What would you do.

[El Presidente]

I have a general question for members.

I have a close friend in Cuba..... lets call him Manuel.

Manuel is Cuban and works for a major company. He is in his early 30's, university educated, speaks and writes fluent English, has a work ethic which is as good as any I have ever encountered and has a personal moral code that I have seldom seen matched.

Through commercial excellence (a Cuban rareity) he has been promoted rapidly over the past 10 years, has travelled on business for his company internationally (extensively) and is regarded as on the cusp of taking the step toward a serious senior executive position.

Manuel grew up in an educated household where his parents were professionals but witnessed the slow degeneration of his family and friends into poverty. He is a free thinker, a reader of philosophy, history, poetry and I have seen him "gift" small plots of land adjacent to his house to the most impoverished so that they could illegally build a shanty to house their young family.

Manuel has no love for "The Party". Yet through sheer excellence he has risen to management levels avoiding the calls to join.

The system in Cuba has finally caught up with him. Last week he was called to a meeting and told that to go any further in his career (executive management), he has no option but to Join "The Party".

Manuel knows what this entails. It is not simply a case of Joining say as a "Republican or Democrat" member in the US (Liberal or Labour in OZ), it means being handed "files" of fellow workers, clients etc which he will need to spy on and provide reports upon. It means attending weekly meetings and chanting the mantra of a system he abhores.

Not agreeing means the end of his career as he will be targeted and watched as a likely "counter revolutionary". It means the loss of his personal dreams and likely harrassment of himself, family and known friends.

It is a lot for a man in his early 30's to deal with. He has until next week to make his decision. The scenario is a window into the poison which is this regime.

What would you do? Leaving Cuba is not an option with an ailing mother and young son.

I have toiled with my own thoughts on this and I am coming no closer to offering the advice that was asked for.

[nugget]

My thoughts go out to Manuel.

I hope whatever he goes with it works out for him.

We really do sometimes take our our lives for granted.

[Mike33]

Wow. Sounds like a great man faced with an awful decision.

I could never do something that went so much in the face of my personal beliefs. I just couldn't reconcile it with my conscience. However, I say this from the comfort of my home without actually having to live his life and make his decision. Who knows what I would truly do in that situation.

I wish your friend the best in whatever he decides to do. Only he can make the decision.

I would only ask him this: Which choice would let you wake up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror with no regrets?

[Claudius]

Sounds to me like there's not much of a choice there. He was born into a system he didnt support nor choose. And which he cant get out of either. Only option left is to "work the system". "Join" and pretend. It's not like he has to turn in friends by givng out accurate, incriminating information about them, or is it? In any case, I'm sure a bright young man like that can figure out what to do in such cases (ignore, minimise, deny, etc. etc.).

[korryp]

» Only option left is to "work the system". "Join" and pretend. It's not

» like he has to turn in friends by givng out accurate, incriminating

» information about them, or is it? In any case, I'm sure a bright young

» man like that can figure out what to do in such cases (ignore, minimise,

» deny, etc. etc.).

I have to agree with the above. Hopefully with the upcoming death of Fidel things will change for the better. Until then play the game.

[tigger]

» Only option left is to "work the system". "Join" and pretend. It's not

» like he has to turn in friends by givng out accurate, incriminating

» information about them, or is it? In any case, I'm sure a bright young

» man like that can figure out what to do in such cases (ignore, minimise,

» deny, etc. etc.).

Assuming that there isn't a strong likelihood of there being backlash against him for being a member when things change in Cuba, I have to concur.

I don't like the idea, but with people depending on him, I don't see what other choice there is.

[Claudius]

» Assuming that there isn't a strong likelihood of there being backlash

» against him for being a member when things change in Cuba, I have to concur.

I thought about that for a minute. In this world, ex-KGB members can become the President of Russia :-D if you get my drift. Ex-STASI members havent been filling Germany's prisons after the wall came down. Also, when the US eventually take the place over some day, I dont think they'll want him in jail, they'll probably want his information, knowledge and ability to achieve their economic goals.

[Ginseng]

What would I do if I were in his position?

Honestly, I don't know. I could noodle this all out in head and heart until the cows come home but until that moment of decision, I'll not know if the decision I've made would be reflected in the words that come out of my mouth.

The only counsel I could provide a friend in that position would be to talk clearly, fully, and honestly with his family regarding what priorities and values must be preserved as well as what future must be striven for.

I can think of one course of action I would take...but it would be imprudent to voice that in open forum.

Wilkey

[Trevor2118]

He does not appear to have a real option.

