Pedro Freyre. Published Thursday, August 23, 2001 .
The Miami Herald
Monday evening, as Miami residents reeled in disbelief at the news that the
Latin Grammys were leaving town, the folks in Miami Beach were bringing the
Source Awards to a successful, and relatively peaceful, conclusion.
The difference? Simply put, Miami Beach learned from its mistakes, and Miami
did not. After the mess that took place around Memorial Day, Miami Beach
officials, civic leaders and community activists rolled up their sleeves, took a
hard look at what had gone wrong, and proceeded to make it right.
Meanwhile, across the causeway, we have a collective learning disability. It
seems Miamians suffer from the same malady as the French royal family, the
Bourbons, who, when returned to power after the fall of Napoleon, went on to
prove that they had learned -- and forgotten -- nothing.
What must we learn?
City of Miami voters: Elect a new mayor. Joe Carollo shows again and again
that he is only looking out for himself, not for the best interests of the city.
Do not fall victim to emotional manipulation of the Cuban cause. There are
excellent people running this time around, experienced candidates and energetic
new faces. Vote for one of them, any one of them, but for goodness sake bring
someone new to the job.
CHANGE TACTICS
Hard-line Cuban activists: Balance your legitimate and honestly held
opposition to the Cuban government with your duties and responsibilities as
residents of Miami and citizens of the United States. As passionate as you may
be, you do not have a monopoly on patriotism. I do not know a single Cuban exile
or Cuban American who does not wish to see a free, democratic, peaceful Cuba
that lives in harmony with the United States. But for those who have suffered
personal loss, torture and jail, your reflexive tactics, such as those exhibited
at the Los Van Van concert, simply don't work.
It is time for a change, it is time for a new approach to the problem. We
will die defending your Constitutional right to express your beliefs and we
honor those of you who fought so long and so hard. But Cuba's freedom will be
won in the streets of Havana or in the mountains of Santiago, not on Biscayne
Boulevard.
BE LEADERS
Moderate Cuban Americans: Speak up, get involved. Apply the wealth of
experience that you have acquired in the world's greatest democracy. Take up the
burden of leadership. Honor your parents and grandparents by continuing their
struggle using the tools of freedom.
If you disagree with the tactics of those who claim to speak for you, say
so. If you don't like the caliber of your elected officials, vote them out.
Denounce bigotry against Cuban Americans. The most liberating feeling in the
world is to be criticized by Radio Mambi, Radio Rebelde and Neil Rogers.
Latin Grammy organizers: This is America. No matter who you are, someone
will disagree with you and will tell you to your face. Don't run at the first
sign of turmoil. We want you here. We like the music. We love the artists. Hang
in, work with us. We will find a way to address your legitimate concerns while
respecting freedom of expression.
By this time next year, there should be -- there has to be -- new leadership
in Miami.
Copyright 2001 Miami Herald | 
