Pastors for Peace Caravan Challenges Cuba Blockade for Fourteenth Time

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The 110 people, 10 vehicles and 80 tons of humanitarian aid in this July’ challenge to the US government's unjust blockade on Cuba were waved though the border checkpoint at McCallen, Texas by government officials without barely a word.

“This is a testament to the power of the thousands of people committed to this movement, the international grassroots support, and the tireless dedication of so many,” said Taleigh Smith, Program Coordinator of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing (IFCO) Pastors for Peace. “Our work has not ended until the blockade has been broken.”

Not only did the group successfully deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba, but the caravanistas on July 29 returned across the US- Mexico border carrying dozens of cases of products manufactured in Cuba. The caravan carried the Cuban-made aid as a challenge to the US blockade which prohibits normal trade between US and Cuba.

Boxes containing coffee, honey and bee pollen products were opened and displayed to US Customs officials at the border in Hildalgo, Texas at 9:00 AM this morning. According to Rev. Lucius Walker, IFCO Executive Director, the products will be donated to community organizations across the US and used as part of a campaign to raise public awareness about Cuba's productivity.

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Articles7/Bacher_Cuba-Pastors.htm

He's a great guy. And a great Christian, from whom our "godly President" could learn a thing or two...

I remember when Fidel Castro came to the States for a day or two in September, 2000, to attend meetings at the U.N., and he gave a speech at Rev. Lucius Walker's "Riverside Church." There were some Cuban "exiles" who showed up outside and started a ruckus, even there.

Here's an account of his speech:
http://www.change-links.org/fidelny.htm

I think people all over the world who know about him hold their breath each year as the Pastors for Peace make their way to the border, heading to Cuba.

Here's a photo of Vedado, Cuba which, like so many other interesting Cuban places always seems to never make it to the clips for tv and print the U.S. media throw at us:




volunteer


Peacebus, Pastors for Peace

about the handshake between Clinton and Castro. Thanks for posting, JudiLyn.

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Concluding his presentation, Castro joked with the audience about his handshake with President Clinton, which was the subject of controversy in some circles.

In the midst of a line of heads of state passing into a UN lunchroom, Castro said he saw that Clinton was welcoming people. It would have been “shameful” for him to turn to avoid this encounter, equally so for the US president to dodge the Cuban leader. Thus, the publicized event transpired. It lasted, Castro said, “no more than 20 seconds.” But the Cuban president rejected a rumor floated in the media that he initiated the salutation.

“Everyone knows a dignified Cuban will never beg for greetings or honors,” Castro said to a standing ovation, two hours into the new day.

"These donations are a gift from the people of Cuba to the people of the United States, as a symbol of good will and friendship."

Well, I'll say it.... to the Cuban people, Thank You!
I hope that, one day, we can repay you for the transgressions of our government(s) upon the good people of Cuba.