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Juanes receives death threat in the USA

Juanes threatened over Cuba concert

Thursday, 20 August 2009 08:51

Colombian pop star Juanes filed a complaint at the Miami police department after having received threats over his planned concert in Cuba, Telemundo reported Wednesday.

The singer has been receiving fierce criticism after he announced he would play in Havana on September 20. A large number of Cuban exiles consider the concert a sign of support for the Castro regime that has ruled the Caribbean island since the Cuban revolution in the 1960's.

On his Twitter page, Juanes was involved in discussions with fans and critics over the concert, but some used the microblogging service to threaten the rocker.

Telemundo had access to the Key Biscayne police report, wherein Juanes denounces the anonymous threats.

One of the threats said "I hate what you are saying, but you will die defending your right to say it," an alteration of a sentence of French philosopher Voltaire who originally wrote "I do not share what you say, but I will defend until death your right to say it."

According to Telemundo, the singer is now considering suspending the controversial concert. However, in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Wednesday Juanes said the concert was still on.

By Simon on Aug 20, 2009, 09:14 in Friendly Talkzone.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:18:

I was not wild about him doing the concert, because these concerts for peace are pointless bullshit. However, he shouldn't cancel it just because some Cuban asshole posted something on Twitter. He should just have the police or the FBI find out who posted it and have them arrested.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:25:

He hasn't canceled it yet. And these radical Cubans really are unbearable a-holes! I can't wait to wear my 'TENGO LA CAMISA NEGRA' t-shirt next time I'm in Little Havana.

Juanes, I've got your back!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:28:

My wife once gave me a t-shirt that says "Se Habla Español" on the front. I thought it was neat until I went to put it on and realized that there was a giant picture of Juanes on the back. It's been three years now and I still haven't worn that gay ass shirt.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:29:

I've seen that shirt but never with a Juanes picture. I've also seen a cool parody of that shirt that says 'Se Habla Mierda'.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Lisa Zee says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:32:

Why they don`t see, Juanes is doing it for the people of Cuba?. How many concerts do they get to see?.

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:34:

It'd be a great shirt if it weren't for the picture. It's nothing against Juanes, but I am just not wearing something with a giant picture of some dude on it. Maybe if it were a chick with nice puchas, I might reconsider.

The "Se Habla Mierda" shirt sounds good.

On the off topic subject of t-shirts, I've been meaning to have one made that says "tome pin y haga pum".

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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juli says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:49:

Cuban Americans are not really Latinos and should only be taken seriously by presidential candidates who are about to campaign. For the rest of us, who really cares about them? yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwn......

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Rikito says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:50:

"radical Cubans really are unbearable a-holes" Simon, you are giving these USA-Cubans to much credit. They are not radical, but they are assholes. Most of the Cubans in Miami doing all of this crap have never been to Cuba...shows you how brave they are. They are most, a bunch of worthless morons hiding behind the USA skirt.

I am not a big Juanes fan, but who am I to prevent him from going where he wants and doing what he wants? He wants peace...we all do. Cuba is allowing him to come and perform. At least he is making an attempt to do something about it. Who knows, he may just be a spark for something much bigger. Look at the French organization, "Doctors Without Borders." They started with only a few Doctors, and now they have several hundred and they were awarded a Nobel Prize for Peace.

One step then another then another...eventually you have a whole road.

...and so it goes

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:51:

I don't think these concerts accomplish much, but he certainly has the right to organize one anywhere he likes. If nothing else, some people in Cuba will enjoy a good show.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:55:

As far as Cubans in Florida...

If we're deporting Mexicans, Salvadorans, Colombians, etc., the Cubans that came here on a boat should be kicked out right along with them. That program of granting residency and then citizenship to Cubans just because they make it to US beaches is the biggest bunch of hypocritical bullshit ever. If they deserve asylum then so do the Colombian campesinos that are in danger of getting murdered by paracos or guerrilleros.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 09:57:

I have a cuban lady client, middle age,.... she's aggravating as hell. Thinks the world owes her a life.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:00:

I actually have several Cuban friends that are very nice people. However, none of them are from South Florida. Here in Texas, they are mostly friendly and agreeable. There is just something about their community in Miami that gives them a shared sense of entitlement and a generally bad attitude.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:04:

