The Cuban priest Alberto Reyes shared a profound reflection on Facebook regarding the recent measure announced by the official press that threatens to remove custody of children from parents who do not instill patriotic values.
Reyes, known for his critical stance, addresses the issue with irony and questions why the government is so adamant about instilling love for the homeland when it is precisely due to this lack of affection that the nation has deteriorated so much.
"We have not loved our homeland enough, and for this reason, we have supported in a thousand ways those who have closed off paths to freedom and progress, those who have systematically destroyed democracy and dismantled civil society," he said.
The Camagüey parish priest recalled the acts of repudiation, the denunciations against dissidents, and participation in slogans like "socialism or death." He criticized the passivity regarding social issues such as the lack of food and the deterioration of health and education.
In an ironic twist, he reflects on the education of future generations, suggesting that now more than ever, it is crucial to teach children the true meaning of "loving the homeland."
This love, he emphasized, must encompass the value of plurality, the right to dissent, freedom of expression, and citizens' rights.
"It's great that our children appreciate from a young age the value of public protest, the right to strike, the role of unions in defending workers, the necessity of the rule of law, and equality for all before the law," he/she noted.
Next, CiberCuba shares the full text of the publication:
I have been thinking… (112) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I have been thinking about the need to instill in children the love of their homeland
Through the official press, it has been communicated to us that parents who do not instill patriotic values in their children may lose custody of them.
On one hand, I think the measure is a bit extreme, but on the other hand, I am immensely pleased that this topic is finally being insisted upon so firmly. It seems to me an extraordinary step forward to ask parents to instill in their children a love for their homeland.
Because I believe that, precisely due to the lack of love for our homeland, it has deteriorated so much. No, we really have not loved our homeland sufficiently, and for that reason, we have supported in countless ways those who have closed the paths to freedom and progress, those who have systematically destroyed democracy and dismantled civil society, provoking the vulnerability and defenselessness of the common people.
For not loving the homeland, we have participated in acts of repudiation and have contributed to division and aggressive confrontation; we have filled the squares in open tribunes and shouted at the top of our lungs 'socialism or death', we have denounced our brothers, and we have raised our hands pretending to show approval and unanimity.
Our lack of love for the homeland has led us to silent pacts, preventing us from denouncing our hunger, our shortages of the most basic necessities, the collapse of the healthcare system, and the progressive disaster of education.
It's great that we are now being encouraged to instill in children a love for their country, because today more than ever it is essential to teach new generations how to embrace and rebuild it, replacing double standards with a love for the truth, political apathy with social commitment, and fear with the courage to demand and defend our civil rights.
It is great that our children learn the value of plurality, that they know how to disagree when they do not agree, that they grow up nurturing social initiative, and that they learn from a young age the good that freedom, democracy, multiparty systems, and the diversity of opinions and philosophical currents bring to the homeland.
It's great that our children learn from a young age the value of public protest, the right to strike, the role of unions in defending workers, the necessity of the rule of law, the equality of all before the law, and the significance of dissent that seeks alternative solutions.
I repeat that it seems a bit extreme to deprive someone of their children if they do not educate them in the patriotic values of freedom, democracy, and social justice as the foundations that build a nation. However, it is important to emphasize this as much as possible because otherwise, they may grow up in an environment of intolerance and exclusion, and in a dictatorial spirit that only leads the homeland to be shattered into tiny pieces".
Frequently Asked Questions about Father Alberto Reyes' Message and Patriotism in Cuba
What is Alberto Reyes' main criticism of the Cuban regime?
Alberto Reyes criticizes the lack of plurality, freedom of expression, and citizens' rights in Cuba. He points out that the regime has destroyed democracy and dismantled civil society, which has led to the deterioration of the nation and a situation of repression and hopelessness.
What does Alberto Reyes think about the measure of instilling patriotic values in children?
Alberto Reyes believes that the measure is extreme, but he views it positively that there is an insistence on instilling love for the homeland. However, he emphasizes that this love must include the value of pluralism, the right to dissent, and freedom of expression, contrary to what the current regime promotes.
What is Alberto Reyes' view on true patriotism?
For Alberto Reyes, true patriotism includes freedom, the right to dissent, and multipartyism. He believes that loving one’s country means teaching new generations to value public protest, the right to strike, and equality before the law, all of which stands in contrast to the dominant ideology in Cuba.
What does Alberto Reyes propose for the future of Cuba?
Alberto Reyes advocates for a radical change in Cuba's policies, suggesting that it is essential to continue what was discontinued and put an end to the continuation of failed policies. He promotes economic freedom and respect for citizens' rights as the foundation for the country's progress.
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