#cubanlivesmatter

When Bill and I saw the Coasties on Wednesday morning, I imagined they were looking for unmoored vessels. Little did I know, they were searching for people in the water. Over the last weeks I have been sharing photos and stories of the Cuban people and their hand made boats called “chugs,” in which they cross the Florida straits, with sites set on the United States. I can’t fathom getting into a homemade boat, in the dark of night, to risk finding freedom. This group, having most likely paid $9k each, borrowed from friends and family already here, drew the unlucky straws of getting to leave before Hurricane Ian. Business is business. Freedom is real. Climb aboard. One body was pulled from Oceans Edge where our friends and family stay when they come to visit, just a block from our RV. 9 plucked from the ocean. 17 missing. To quote one rescued: “It’s dangerous, but being free is worth more than the risk we are taking,” he said. I don’t understand why we turn a blind eye on the Mexican border, yet send these truly oppressed souls back to Cuba?! Something must be done! What can I do to make a difference? We need a change in policy now. What we have in place is not working. #cubanlivesmatter