Henry Louis Gomez said...
I ban who I want to ban, write what I want to write, don't write what I don't want to write and don't accept comments that I don't want to accept. If that's running the blog, then I suppose I run the blog to the same extent all the others run the blog.
But you are the one that made the offer (which sounds a lot like blackmail or "blogmail") to me. Even if I had 100% decision making power over the policies at Babalu I would not accept your offer in a million years.
So have fun with your little fabrications and your petty games. I don't find them interesting in the slightest.
I have a client in Wayne. Next time I fly into Newark maybe I'll drop by and we can discuss this face to face.
4/16/2008 1:05 AM
Henry:
Wow, talk about giving yourself away. Yet another admission that you are an anti-democratic power-crazed blog-bully. Feel free to continue to confirm here those "lies" and "distortions" of mine.
I reject your assertion that all of Babalú's editors do as you do. Some no doubt do, but they are in the minority. For the most part, your "magnificent cadre of writers" are either content or resigned to letting you do it for them.
I suppose that anyone who suggests to you that you should democratize Babalú, that is, return it to days when Val did not have your nefarious influence or "special assistance," is a "blogmailer" just as someone else who counsels you to remain the petty tyrant that you are and to continue to infest everything that you touch, is your benefactor.
The biggest lie that you have told in this exchange is: "So have fun with your little fabrications and your petty games. I don't find them interesting in the slightest." Whom do you think you are fooling, Henry? Not anybody here. Not even yourself.
What possible business could take you to Newark? I haven't set foot there since before the riots of 1968. Well, I won't speculate as to your private meanderings as they do not interest me. It is only your public statements that concern me. As for any threat, real or implied in your statement, it is too risible to even consider.
You are always welcome to visit me, Henry. I'll try my best to recognize you from your high school picture with that rather distinctive bluish-green background. I don't believe that anyone except you posts his picture (high school or later) with his comments.
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163 comments:
and we question why there are wars?
Tellechea is having an orgasm because one of his secret idols answered his diatribes.
Now, if Val comes by and does the same thing, Tellechea will fulfill the entire reason for his existence.
Is his obsession with these guys related to homosexuality?
Will MAT come out of the closet?
Stay tuned to another chapter of: As the blogworld turns
Hello Mr. Gomez. First, Mat is not a liar. Mat is a simple man, who simply presents, the simple truths, about chivato simpletons such as yourself.
I find it interesting that you quietly waited until 1:00 in the morning to begin posting. Knowing that people such as me would be unable to respond. Just another trick that you use to avoid comments.
Nevertheless, as i stated before i think RCAB is a vital tool for those who seek Cuba's freedom. Moreover, it will become a valuable library for Cuba, once freedom explodes inside Cuba. Especially for the new generation of Cuban bloggers. Many who will learn for the first time that you and Val Prieto are nothing but snieveling chivatos.
The new Cuban bloggers will quickly learned that Mat's RCAB welcomed and ecouraged freedom of thought and expression. And CAP and Babulu, blogs in which thoughts and opinions are discouraged and often beaten back, many times with threats of outings.
One blog represents communist repression of an exchange of ideas. And one that remained a beacon of freedom.
The only question that will remain is how you and Val Prieto will be greeted on the streets of Miami by the hundreds of thousands of new Cubans in Miami. Many of them who remained true Cubans, and not phony Americanized Cubans like you and Val!!
anon said: Is his obsession with these guys related to homosexuality?
See, told you, where ever Val and Henry go. The subject of homosexuality will surely to follow.
Mat, if you really want to know when you are getting them upset, particuarly Henry Gomez. Just watch for homosexual-related chat to start appearing all over your blog.
They cant help it. Henry Gomez "always" used to ask me these homosexual related questions.
But Henry has forgotten something. He always used to ask me this under his photo. And those questions remain to this day in MCC!!
Oh yah, Henry's high school picture that he uses. It fits in nicely with the 1980's names that he often uses like Jerky Boys, and Pee Wee Herman.
Val and Henry are stuck in the 1980's. Unable to grow beyond their mullet wearing days of ACDC.
And Henry what the hell are you doing up at 1:00 in the morning blogging away. Dont you have a newborn child to attend to. And a wife to satisfy.
Yah right!!
You are the liar!!
Anonymous @ 8:12 AM:
Val has visited RCAB previously on several occasions as have most of the Babalunians.
Since they come here and I do not go to their blogs, it is this blog (me) that is attracting them. What that attraction may be I do not know.
I have always discouraged speculation about "closets." But I have never discounted the possibility that John may be right in his assumptions about some of them. He has been right before. Even so, it would make no difference to me since their private lives do not concern me.
Mat, i also would not speculate on Henry's sexual orientation. As i do not care about homosexuality. However, after years of blogging against him in numereous other blogs. I can not let him label you, me, or anyone else, with his inner-struggle. A self-loathing, inner-battle which Henry often has expressed under his photo in MCC. As well as behind silly nicknames, including anonymously.
Having said that, i often refrain from engaging in this type of chat with Henry. As i know it is nothing more than Henry's twisted attempt to bait a homosexual type discussion. A type of discussion which he takes a perverse sense of enjoyment. A topic that you would like to avoid Mat. But a topic that they often like to foist upon their enemies. Such as what they have attempted to do two times in the last week alone!!
P.S.
Henry, i double dog dare you to start hollering libel. You do not want me go to MCC and start dragging your own previous homosexual-related remarks into RCAB. You really dont want me to expose you by connecting the dots, with your "own words."
On second thought, you might enjoy just such a discussion!!
Buenos dias Mat , me acabo de desayunar...
Tienes algun tema interesante hoy hasta ahora no he visto nada , mas de los mismo que cansa y aburre
dime
mat,
I have been meaning to ask you. Did Henry and Val really ban you, and if so why?
john:
Yes, Val did ban me from Babalú. Sorry to tell you, John, but this is not a great distinction anymore as Val & Henry have banned half the world from Babalú, but you may have been the first. I remember expressing my outrage about that in the old MCC days.
Tellechea,
You stated: "Since they come here and I do not go to their blogs, it is this blog (me) that is attracting them."
Just a simple question: If you don't go to their blogs, how is it that you get their posts for your "reviews"?
It seems to me that while their blogs' existence is independent from that of your blog, the same can't be said of yours.
With your vast knowledge of Cuban history, you could really be making a difference by placing all your energy into a much needed blog on Cuban history! I always learned about Cuban history from your earlier comments ... :(
There's a big difference between disagreements in opinions and blatant personal attacks of those whose opinions you don't share. Is this what we could refer to as a "Tabloid Blog"?
