Cuban priest Alberto Reyes, from the diocese of Camagüey, has expressed deep concerns over how the dire circumstances of poverty, repression, and social stagnation have tainted the spirit of many individuals in Cuba. A staunch critic of the regime, Reyes shared his thoughts on Facebook, emphasizing that communism does not aim to create wealth but rather to strip it away from those who have earned it through hard work. He highlighted how this ideology views individuals as mere tools for its own purposes.
Despite these challenges, Father Reyes notes that some people strive to achieve personal success amidst harassment, while others choose to emigrate or merely survive, finding joy in others' victories. He underscores that communism thrives not on these instances but on resentment, contempt for those who succeed, and hatred for those who feel free and happy.
A Culture of Resentment
In a recent post titled "I've been thinking... (XC)" by Alberto Reyes Pías, he reflects on the importance of guarding one's soul against contamination. He speaks of living in anticipation of a change, the end of a historical period filled with disappointment, poverty, repression, and significant social stagnation. Reyes hopes that when the dawn of liberty arrives, it finds people with the best of their hearts awakened, even in the darkest of times.
Reyes recounts an anecdote involving a teenager who expressed satisfaction over a power outage in her neighborhood. When a neighbor suggested a more empathetic view, she stubbornly maintained her stance. This, Reyes argues, exemplifies how communism feeds on resentment, perpetuating a worldview of oppressors versus the oppressed.
Communism vs. Personal Progress
Reyes argues that communism does not aim to generate wealth but to take it from those who have earned it. Even when it seems to promote economic activity, as in China, the goal is not to foster genuine progress but to keep individuals as cogs in the system. This ideology stifles creativity, preventing it from leading to healthy private ownership. Communism denies citizens the right to personal progress, making them feel detached from the fruits of their labor.
In light of these realities, some individuals refuse to give up, persistently working toward personal achievements despite ongoing harassment. Others choose to apply their creativity in new places. Many struggle to survive but manage to find joy in others' successes. Communism, however, finds no sustenance in these scenarios. It draws strength from resentment, disdain for those who succeed, and animosity toward those who find freedom and happiness.
The Misguided Defense of Communism
Reyes points out that there are wealthy individuals who defend communism because having material goods does not equate to happiness, and it is easier to blame others for personal unhappiness. Similarly, some impoverished people idolize Marxist ideology, convinced that the root of all evil is an "unjust world" controlled by selfish hoarders who must be stripped of everything.
While acknowledging the vast social injustices that exist globally, Reyes warns that when the approach to addressing these issues is rooted in disdain and resentment, it ultimately exploits the poor, increasing their numbers and leaving them in misery, fueled by empty speeches and messages of hatred.