One year ago on July 11th, the Cuban people took to the streets to protest against the Castro regime. What followed was a wave of support that resulted in people taking to the streets in South Florida to join the movement in solidarity. A year later, lawmakers argue that work is still left to be done. In response to the ongoing conflict between the Cuban people and the communist regime, lawmakers have taken to social media to share their thoughts, including Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) who asserted that "Cuba should be free."
Marking the one-year anniversary of the Cuban protests against the communist regime, lawmakers took to social media to share videos and pictures in support, arguing that the fight against communism is not over.
State Senator Annette Taddeo (D) shared a picture of her taking part in a "Patria Y Vida" event.
Today and everyday I stand with the Cuban people in calling for their freedom and an end to the communist regime. We cannot allow this moment in history to pass us by, continuing this movement is the path towards “Cuba Libre”. #PatriaYVida #11J pic.twitter.com/invLcUBoqv
— Annette Taddeo (She/Her/Ella) (@Annette_Taddeo) July 11, 2022
"Today and everyday I stand with the Cuban people in calling for their freedom and an end to the communist regime," Taddeo wrote, adding that "we cannot allow this moment in history to pass us by, continuing this movement is the path towards 'Cuba Libre.'"
Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R), Taddeo's political rival, shared a video on social media, commenting that as a daughter of exiled Cubans, she continues to support the Cuban people. She also recounted that her district is home to many Cuban families that were displaced, and she affirmed her solidarity.
Como hija de exiliados y representante de un Distrito en el que viven tantas familias cubanas, no me olvido de los valientes que salieron a las calles de la Isla el pasado #11J.
Para ustedes toda mi solidaridad y mi compromiso de seguir alzando mi voz en el Congreso. pic.twitter.com/lqVjYnBEVn
— María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) July 11, 2022
Rep. Crist also shared a video in support of the Cuban people.
In the video, Crist championed the protests, saying it was "needed to have in order to fight for freedom and send a message to the world." "Cuba should be free," Crist added, saying "Cuba si, Castro no."
On Twitter, the gubernatorial hopeful added that "one year ago the people of Cuba showed us the true meaning of courage when they stood up against their oppressors and demanded 'libertad.'" He further wrote that the Cuban people "have suffered for far too long from the ravages of communism. They deserve democracy NOW!"
One year ago the people of Cuba showed us the true meaning of courage when they stood up against their oppressors and demanded “libertad.” They have suffered for far too long from the ravages of communism. They deserve democracy NOW!
Patria y vida. ¡Cuba será libre! pic.twitter.com/ZCruu2ohLK
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) July 11, 2022