By Nick Braune
An upcoming conference is scheduled which will, I hope, foster better understanding between three countries with revolutionary traditions: Cuba, Mexico and the U.S. Here is a quick online interview with one person in the Rio Grande Valley prominently promoting the conference, an English professor at U.T. Pan American, David Anshen.
Braune: David, I am really happy you talked me into attending the Marti, Juarez, Lincoln Conference next month. Could you give the readers an overview of it? And I am sure many people would appreciate being reminded who Benito Juarez and Jose Marti were.
Anshen: The International Conference, “Marti, Juarez and Lincoln: In the Heart of Our America,” is a gathering in Monterrey, Mexico, October 15-17, for scholars, activists, working people – anyone supporting democratic exchange. Panel discussions on cultural, political and historical issues will be offered, as well as general dialogue on the future of the Americas. With prominent figures from Mexico and the U.S. and the head of the Marti Institute, Armando Hart, joining the panels, this conference has political and social importance, particularly in the face of the growing economic crisis racking the three countries and the world.
To answer your other question, Nick, it’s important for working people and youth to learn the real history of revolutionary struggles, the class dynamics that led to the developments of modern-day capitalism in the Americas. Part of what the conference aims to do is provide education about the role of these three great historic figures:
Juarez led a revolution in Mexico in the late 19th century against feudal privileges. Marti, a Cuban hero, fought for the independence of Spain and against U.S. encroachment upon Cuba’s national sovereignty. Marti also inspired future generations of Cuban revolutionaries. Lincoln, as is better known, led the nation in a war that eliminated slavery. This conference will discuss all three figures, including discussion and debate about their ideas and their relevance for the future relations between these three countries.
Braune: I understand there may be several people from Pan Am and the Valley attending or on panels. How is that coming along? And also why is it important for Valley people to attend?
Anshen: We expect the largest U.S. contingent attending will come from the Rio Grande Valley. This is understandable because of our geographic proximity to Monterrey, but more importantly because of our cultural, political, and economic links to Mexico. So far there has been an enthusiastic response among students, scholars, cultural figures, and activists. We plan to fill at least one bus, subsidized and sponsored by the Office of International Programs at UTPA, and a second bus if possible. Our goal is to ensure that anyone interested in the ideals of the Conference will be able to attend. Tell your readers I can be contacted at danshen@utpa.edu.
Braune: A little off topic, but surely related: Do you advocate, and do you realistically foresee, any changes under Obama for our current Cuba policy?
Anshen: You ask about the possibility of better relations between the Cuban government and the Obama administration. The Conference is based on the idea, going back to Jose Marti, of truly friendly relations between peoples, and therefore the Conference will support the full ending of the horrible economic trade embargo against Cuba.
But I personally am not hopeful, in the short run, about any major changes of policy under the Obama administration in regards to Cuba, because it is the political independence and revolutionary character of the government of Cuba which has earned the hostility of successive U.S. administrations since the virtual beginning of the Cuban Revolution. This is just my personal view. However, conferences like this are a concrete act of solidarity and make it harder for the U.S. government to justify its illegal, immoral, blockade.
Braune: Thanks, David. See you in Monterrey.
[This interview also appeared this week in the Mid-Valley Town Crier]
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