I wish you well :) Melek
"It is morally as bad not to care whether a thing is true or not, so long as it makes you feel good, as it is not to care how you got your money as long as you have it." ~ E.W. Teale
Well said Melek
Tellechea lives there.... esa es la razon de su existencia
ver lo que se escribe alli para despues venir a despotricar aca
y el tema de cuba en este blog , in the oven
que pena
a real waste
Anon said: There's a big difference between disagreements in opinions and blatant personal attacks of those whose opinions you don't share. Is this what we could refer to as a "Tabloid Blog"?
Are you talking about how Babulu, a blog that "outs" Cuban bloggers. Then post caricature of them stomping out said Cuban bloggers?
Anon said: With your vast knowledge of Cuban history, you could really be making a difference by placing all your energy into a much needed blog on Cuban history
Mat is making a difference. He is exposing "chivatos" like Henry and Val. Both of whom undermine anti-Fidel bloggers like KC!!
Mat estamos por el round 4
Y esto no va a a llegar a 12
aqui va a ver un TKO pronto y yo se donde poner mi dinero al ganador
Folks make your selection
who will win this bout?
easy pickings
go henry go
my monie is on you
KO in the 6th
Henry en el 8vo
Aguante Tellechea Aguante
En el 11 Henry
Che che chea en el 7mo
Mat,
Wow, now that you have one of more active Cuban-themed blogs. You are recieving unsolicited advice from your "enemies" on what changes you should make!!
Soon Mat, you will be advised tht you should institute some form of "moderation" to bring uniformity to the Babulu-led Cuban blogisphere!!
Mat, I have to say I'm with you on this one
lol
Manuel in the 7th round
Melek:
I do not go to engage them on their blogs because I require freedom, which is in short supply there. You are fond of quoting the words of great men -- and God knows that Henry & Val are in sore need of inspiration -- but would you endorse and quote these words:
"I ban who I want to ban, write what I want to write, don't write what I don't want to write and don't accept comments that I don't want to accept." -- Henry Gómez
You will find dozens of historical essays to entertain you on RCAB as I do not always squander my talents on Babalunians.
As regards the quotation which you were generous enough to leave here, let me counter with one of my own:
There is nothing inherently evil in money. It is the purposes to which men put money that are bad or good.-- Manuel A. Tellechea
This is the most active blog today in the blogsphere
Go Mat , you know babalu will be closing shop soon
and Henry wants to become a regular here
He is feeling it
Nuff said
someone said: easy pickings
go henry go
my monie is on you
KO in the 6th
You know what, i will remove myself from Henry and Mat's conversation. As i know Henry has learned not to dare go toe-to-toe with me. Therefore Henry, i will remain silent the rest of the day. And allow you to defend your chivato self against Mat's pointed observations.
Good luck,
MaT,
I think you KO'ed Henry in the 1st round.
What is this?
I finally found longjohn aka lou dobbs from miami beach
he has been hiding here all along
ok here we go at it again
MaT,
I think you KO'ed Henry in the 1st round.
impossible if that was the case , Mat would not be fihgting in the 4th round
he he. manuel is tired of moving longfellow's lips.
Sheesh Mat,
I stay away for a few days and you have Henry Louis threatening to visit you in Newark? WTF? So, if you live in Newark does Henry Louis live in Liberty City?
"I ban who I want to ban" . . . Ooohhh! Scary dude.
Interesting that he chose to comment now and not when Val outed KC/CB. Oh, I guess it's all about him, again...
Fantomas is back ~(I missed his TV appearance . . . will have to wait until next year, bummer! His aunt has logged on, Hmmmm?!
Henry, now that lines of communication appear to be open, could we continue this discussion at Babalu?
I smell caca de poodle por aqui
See Mat, Henry has hacked my name. You see, i have "tried" to be a gentleman. A well-behaved commenter. But they wont let me.
Ok, i am going to Burger King. Then i am coming back. And after i eat, i just might start some serious old-school MCC ass-kicking!!!!
MAT i'm comming out my closet just to give my 2c, can resist. You criticize Babalu for not being democratic, I don't see what democracy has to do with blogging. Blogging is about self expression ideas and opinion.
Blogging is more akin to freedom than to democracy and if you love freedom then you must defend the right of others to express their ideas even though they may be offensive or unpopular.
MAT a friendly advice get over your BABALU vendetta, it discredits your intellect, remember that bible saying you reap what you sow.
y ahora vuelves tu, ya yo te habia metido en el saco , y te habian puesto a la venta en el supermercado sedanos
Me dicen que la esposa de henry te compro en un mercado y Henry te comio anoche
estas viva todavia? como es posible
Ok, i am going to Burger King.
lol ja, ja, ja ,ja , ja , ja
this is the best joke of the day
make sure those burguers are well cooked johnny boy
MAT a friendly advice get over your BABALU vendetta, it discredits your intellect, remember that bible saying you reap what you sow.
palabras con mucho wisdom
MAT i'm comming out my closet just to give my 2c,
oh my...people are coming out
wacht out
My God! fantomas is most of those anonymous comments, it's so obvious is him, I don't need a crystal ball to tell me, where does he find the time, I thought he worked? obviously he does not.
Vana do you work?
Dear, How can you tell it is Fantomas who writes these comments , are you a chivata
who pays you?
corgiguy:
I don't think you've ever been away.
If I remember correctly you've been on both sides of this question in the past.
A blog can be a democracy or a dictatorship. A blogger can respect his commenters or abuse, delete and ban them. A blog can stimulate debate or stifle it.
I am an exponent of democracy in blogs as well as countries.
Babalú is not.
Do I wish all countries and all blogs to be democratic?
Of course.
Don't you?
Anonymous @ 11:45 AM:
Certainly one reaps what one sows.
Look at Babalú's crop of nettles and thorns.
ya creo que esto es un set-up.
estan jugando contigo...
Let Henry "El cientifico" Gomez win this one...
Think of the ratings you'll get on the rematch...
echa tia de fantomas a la 11:13am no choi yo...
defiende a tu tia sobliiiiino
yo te quiero muuuuuucho.
la tia de fantomas
Vana = chivata
Fantomas= pingu
There are several people in this world that I find unbearably obnoxious, and Henry Gomez is all of them.
What's wrong Henry, don't you get any attention at home?
tellechea we beg you to stop posting about Baulu. Just let go of your anger. Babulu readership is growing everyday. While yours is going down everyday.
If i were you, i would blog more about Cuba, and less about Babulu. That is if you want more activity on your blog.
impostora 12.35 pm yo soy la verdadera tia de Fanto
a ver que pasa aqui?