Sometimes someone can change an organisation better from the inside rather than from the outside.

From what you say, the "Party" will not be able to corrupt his principals......he may be able to influence some of them.....hopefully.

It would be a dreadfully decision to make.

[Cohiba007]

» He does not appear to have a real option.

»

» Sometimes someone can change an organisation better from the inside rather

» than from the outside.

»

» From what you say, the "Party" will not be able to corrupt his

» principals......he may be able to influence some of them.....hopefully.

»

» It would be a dreadfully decision to make.

I agree, no real option. Very difficult situation.:-|

[greenpimp]

This seems like a condensed, more black and white version of the choice the world of man forces on us. Sooner or later that world comes knocking. Time to work for The Castle.

That being said, I'm glad I haven't had to make the decision with quite that repugnant of an outcome. Either way he chooses. I wish him well, strong back and strong will.

[smokum]

If it was me...I would have to be a ***** for the "Party" and give my family the best I could give them...and hope and pray that Cuba is freed someday soon. When you are faced with a choice of putting your family and friends in jeopardy you have to do whatever it takes. The only other option would be to try and get out. It's a no win shitty situation for a guy that doesn't deserve to be in that position...and neither does the rest of the people in Cuba. Stuff like this...really makes you realize how precious freedom is. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be in a country where there was no freedom. How did he manage to stay under the radar for this long ?

[zuma]

» He does not appear to have a real option.

»

» Sometimes someone can change an organisation better from the inside rather

» than from the outside.

»

» From what you say, the "Party" will not be able to corrupt his

» principals......he may be able to influence some of them.....hopefully.

»

After giving it a bit of thought... I concur with Trevor's insight.

A sign of Manuel's integrity is that he is actually pondering the situation seriously... less principled people would not even give it a thought and would gave become harlots of the system in their infancy (there were no advantages in delaying it...).

[xibbumbero]

A tough one. Tell him to join and just not turn anyone in,claiming,I know notheeng. X

[El Presidente]

» How did he manage to stay under the

» radar for this long ?

The pressure has been on for the past two years but he is charming and has always managed to make the right noises to deflect the issue.

However, now that he is annointed by many as the "golden child" of the organisation, the party members within (including disaffected colleagues who resent his advancement over seniority) have publicly questioned how he can advance any further without Party affiliation.

He has always kept his feelings to himsef not allowing his enemies any real ammunition. They have managed to box him in. If he joins he is one of them and they can keep a close eye on him, if he decides against joining he is destroyed.

I must thank you all for your opinions. I will make no direct recomendation but refer him to the lives and biographies of of John Rabe (rape of Nanking) and Oscar Schindler. Perhaps dramatic, but he may draw some comfort in that Party membership does not proclude acts of humanity.

[smokum]

» However, now that he is annointed by many as the "golden child" of the

» organisation, the party members within (including disaffected colleagues

» who resent his advancement over seniority) have publicly questioned how he

» can advance any further without Party affiliation.

This statement just pisses me off further.

There is always some sour ass mother F@#$^& with no balls who is so resentful of someone advancing because they are better at what they do,that they would throw them under the bus just for spite. I would join the friggin party and dig up dirt on those sonofabitches...

[Tampa1257]

» Sounds to me like there's not much of a choice there. He was born into a

» system he didnt support nor choose. And which he cant get out of either.

» Only option left is to "work the system". "Join" and pretend. It's not

» like he has to turn in friends by givng out accurate, incriminating

» information about them, or is it? In any case, I'm sure a bright young

» man like that can figure out what to do in such cases (ignore, minimise,

» deny, etc. etc.).

I would say that his choice while difficult is the only way of survival in his Country is to Join the Party. Protect the family and do whatever it takes. While he may not have to act on what they ask, he can continue his path and make things for his family better. Sorry to hear about his troubles.

[JMH]

Excuse my language, but that is absolutely ****ed. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Obviously it's a decision that requires a tremendous amount of thought, but if forced to make an on the spot decision, I'd choose the "join and work the party" option.

[zuma]

» I will make no direct recomendation but refer him to the lives and biographies of of John Rabe (rape of Nanking) and Oscar Schindler. Perhaps dramatic, but he may draw some comfort in that Party membership does not preclude acts of humanity.

Very wise approach...

[COJ]

» Sounds to me like there's not much of a choice there. He was born into a

» system he didnt support nor choose. And which he cant get out of either.

