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Twitter Users Reject Attacks Against Cuba

CUBA, JANUARY 17TH, 2011.- Under the title YoSiApoyoACuba (ISupportCuba), a new discussion thread was opened on Twitter on Tuesday following the attacks by the deputy of the Causa R opposition party, Andres Vazquez, against Cuba at the first ordinary session of the Venezuelan National Assembly.             

Velazquez’ criticism of Cuba not only prompted reactions from representatives of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), but also from the Venezuelan people, who rapidly started posting their opinions on Twitter.                   

The discussion at the Venezuelan Parliament began when PSUV deputy Carlos Escarra denounced the statements made by Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza against the Enabling Law that grants President Chavez the power to rule by decree.                

Escarra pointed out that it had been Chile, Insulza’s country of origin, the first to pass an Enabling Law in the region, and that it was not exclusive of the constitution under the Chavez Administration, since previous Venezuelan constitutions had included such laws repeatedly in the 20th century, as well as other Latin American countries.                

Out of the blue and without arguments, the abovementioned attack against Cuba took place at a poorly attended session —many of the legislators had traveled to the United States to meet with Insulsa. The PSUV bloc replied highlighting Cuba’s solidarity with Venezuela.                  

After five years of absence from the Parliament —they didn’t take part at the 2005 elections following US instructions in an attempt to boycott the election and discredit the democratic process underway in Venezuela — rightwing Venezuelan parties hold 65 seats at the new Assembly now.                      

Twitter users rapidly joined the determined and honorable attitude of the parliamentarians by opening a new discussion thread entitled ISupportCuba, to express their love, gratefulness and solidarity to the Cuban people. Here are a few examples of the messages posted:                    

RT @Leivervegas: Because Cuban doctors saved the lives of my mother and my cousin, #IDoSupportCuba:)              

@ConcienciaRevoRT: Because even with the US blockade against them, they are a cultural and sports authority in the world, #IDoSupportCuba.              

RT @montesgj: #IDoSupportCuba because despite the US blockade they have accomplished and now they share their knowledge with the rest of the world. And they haven’t given up!                   

“Because my daughter is a fifth-year medicine student thanks to Chavez and Fidel,” wrote users Chocheco2010, rosaguardiana and ConChávezPal2012.           

Nellynanusch and Renaniturbe wrote: “Becuase Cuban doctors and dentists have taken good care of my family more than once, #IDoSupportCuba.”                     

“Because the Corazon Adentro cultural program and its artists cheer up my people,” wrote users FloresEdgar and erikalenal. JoséDColmenarez and Leivervegas said, “My full support to Cuba. They are an example of friendship.”               

“For their accomplishments in the field of medicine, and the vaccines and treatments they have created,” wrote user linarese.                    

The list of these beautiful messages is long: “Because they are an example of dignity for the rest of the peoples, my solidarity and love for the Cuban people. Although the opposition is having a hard time recognizing it, what Cubans are doing for the Haitian people is honorable.” “For their support to a Venezuela free from illiteracy.”          

The message by user joserodriguez83 read, “Because the Cuban people are noble, hard working, brave and solidary.” Leila and Claudia wrote, “For all the above and because, we should repay their love with love. Long live Fidel and the Cuban revolution!”             

User yhonnyg noted Cuba’s most recent accomplishment: “For having patented a vaccine to prevent lung cancer, long live the Cuban revolution! And let’s not forget that for almost a decade every community in Venezuela has enjoyed the assistance of Cuban doctors.”                      

The message board remains open. Venezuelan Twitter users continue to voice their support to Cuba. Once again, Cuba is not alone.      (Cubaminrex – Juventud Rebelde)