Yo no se ingles ni hablarlo ni escribirlo.
esa persona que escribe usando mi identificacion que pare o tendre ue avisarle a las autoridades pertinentes de blogger
I have been watching this tit-for-tat battle royale for several days now – partly out of simple curiosity and partly out of shock. Folks, the fact of the matter is that none of this nonsense does anything for the cause of ending the Castro Inc. dynasty or fostering positive change in Cuba. I believe folks are missing the big picture here and becoming much too involved in personal attacks, accusations of latent homosexuality (as if homosexuality were some sort of sick crime) and “see, I told you so” banter.
Big change is afoot on the island, and while these changes aren’t the ultimate solution to Cuba’s ills (only the end of the Castro machine can accomplish that), they are necessary and part of the natural progression towards democratization and rule “by the people” on the island. Look at all the topics we have to investigate and explore at the moment – the opening of communication routes (cell phones), the very real potential for an end to the requirements for exit visas for Cubans, the limited ability to own private property, the calls from some inside the government (including Havana Historian Eusebio Leal) to embrace their exiled brothers, the end of the official tourism apartheid system – and we’re still stuck on engaging in schoolyard shouting matches and one upmanship shenanigans.
Change is afoot . . . the question right now should be “how do we foster and provide more impetus for such change” and not “how can I make the other guy look like a bonehead.”
I understand the root of this exchange but just cannot condone this continued nonsense. We’ve got well over 11 million souls contemplating a much bigger picture and I think we’re losing sight of that.
Respectfully,
Anatasio Blanco
Alex le advierto deje a mi sobrino tranquilo que el no se ha metido con usted. Si usted tiene discrepancias con el resuelvalo como todo un hombre de tu a tu.
Creo que el ya lo invito a la Nostalgia. Ese seria un lugar ideal para resolverlo de una vez
fantomasiita la verdadera tia de fanto:
¿Por Qué No Te Callas? Enrique. I see you are hiding behind another Screen name.
Enrique One Fruit Loop shy of a full bowl.
Respectfully,
Anatasio Blanco
Anastasio ya yo me canse de decirle a Mat que se concentrara mas en Cuba , tambien se lo dije a Alex . Ademas todo esto sale en el google en el search tag imaginense eso y se queda plasmado por un monton de años.
Creo que como dice anastasio deberiamos concentrarnos en el problema mayor , nosotros los blogeros deberiamos todos ser amigos solidarios. uniendo fuerzas para ganar las batallas de ideas.
Yo en mi caso lo hago todos los dias en el blog de yohandry batiendome solo con las hienas del regimen y no he visto a ninguno de ustedes por alli
Asi fue que empezo Jorge the real cuba fajado en los forums de aol el solo y miren hoy lo excelente de su trabajo en therealcuba.ocm
Manos a la obre, Mat stop it now , only you can stop this nonsense , empieza cambiandole el nombre al blog...review the cuban regime not us
"There are several people in this world that I find unbearably obnoxious, and Henry Gomez is all of them." -- Alex Hernández
This is witty, noble and highly anthological.
Take note, Melek.
anon said: the question right now should be “how do we foster and provide more impetus for such change” and not “how can I make the other guy look like a bonehead.”
How about asking Val and Henry not to "out" anti-Fidel bloggers? Oh i forgot, you are "free" to visit here and shake your finger.
Alex cada vez que escribes algo aqui te embarras mas..no te das cuenta?
dime , cuando fue la ultima vez que blogeastes o hicistes algo por cuba o los cubanos?
o es que no te interesa
How about asking Val and Henry not to "out" anti-Fidel bloggers? Oh i forgot, you are "free" to visit here and shake your finger.
Folks that was a sci-fi story well told by the kill castro twins . Please use more common sense
Fantamos said: Anastasio I got tired of saying already to Mat that I should concentrate more in Cuba, also I said it to Alex. Also all this goes out in the google in the search tag imagine that and he remains captured by a heap of years.
Good!! All newly freed Cuban bloggers must know that chivatos like Henry Gomez and Val Prieto wish to do them nothing but harm, if they do not obey Babulu!!
Did you finish your shift at Buerguer king Mat?
customers were complaining the meat was not well cooked
I meant to say lonnjohn, sorry i am nervous now
douche bag said: How about asking Val and Henry not to "out" anti-Fidel bloggers? Oh i forgot, you are "free" to visit here and shake your finger.
Folks that was a sci-fi story well told by the kill castro twins . Please use more common sense
You left it unanswered. So your "outing" must in fact be accurate as described by KC.
anon said: I meant to say lonnjohn, sorry i am nervous now
Yah boy, you should be. I'll learn you ass all over again!!
Don't be jealous Enrique Rubio.Don't worry buddy, I know you don't know any better and that's why you say the things you say.
Estoy de acuerdo con mi sobrino. Esto ya es un gallinero.
Que queremos:
mejorar la vida de los cubanos en la isla.
o
Venganza -- quieren que corra sangre un Cuba. Mientra que ustedes estan aqui.... tomando Coca-Cola y comiendo rico..
fantomasiita.. la tia de fantomas
Anatasio:
Welcome, although I think I have seen you here before. If not, you are now the 8th or 9th of Babalú's "magnificent cadre of writers" to honor us with a visit to RCAB. Expect, of course, to receive an e-mail from Henry castigating you. It is what he does all day now. It is what he is doing right now.
I am glad that you know the origins of this dispute. If you explored its roots a bit deeper you would discover that this debate is fundamentally one about the future of Cuba.
Clue: Censorship should not be a part of Cuba's future. Neither should petty tyrants or proscriptions.
henry gomez=chivato
val prieto is a chivato too
Esta Vieja esta ARREBATADA!!!!
fantomasiita.. la tia de fantomas
Mire, Vieja tremenda muela.
Hmmmmm, does Henry and Val ever get over 50 comments on their blogs?
Who would bother with commenting with those chivatos.
perhaps other chivatos?
Anonymous:
"50" was considered a high mark for Henry in school.
Manuel,
"I am glad that you know the origins of this dispute. If you explored its roots a bit deeper you would discover that this debate is fundamentally one about the future of Cuba."
I don't feel this is much of a debate. Rather, it is an embarrassing mix of name-calling, hazing and recrimination.
My thoughts regarding recent events are my own and I have no intention of delving into them here. That said, this has gotten to be laughable, ridiculous even - on all sides.
Over the course of the past two weeks, we've read of some incredible changes on the island, along with a lot of the same-ol', same-ol' and certain folks on the other side of the Florida Straits are still stuck on chatting about "whose going to 'tea-bag' who" and macho displays of bravado leveled using typewriter keyboards.
To put it bluntly, I find it embarrassing. Let me be self indulgent for a moment:
I've got an aunt trying to gain entry into a decent hospital in Havana for major surgery (her hospital is sickening to say the least (trust me, I've accompanied her on many visits) and forget getting into a facility the likes of Hermanos Almejeiras.
