In keeping with the story of Elian Gonzalez I wanted to bring up the topic of Communist Cuba.  There have been hundreds if not thousands of human rights violations.  Back in 2000 Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, accused Cuba of denying would be immigrants their exit visas.  They had already been granted their visa from the Unites States.  These actions have forced many Cubans to flee the country in very dangerous conditions.  People have been trying to escape the island and risking their lives for years because their right to live freely has been taken away by the communist government of Cuba. 

Religious freedom has also been restricted in Cuba.  Many priests and bishops have been exiled from he island of Cuba.  Religious freedom violations have tripled in 2012. There is one specific case regarding a Pastor Reutilio Columbie from the Shalom Christian Center.  The pastor was left with permanent brain damage because of a vicious attack he suffered after he filed a complaint because Communist Party officials, who had illegally confiscated a vehicle that was licensed and owned by the Shalom Christian Center. 

           Freedom of speech is practically non-existent on the island of Cuba.  The government maintains a monopoly on the media and what is put out on television and radio.  There is only limited internet access on the island therefore only a small amount of Cubans have access to independent published articles and blogs.  There have been cases where individuals who have tried to express their opinions have been physically assaulted or incarcerated or both by the Cuban government. 

The right to live freely is so important to our vitality as humans.  We are truly blessed that we live in a country where for the most part we have the right to live freely.  There are places like Cuba where there is absolutely no freedom. 

http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-cuba