[Marxism] ACN: Raul Castro Ruz speech after election

[Walter Lippmann]

Key address by Comrade Raul Castro Ruz, President of the State Council
and the Council of Ministers, at the closing session of the First
Session of the 7th legislature of the National Assembly of People's
Power. Convention Center, Havana, February 24, 2008, "Year 50th of the
Revolution."

Comrades:

As comrade Fidel alerted us in his fundamental Reflection of last
January 14th, the people's mandate to this legislature is very clear:
to continue strengthening the Revolution at a historical juncture
which demands from us to be dialectic and creative.

The composition of the State Council, which has just been elected by
this Assembly, raised much expectation both in Cuba and abroad. The
most significant was clarified by comrade Fidel in his Message of
February 18th. There is very little that I can add to what he said
except to express to our people, on behalf of the Revolution's
Leadership, our appreciation for the innumerable expressions of
serenity, maturity, self-assurance, and the combination of genuine
sadness and revolutionary determination.

I take on the responsibility entrusted to me deeply convinced that, as
I have often said, there is only one Commander in Chief of the Cuban
Revolution.

Fidel is Fidel; we all know it very well. Fidel is irreplaceable and
the people shall continue his work when he is no longer physically
with us; although his ideas will always be with us, the same ideas
that have made it possible to build the beacon of dignity and justice
our country represents.

The Communist Party, a sure guarantee of the unity of the Cuban
nation, is the sole worthy heir to our people's confidence in its
leader. It is the top leading force of our State and society as
provided in Article 5 of our Constitution approved by referendum by
exactly 97.7% of the voters.

This conviction shall become especially significant when as a fact of
life the generation that founded and forged the Revolution is no
longer present.

Fortunately, it is not that moment we are living today. Fidel is here,
as always, with a very clear mind and his capacity to analyze and
foresee perfectly intact and strengthened now that he can dedicate to
studying and analyzing the countless hours he previously used to
tackle the daily problems.

Despite his steady recovery, his physical condition will not allow him
those endless working sessions  --often separated by hardly a few
hours of rest--that characterized his work practically from the moment
he started the revolutionary struggle, the same that grew in intensity
through the long years of the Special Period when he did not take one
single day off.

Comrade Fidel's decision, a new contribution enhancing his example,
ensures as from now the continuity of the Revolution and is perfectly
consistent with a life guided by Martí's precept that: "All the glory
of the world fits in a kernel of corn."

Likewise, his determination is unchangeable with regards to his
decision to continue making his contribution to the revolutionary
cause and to the most noble ideas and objectives of mankind, while he
has the strength to do so.

Therefore, with the certainty that I am expressing the will of our
people, I appeal to this Assembly, as the supreme body of the State
power, to allow me to continue consulting with the maximum leader of
the Revolution, comrade Fidel Castro Ruz, the decisions of special
transcendence for the future of our nation, basically those associated
to defense, foreign policy and the socioeconomic development of the
country.

For this and for many other reasons, I shall rather often today quote
some of the fundamental ideas and concepts expressed by him in his
Reflections. I avail myself of this occasion to say that we should
study them for they are educational and they show his capacity to look
into the future. We should always bear in mind something that Raul Roa
liked to say to those close to him: "Fidel hears the grass growing and
sees what is happening around the corner."

Comrade Deputies:

I am aware of my responsibility to the people as I take on the task
entrusted to me. But I am also convinced that as it has been the case
until today, I can count on the support of those holding positions of
responsibility at various levels, and even more importantly, I can
count on the support of my compatriots without which a society like
ours could not succeed.

The Assembly, in full compliance with the view of the Party's
Political Bureau, elected comrade José Ramón Machado Ventura as First
Vice President of the State Council and later approved his appointment
as First Vice President of the Council of Ministers.

As I explained in my proposal to fill that position, it is convenient
that under the present circumstances the same comrade takes on these
two responsibilities in the State and Government, as it has been the
case until now.

Considering his revolutionary life and convictions, his experience and
knowledge, his qualification as a leader and a human being, there is
no doubt that he meets the requirements to carry out these high duties.

Likewise, the assembly has agreed, in accordance with Article 75 of
the Constitution, to analyze the composition of the Government in a
future session later this same year. This is a timely decision, since
we are not dealing only with appointments, but rather with decisions
about which changes might be required in the system of institutions
pertaining to the central administration of the State, and this needs
more time.

During the first 15 years of the Revolution, the State structures
inherited from capitalism were adjusted as we went along to undertake
the tasks imposed by the radical economic, political and social changes.