I've got yet another cousin struggling to find work after being denied a university education (he's not a good little party member).
Two more whose household food supply is bought using the proceeds of ice sales to a local bodega - as in, I make ice in my decrepit Chinese fridge and sell it down the street for a few chavitos.
Another aunt struggling to escape the clutches of her neighborhood CDR (as if it were a Bronx street gang) - she was actually the president of said committee for several years and now sees things differently.
And this group of folks over here is still engaged in talking about Henry Gomez's high school yearbook photo and Val Prieto's kitchen?
I'm sorry Manuel, but that's outrageous - this whole entire escapade has been outrageous.
That's all I've got to say about that.
Regards,
Anatasio Blanco
MAT, you are right a blog can be democratic or authoritarian, that's up to the owner of the blog.
My point is that if you love freedom of expression, you don't bring another down because they have a different view as yours. If you truly love freedom then you defend the other person's right to express their views.
Anastasio wrote:
"And this group of folks over here is still engaged in talking about Henry Gomez's high school yearbook photo and Val Prieto's kitchen?"
It's precisely b/c of the fact that Babalu not only turns a blind eye to the reality of life in Cuba, but also continues to agitate for policy decisions that are divorced from reality and sure to bring nothing but misery to Cubans on the island that MaT MUST continue to call Henry, Val et. al on their bullshit.
Lamentably Babalu has established an (undeserved) smidgen of credibility in the blogsphere as being somehow representative of the debate on the future of Cuba, when in reality we know that it's all the negative things that MaT has pointed out and documented on countless and innumerable occasions. The surest way to end this "spat" would be for Babalu to return to being a vibrant, salon-like space for the free interchange of ideas on the future of Cuba and the beauty of its past, rather than a masturbatory exercise is self-aggrandizement by Henry.
Fidel would not exist, but for chivatos that kept Fidel informed.
As Cuba moves closer to freedom. Chivatos like Henry and Val become more active, and more obvious. Hence, their activies must not be ignored. As these chivatos work to undermine sacrifices which many Cubans have bravely given.
So it is no wonder that Mat is getting attacked for not ignoring the chivato acts of Henry and Val. Chivato-type acts which have cost many anti-Fidel Cubans their lives.
In fact, as Cuba moves closer to freedom. There may be a need for a blog that extensively addresses those Cubans and acts which are undermining Cuba's attempt at re-birth.
oye chico alex quien es el chivato ahora , no te contagies, i smell a ny rat
lol
cubawatcher said: Another aunt struggling to escape the clutches of her neighborhood CDR
And this group of folks over here is still engaged in talking about Henry Gomez's high school yearbook photo and Val Prieto's kitchen?
I'm sorry Manuel, but that's outrageous - this whole entire escapade has been outrageous
Yup, and not a word about Val outing KC. Now that is "outrageous."
coriguy asked: My point is that if you love freedom of expression, you don't bring another down because they have a different view as yours.
Good question. Now run along and ask Val the same question in regards to him bringing KC and his family down!!
It's also total bullshit that Henry rejects comments (and by extension the free exchange of ideas, which some moronic posters to these recent threads here on RoCAB seem to erroneously believe is a character flaw and sign of intellectual smallness that MaT might also posses). In reality, the quickest way to bring all of this to an end would be for Henry to realize 1) that he's a small, petty, weak thinker and 2) compensate for this deficiency by encouraging critical, strategic thinking by others - rather than trying to stifle debate. Because otherwise, in deleting threads and comments Henry is just engaging in intellectual self-pleasure! He's masturbating via the keyboard.
John:
As I said, this whole entire escapade is outrageous.
I would also ask that people not take words out of my mouth - or put them in - without knowing the facts about a situation beforehand.
Regards,
Anatasio
What's "OUTRAGEOUS" is the practice by Henry (and Val and whomever else) of the same Stalinist techniques of stifling the free exchange of ideas in a public forum as Castro. He who needs to manipulate information and control its dissemination does so out of fear and illegitimacy.
cubawatcher,
I didnt take words out of your mouth. On the contrary, i cut and pasted them. And simply asked you to be consistent. Or risk looking like the hyprocrite that you are appearing to be!!
John,
I don't see how I appear to be a hypocrite but, feel free to form your own opinions without investigating my status in the blogworld.
My point is - no one is winning in this "blog war." Not Kill Castro or family members who may have suffered consequences from a blurted remark, not our family members on the island, who won't benefit one iota from all of this nonsense, and certainly not those of us stateside who are carrying on with a useless back and forth of name calling.
I realize I am now dragging myself into this silliness so, I'm going to attempt to bow out. I may place an occasional comment but - I'm certainly not going to engage in these tit-for-tat fights. I just don't see how ANY of this helps ANYBODY. Sigh. I suppose I just find this all frustrating.
Regards,
Anatasio Blanco
You know what is truly tragic? Is that Henry and Val have to send in other people to speak for them.
Hey Henry and Val, your parents risk their lives to give you the freedom to speak. This is not commnist Cuba. Many Cubans would gladly trade places with you in order to take advantage of this basic freedom. The freedom to speak, which you two always shit on.
Both of you are a disgrace to everything your parent attempted to give you!!
My oh my, how many of the fine cadre of Babalunia writers have visited here today? all come in to admonish and tell us how we should behave, why not do the same at Babalu, no one needs to be admonished more than them.
Yet none of them have come in here to say how dissgusting Val behaved, outing a fellow Cuban blogger, and how sick that action was, I see these Babalunians all practice double standards.
"Over the course of the past two weeks, we've read of some incredible changes on the island... -- Anatasio Blanco
In other words, despite your family's tribulations in Cuba, you have joined Raúl's "Hallelujah Chorus." Even Henry admits (now) that all these "changes" are cosmetic but to you they seem "incredible" as in "wonderful," not as in "unbelievable." Well, you are a man of great credulity.
"And this group of folks over here is still engaged in talking about Henry Gomez's high school yearbook photo and Val Prieto's kitchen?"
Anatasio, really! You mean to tell me that you don't read your own blog? I mean Babalú, since supposedly you have some small share of that. It was Val who dedicated several posts to extolling the glories of his new kitchen and advertising the store where he purchased it (name, address, telephone numbers). We took exception to such a curious display of "patriotism" which mimics Raúl's own glorification of consumerism (without consumption).
As for Henry's high school photo it is Henry who uses it as his official Blogger photo. What it says about him is evident to anyone. But not, of course, to you, Anatasio. I am glad to have even a high school photo of Henry, though. It will help me to recognize him if he makes good his threats. Of course, I am sure he would come at me from behind.
