to expose one lie. One lie promoted by far right Cubans in Florida is that before the Cuban Revolution of 1959, everything was cool. No. Before Castro, there was the dictator named Batista. Batista supported the Mafia, oppressed the poor, and was supported by U.S. imperialism. Batista wasn't a hero. Castro and others ended that regime. A lot of people don't know that America originally supported Fidel Castro. The problem was that Castro adopted Stalinist Communism (we know that communism is not monolithic as there are different variations of it. Democratic socialism is not communism) where massive violations to democratic rights existed. Some want to say what about Afro-Cubans. We support Afro-Cubans, and racism in Cuba is a reality today. Yet, we are not silly to want Cuba to be a puppet state of America. We want Cuba to change to be an independent, progressive state not controlled by far right interests. Now, the Cuban government is wrong to violently suppress protesters, to end Internet services, and to use policies that violate democratic rights. That must change. People in Cuba deserve freedom and liberty.
Yesterday, Jeff Bezos came into space along with other human beings. This is early in this new space exploration chapter, but the future will have even more advances of technology involving space travel. Bezos had this dream since his youth about going into space. He fulfilled it along with a woman who dreamed of this moment for most of her life as well. There are many debates about money, priorities, and other issues. These debates ought to exist, but researching space should not end. There is purpose in space exploration as satellites help with GPS system as Dr. Mae Jemison has eloquently mentioned. Space travel helps to cultivate new technologies in the world. Also, as Dr. Jemison has mentioned, people should acknowledge the hundreds and thousands of people on Earth who made space research possible with their wisdom on STEM, etc. Some want space travel to go the Moon or travel into places across continents in a short span of time. There must be a democratization of space where not only the rich has that opportunity to travel into outerspace. Also, we should address economic inequality and other important issues too.
Many people rightfully disagree with many of the Republican picks for the 1/6 commission. McCarthy picked Jim Jordan of Ohio. The problem is that Jim Jordan is a far right extremist who once questioned the validity of the fact that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. McCarthy also picked Jim Banks of Indiana, Rodney Davis of Illinois, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, and Troy Nehls of Texas. Nehls and Banks also voted to object to the 2020 Electoral College results. Jordan and Banks signed on to a Texas lawsuit trying to invalidate votes in many swing states, but the Supreme Court rejected it. There is no question that Jordan will try to promote distractions instead of exposing the pro-Trump terrorists who organized and participated in the 1/6 insurrection. We know that Trump is one of the most corrupt administrations in American history, and we know that there must be the total truth exposed about what took place on 1/6.
One fascist and terrorist was recently given a slap on the wrist on his role in the January 6 insurrection and attempt coup against American democracy. This person is named Paul W. Hodgkins. He is 38. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss (an appointee of President Barack Obama) sentenced him. Hodgkins only gets 8 months in prison. We know many black people falsely accused of voter fraud possibly getting 5 years in prison. Their names are Hervis Rogers and Crystal Mason. Paul pled guilty. Some are concerned that other terrorists will have similar sentences as Paul. According to reporters Carol Leonning and Philip Rucker (via their new book, "I Alone Can't Fix It"), General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Trump's plot to overthrow the 2020 election was like his Reichstag moment. Hodgkins broke into the Senate chamber. He waved a Trump 2020 flag. These people are terrorists. Qanon supporter Jacob A. Chansley wanted to hang Mike Pence. The Republican Party overtly has now whitewashed the acts of terrorists, and extremists like Marjorie Taylor are leaders in that party. Many people are silent of this time. We are living in a time where our democracy is the most fragile since the American Civil War. This is not an exaggeration or hyperbole. It's real.
Another piece of sad news is that the Civil Rights Movement hero Gloria Richardson passed away days ago at the age of 99 years old. She was from the Maryland area, and she stood up for freedom for black people. There is an iconic photo of her using her hand to push away a bayonet. She always stood up for civil rights and human rights. She was so impactful in our lives that Malcolm X praised her as a heroic black woman. She lived in Cambridge, Maryland which I have been to before. Later, she fought for justice in New York City. She encouraged the younger generation of people to stand up for justice after the unjust death of George Floyd. Gloria Richardson was right to say that racism is a serious problem in America, and that racism must be eradicated completely. She had children and grandchildren. I heard of Gloria Richardson for long years.
Rest in Power Sister Gloria Richardson.
By Timothy
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