The 1960's institutionalization process, however imperfect, enabled us
to structure an articulate system corresponding to those
circumstances. We were then able to put ourselves on a level with the
socialist countries, in terms of both good and bad experiences.

Finally, in 1994, the most critical moment of the Special Period,
considerable adjustments were made leading to the reduction and
merging of institutions as well as to the redistribution of the tasks
previously entrusted to some of them. However, these changes were
undertaken with the rush imposed by the necessity to quickly adapt to
a radically different, very hostile and extremely dangerous scenario.

In the fourteen years that have passed since then, the national and
international scene has noticeably changed. Today, a more compact and
operational structure is required, with a lower number of institutions
under the central administration of the State and a better
distribution of their functions. This will enable us to reduce the
enormous amount of meetings, coordination, permissions, conciliations,
provisions, rules and regulations, etc., etc. It will also allow us to
bring together some decisive economic activities which are presently
disseminated through various entities, and to make a better use of our
cadres.

In summary, our Government's work must be more efficient.
The Assembly has been renovated in a higher proportion than the
previous legislature. The number of women deputies has grown over
seven percent; they now make up almost half of the legislature, over
43%. There is also an increase from 23 to 36 in the number of those
between 18 and 30 years of age, that is, the youngest, although we
also have a higher number of deputies who are over sixty.

It is very significant that a higher number of deputies are directly
linked to production and services, that is, workers, farmers and other
laborers. The same applies to members of the armed institutions,
sportsmen, artists, writers, journalists and other professionals who,
together with the student leaders and the comrades working in the
people's councils make up over fifty percent of the Assembly.

These data and the simple enumeration of the tasks discharged by every
one of you -from national cadres to retirees and religious leaders--
allow us to say that those meeting here are a small-scale sample of
the Cuban society.

This is a basic premise albeit it cannot by itself guarantee the
fulfillment of the Parliament's mission. First and foremost an
intelligent, organized, creative and strong performance is required
from all members, particularly while working in the commissions where
there is more time to focus on certain issues and to study them
listening to a greater number of comrades.

In my visit last December to the Santiago de Cuba district that
elected comrade Fidel a deputy, I said that the massive support
enjoyed by the revolution demands from us that we question everything
we do in order to improve on it.

I also said that if the people are firmly united behind a single
party, this must be more democratic than any other, and so must be the
entire society. This society, of course, can be improved, as any other
human work, but it is undoubtedly full of justice and everybody in it
has the opportunity to express their views and, better still, to work
for the materialization of whatever we all agree.

There is no reason to fear discrepancies in a society such as ours,
where its very nature precludes the existence of antagonistic
contradictions, since the social classes that make it up are not
antagonistic themselves. The best solutions can come from a profound
exchange of differing opinions, if such an exchange is guided by
sensible purposes and the views are uttered with responsibility.

That's how the majority of Cubans have acted, from our best
scientists, intellectuals, workers, farmers and students to the most
humble housewife.

At different stages of the Revolution, including the present, when
objectively assessing both the strategic issues and the difficulties
of their everyday lives, they have all set an example of political
maturity and awareness of realities. Meanwhile, they are increasingly
convinced that the only source of wealth for the society rests with
the productive work, above all when man and resources are efficiently
employed.

The international doomsayers forecasting the death of the Revolution
tried to capitalize on the criticisms made during the study and
discussion of the speech made on July 26th in Camagüey. They
overlooked the fact that it was debate and criticism within socialism.
This was confirmed way over, a few months later, by the results of our
electoral process which concluded last January 20th.

It is also true that some people are inclined to talk before being
properly informed. These make demands without thinking whether they
are talking rationally or irrationally. As a rule, they agree with
those who claim rights without ever mentioning duties. As Fidel put it
in his Reflections of January 16th: "...they expect miracles from our
determined and dignified Revolution."

We do not deny their right to expression, provided they do it with
respect for the law. In the face of such an expression we can neither
be extremists nor naives. When the motivation is despair due a
personal problem or the lack of information, we should be patient and
offer the necessary arguments.

But if anyone intends to put pressure motivated by their wishes to be
in the limelight or by ambition, demagoguery, opportunism, simulation,
arrogance or any other human weakness of a similar nature, we must
face them resolutely, avoiding offense but calling a spade a spade.

We should never forget that the enemy never sleeps, that it is always
willing to use our carelessness to do us harm, even if some are bent
on ignoring it.