First of all - no one "sent me in here." I am here because I find this whole affair nonsensical and have attempted to enter into a meaningful discourse.
Second of all, I do not blog for Babalu, nor do I have any particular loyalty to any particular blog. My loyalty is with my family - both here and in Cuba.
It would appear that some folks are all to eager to paint others with a broad brush.
No one is telling you how to behave, Vana. You may behave as you see fit. I just feel its pointless - absolutely pointless. Honestly, when was the last time you stood in a bread line? Ever taken a ride to a police station in one of those lovely white Lada patrol cars with the blue siren on top? Seriously - I'm not saying that as an attack in way, shape or form. Again, there are some really big fish to fry and these sorts of posts just seem like one big circle jerk.
I'm throwing my hands up in the air on this one. Working on a new blog with some new ideas. There are a great many good ideas that I've seen floated around on this blog, Babalu, Uncommon Sense, everywhere - and we're still stuck on this nonsense?
Now, I'm going to step out of this. I've said what I have to say. Take it or leave it.
Done.
Regards,
Anatasio Blanco
Manuel,
Have I joined Raul's "chorus?" In a word, no, but any change is good change on that island. Of course, just because tourist hotels and cell phones have opened up doesn't mean we should throw up our hands and celebrate - as I said before - the ultimate goals is the end of Fidelismo - but I'm willing to accept anything positive along the way.
AB
Vana:
All the Babalunians have been given permission by Val & Henry to come here for one day.
Cubawatcher said: don't see how I appear to be a hypocrite but,
Simple, your post appeared to be critical of both sides. But yet, your verbage was only leveled against Mat. Mat a proud and dedicated Cuban blogger who only wants freedom for Cuba. Nothing more, nothing less. No t-shirts for sale, no pictures of his fancy kitchen. Just freedom for Cuba!
cubawatcher said: feel free to form your own opinions without investigating my status in the blogworld.
I certainly can make judgments based on slanted post which you posted earlier without investigating your past.
Cubawatcher said: My point is - no one is winning in this "blog war."
You "label" it as a blogwar. I like to think of Mat's current blog status as a long-needed civics course. Cuban blogging 101
Where the basic fundamental right of freedom of thought and expression "has" to be explained!!
Cubawatcher said: Not Kill Castro or family members who may have suffered consequences from a blurted remark,
Henry's caricature of him stomping out KC defeats your defense of a "blurted" remarks. Worse, it reveals your bias for absolutely anything Henry and Val undertakes, including "outings."
Cubawatcher said: I realize I am now dragging myself into this silliness so,
Well you do that. And remember, back your pro-Baulu bullshit up next time. Lest you get humiliated again!!
Respectufully,
John
I have absolutely no doubt that these people here who engage in disparaging remarks against those who have been denouncing the atrocities in Cuba are the real chivatos and are following instructions of the Cuban government.
It is sad but true.
Stop the bullshit MAT and write about Cuba. Or is it that you don't care?
John,
The only person whose being humiliated by such remarks is yourself. Sigh.
Again, it looks as if you see fit to tell me what it is that I am thinking. That's about as close to Fidel shoving the bread directly into my mouth as one can get.
I came here to try and point out a few things that I feel are important in as honest and respectful a manner as possible. You seem to be engaged in an effort to paint anyone you encounter along your path as "evil" or "hypocritical" in much the same way that accuse others - ie Henry or Val as mindlessly lambasting anyone whose views do not fall directly in line with their own.
I don't mean to sound condescending with what I'm about to say - it will sound that way but I'm being genuine. . . life just isn't that simple or black and white . . . hell, that's why I got into journalism in the first place. Granted, evil is evil (ala Fidel, Hitler, Pol-Pot and the rest of them) but, your interpretations of the intentions or beliefs of others - are akin to shooting off the hip and, well, rather off base. Still, your opinion is your own.
Regards,
Anatasio Blanco
Henry,
You wrote:
“I ban who I want to ban, (Castro did the same) write what I want to write (ibid), don't write what I don't want to write (ibid) and don't accept comments that I don't want to accept.(that sounds like something that is done in a dictatorship,Henry) If that's running the blog, then I suppose I run the blog to the same extent all the others run the blog.”
That is not really true Henry, because Manuel accepts all comments, whether they are favorable to his point of view or not. The ones he disagrees with, as he often does, he refutes them with his arguments, but he does not censure them. To cite just one example, our own Fantomas, the scourge of the CAB blogsphere, is allowed to post here the most asinine and hare brained opinions, and some of the most foulmouthed insulting comments one has ever heard or read anywhere, and is all done without censorship.
Perhaps therein lies the true freedom of the press, to allow the most disagreeable ideas and words (to us) to be heard. It easy to listen and agree with the ideas we like, heck, anyone can do that!; the harder part is to be able to listen and allow other ideas to be heard, the ones we do not like and strongly disagree with. This does not imply one is going to change one’s opinion about a given subject, but to me it means to let someone else exercise his right to speak his point of view. I may not like what the person says, but he/she has as much right as I do, to be heard.
In my humble opinion, I believe Manuel dedicates too much time to write about issues concerning Babalu , specially when his wonderful writing talents could be put to better use speaking out on more important issues with respect to Cuba, which is after all our foremost interest. But then, this forum is his own Blog and he conducts it as he pleases, and if he chooses to write about something he disagrees with at Babalu, it is his right, but so far in more than a year of visiting here, I have not seen censorship rear its ugly head. And that in itself is refreshing and welcome.
Babalu even bans opinions which are not sprinkled with foul language (that could be used perhaps as a good argument),but just because you disagree with them. And to add insult to injury, the banning sometimes is done with foul language.
But yet you have a place for comments at Babalu. Why? Is it to read all the comments or only the ones that agree with your opinion?
Why not debate the person posting the comment instead? If you believe your opinion is founded in strong beliefs and you think you are right, why not debate the ideas and opinions of others? In the end, everyone wins because more debate takes place and more varied opinions are heard. (or read in this case)
I don't enjoy seeing all this infighting among Cubans, God knows we had too much of that in our recent history, furthermore, I believe we should concentrate our efforts in fighting the greater evil that we are facing today: the communist tyranny that plagues our country of birth and now attempts to perpetuate itself in power by the ruse of these so called "openings" which are nothing but comestic changes to an old tyranny. We should have clear who the enemy is: Castro and his gang.
The rest is just insignificant in comparison and of no real importance.
No one is telling you how to behave, Vana. You may behave as you see fit. I just feel its pointless - absolutely pointless. Honestly, when was the last time you stood in a bread line? Ever taken a ride to a police station in one of those lovely white Lada patrol cars with the blue siren on top?
