CHOOSING THE BEST SUCCESSOR

         Not long ago I wrote an article entitled “Socialism’s Two Handicaps” [#20 on my website at:
http://www.geocities.com/klomckin@ameritech.net/] in which I stressed the extreme importance of having the most
qualified individual occupy the position of General Secretary or its equivalent.  In that message I said
         “the highest officials in the Communist Party, ESPECIALLY the General Secretary, must possess qualities that
surpass those of nearly all citizens and border on perfection”
         I also stated
         “Socialism must not only be led at the highest level by individuals exhibiting these requisites or reasonable facsimiles

thereof but no one in the subsequent sequence of leaders, ESPECIALLY THOSE OCCUPYING THE POSITION OF GENERAL
SECRETARY, can break this chain of excellence.  Why?  Because once the chain is broken, once someone assumes the
highest position who does not maintain these incredibly high standards, the ultimate demise of socialism is a foregone
conclusion.”
         Nowhere are these comments more relevant than with respect to current developments in Cuba.  It is ABSOLUTELY
IMPERATIVE that the Cuban government, along with Fidel himself, choose someone to assume the position of supreme
leader, if the need arises, who is as informed, competent, determined, respected and realistic as Castro.  Once chosen
this individual must quickly and clearly define himself in no uncertain terms.  He must leave no doubt that the current
policies of the Cuban government will continue unabated and all serious internal and external attempts to overthrow Cuban
proletarian democracy will be promptly, decisively and, if necessary, forcefully squelched.  The crypto-fascist Bushites
and their gusano parasites must quickly receive that message in vivid colors and beyond any reasonable doubt.
        Having said the above, the question now becomes one of choosing the best individual to lead should Fidel no longer be
capable of continuing his magnificent performance.  I would like members of the list who feel confident in this matter to
state whom they would choose as Fidel’s replacement and WHY.  Please provide specifics.  I am looking for substantive
information in this regard and feel the decision-making process should be a group enterprise.
         I have a preference but am certainly willing to entertain any information anyone may have in this regard.
Information stating not only why x should be the primary candidate but why z should not be considered would be welcomed.
 The floor is now open for suggestions, opinions, and information.  As I said earlier and it bears repeating.  It is
ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE that the right person be chosen and all subsequent choices be as good if not better than the
immediate successor.  History has vividly and forcefully shown what will happen when overt and covert traitors like
Khruschov and Gorbachov take over.  The importance of this issue would be difficult to exaggerate especially when it
comes to the Western Hemisphere.  Sociallst Cuba has been, and is now, a beacon of hope for millions that the sane,
non-exploitive world simply can’t afford to lose.
         So who do you think should be selected and why?  This issue should be of extreme importance to all bona fide
Marxists.  Indeed, it would be difficult to think of one more momentous.

  8/1/06
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                                                                         CHOOSING A SUCCESSOR NOW

        Not long ago I asked people to state whom they felt should replace Fidel at the helm of state.  Speaking for myself I
think the time for that decision has arrived based on how Fidel has appeared in recent photographs and film footage as
well as his recent surgery.  There must be no lack of continuity between Fidel and his successor, no uncertainty, no
significant time lapse, no perceived changes in policy or commitment.  The new leader must hit the ground running and
leave no ambiguity as to his determination, rigor, resoluteness, and “accept no nonsense or subversion” attitude.  From
the outset he must make it quite apparent to all concerned that he means business.  As I said in a prior post
         “It is ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE that the Cuban government, along with Fidel himself, choose someone to assume the
position of supreme leader, if the need arises, who is as informed, competent, determined, respected and realistic as
Castro.  Once chosen this individual must quickly and clearly define himself in no uncertain terms.  He must leave no doubt
that the current policies of the Cuban government will continue unabated and all serious internal and external attempts to
overthrow Cuban proletarian democracy will be promptly, decisively and, if necessary, forcefully squelched.  The
crypto-fascist Bushites and their gusano parasites must quickly receive that message in vivid colors and beyond any
reasonable doubt.”
         Because of the seriousness of this issue, at this point I am going to venture out on a limb by stating who I feel is
best qualified to assume that status because of his background, his knowledge, his experience in world affairs, his overall
encompassing philosophy as opposed to narrow provincialism, his age, and his proven dedication to socialism.  The man I
would choose is RICARDO ALARCON and I would call upon a Party Congress or the National Assembly of the Cuban
government, whichever is required, to make that choice with all due haste via the appropriate legal procedures.  Although
the Constitution provides for Raul Castro to assume the reigns of leadership because of the position he holds, I have little
doubt there are legal procedures by which that can be altered should the requisite legal steps be followed.  Even though
Raul has fulfilled his duties well over the years, I do not feel he is qualified to assume the paramount position but instead
should retain his present status.  Indeed, I know of no one on the island more qualfied than Alarcon to assume the
pre-eminent station.
         Again, I would respectfully request that the Cuban government act on this matter with celerity.

8/10/06
 
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