Castro writes: "Why did I become a socialist, or more plainly, why did I
become a communist? That word that expresses the most distorted and maligned
concept in history by those who have the privilege of exploiting the poor,
dispossessed ever since they were deprived of all the material wealth that
work, talent and human energy provide."
Fidel Castro. (photo: Roberto Chile)
The Spirit of the Left
By Fidel Castro, teleSUR
23 April 16
The leader of the Cuban Revolution gave a rare public speech during the
closure of the seventh Congress of the Communist Party.
It constitutes a superhuman effort to lead any people in times of crisis.
Without them, the changes would be impossible. In a meeting such as this,
which brings together more than a thousand representatives chosen by the
revolutionary people themselves, who delegated their authority to them, for
all it represents the greatest honor they have received in their lives, to
which is added the privilege of being a revolutionary which is the product
of our own conscious.
Why did I become a socialist, or more plainly, why did I become a communist?
That word that expresses the most distorted and maligned concept in history
by those who have the privilege of exploiting the poor, dispossessed ever
since they were deprived of all the material wealth that work, talent and
human energy provide. Since when does man live in this dilemma, throughout
time without limit. I know you do not need this explanation but perhaps some
listeners do.
I speak simply so it is better understood that I am not ignorant, extremist,
or blind, nor did I acquire my ideology of my own accord studying economics.
I did not have a tutor when I was a law and political sciences student,
subjects in which they have a great influence. Of course then I was around
20 years old and was fond of sports and mountain climbing. Without a tutor
to help me in the study of Marxism-Leninism; I was no more than a theorist
and, of course, had total confidence in the Soviet Union. Lenin's work
violated after 70 years of Revolution. What a history lesson! It can be
affirmed that it should not take another 70 years before another event like
the Russian Revolution occurs, in order that humanity have another example
of a magnificent social revolution that marked a huge step in the struggle
against colonialism and its inseparable companion, imperialism.
Perhaps, however, the greatest danger hanging over the earth today derives
from the destructive power of modern weaponry which could undermine the
peace of the planet and make human life on earths surface impossible.
The species would disappear like the dinosaurs disappeared, perhaps there
will be time for new forms of intelligent life or maybe the suns heat will
grow until it melts all the planets of the solar system and its satellites,
as a large number of scientists recognize. If the theories of several of
them are true, which we laypeople are not unaware of, the practical man must
learn more and adapt to reality. If the species survives a much longer space
of time the future generations will know much more than we do, but first
they will have to solve a huge problem. How to feed the billions of human
beings whose realities are inevitably at odds with the limited drinking
water and natural resources they need?
Some or perhaps many of you are wondering where are the politics in this
speech. Believe me I am sad to say it, but the politics are here in these
moderate words. If only numerous human beings would concern ourselves with
these realities and not continue as in the times of Adam and Eve eating
forbidden apples. Who will feed the thirsty people of Africa with no
technology at their disposal, no rain, no dams, no more underground
reservoirs than those covered by sands? We will see what the governments,
which almost all signed the climate commitments, say.
We must constantly hammer away at these issues and I do not want to
elaborate beyond the essentials.
I shall soon turn 90, such an idea would never have occurred to me and it
was never the result of an effort, it was sheer chance. I will soon be like
everyone else. We all reach our turn, but the ideas of the Cuban communists
will remain as proof that on this planet, working with fervor and dignity,
can produce the material and cultural wealth that humans need, and we must
fight relentlessly to obtain these. To our brothers in Latin America and the
world we must convey that the Cuban people will overcome.
This may be one of the last times that I speak in this room. I voted for all
the candidates submitted for election by Congress and I appreciate the
invitation and the honor of listening to me. I congratulate you all, and
firstly, compañero Raul Castro for his magnificent effort.
We will set forth on the march forward and we will perfect what we should
perfect, with the utmost loyalty and united force, just as Marti, Maceo and
Gomez, in an unstoppable march.
