The events that made 2010 a pivotal year in Cuban history — the renewed scrutiny of the Castro regime's awful human rights record and the release of more than 40 political prisoners — would not have happened without the sacrfice, without the martyrdom of Orlando Zapata Tamayo.
The regime thought the world would ignore Zapata, that it wouldn't care if he died during his lengthy hunger strike — a miscalculation for which the regime continues to pay a price.
Zapata's death on Feb. 23 has not been in vain, for it renewed the purpose of the Damas De Blanco and introduced his mother, Reina Luisa Tamayo, to the world.
Zapata's death has not been in vain, for it inspired Guillermo Fariñas to assume his protest, almost dying as a result.
Zapata's death has not been in vain, for it was the first in a series of events that eventually forced the dictatorship to agree to release its best-known political prisoners.
Zapata's death has not be in vain, because more than ever, the world understands the horrors of the Castros' Cuba.
Zapata's death has not be in vain, because of the demonstrated willingness of Cubans and others around the world to make his cause, their cause.
In them, and in Cuba, ZAPATA VIVE!
Here is a video tribute to Zapata I produced on on the one-month anniversary of his death:
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