Votes in Cuba

Recently I returned from Cuba.  I always love visiting friends in this Caribbean country.  They are full of energy, grace, and hospitality.

On this trip, something special was happening in Cuba.  There were elections, but not just any elections.  They were voting for a new constitution.  Cuba has an original constitution when it established freedom from Spain in 1901.  It had a major revision in 1976, and now it was pursuing another major revision.

#I Vote Yes

This was considered a big deal in Cuba.  Signs were everywhere.  Ads on TV.  Articles in newspapers.  The government was doing the full court press to get people to come to the polls and affirm the new constitution.

Here’s an example of a typical sign.  Yes for my patriotism. Yes, for my job.  Yes for my flag.  Yes, for my independence.

One thing seemed a little odd.  We did not see a single sign that said, No on the constitution.  There was not a single article in a newspaper that challenged the vote!  In other words, no dissent.  As an American this seemed quite odd.  We are used to such wrangling and discussion over EVERYTHING.  Here we were in a country in which there was no meaningful dissent.

We are headed into another election season.  The presidential election for 2020 is already in full motion.  Democratic candidates are lining up.  The president is building up an election fund.  Debates are being planned.  Advertising on the internet and through TV will certainly set new records.  And most Americans will hear so much that we will be tired of it all!

This election season, I have a new appreciation for rigorous debate.  Dissent is an important part of our country and its heritage.

Bob Hope said in 1971 at the height of protest over the war in Vietnam,  “Sure, we have people walking around carrying signs telling us what’s wrong with this nation.  But that in itself is an advertisement.  It tells America and it tells the world that there is still a spot where we’re free to protest.”

I hope to have a deeper patience this year with people dissenting with the government or sharing their views.  It is part of the American experience.

Cuban polling station