As the Cuban government continues to fall short on food, vaccines, and most importantly, freedom, Cuban Americans have assembled in the streets in Miami to demonstrate against the oppressive regime. The demonstration grew to such a large crowd that the events gained national traction and notable politicians' attention, including Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) who supports holding Communist Cuba accountable.
Rep. Murphy has a long history of opposing oppressive governments as she herself fled Vietnam as a child the U.S. pulled out of that country. Since taking office in the House of Representatives, Murphy has worked on legislation to dismantle Socialist and or Communist regimes around the world, Cuba specifically.
Back in April of 2021, Murphy led a bipartisan effort to pass the Cuban Family Reunification Modernization Act. The program would permit the US government to use our naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to conduct interviews and background checks and possible beneficiaries of the bill. The bill will also allow lawful residents to apply for their family members to claim resident status. The naval base would only be used on a temporary basis, but only time will tell if the temporary status is extended or made permanent.
Now 3 months later, Rep. Stephanie Murphy contributed to the conversation as the anti-Cuban protests broke out. The representative tweeted over the weekend what looked like an endorsement of the protests claiming "I stand in solidarity with the Cuban people—and so many Cuban Americans—who are calling for change."
What we’re seeing on the streets of Cuba is important and inspiring. It takes courage to protest against a repressive authoritarian regime.
I stand in solidarity with the Cuban people—and so many Cuban Americans—who are calling for change. #SOSCuba https://t.co/qQSD7Tuekr
— U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) July 12, 2021
While the US did see a demonstration in Miami, Florida the original events have been taking place in cities across Cuba attracting thousands to demand accountability for the government. Havana, Santiago, Santa Clara, Matanzas, Cienfuegos and Holguín -- but also in smaller towns like Palma Soriano, Cárdenas, Colón, Guira de Melena, Artemisa and others in Cuba all saw action this week.