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
Fidel Castro. (photo: Roberto Chile)
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/Fidel-Castro-Speaks-at-Cuban-Congre
ss-Invokes-Communist-Spirit-20160420-0033.htmlhttp://www.telesurtv.net/engli
sh/opinion/Fidel-Castro-Speaks-at-Cuban-Congress-Invokes-Communist-Spirit-20
160420-0033.html
The Spirit of the Left
By Fidel Castro, teleSUR
23 April 16
The leader of the Cuban Revolution gave a rare public speech during the
closure of the seventh Congress of the Communist Party.
t constitutes a superhuman effort to lead any people in times of crisis.
Without them, the changes would be impossible. In a meeting such as this,
which brings together more than a thousand representatives chosen by the
revolutionary people themselves, who delegated their authority to them, for
all it represents the greatest honor they have received in their lives, to
which is added the privilege of being a revolutionary which is the product
of our own conscious.
Why did I become a socialist, or more plainly, why did I become a communist?
That word that expresses the most distorted and maligned concept in history
by those who have the privilege of exploiting the poor, dispossessed ever
since they were deprived of all the material wealth that work, talent and
human energy provide. Since when does man live in this dilemma, throughout
time without limit. I know you do not need this explanation but perhaps some
listeners do.
I speak simply so it is better understood that I am not ignorant, extremist,
or blind, nor did I acquire my ideology of my own accord studying economics.
I did not have a tutor when I was a law and political sciences student,
subjects in which they have a great influence. Of course then I was around
20 years old and was fond of sports and mountain climbing. Without a tutor
to help me in the study of Marxism-Leninism; I was no more than a theorist
and, of course, had total confidence in the Soviet Union. Lenin's work
violated after 70 years of Revolution. What a history lesson! It can be
affirmed that it should not take another 70 years before another event like
the Russian Revolution occurs, in order that humanity have another example
of a magnificent social revolution that marked a huge step in the struggle
against colonialism and its inseparable companion, imperialism.
Perhaps, however, the greatest danger hanging over the earth today derives
from the destructive power of modern weaponry which could undermine the
peace of the planet and make human life on earths surface impossible.
The species would disappear like the dinosaurs disappeared, perhaps there
will be time for new forms of intelligent life or maybe the suns heat will
grow until it melts all the planets of the solar system and its satellites,
as a large number of scientists recognize. If the theories of several of
them are true, which we laypeople are not unaware of, the practical man must
learn more and adapt to reality. If the species survives a much longer space
of time the future generations will know much more than we do, but first
they will have to solve a huge problem. How to feed the billions of human
beings whose realities are inevitably at odds with the limited drinking
water and natural resources they need?
Some or perhaps many of you are wondering where are the politics in this
speech. Believe me I am sad to say it, but the politics are here in these
moderate words. If only numerous human beings would concern ourselves with
these realities and not continue as in the times of Adam and Eve eating
forbidden apples. Who will feed the thirsty people of Africa with no
technology at their disposal, no rain, no dams, no more underground
reservoirs than those covered by sands? We will see what the governments,
which almost all signed the climate commitments, say.
We must constantly hammer away at these issues and I do not want to
elaborate beyond the essentials.
I shall soon turn 90, such an idea would never have occurred to me and it
was never the result of an effort, it was sheer chance. I will soon be like
everyone else. We all reach our turn, but the ideas of the Cuban communists
will remain as proof that on this planet, working with fervor and dignity,
can produce the material and cultural wealth that humans need, and we must
fight relentlessly to obtain these. To our brothers in Latin America and the
world we must convey that the Cuban people will overcome.
This may be one of the last times that I speak in this room. I voted for all
the candidates submitted for election by Congress and I appreciate the
invitation and the honor of listening to me. I congratulate you all, and
firstly, compañero Raul Castro for his magnificent effort.
We will set forth on the march forward and we will perfect what we should
perfect, with the utmost loyalty and united force, just as Marti, Maceo and
Gomez, in an unstoppable march.
http://e-max.it/posizionamento-siti-web/socialize
http://e-max.it/posizionamento-siti-web/socialize
