About a month ago, after a Castroite street mob broke up a peaceful rally he was leading on Dec. 10, I e-mailed Cuban dissident Dr. Darsi Ferrer to once again express my solidarity with his efforts for a free Cuba. I hadn't heard from him since, and was starting to worry he was once again in trouble with the police.

So I was relieved this morning to find in my mailbox a response from Darsi.

Here it is, in English, and in Spanish, below:

Brother,
First of all, excuse the delay in answering, but the Internet service at the U.S. Interests Section was closed because of the holidays, until now.

I am very grateful for your solidarity and your affection. I also greatly admire your love for Cuba and the commitment you have demonstrated for the cause of freedom for our nation. Very soon, we will obtain our yearnings of being able to live in freedom, with democracy, justice and opportunities for all. And it will be because of many worthy Cubans, yourself included.

A big hug, and Happy New Year,

Darsi



I was reluctant to publish this, since it might look like I am being boastful about receiving this note of praise from a true hero. But I am not ashamed to say I am honored to call Darsi Ferrer my friend and brother.






Hermano:
Ante todo, disculpa la demora en contestarte pero en la Oficina de Intereses de los EEUU cerraron el servicio de Internet por los días festivos hasta ahora.

Te estoy muy agradecido por la solidaridad y cariño. También admiro mucho tu amor por Cuba y el compromiso que demuestras con la causa de la libertad de nuestra Nación. Muy pronto lograremos nuestros anhelos de poder vivir en libertad, con democracia, justicia y oportunidades para todos. Y ello será gracias al esfuerzo de muchos cubanos dignos, dentro de los cuales estás incluido.
Un gran abrazo y felicidades en el nuevo año,

Darsi