Anastasio dont waste your time with Vana ( manuel disfrazado) ella no sabe lo que es un lada, nunca lo ha visto porque se fue de pequeña
Vana said: Yet none of them have come in here to say how dissgusting Val behaved, outing a fellow Cuban blogger, and how sick that action was, I see these Babalunians all practice double standards.
Yes, it is amazing how the Babuluers are never content at just pushing around people in their own blogs. But they always feel the need to push around people in other blogs!!
I just hope Mat can stand tall in the face of the attacks and threats. As it has become quite obvious that Mat has become the new kid on the block!!
Mat has become the new kid on the block!!
lol, lol, lol, lol
MAT, a humble suggestion for you:
Since BBlu bans/censors dissenting opinions, but still allows access to view the robo-comments, perhaps you would consider allowing all the disaffected to cut-and-paste the intended BBLu comment, and the uncensored reply here?
Cubawatcher said: The only person whose being humiliated by such remarks is yourself. Sigh.
No, i can never be humiliated. It is the internet, and the name is fake.
Cubawatcher said: Again, it looks as if you see fit to tell me what it is that I am thinking.
Yup, and i will continue to do so, until you get some proper manners. And stop being a Babulu apologist.
cubawatcher said: That's about as close to Fidel shoving the bread directly into my mouth as one can get.
Re-posting your words is like Fidel? First, there would be no words for me to re-post, as none were be allowed to be spoken by Fidel, much like over at Babulu.
Cubawatcher said: I came here to try and point out a few things
And you failed!!
Cubawatcher said: You seem to be engaged in an effort to paint anyone you encounter along your path as "evil" or "hypocritical"
No, just after several years of blogging against the Babuluers. It has become easy to spot them. Like an experience rabbit hunter.
Cubawatcher said: ie Henry or Val as mindlessly lambasting
Yes, and i will continue to lambast them. Because i dont like them, as they remind me of the commie free-speech bastards that i met over in Bosnia!!
cubawatcher said: I don't mean to sound condescending
Too late
cubawatcher said: but I'm being genuine. . .
No, you are being apologetic for the two chivatos named Henry and Val.
cubawatcher said: life just isn't that simple or black and white
Sure it is. Either you are a chivato, or not. Either you support chivatos or you dont. Which side do you support?
.
cubawatcher said: hell, that's why I got into journalism in the first place.
Then you above all, should understand about people wanting to protect their anonymity. And as such you should be expressing some type of "outrage" against Val for exposing KC, which you have yet to do.
cubawatcher said: Granted, evil is evil (ala Fidel, Hitler, Pol-Pot
Val, Henry, Idi Aminen, George W. Bush, Mousilini, yes the list is a long one!!
Everyone, particularly the newcomers, is amazed at RCAB's 100+ comment threads. The truth is that if Babalú did not practice censorship they might have 300+ comment threads. Of course, most of those would be critical of their august personages and rather than chance that they prefer to cut and prune their threads to 1-5 comments. Very often they simply chop down the thread ("0" comments).
augtine: I don't enjoy seeing all this infighting among Cubans
The fact is that a self-serving group of Cuban-Americans has been allowed to hijacked the movement. This group cannot be allowed to continue to represent themselves as the voice of the Cuban blogisphere.
There is an saying by old farmers. In order to grow a new crop, sometimes the field must be burned.
Congratulations again Mat. I must say that i am rather proud of you.
noone:
I try to do that myself. When a comment is posted that I know will soon be deleted at Babalú,, I save it and post it here as soon as it is deleted. Of course, this is not always possible. So, yes, I would encourage those whose comments have been deleted or not accepted by Babalú to post them here.
As I have said before, RCAB, is the home for Babalú's orphaned comments.
Everyone, particularly the newcomers, is amazed at RCAB's 100+ comment threads.
no te emociones joani por poco llega a 4000 comments los otros dias
dime hasta donde quieres llegar en este thread..para ayudarte
do not start a new one yet para que veas como llegamos a 500 en este
I still want to know why Henry backed the deportation of Elian Gonzales.
Fantomas:
Why do you butt in, I know damn well what a Russian Lada is, my cousin in Cuba has an old one, as per the bread line, I did make them in the 6o's along with my mother, also for toilet paper, which is what you need to wipe your mouth.
What does it matter when I left Cuba, the thing is I was born there, lived my childhood there, I carry Cuba in my heart, unlike others who were born here, like your friend Henry, yet you don't ask of him to stop blogging about Cuba, or tell him he knows nothing about it, so just shut your mouth.
fantomas:
100-comment threads are already unwieldy but 4000-comment ones would require several days to read. They exist to show support for Yoani and as such serve a valuable purpose. Of course, it would be even impossible for her to answer them all or even many.
Still, someone like Yoani, who blogs at the very risk of her life, does not practice "comment moderation" (i.e. preemptive censorship) or censor comments after they have already been posted, not even those that obviously originate with the regime.
She is giving our countrymen and those outside our country a lesson in democracy and free speech.
The same lesson that I have tried to teach Val & Henry but which they scoff at as Val scoffed at Yoani herself in The Wall Street Journal.
This thread will serve as a hard lesson for Henry. A lesson that he wont soon forget!!
Atanasio aka "el Tortuguin" Blanco, aka Cuba Watcher does not blog for Babalu any longer. His name was removed from the editorial staff. Airbrushing? Thinning the herd? Not tolerating any dissent? It looks like when in Castro's Cuba people were ordered to forget about the family that came to Miami.
Welcome to the free world, Tortuguin.
Russian Lada is, my cousin in Cuba has an old one
que rayos importa que tu primo tenga un lada, acaso tu primo es un agente de g2 porque esos son los unicos que tenian ladas en cuba , la poblacion civil no puede tenerlos, gracias por la informacion you have outed your primo Vana, que clase de prima
Ah cubawatcher is an ex-babuluer. Well that explains everything!!
Yeah, John. He's out of there. Now he's at risk of being ratted out, unless he joins me at the Federal Witness Program here in lovely and sunny Las Vegas.
joey,
Of course, that is why Cubawatcher was defending those chivatos, and attacking Mat. There can be no other reason. Chivatos can only survive with aid and comfort given by those under duress, or those who are in fact sympathetic with a communist Cuba!!
Cubawatcher appears to have been posting under duress of being outed by Henry and/or Val!!
For your info Fantomas my cousin was drafted into the army and fought in Angola, where he was wounded, that is why they allowed him to buy a dicky Lada, not because he is G2, so shut your mouth.
o sea vana que tu primo fue uno de los gorilas que fue a africa a matar a inocentes africanos
no me jodas chica, your primo es un scum
The biggest scum in the world is you fantomas, my cousin was only 17 when he was drafted, he was a pilot, if he killed innocent people I do not know, I'm not my cousin's keeper, some chose to stay in the hell that is Cuba, some don't.