We shall not avoid listening to everyone's honest opinion, which is
very useful and necessary simply because of the sometimes ridiculous
noise made every time a citizen of our country says something that the
very noise makers would pay no attention to if they heard it anywhere
else on the planet.

We are aware that such messages are intended to mislead or at least to
create confusion; but in case anyone has had the outlandish notion to
scare us off with them, I shall say that the reason we are still here
--and we will continue to be here--  is that our people and its
Revolution have always faced up, without fear or hesitation and with
the truth, all sorts of aggressions by the greatest military and
economic power in the world.

Many examples could be offered; suffice it to mention the
incontrovertible dignity of our Five Heroes in their stance before
every attempt at breaking their will during a decade of unjust
incarceration.

I avail myself of the occasion to express my gratitude, on behalf of
our people, for the countless expressions of solidarity, respect,
affection, encouragement and legitimate concern over the leader of the
Revolution conveyed by Heads of State and Government, political
parties, non governmental organizations, outstanding intellectuals and
ordinary people from every corner of the world after the publication
of his Message last Tuesday. We shall never fail their confidence in us.

At the same time, we take due notice of the offensive and overtly
interfering statements of the imperialists and some of their closest
allies.

As could be expected, the State Department hastily announced the
continuation of the blockade in accordance with the policy of the
present Administration.

Others, with certain nuances, are bent on conditioning relations with
Cuba to a "transition" process aimed at destroying the work of so many
years of struggle.

Little do they know our people, so proud of its full sovereignty and
independence!

The Revolution is the work of free men and women and it has been
permanently opened to debate; but it has never given an inch to
pressures nor has it ever been influenced by them, whether big or small.

I shall only add that Fidel's Reflections, published on Friday, are a
masterly response to all of them.

As for the difficulties the country faces domestically, the decision
on their priorities and the pace of their solution will invariably be
linked to the available resources and the deep, rational and
collective analysis made by the corresponding Party, State or
Government institutions. In those cases where it is deemed necessary,
there will be a previous consultation with the people in the
corresponding sector of society, or even with the entire people, if it
were a very transcendental issue.

Some things need time for they should be thoroughly studied since a
mistake brought about by improvisation, superficiality or haste could
have substantial negative consequences. Good planning is most
important for we cannot spend more than we have. Then we should
organize things well, and work in an orderly and disciplined fashion;
this is fundamental.

When discussing these issues we should always bear in mind Fidel's
deep conviction, reiterated in his Message of February 18th, that
"...the present problems of the Cuban society require more variables
for each concrete problem than those contained in a chess game. We
cannot ignore one single detail; this is not an easy path to take, if
the intelligence of a human being in a revolutionary society is to
prevail over instinct."

I insist on the importance of discipline. We must all be demanding and
back up those who are. If it were necessary, we should help them
improve their methods and support them resolutely before the collective.

You should understand that I am not talking of acting with extremism
or of accepting abuse of authority or injustices; what I mean is that
we should all do what corresponds in the strengthening of discipline
and social order. If we don't do it our people stand to suffer the
consequences.

It is true that there are objective limitations; we know them well and
we suffer daily trying to solve them as soon as possible. We are aware
of the enormous efforts required by the strengthening of the economy,
which is an unavoidable premise to advance in any other area of
society, given the real war waged by the United States administration
against our country.

Their intention has not changed from the triumph of the Revolution,
i.e. to make our people suffer as much as possible in order to force
it to abandon its decision to be free.

This is a reality that far from intimidating us should continue making
us stronger. Instead of using it as an excuse for our mistakes, it
should serve as encouragement to produce more and to offer better
services, to make efforts to find the ways and means to remove any
deterrent to the productive forces and to the exploitation of the
significant potential offered by savings and by the correct
organization of labor.

  From the days of the independence wars until the present, our history
teaches us that the greater the difficulties the greater the need for
order, discipline and unity. The lacks of cohesion as well as disorder
and impunity have always been among the worst enemies of a fighting
people.

I repeat that the country's priority will be to meet the basic needs
of the population, both material and spiritual, based on the sustained
strengthening of the national economy and its productive basis without
which, I'll say it again, development would be impossible.

An example of this is the measures proposed to increase the
agricultural and livestock production and to better their marketing,
which have been analyzed in every province by a large representation
of those in charge of implementing them, including the producers
themselves.

Thus, we shall continue to act with regards to every issue of cardinal
importance for the country.

We are examining, for instance, everything related to the timely
implementation of comrade Fidel's ideas on "the progressive, gradual
and prudent revaluation of the Cuban peso," exactly as he said it on
March 2005. At the same time, we keep delving into the phenomenon of
the double currency in the economy.

