Cuba’s Minister of Culture, Abel Pietro, gathered last Saturday with the Society of Chilean Writers. There, while promoting Cuba’s Book Fair, he gave the following statement: “With Paulo Coelho we have a problem: he is a friend of Cuba and talks against the embargo, but I can’t put him in the Fair, the fair can’t lose its prestige.”
Firstly, I would like to say the following: I’ve been many times invited to participate in Havana’s Book Fair. I have always refused since I’m against its political regime, even though I’m a friend of Cuba and against the American naval blockade that hinders the people. By doing this I was avoiding a problem for the illustrious Minister of Culture.
I would like to remember something though: that whilst having an immense quantity of readers in the island, I find that the Minister of Culture’ statement is typical of any fascist imminence: meaning, the people doesn’t know how to choose.
The Minister of Culture may ignore that I gave freely the author rights of ALL my books, so that they could be printed in Cuba, and this way they would collaborate for a lower price – so vehemently advocated by the Minister – and equally for the democratization of culture.
Finally, I’m not at all surprised by this declaration: people that before were fighting for liberty and justice, for the right of free speech, once in power, transform themselves into the very oppressors they once overturned. George Orwell has already written about this many decades ago.
Sir, do not bother yourself. The prestige of the Fair depends on the readers, who will have my books for sale there, with the rights granted by me – even though this open letter may collaborate for their prohibition. Furthermore, your words, to sheer the cultural elite, do not surprise me in any way.
What would surprise me would be that instead of attacking me personally, and consequently all my Cuban readers, you had pronounced yourself in regards to the free and democratic elections in Cuba.
Why do you refuse to go to Cuba,
when you are OK with visiting China?
(Beijing 2002, photogallery at wwww.paulocoelho.com)
They are both dictatorships where
human rights are seriously neglected
and people are thrown into prison
when asking for democracy.
Just curious to how you motivate
your different choices here.
Recently when Lawrence Ferengeti was being interviewed to his readership of his recent Published work whilst in his 80’s he stated to the journalist(paraphrasing), “remeber the power of this country, the intellectual force of this country is in the reading masses.”
Yonnas
Yep ! Paulo !,
The depth to your stories come from the depth of u’r being, it’s about time, these ‘politicians’ are stood up to, and their lies be exposed for what they r. marie was wondering why is your site blocked in some places, well why r u blocked from some places; u bring a joy to people who begin to dream again, regain their human nature, assert their freedom; letting such forces out is highly detrimental to the system; irony is that the system devours ultimately, all who serve it, ferinds and foes alike. I hope, the Honourable minister, looks within sometime and ask himself, are all the lies worth it. As u have said all revloutionaries end up becomming clones of the oppressors and as history teaches us mostly a more ghastly version of opprression is unleased; if only we could all learn to look within and see if the ‘crimes’ we r committing, r they worth it.
regards
aditya
i admire the way you fight for freedom…. – the freedom of speech is also a problem in our country – some of our people are taken to jail because of saying things against the Gov’t. and bombarded w/ water cannons whenever rallys are going on. the fight u had w/ the cuban minister, gave us the light in the tunnel knowing that somehow, someday w/ people like you in the world, there will be changes
Por supuesto que el prestigio te lo damos nosotros y los ciudadanos de Cuba también.
Todavía el mundo intelectual cierra sus ojos, pero eso no es problema, ganaremos la batalla, somos muchos guerreros los que te apoyamos y pedimos que se acabe el embargo y que Cuba sea libre, que haya elecciones, que haya democracia y que tus libros circulen libremente para aquellos que te quieran leer que de seguro serán muchos.
Un beso Paulo y gracias por apoyar las grandes causas.
I also agree that America should not have restrictions against Cuba. I find it odd that George Bush is taking away the rights of American citizens while critizing Cuba. The best way for America to affect change in Cuba is to end the travel and trade restrictions. The USA is becoming less democratic and more like the governments they oppose. Your statements about what George Orwell has written are correct. Also the song by the Who “We Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The world will evolve when we all shine our light.
Ione
You fighting for democracy and freedom in the world is what it can be named “a good fight” and a “good fight” is always necessary.
May God help us all to live in peace and be surrounded by love in our freedom!
R.M.
Awesome,
Here where i work on an american base in qatar, they have blocked your websites, well i ask myself why? I even got upset and called them to ask why did they block the Paulo Coelho Blog site? well they would not answer me, i guess to them there is no freedom of speech, or maybe they are afraid of people being liberated. i know how your books have shined light in my life allowing me to see things that once hid in the dark. I know for sure like Brandon said above the people of Cuba lives will forever be touched and changed :D
much love to you Warrior
Keep up the good fight my warrior freind. This is defenitly an issue of the light. As my father always said ” in life one is always called to might for that which is right”. In this case what you are fighting for is the right thing to do. The people of Cuba whose lives you touch will be touched forever and change will commence to follow the statement of your actions.
take care,
B.B.