Fantamos,
I could say something. LOL. But i wont. Because i think you are a rather harmless fellow. Much like a classroom "pet rock." Or better yet, the house poodle!!
You have not seen anything yet, be patient
El piruli de Fariñas
Agustin el dia que escribas algo bonito hacia mi persona te voy a regalar un caramelo , un piruli
Ya esto paso de un gallinero a un bayu....
Siguete defendiento soblino...tu tienes con que....
I still think this was a set-up..
para bajar el NIVEL INTELECTUAL de esta pajina...voters will take note of this fiasco when is voting time....Sorry MATador no PULITZER prize for you....
chigue chigue soblino..yo te quielo muuuuucho.....
La tia de fantomas.....
MATador, lol, i like that name.
Mat is the matador, and Henry and Val is the wild bull that the crowd is cheering to be speared. As the crowd always know that the Matador is more skilled than the wild charging reckless bull!!
Agustin:
You are so right, I don't know why I bother, he's cluless, ignoring him is the best policy.
señores recuerden cual fue el motivo de esta pagina desde un principio, apabullar , ofender y criticar a fellow bloggers
el bayu , la bajeza de esta pagina la inicio su dueño cuando fue botado del otro blog y abrio este
por rabioso le ha pasado esto y este bayu y relajo solo comienza, porque ya me informaron que viene gente de la cuarteria de lawton a hacerle coro a manuel
John:
There is nothing harmless about fantomas, he's sent here by Val and Henry to sow dissent and change the subject, don't be fooled by the condom on his head.
Henry was all big and bad last night, when everybody was sleeping. But he aint so bad when everybody is wide awake!!
Vana nadie me envia aqui a hacer nada . Caramba eso esta mas claro que el agua . Todos los blogeros debemos ser amigos y estar unidos
no es bueno hablar mal de ningun blogero Vana , entiende eso
Vamos a hablar de cuba
te enterastes que el reguetonero cubano Elvis manuel mas famoso de 18 años parece que ha muerto en al mar... este caso debia estar en el front lines a la Elian y mira como desperdiciamos el tiempo aqui hablando de asesinos soldados cubanos de angoleños y carritos lada , por favor
I visited Babulu last hour. And i am sad to report that Babulu is in full collapse-mode. It is sad, because much like the Roman empire, Babulu was destroyed from within!!
Babulu's survival is in doubt!!
There are 21 comments at Babalu, on 5 posts, most of the commenters are the writers.
lol vana, mat has totally defeated Babulu on all fronts.
oh yah, and henry gomez=chivato
Manuel took Henry to the woodshed today. And Henry is still rubbing his wore out rear-end.
jajajajajajajajajaja
Mat si dejas este post aqui por dos dias mas llegamos a 600
no lo cambies
hazle caso a fantomas for once
Val, Henry and many other Babalunians are just dictators in waiting.
You know what they say...some Cubans have a little "Fidelito" inside.
That's how Fidel has stayed in power for so long...He hasn't done it alone.
fantomas
donde esta el post que nosprometiste... el que "va a ser un bombazo"....en el que cambias de posicion..... lo espero inpacientemente... tu sabes que me encanta alabar y alardar de mi sobrino favorito...
La tia de fantomas.....
I just wish that Henry would not have pushed for the deportation of Elian Gonzales!!
No doubt that Val also took Henry to the woodshed. Henry should have known better.
vana stated: There are 21 comments at Babalu, on 5 posts, most of the commenters are the writers.
Of course, Babulu is imploding.
"You know what they say...some Cubans have a little "Fidelito" inside."
And this blog is the proof of that!
Anonymous:
When you deign to comment.
Manny hazme caso
deja este post ahi mismito no lo cambies hasta el viernes
hazme caso
vamo a ve...
200-142 = 58
58 para 200....vamos muchachos
chi che puede ...chi che puede
Anon @ 8:25
Fidel would have insulted, ridiculed and banned anyone who went against him. He never engages in rational discussion. There is no dissent in Cuba. It sounds more like Babalu.
Manuel disagrees and states why, and you can come here and state your case too. Most of the absurd ridicule here is by fantomas and the various anonymous posters.
Wow, 144 comments. Mat today you have established yourself as the giant among giants in the Cuban blogisphere.
"Cari said...
Anon @ 8:25
Fidel would have insulted, ridiculed and banned anyone who went against him. He never engages in rational discussion."
Cari,
I couldn't say it better. That's what these anonymi and Fantomas have been trying to do here. The bottom line is they are UNABLE to do it at Babalu. Yes, we do have to put up with riff-raff but the alternative is censorship. I'll stay here.
If the future of Cuba ends up the hands of a Henry Louis (did you know he went to Belen) Gomez, we will have learned nothing in all these years.
Well, i am going to bed. I just wanted to say nighty nite to RCAB's guest of honor. And my oh my, what a celebration we had!!
:)
Well said Cari, that's exactly what Babalunia has become, little red Havana.
Most of the absurd ridicule here is by fantomas and the various anonymous posters.
I couldn't say it better. That's what these anonymi and Fantomas have been trying to do here.
un momento chicas dejen de atacar a fantomas after all fantomas is the live and blog of this blog sino preguntenle a Mat
para ustedes le dejo este video un regalito de fantomas para las mujeres que lo alaban aqui y para vana tambien
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Cu76VwpI0
100 plus comments on individuals and nothing more.
This post and and many of its comments speak of blogging about Cuba and democracy, but in fact many of these comments whore Cuba and distort democracy.
Many of these comments take Cuba not to up lift her, but to stand on her and bicker over individuals no different than anyone else here.
I read words here that preach Democracy like a blow hearted elocutionist who stands on a soap box and speaks only to be heard. Here there is the claim that those in search of a free Cuba will find this site, praise this site, and exclaim this site for it's freedom while bad mouthing all other sites that don't follow the same freedom. Yet, it is by the very nature of freedom that other sites like Babalu have the right to accept or reject comments. And thus what festers here is freedom being bashed in the name of freedom. Our right as people who post end with the owners right to do with what (s)he wishes the blog begins. What ever happened to: "ones rights end where another's rights begin?" The only system I know that preaches against this is Communism.
Insults are thrown in the name of past insults. Henry and Manuel become punching bags, and progress is suddenly measured in the number of comments and witty repartee made, and not on ideas that can shape and move the future. These are comments and post here that do nothing but gossip or pontificate on individuals.
How is this for individuals:
People are dying in Cuba. Allow me to repeat with emphasis: PEOPLE ARE DYING IN CUBA. What else is more important; what else deserves our attention? Henry? No. Val? No. Manuel? No. What more should draw us to strive to sharpen our minds into a potpourri of one voice that cries: "Abajo Fidel!" What seeds of thought have been planted that can grow within us? What ideas are already present that need further sharpening?