These are all very sensitive and complex issues when, as in our case,
there is a firm willingness to protect and to steadily increase the
incomes and savings of the population, particularly of those least
favored.

To avoid traumatic effects or inconsistencies, any changes related to
the currency shall be made with a comprehensive approach, mindful,
among other things, of the wage system, the retail prices, the
entitlements and the subsidies running in the millions presently
required by numerous services and products distributed on an
egalitarian basis, such as those provided by the ration card which
under the present conditions of our economy become irrational and
unsustainable.

It is our strategic objective today to advance in an articulate, sound
and well-thought out manner until the wages recover their role and
everyone's living standard corresponds directly with their legally
earned incomes, that is, with the significance and quantity of their
contribution to society.

As Fidel pointed out in his Reflection of January 16th: "...nor should
we give away anything to those who could be producing and who don't
produce, or who produce very little. Reward the merits of those who
work with their hands or their minds."

We are simultaneously studying other issues following a priority, and
the pace of progress will depend on their complexity and the resources
available.

We have the basics to find the best possible solutions within our
material possibilities and organizational capabilities, which shall
continue to grow: an educated people, with a high political culture
and firmly united under the principles summed up by comrade Fidel in
his Reflections of January 24th, when he said:

"For me, unity means sharing in the struggle, the risks, the
sacrifices, the aims, ideas, concepts and strategies assumed after
discussion and analysis. Unity means a common struggle against
annexationists, quislings and corrupt individuals who have nothing in
common with a militant revolutionary," end of quote.

I insist on what I said here during the previous session of this
Assembly: "For the enormous possibilities of this unity to turn into
tangible results, it is indispensable that all the institutions and
organizations work with the necessary integration."

Institutionalization, --I repeat--  institutionalization is an
important support of this decisive purpose and one of the pillars of
the Revolution's invulnerability in the political field; therefore, we
must work for its continued improvement. We should never believe that
what we have done is perfect.

Our democracy is as participatory as few others are, but we should be
aware that the functioning of the State and Government institutions is
not yet as effective as our people rightfully demand. This is
something we should all think about.

On December, I referred to the excess of prohibitions and regulations,
and in the next few weeks we shall start removing the most simple of
them. Many had had the purpose of preventing the emergence of new
inequalities at a time of general shortages, even when that meant
relinquishing certain incomes.

The suppression of other procedures, even if they might sound simple
to some, will take more time for they require a more comprehensive
study and changes of certain legal regulations, in addition to the
fact that some of these are influenced by measures taken against our
country by successive U.S administrations.

Changing subject, there is also the tendency to apply the same recipe
everywhere. As a result of this --and this is perhaps its worst
consequence-- many believe that the solution of every problem demands
a national measure.

In many respects, local initiative can be effective and viable; this
much has been proven with the direct distribution of milk, as I said
last July 26th.  This experience has already been extended to 64
municipalities from 13 provinces in the country; 40 of them are
completely applying this system. We are also advancing in the
remaining municipalities and in the dairy industry.

In addition to ensuring prompt and proper distribution of this
essential product, which is the main objective, in the last few months
of this past year said program allowed us to save more than 6 thousand
tons of powder milk whose purchase would have cost in excess of 30
million USD, at the average price in the period of 5 thousand USD a ton.

Additionally, the hard currency expenses were reduced in 2.6 millions,
including in this figure the cost of 600 thousand litters of fuel.

Other examples could be taken from the most diverse sectors;
therefore, we must continue to think of similar solutions at all
levels of the administration.

Comrades:

On a day like this, in 1895, responding to a call from Martí, the Old
and the New Generations resumed the struggle for the independence
thwarted by the United States military intervention. Half a century
later, we again managed to be united and to fight against the same
enemy.

It was not by chance that this date was chosen, 50 years ago, for the
first broadcasting by Radio Rebelde on the Sierra Maestra, nor that
this was the date in 1976 when we proclaimed our Socialist Constitution.

On this 113th anniversary of the Necessary War, we are faced with many
really difficult challenges. In order to face them, let's bear in mind
what Fidel wrote in his Reflections published last December 10th, when
he alerted us:

"For every Cuban, Martí's frowning countenance and Maceo's withering
look point to the arduous path of duty, not to a more comfortable life."

Thank you, very much.


=========================================
     WALTER LIPPMANN
     Los Angeles, California
     Editor-in-Chief, CubaNews
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CubaNews/
     "Cuba - Un Paraíso bajo el bloqueo"
=========================================