[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF CUBA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today, May 21, is being 
designated as the International Day of Solidarity with the people of 
Cuba. On this day we recognize the plight of political prisoners in 
Cuba and the threats to human rights that still exist in that nation.
  For almost 50 years, Fidel Castro ruled Cuba with an iron-fist. While 
he recently stepped down as President, the Communist dictatorship he 
headed still remains under his brother Raul, The stranglehold this 
regime has upon its people, its economy, and many facets of daily life 
is unacceptable. This form of oppression stifles the human spirit and 
denies progress and prosperity.
  On this date, the international community should speak with one voice 
to the people of Cuba that we understand their struggle. As a Nation 
built upon the foundation of freedom from tyranny, the United States 
must continue to lead the way in bringing democracy and freedom to the 
people of Cuba.

                          ____________________