The Truth at Half Staff (Paperback or Softback)

Introduction

I wrote this book to criticize the tradition historians who rely on falsehood,instead of facts; the fundamentalists who rely on dogma, instead ofspirituality; and the common woman and man who journey through life withclosed eyes and minds. Too often facts are skewed so people can go throughlife without facing the harsh realities. In a speech, Ronald Reagan said,“Facts are stupid things.” Unfortunately, it is from this standpoint thatmillions form their opinions on various issues. Many traditionalists arecontent with presenting half-truths and even lies. They would have peoplethinking that history is filled with pleasantries, so people can feel good. MostAmericans fall prey to these historical demagogues who are concerned withonly presenting their own personal beliefs. To them, facts are irrelevant. But,it is extremely important for people to realize that there is nothing pleasantabout history. History is ugly and chaotic. The purpose of this book is topresent the truth and facts in regards to various issues, some past and somepresent. Unlike Reagan, and others of his ilk, facts are extremely importantto me. Sadly, most people are unwilling to accept facts because they havebeen trained to believe. But it is important to remember that a thinkingperson is far more valuable to society than someone who can only offeranother person’s thoughts. Instead of just listening to the one-sidedarguments presented in most history books and by most politians, peopleshould be willing to hear all sides and then form an opinion. It is only whenwe are willing to think for ourselves that our minds can grow and functionfully. Hopefully, the reader will ponder the conflict views expoundedbetween the covers of this book and the criticisms that arise will be based onfacts as oppose to paroxysms of emotions. Beauty is spoken but with these eyes I see; just what thetruth is, I don’t know anymore.

1. Castro and His Human Rights Policy in America

For the past forty years, Americans have been subjected to anti-Castrorhetoric by many of Castro´s detractors. We were told by many politiciansthat the enigmatic Fidel Castro was the greatest human rights violator that theAmericas had ever seen. He has been accused of being a mass murderer onthe same level with Hitler, a drug smuggler, and a brainwasher of millions ofinnocent citizens in Cuba. We were also told that millions of Cubans residein fear of an out of control dictator bent on doing anything and everything tostay in power. Keep in mind, most of these allegations were substantiated bythose who had never been to Cuba.

The purpose of this reality check is not to prove or disprove theallegations levied against Castro, but to note a gesture made by Castro overforty years ago. A gesture that would have been unheard of by any of hisAmerican detractors. When Castro came to America, he chose to recognizeBlacks as human beings. The recognition of Blacks as human beings wassomething that millions of whites in America were still having troubleaccepting.

Angered by the poor treatment that he and his entourage were receiving atthe Shelburne Hotel in Midtown New York, a hotel for whites only, hemoved his entourage to the Hotel Theresa in Harlem. For those who havenever heard of the Theresa, this hotel was a famous African-American hotelthat catered to minorities when white hotels would not. At the Theresa,Castro ate with blacks, sang with blacks, conversed with blacks, and sleptamong blacks in the same lodgings.1 Castro could afford to do this becausein his eyes, blacks were truly human beings. But, in the eyes of Castro’scritics, the so-called defenders of democracy, despite their call for morehuman rights in Cuba, Blacks and other minorities were simply inferiorbeings. When Cast

Ernest Jude Navy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 3, 1969. The third of four children, Navy has dedicated his life to social and political causes. This dedication has led him to attack discrimination in all its forms. He has actively worked with those who have known hunger and privation in the Houston area and those faced with other horrors of life's realities. For nearly a decade, he has worked as an educator on the public school level as well as the collegiate. He currently writes and speaks with the hope of forging a brighter tomorrow. A man who truly has compassion for his fellow man and woman. - Father Patrick Gifted political and social thinker . . . . thoughts are wise and thought provoking. Mr. Navy is a remarkable writer. - Professor at Rice.