by Milli Bonilla, 34 MujeresXOscar NYC
Oscar,
I’m angry- Angry at President Obama, who has the power to sign a pardon for your release, and hasn’t had the courage to do so.
I’m angry- Angry because Obama can’t release himself from his own political prison of fear to simple pick up his pen and set you free.
I’m angry- Angry because on November 20th, he released Jonathan Pollack, convicted of spying for Israel. And, just in December, he granted 95 Christmas time pardons/commutations to 95 federal prisoners- good for the 95, but…
I’m angry- Angry because your daughter, Clarisa; your granddaughter, Karina; your people & the world were hoping you would have been the 96th prisoner to be released, yet were not included in the 2015 pardons.
I’m angry- Angry because, once again, our passionate pleas for your release have been blatantly ignored.
I’m angry- Angry because if Puerto Rico weren’t a U.S. colony for the past 117 years, you wouldn’t be a political prisoner for the past 34 years.
Querido Oscar, I will continue the fight for your release- Once again, on the last Sunday of the month, the 34 Mujeres X Oscar will gather at a key location for 34 minutes to bring attention to your unjust 34 years. I’m always hoping that each month is the last month because you will finally be home.
You will, as you have affirmed, emerge unscathed from prison to kiss the ground as your return to the island. You so live the words of Gandhi who said:
“That you can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”
Oscar, We will Win! Until Your Return!
En Resistencia y Lucha,
Mili Bonilla