But no, we remain placid gossiping online while eating our pan con bistec, as the people of Cuba comen cable.
So long as we stand on our empty soap boxes we will have chaos.
So long as we apathetically detach ourselves from every human being who writes online we will only reap gossip.
So long as we remain comfortable in our lives we will never fully understand what Martí meant by saying that Cuba, "es ara y no pedestal.”
When we use Cuba to focus on individuals and make gossip, we must realize that Cuba will belong to a future not our own.
John Roche:
[First of all, one important clarification for our readers: this is not John Longfellow].
People will be dying in Cuba regardless of what we say or don't say here. It is useless to appeal to the consciences of psychopaths like Raúl Castro who have none. The best that we can hope do is to publicize their suffering and offer our moral support, and all anti-Castro Cuban-American blogs, even Babalú, do that in a greater or lesser extent.
But that is not enough.
We must also teach by example.
We cannot preach democracy and demand it for Cubans on the island while denying it to our own compatriots here.
By practicing censorship and banning commenters with whose opinions it disagrees, Babalú has adopted the methods of our adversaries; and you, by trying to justify such conduct on their part, are also engaging in apologetics for the regime.
I have just answered another comment of yours in the post about the re-launching of Cuban-American Pundits.
"We must also teach by example."
The blog is not a microcosm for government systems. The blog exists within the system, and the exercise of freedom that we use on the blog/web is an example of the freedom we are given. We are free to allow anyone to comment. We are free to block commenters. Commenters are free to move from one blog to another, and if they so wish they can create their own blog!
To use the maxim that "we must also teach by example." Is placing a demand on another persons freedom. A person is free to teach by example or not. To place the word must is to suddenly limit another persons freedom to choose. Or am I mistaken here Manuel?
Manuel I think we CA bloggers have matured enough the past several years in terms of blogging about Cuba . I am calling all cuban A bloggers for a closed door meeting so that we can find peace among ourselves.
Since we dont have a leading voice or blog that unite us all it is imperative to find common ground and a clear objective en vista al futuro.
In we continue the personal attacks all the work we have achieved in the last several years will be forever lost
fantomas dec 18, 2008
John Roche:
To restrict other people from commenting is indeed to place a restriction on their freedom.
Are you arguing that to censor others is an inherent right and that to question the censor's freedom to censor is to censor him? And yet, if you would censor others, why would you not censor him?
Again, are you unaware, or simply indifferent to the fact, that any argument that you make on behalf of censorship is also an argument on behalf of Fidel Castro's "right" to censor the Cuban people?
fantomas said: Since we dont have a leading voice or blog that unite us all
Excuse me, but it is clear that Tellechea is now the undisputed leading voice in the Cuban blogisphere.
"Excuse me, but it is clear that Tellechea is now the undisputed leading voice in the Cuban blogisphere"
"King" Henry "The Economist" is DEAD! Babalu is DEAD! Long live the new KING! - MaT.
I know I shouldn't be, but I am amazed at the hypocrisy of these Babalunians when they try to preach to others what they don't do themselves.
Don't they understand that their attitude towards dissenters mirrors what happens in Cuba? Yes, those who dissent at Babalu can go somewhere else, but that's not the point.
How can they preach freedom, while acting like dictators?
I'm beginning to think that they just don't get it.
cari said:
I'm beginning to think that they just don't get it.
Actually, if they just "didnt get it," that would be par for the course here in America. Because America as a whole, just "didnt get it," in regards to Cuba's freedom.
No maam, Babulu's horrific outings, and threats to do bodily harm to other Cuban bloggers runs counter to "not getting it."
Cari, they get it, and they want to preserve it. The t-shirts sales, the interviews, and hidden profits that they make from the Cuban sufferage. Yes maam, they "get it."
Manuel,
Your previous comment has my attention, and so that I don't give into assumptions allow me a few questions:
What is censorship for you?
How does censorship support Castro?
Where is the line drawn between liberty and libertinism?
Peace
John
John Roche:
Censorship is the silencing of ideas. It is practiced by both tyrants and petite tyrants for the same reason and with the same objective -- to suppress the free exchange of ideas so that they can monopolize the marketplace of ideas.
Melek, also, take note.
Agustin, Cari, Vana, Ms Calabaza...I think we all come here because MAT allows freedom of expression. The tyrants at Boboluland claim they love freedom but love to squash an essential part of it. It's no wonder somebody called them 'redneck Cubans' in another blog.
Wow, I'm really flattered to see that I'm so important so that a mere mention of my name generates so many comments. And I'm happy that I could help Manuel in that regard since he measures his blog by the number of comments rather than the number of readers. I have to hand it to him, it takes a lot of time to post all those comments.
But I came to correct another lie, or rather another misperception by Manuel.
The photo that I use on my blogger profile is not my high school photograph. The photo in question was a "head shot" taken by my employer in about 1998. Since I worked at an ad agency that was also a PR firm, I was required to have such a photo taken. I graduated high school in 1987.
I have used that photo simply because I like it. I was thinner then. And younger too.
But for Manuel I will update it. I'm sure he'd like to have a better idea of what I look like now in case we were ever to run into each other. Too bad he won't return the favor.
Here you go. I figure that if one Gomez generates 160 comments then four should generate well over 600.
Henry:
Glad to have been able to help you grow up, as has always been my goal. After a decade (or more than a quarter of your life), it was time to change the photo. With it, I hope, will come a new (if older) Henry whose family obligations make him more conscious of the suffering children of our country [I mean Cuba], which trumps all else and should be the principal concern of us all.
Our mutual friend and scourge fantomas is right: If I had not replaced this thread with the one honoring the Bay of Pigs veterans, it would surely have surpassed 400 comments.
Because, of course, you are a vastly interesting person. Wasn't I the first to realize that and haven't I made you an internet icon because of it? Gratitude would require some acknowledgement on your part. Your fame, certainly, was not derived from your appearance on Jamaican radio.
An upholder of truth as yourself should have the basic honesty to admit it: everybody mentions RCAB to you these days, it is the purest wellspring of your celebrity. I am reliably informed that it sends you into a rage every time that it happens, and I am sorry that you are now in a constant state of vexation because of it.
But fame is not an easy thing to bear. You may want to ask for pointers from your classmate and Belén's second-most famous graduate, Perez Hilton.
I am touched by your request for a photograph. E-mail me your address and I shall be pleased to send you an autographed one. All that I ask is that you not give it to Val because I wouldn't want it to end up on some altar with a thousand pins stuck in it.
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