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News :: Miscellaneous |
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The All American Game! |
Current rating: 0 |
by Durl Kruse
Email: durljan (nospam) earthlink.net (unverified!)
Phone: 217-234-4720
Address: 6398 Lerna Road Mattoon, Illinois |
29 Jun 2002
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Feelings regarding the U.S. Embargo after attending a baseball game in Cuba. |
 Feelings regarding the U.S. Embargo after attending a baseball game in Cuba. |
THE ALL AMERICAN GAME!!
Even though the sky was slightly overcast, it was as hot and humid as usual. In all regards except one, it was a typical June 14th summer day at a major league baseball game. It was the fifth game of a seven game playoff series with the winner heading to play for the national championship. With the series currently tied at two games apiece, the anticipation and excitement of the five thousand fans that filled the stadium to capacity filled the air.
With each passing inning the drama grew. By the middle of the seventh inning the visiting team had built a 3-1 lead. With one out in the bottom of the inning, the second batter struck a clean base hit to center. Two pitches later he slid safely into second with a stolen base as the crowd roared it approval. Surprising everyone, the next hitter laid a perfect bunt down the third base line resulting in runners at first and third. The fans were now clapping their hands and stomping their feet in unison. Everyone could feel a rally coming. The crescendo grew deafening.
Suddenly a sharp hit down the left field line barely fair by two feet caused the crowd to rise in unison. I found myself cheering and turning to the grandfather standing next to me while giving the safe sign as the batter slid safely into second. His grandson, barely ten years old, was clapping and cheering ecstatically. Our foreign eyes met, we smiled broadly at each other and shared in the excitement of the moment even though we didn’t share the same language.
I forgot where I was and had stopped thinking about all the differences and struggles between our two countries. Even though I was a lone US citizen standing with thousands of Cuban baseball fans in Santa Clara Stadium in central Cuba, at that moment I shared a common human bond with them. We were more alike than different. I knew we shared similar dreams and hopes for a safe, prosperous and peaceful life.
How sad I thought that US citizens could only travel to Cuba with a licensed agency that must be sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury. What has our country’s forty-two year old embargo wrought against this poor island population, where people earn only $120 a year, but untold and unnecessary suffering by its eleven million people! Due to the Blockade by the U.S. much needed medical and educational supplies and equipment are in short supply in Cuba. During this same visit I had the opportunity to carry in meager humanitarian aid which seemed like such a small gesture. Yet these supplies were graciously accepted on behalf of those in the community with the greatest need! Cuba is no threat to the United States with our untold economic and military might. I wondered, even though belatedly, if it wasn’t finally time for the United States to change its relationship with Cuba? Having visited Cuba, I know it is and the “All American Game” helped me to understand why.
If you are interested in further discussions regarding life in Cuba today and licensed travel through Global Exchange please come to the A.W.A.R.E. meeting on July 14 at 5:00 P.M. This presentation will be at the Independent Media Center at 218 W. Main Street in Urbana, Illinois. |
