BillHobbs.com is a frequently updated blog of original reporting and commentary by Bill Hobbs, a longtime Nashville journalist and media relations adviser. I am currently serving as communications director for the Tennessee Republican Party, a job I began on Oct. 29, 2007.
When I read the news this morning that Fidel Castro, who has kept the Cuban people imprisioned in 1959 for half a century, has decided to retire, one of the first people I thought of was Carrie Ferguson Weir, a former Tennessean reporter and Cuban-American now running Los Pollitos Dicen, a company that markets Latino-themed apparel for babies and toddlers, and blogging at Bilingual in the Boonies. Sure enough, she has some thoughts... And some good news.
From Hell to Paradise Raul Malo/The Mavericks, 1992
For thirty years they sang the song of promised victory But who they've fought and who has won Didn't matter much to me
I see them driving down the streets In their fancy shiny cars Crowds of people to their feet Their faces full of scars
No pleasantries, no luxuries No little children's milk
While minister's wives spent all their lives In China's finest silk
My back's been broken many times But my spirit lingers on The day it comes my way on freedom's ship I will be gone
From hell to paradise I'll always pay the price From hell to paradise I'll always pay the price
This ninety mile trip has taken thirty years to make They tried to keep forever what was never theirs to take I cursed and scratched the devil's hand As he stood in front of me One last drag from his big cigar And he finally set me free
From hell to paradise I'll always pay the price From hell to paradise I'll always pay the price From hell to paradise I'll always pay the price From hell to paradise I'll always pay the price
Con ojos tiernos algun dia te mirare Con brases abiertos algun dia abrasare Hay mi Havana cuando pueda regresare
(With tender eyes someday I'll look at you With open arms someday I'll embrace you My old Havana someday I will return)
Pray for the people of Cuba, that they may one day receive the freedom, democracy and economic progress that Castro has long denied them.
Comments Policy: Your comment is subject to deletion if it is off-topic or includes foul language or personal attack. Readers, please email me if you find comments that include egregious violations of this policy. Comments may not post immediately - do not post twice!
