I would like to take exception to some comments by Dr. Kamila Valenta in the Aug. 28 edition of the Catholic News Herald ("Cuba, other post-Communist countries need evangelization").
As a Cuban-born American who lived in Cuba until I was 16 (three of those years under Communist rule), I think it is wrong to assume that because we have established diplomatic relations with Cuba, it is going to turn its back on Communism and become a democracy.
The Cuban people have suffered more than 50 years from tyranny. I suffered three years under that tyranny, and I saw my beloved Church dismantled. My family was broken up because of the Communists. Thousands of children never got to see their families again.
Nobody – unless they have lived under this type of oppressive regime – can understand that these Communists will not change their ways unless they are forced to do it. I have yet to see anyone, President Barack Obama or Pope Francis, demand any change in Cuba.
Diplomatic relations, the lifting of the U.S. embargo, and open visits to Cuba by Americans will not bring change to Cuba. Cuba will not become a "post-Communist" country unless other actions are taken.
Just as two other popes did, Pope Francis will soon visit Cuba. Unless the pope has stronger words for the Castro regime, there will be no change for the Cuban people.
The Catholic hierarchy in Cuba must also stand strong against Castro's regime on the issue of freedom of assembly, and they must aid dissidents who are suffering so much abuse.
Cuba's regime has given no concessions to change its ideology and will not change until someone stands strong against the Castros and demands that democratic changes be implemented immediately.
— Diamela Oakley is a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.