Relating to a Refugee’s Return to Cuba

I just read the story about Cuba written by Maria Elena Fernandez (“Return to Cuba: A Bittersweet Journey Home,” April 30), and I would like to thank her and the L.A. Times for the report on the Cuban reality. I’m a Cuban American who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee during the Mariel boat lift in 1980. I also went back to Cuba this year after 20 years of absence. I had a very similar experience to that of Paloma Morales Rodriguez. Then, as one of the 11,000 people who took asylum at the Peruvian Embassy and defected to the U.S., I was also vilified by the Cuban government as escoria, or scum. This time I was welcomed back with open arms because of my dollars.

I saw the same reality, a country collapsed under a one-man totalitarian rule. Everyone who I met during my stay, particularly the young people, had no hope for a better future. They only longed for a way out of the country.

--ENRIQUE SANTOS

Los Angeles

*

I am a Cuban-born American citizen who left Cuba on the first anniversary of the Bay of Pigs, in April 1962. I have never returned, so I can feel the emotions described by Paloma Morales Rodriguez through the very well-written account. This article brought tears to my eyes as it made me feel like I was there with them.

--MIGUEL P. SEGURA

Anaheim Hills

*

The article was outstanding, factually written and with such depth and emotion that I felt I was there. I have known others who have gone back to visit family members and have had similar accounts. I am a Cuban American, who left Cuba 39 years ago when I was 2. Since I am lucky enough not to have family there, I refuse to visit my homeland although I hold her dear to my heart. I cannot in good conscience return to visit resorts while my people do not have a meal to eat or toothpaste--and not because it is unavailable, but because it is only available for tourists. This, I guess, must mean that I will remain a gusano (worm), and proud of it.

--NANETTE OCANA

Corona