I loved seeing them cry like little babies when Elian Gonzalez was taken from them (evil Simon laugh, hahahaha)!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:11:

simon... you've got that same feeling about the cubanos that it always seems many people have towards you here on pbh ....lol

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:13:

I don't mind being loathed by terrorist-supporters or pedophiles.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ferran says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:14:

Obviously there is more of a political tone for this show of Juanes in la Habana right from its incentive than just a concert for the people of Cuba and for peace. it is a ploy of the Obama administration to ease relations with Cuba through a third party. Juanes is a good guy deep down who thinks he can really make a difference, with his willingness or not he has been used before for political agendas, this new stunt for Juanes is no different. We all know that the right wing Cuban community in Miami was not to inclined to having Obama in the white house, so its been pay back time for Obama ever since. Not that this show if it happens or not will make a great difference for Juanes musical career but will polarized to great deal his audience. I would like to see Juanes go ahead with the show and not be intimidated by the out dated Cuban fanatics from Miami, if he cancels the event he will be seen by many to be politicaly manipulated and just an other artist that goes for what is more lucrative for him. Juanes being a Paisa will stick to his guns an do the show "como todo un buen paisa berraco" this will make Uribe and Obama happy.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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yummyj says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:26:

Concerts for peace are only bullshit to people who don't care. There are many people that are affected by them.

Protests in the style of the 60's protests no longer work and barely exist. Therefore, what some people call bullshit are actually forms of protests.

Just because you have been to Colombia, that does NOT mean that you are anywhere near an expert on the place. Sorry. Truth hurts.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:33:

He did one on the border of Venezuela and Colombia. What exactly did that accomplish? Colombia and Venezuela are still at each other's throats. It's a bunch of feelgood bullshit that accomplishes nothing.

Believing that to be the case does not mean that one does not care about peace. It just means that one is realistic.

Having said that, I completely support the right of anyone to hold a feelgood circle jerk concert for peace. We have a lot of clients in the music industry and those things are great for record and ticket sales. I suppose in that sense, they aren't completely pointless.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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dwmte7 says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:36:

wow ferran! that takes conspiracy theory to a new level.

all that aside....like someone above, i'm not a big juanes fan, but i like the idea of a cuban concert..regardless the pretext... it's music, i don't care if fidel, the ghost of che, fidel's brother and all the working girls listen in....it' music and it's for people. and painfully, i have to agree about a large portion of the so called cuban community in miami.....they need a wipe, if you get the drift.

but, common, folks like juanes, he'll be a great colombian and put on a killer show and everyone will have a fantastic time. how can you fault that.....without being a prick!
d

patriarch

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:38:

Like I said "he certainly has the right to organize one anywhere he likes. If nothing else, some people in Cuba will enjoy a good show."

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 10:46:

Great post Dwmte! Saludes.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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nine inch nails says on Aug 20, 2009, 11:29:

Exactly Lisa Z. The repressed people in Cuba need some entertainment also. It should really be just about having some fun and not political (we get enough of that from the media already).

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:07:

I'm a huge Juanes fan, I love the guy, love his music and also think he's got a good heart. But I cannot condone what he's doing. We also had many Cuban friends when we lived in Las Vegas and they were not these loud, low class, crazy people you see on TV that hail from Florida. These were decent, lovable people whom we cared for a great deal and the stories they told us about the Cuban government were atrocious... to put it mildly. These people suffer day in and day out but the government covers it up so well that even a concert that is "supposed" to unite different people from different countries will nonetheless benefit only one side of the spectrum... the government of Cuba. No one else, no matter what other people say. And because of that I cannot support Juanes' decision to do what he plans on doing.

Diana

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:17:

I see, so all of the half-million Cubans who will attend Juanes's concert are all die-hard Castro supporters? And you don't condone a concert for peace? Why should that bother anyone who is a peace-loving individual?

Adelante Juanes que los Colombianos de bien te apoyamos!!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ferran says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:21:

Many here including myself agree that such event should be for the pure entertainment for the people of Cuba, it not as simple as that, any of you have any real idea of the kind of money the cost to stage such event? I would say two to three hundred thousand dollars if not more, do you really think this money is coming out of Juanes pockets? please dont be SO naive, this is business here, and the people that invest this money want something in return, they dont give a fuck about the people of Cuba.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:24:

No they're not and I'm sure they'll enjoy the concert, who wouldn't? he puts on a great show. BUT, it's a given that the government will gain something out of this concert in one way or another and it doesn't help these people to move forward towards democracy. It's the principle of the whole thing. If it were that easy and simple then a ton of other Cuban-American people would be going to Cuba all the time and do the same thing. Why didn't Celia Cruz have a concert there while she was still alive? Why did Gloria Estefan have her concert in Guantanamo instead of Cuba herself? For the same reason, anything you do there no matter what good intentions you have will in one way or another, benefit their government.