» Only option left is to "work the system". "Join" and pretend. It's not

» like he has to turn in friends by givng out accurate, incriminating

» information about them, or is it? In any case, I'm sure a bright young

» man like that can figure out what to do in such cases (ignore, minimise,

» deny, etc. etc.).

Ditto...you play the cards your given...and within the rules that are provided

[anacostiakat]

» » How did he manage to stay under the

» » radar for this long ?

»

» The pressure has been on for the past two years but he is charming and has

» always managed to make the right noises to deflect the issue.

»

» However, now that he is annointed by many as the "golden child" of the

» organisation, the party members within (including disaffected colleagues

» who resent his advancement over seniority) have publicly questioned how he

» can advance any further without Party affiliation.

» He has always kept his feelings to himsef not allowing his enemies any

» real ammunition. They have managed to box him in. If he joins he is one of

» them and they can keep a close eye on him, if he decides against joining he

» is destroyed.

»

» I must thank you all for your opinions. I will make no direct

» recomendation but refer him to the lives and biographies of of John Rabe

» (rape of Nanking) and Oscar Schindler. Perhaps dramatic, but he may draw

» some comfort in that Party membership does not proclude acts of humanity.

I believe you must be a survivor.

[Freefallguy]

I may be contrarian in my thoughts, but none the less share them I must.

From your description Manuel is a principled man, an educated a man of letters. To prostitute himself to the Party will foment a poisonous conflict of ideals and purpose, one which will seep slowly through mind and body. A poison that will bring a slow, crippling and humiliating death, maybe not physical, but certainly of spirit. What does it profit him if he loses his soul to gain a passing career, riches?

Among others Paul Rusesabagina(Rwanda) and Lech Walesa(Poland) are honored as courageous, selfless humanitarians in the face of great oppression.

Walesa’s story bears a strong corollary here. He was an electrician in a shipyard and yet organized non-communist trade unions and strikes in communist Poland. In 1976 as a result of his activities as a shop steward, he was fired and had to earn his living by taking temporary jobs and the support of his friends. In 1980 he led the Gdansk shipyard strike which gave rise to a wave of strikes over much of the country with Walesa seen as the leader. The primary demands were for workers' rights. He was later awarded the noble Peace Prize and elected President of a free Poland in 1990. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/l...walesa-bio.html

You have noted before that the end of communism will not come from an impotent embargo, but will come from within Cuba. Can an individual like Manuel bring about radical change, ABSOLUTELY. Is Manuel the ONE who will bring the change, maybe. As the bursting of a dam begins with the loosing of one stone, so shall Castor’s regime fall. It is beyond a shadow of doubt that Manuel and others like him will restore freedom.

It is easy to sit in the comfort of my office, sip coffee and wax eloquent. Out of oppression however rises man of valour. My sincere prayer is that Manuel and men like him prevail.

[tigger]

» I may be contrarian in my thoughts, but none the less share them I must.

I should note that in principle, I agree with you. No one should have to bow down to government or party, even if they're relatively benign.

But it sounds as if Manuel has family that he's providing for. Most would view that commitment as a primary responsibility.

Many heroes like Paul Rusesabagina and Archbishop Romero have played "the game" for a time, until they could no longer condone participating in systems that were growing ever worse.

I hope Manuel makes a decision he can be comfortable with. I further hope that the day will come in the not too distant future when the party will no longer matter.

[Wiley]

I've never lived in a situation like that, thank God. So the following opinion is a worthless bit of me barking out my ass:

Joining the Party is a bullshit idea. I'm really dissappointed that so many people here are suggesting it. If he has so much moral fiber, he's going to be in Hell. That's assuming he can resist the insidious pressure to behave in the Party role, which will be a feat.

Rob, you mentioned a couple of examples of men who managed to resist most of the lure to accommodate an evil group they joined. The flip side of that dark coin is that the vast majority of people do not. Most people will gladly sell their souls for safety and security.

Some of those people started out decent people, who made excuses for joining and told themselves they wouldn't change, but who gradually changed by making small concessions against their conscience.

If the Cubans had stopped "going along to get along" years ago, maybe they still wouldn't be Communist.

Also, your friend might want to consider trying to find or make a third option. I don't know what that is, but I can't believe there isn't the possibility.

** As I said in the beginning, this is an opinion based on casual observation and reading, so I have no data to prove I'm not full of ****. Also, I'm Basque, and we've been giving the finger to "the Man" for 2000 years, at least. Cubans of Basque descent should get off their asses and start blowing **** up! :-P

[Mel]

Double Agent! Spare the good and screw the bad.