Before writing about this story, I have to reveal that my musical preferences are other artists from Cuba and Cubans such as Beny More, Gonzalo Roig, Barbarito Diez, Celia Cruz, Nil Lara, Maria Lourdes, Paquito D’ Rivera, Irakere, Los Van Van, and NG La Banda.

While I do not agree with Silvio Rodriguez because of his music [which reminds me of my childhood days in Ohio when people attacked minorities with his music on the background], I have to call attention to this news.

The US State Department has denied a visa to Cuban Singer Songwriter Silvio Rodriguez even though he has been invited to sing at a concert by Pete Seeger.

Silvio Rodriguez responded by insulting President Barack Obama in an interview with US Latin TV Station America Teve. He referred to the USA as a nation governed by “ignorant and backward people” with Obama as the head.

It appears that he thinks that Mr. Obama can grant visas like a genie can grant wishes.

The fact that Silvio Rodriguez condemns Obama reflects his loss of contact with reality. In order to obtain a visa from the USA in Cuba [unless the rules have changed], the person must solicit an interview with an official in the US Interests Section in Cuba.

The person is interviewed and based on an evaluation by the official, is allowed or not allowed to have a visa. It should be remembered that a visa does not mean entering the country. A visa means permission to arrive at a point of arrival in the country.

At the point of arrival, an official who works with Customs reviews the passport and visa. After review, the official can either allow the person to enter America or take him or her to the next plane back to his or her home country.

After discussing visa requirements, there are other questions.  

While he has been invited to perform with Pete Seeger in the USA, why does he want to visit if he is a critic of the USA? Why visit the USA if his music criticizes the country? Is it the money, the invitation, and the contradiction?

While I am an Independent who is in disagreement with the governing elite to the point of tolerating non US Citizens criticizing the system, the fact that “Comrade” Silvio Rodriguez insulted Barack Obama and belittled him like if he was a servant shows that he does not deserve to be in America.

Such a behavior is unbecoming of an artist who wants to visit America or any place in the world.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/5/4/201840/9748

http://my.nowpublic.com/culture/silvio-rodriguez-denied-us-visa