On a non-Cuban-American blog known for its Cuban-American bashing an allegation was recently made by some quack that Cuban-Americans had burned an American flag during the protests (not "riots") that followed Elián's abduction at gunpoint. The helpful blogger scoured the internet in search for such a picture or article attesting to such an act of flag-burning, but could not find it, though certainly not for want of trying. That did not stop him, however, from asserting on his own authority that such a picture must indeed exist. Somewhere. In time or space.
We gather that for him it would be a great embarrassment if Cuban-Americans had never burned an American flag; it would label us "lapdogs" out of step with current radical practices as espoused by "forward-looking" activists in other Hispanic communities.
Well, if such a picture does exist, I should like to see it. In fact, I will display it here for all to see and on July 4th no less — so absolute is my own conviction that such a picture does NOT exist. Of course, the picture must be accompanied by reliable information as to the venue where it first appeared as well as corroborating evidence that those who burned it were anti-Castro Cuban exiles. That is, it must have irreproachable provenance. I don't believe that the blogger himself would be capable of such chicanery but I don't put it beyond others to fake a photograph. After all, there are hundreds of pictures of Latin-Americans burning American flags in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
But in 48 years in this country no pro-democracy Cuban exile has ever burned an American flag at a demonstration or anywhere else, although I don't discount the possibility that pro-Castroites might have, as one would expect them to.
Just as these same people invented the myth or urban legend of Cuban-American "riots" in Miami, they are now tarring our community with this canard.
To which we answer: Prove it.
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20 comments:
Manuel:
There is no way that a Cuban ever burned an American flag, or any other flag for that matter, growing up in Cuba I was taught great respect for my flag, the flag was never to be desecrated in any way or form, that is why I respect all flags, but more so, mine, and the one that gave me refuge, the flag of the USA, the first time I saw flag burning was during the sixties, when they were protesting the Vietnam War, and the draft, needles to say I was shocked, and could not understand it, that is why I know a Cuban could never burn a flag, is like burning your mother, for Christ's sake.
By the way, Happy Independence Day, hope you are enjoying the day, with those you love.
You guys are the real deal. Of course you would never burn a flag. Who the hell tried to accuse you guys of that? What's this blog's address? Happy 4th, btw.
Ah, Manuel.... Somebody is trying to create the Black (or fire red) Legend of the Cuban Exiles.
It's not surprising, after all we see everyday.
Burning of the American Flag is a gringo thing, they burn that flag, when they are unhappy
with what is going on in the United States of America.( I am very happy with the state of our nation) April 05, 2007 Three Yale University students were arrested and charged with arson and other offenses after they allegedly set fire to an American flag hanging from the porch.When you disrespect the flag you are direspecting the country and what it stands for.
Matt:
It is the most blatantly anti-Cuban-American blog based in Miami and has been from its inception. It's name would lead one to think it is a traffic blog. I fought it long and hard in the past. Now I refuse even to acknowledge it.
Manuel,
would you kindly reveal its name so we can all know? I would certainly want to know who our enemies are and what they are up to.
Thank you.
Yes please Manuel tell us, we need to know
Manuel por favor di el nombre. Veo que Agustin y Vana estan muy preocupados con esto
Vana and Agustín:
I promise that I will reveal the blog's identity in due course. First I want to see if the perpetrators of this canard, recognizing themselves as "a non-Cuban-American blog known for its Cuban-American bashing," attempt to justify their imputations.
If, however, its editors remain silent in the mistaken belief that silence will protect them, then I shall reveal the identity of the offending blog.
I can say, at least, that Henry Gómez had nothing to do with it (for once). He is on record as supporting the burning of the flag, that is true, but has not to the best of my knowledge done so himself.
Manuel
Let me guess is it SOTP?
Manny: Happy day-after-4th.
Half-way through this longish article there are accounts of Cuban-Americans burning American flags, and displaying them upside down: http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y00/may00/04e13.htm
I don't know if the reports are reliable or confirmable, but perhaps if you have the inclination to research them, you can find out. Up to you.
I don't find burning the flag a particularly enlightened form of protest, and it sure doesn't make any friends or win any votes. It is, however, considered protected free expression under the First Amendment, the provisions of which are far more important than their symbol made of fabric.
Steve:
I did not ask for "accounts." I asked for pictures.
Before the Revolution, Cuban children used to march in front of the Maine Monument in honor of the 4th of July.
A belated Happy Fourth to you also Steve and to all Americans who believe that the Cuban people deserve freedom too.
Mr. Ghost,
Yo no estoy preocupado por nada, gracias a Dios.
Pero me interesa saber quien es quien para conocer a mis enemigos. Cualquiera que emplee insultos para mis compatriotas es mi enemigo, ya sea Castro o los mal llamados cubanos que siembran la discordia entre nosotros.
Una preguntita: ya averiguaste quien es el cubano ese que anda por Puerto Rico paseandose orgullosamente con las chapas del MININT en su Jeep? Parece ser que hay mucho trabajo para hacer en la Isla del Encanto.
Belated (and reinforced) Happy 4th to you, Manny, and all the Cuban Americans who arrived on these shores in search of freedom, success, and the pursuit of happiness.....and to all those who remain behind, yearning for the same, who share these sentiments.
You gonna answer corgiguy's question, Manny?
You don't have the nuts, do you?
.
Rick:
Really, this is beyond my wildest expectations. So what you are saying is that you recognize SOTP as the "non-Cuban-American blog known for its Cuban-American bashing?"
Whatever prize you are going to give corgiguy, give it to him. I didn't promise any.
Manuel,
all I can say is: Touche!
Rick:
I heard Longfellow has returned to SoTP. Maybe he can help you win your third consecutive New Times Award.
Heh. I knew you couldn't do it.
.
Rick:
Oh, but I did. Everybody knows that but you. Also, never has your sitemeter climbed higher than when I was slumming on your blog. Wasn't that the reason that you used to call me "the beloved Manuel A. Tellechea, Stuck on the Palmetto's favorite?"
History is history, Rick. It can't be re-written.
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