Power to the People

With the recent death of Fidel Castro, and the death of Nelson Mandela in 2013, two of our most powerful leaders have left a void on mankind. Whether you were a fan of one or both; they both left a mark on this planet. Nelson Mandela was a champion in more ways than one. He stood up to racism in it's purest form. He fought against apartheid to physically free his people but after twenty-seven years in prison, he became spiritually and mentally liberated and that allowed him to lead the black people of South Africa out of the crushing grip of apartheid. The struggle continues but he won the most important battles. The one inwardly and the one externally. The day Mandala became president of his country, I wept. He truly was an inspiration and a hero.


Fidel, while he long lost his way under his need for control; set off on the right course; to put a stop to capitalism and imperialism. While the people of Cuba, (which I consider in part my country due to having family roots) have been long suffering in certain ways (thanks to the embargo), there is much to be said for country of people who are all educated, have a 100% literary rate, have the best doctors in the world practicing both Eastern and Western medicine with great success and being far ahead in medical advances. And there are no words to describe the warmth, intelligence, creativity and strength of a whole culture, who were encouraged to embrace these qualities instead of squashing them. The Cuban people are some of the most welcoming and loving people. I may be impartial due being part Cuban, but ask anyone who is familiar with the Cuban people. We may be stuck up at times but we will give you a place to sleep and a plate of frijoles negros con arroz to fill your belly. Fidel may have failed in many ways but keeping the culture of Cuba alive and the mission of the revolution relevant are, in my opinion, two great success. I am most thankful to El Commandante
(which most Cuban-Americans would never say, I know) and I will miss his physical presence on our planet. There will never be anyone like him or Mandala, (who were long-time friends), which is a sad reality for all of us still here on planet Earth.

Below are some poorly scanned photos of my time in Cuba. Fidel's recent death had me pulling out my photo albums and reminiscing. I think it may be time to set foot on Cuban soil again, break bread with mi familia and make new memories.

Being Silly at the Parliament Building, Giving the 'people' my speech!

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

It always seems impossible until it's done. 

Nelson Mandela

A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.

I find capitalism repugnant. It is filthy, it is gross, it is alienating... because it causes war, hypocrisy and competition.

Men do not shape destiny, Destiny produces the man for the hour.

Fidel Castro