Submitted by Richard Grassl of Washington State.

The intention of “The Fight to Free the Cuban 5”, submitted February 20, 2014, was to create a rational background for why this topic deserves attention in an important, off-year election time. As a continuation of pre-convention discussion from July 2005, in my opinion, further clarification “to link up with issues which have legs” are necessary to advance Cuba solidarity.

So, what issue out there exists with the possibility to “move tens of millions” with natural constituencies becomes a tactical method to build unity within the movement against corporate globalization and to influence peace advocacy groups demanding pullback from military confrontation and environmental organizations that pose climate change as a weapon of mass destruction upon humanity.

It would be a gross oversight not to recognize the National Network on Cuba (NNOC), the Latin American Working Group (LAWG), US/Cuba Labor Exchange, IFCO/Pastors for Peace, Venceremos Brigade, Antonio Maceo Brigade and International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5 as important allies. Certainly, US Labor and our Hispanic brothers and sisters concerned with comprehensive immigration reform are strategic partners in the coalition to end the US blockade of Cuba.

Rightwing extremists continue their assault on workers’ rights, labor rights, civil rights and constitutional rights. They attack the Affordable Healthcare Act, Medicare and Social Security, gun violence legislation, equal pay for equal work, planned parenthood protection, the NLRB, minimum wage increases, food stamp allotment, school lunch programs and extension of federal unemployment benefits. Is there not one issue that more directly addresses the lack of social justice than the anachronistic, isolationist blockade policy of the US government toward Cuba, in effect, for 55 years?

Let us ask, therefore, what is it that “blocks awareness and dulls consciousness” to “give legs to motivate, educate and organize” greater solidarity with Cuba? What issue will expose the wall of silence imposed by a complacent corporate news media that prevents public knowledge about 5 Cuban anti-terrorist fighters? The US State Department could remove Cuba from its spurious list of nations that support terrorism. But, what logic was there to the fraudulent arrest and rigged trial of 5 innocent men while suspicious individuals were taking flight lessons in South Florida in 2001?

There may be only one reason that has prevented the Obama Administration from acting with objectivity and foresight to rectify such a longstanding misunderstanding: Cuba has become an embarrassment to US domination around the world since the disappearance of the Soviet Union. A change of US policy toward Cuba will move forward on its own power as people discover their own true self-interest is tightly linked to the fight for socialism. We should praise the courage of the remaining members of the Cuban 5 for their inspiration to the world during these uncertain times. They are the real Heroes.

The views and opinions expressed in the Convention Discussion are those of the author alone. The Communist Party is publishing these views as a service to encourage discussion and debate. Those views do not necessarily reflect the views of the Communist Party, its leading bodies or staff members. The CPUSA Constitution, Program, and all its existing policies remain in effect during the Convention discussion period and during the Convention.

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CONVENTION DISCUSSION 
30th National Convention, Communist Party USA
Chicago | June 13-15, 2014

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