Personal Story from 1960s Cuba

Americans are quite fortunate to live in a society where we can freely vote, worship, express ideas, and maintain personal property without fear of reprisal by an authoritarian government.  These rights seem so natural to us that they are sometimes taken for granted.  This would be a terrible mistake, as billions worldwide regrettably lack one or more of these fundamental rights.

An important part of the American fabric has been woven by Cubans immigrating to the United States.  From the perspective of Americans and especially younger people, it is one thing to know that the Castro regime has spanned since 1959.  Internalizing the incredible ordeal Cubans have gone through is quite another.  Following the revolution that swept Castro to power:

-Religious schools were disbanded

-Personal property was confiscated

-Compulsory education was used to glorify Castro and communism

-Speaking out against the government resulted in persecution

At great risk, many Cubans opted to leave behind family, friends, property, and financial assets to ensure a better life for their children.  Immigrating to the United States was an extremely arduous, and at times dangerous, process that required tremendous sacrifice.

My friend’s father grew up in Havana and was 9 years old when the problems of the communist regime became apparent.  Before long, his family made the incredibly difficult decision to leave their homeland and start a new life in the United States.

Source:  http://www.cubanosinwisconsin.com/#!home/c104h

In his book, Cubanos in Wisconsin, Silvio Canto Jr. documented these experiences in Cuba and the tribulations the family went through in leaving, which took them to multiple countries over a long period before reaching American soil.  This is a powerful read that sheds light into the Cuban experience, and many of these principles can be applied to everyone living behind the Iron Curtain, trapped within a morally bankrupt society.  On the flip side, it also ventures into the greatness of humanity and how the kind acts of so many helped the Canto family get established in their new country.

If you’re looking for an enlightening and inspirational read, consider Silvio’s book:

http://www.amazon.com/Cubanos-Wisconsin-Silvio-Canto-Jr/dp/0615714994