Diana

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dwmte7 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:34:

brother, lighten up and enjoy the concert. fuck, protest the three legged rabbits in scotland or something. damn, i don't care who pays for it....and i don't doubt that a huge chunk of the change came outta juanes' pockets....he seems like that kinda guy. but again, it' music and thousands of cubans will have a treat that i can only presume they don't have in their lives. viva juanes, viva los cubanos de cuba y viva colombia. ya know it took a paisa heart to pull this off.

my wife was back during his free concert in medallo......he's a talented, gifted, heartful lad and i support his concert, whether it be in cuba, darfur, baghdad or where the hell ever....even miami to those multitudlinous ingrates that live there.

hell, even you, grumpy as you are today, would enjoy the concert.
douglas

ooops...forgot......de dada, simon.

patriarch

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:36:

Cubans-Americans aren't allowed to go to Cuba because most are also US citizens, Juanes is not. And how can this concert possibly benefit the Cuban government? It's not like Juanes is going to yell out on stage, "Y que viva Fidel, hp!". These Miami Cuban maggots are nothing more than a bunch of close-minded, intransigent cowards who didn't have the balls to fight to retake their homeland and and then they resort to punishing their own people back on the island by supporting that inhuman embargo. And then when a Colombian singer just wants to entertain the poor people of Cuba for a couple of hours, they try to ruin his concert and threaten his life! Can these people get any lower?

Well, I'm not going to sit by and support people who threaten one of our most illustrious Colombian's life for trying to do a noble deed!!

If you fuck with Juanes, you fuck with us Colombians!!!!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:37:

MDFQ.... I think you left out the first most number one greatest day in your life: landing on Blessed 'Merican (North! Of course!) Soil... Seeing the Statue of Liberty, finally knowing you were free to move about the cabin.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:38:

I don't agree with the people who are protesting this hardcore, it's not right. But what Juanes is doing is not either.

Diana

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dwmte7 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:39:

gimme a break...........what a thread!

patriarch

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:44:

Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:36 (today): flag

Cubans-Americans aren't allowed to go to Cuba because most are also US citizens, Juanes is not.
----------------------------
By the way, I'm not sure who's allowed in and who's not but there's a lot of Cuban-Americans I know who still go to Cuba to visit friends and family. Not only that, but in VisaJourney there's also many who are US citizens either by birth or naturalization petitioning family from Cuba.

Diana

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:45:

"-And the day federal marshals took Elian away from his Cuban criminal family in Miami.
I jumped with excitement and wanted to see all them criminals hanged from the tallest lamp post all along their beloved Ronald Reagan Blvd, in Miami.
To see the reaction on the faces of them criminals as Marshalls pointed guns in their face was PRICELESS
It was one of Clinton’s greatest moment."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elmo, that was a great day! I remember I also jumped up and down seeing how that child was rescued from that Cuban Miami mafia! What a great day that was!

Now, I might have to go down to Little Havana and open a can of whoop ass on those pricks for messing with my 'parce' Juanes!!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:47:

'Concerts for Peace' are not 'right'....oh, the things you learn on PBH!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Mononoke28 says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:50:

Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:45 (today): flag

Now, I might have to go down to Little Havana and open a can of whoop ass on those pricks for messing with my 'parce' Juanes!!
------------------------------
God! I wish I could see that. I can just see you running like a little girl yelling "Nevermind! I was just kiddin'!"

Mucho tilín tilín, y nada de paletas. ¡juasss! ¡juasss! ¡juasss!

Diana

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:54:

Hey Mononoke, so I bet you didn't support the Olympics being held in communist China last year either, right?

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 13:02:

"God! I wish I could see that. I can just see you running like a little girl yelling "Nevermind! I was just kiddin'!"

Mucho tilín tilín, y nada de paletas. ¡juasss! ¡juasss! ¡juasss!"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey, I'm no fool, I'd take my 'combo' with me....ColombianoGringo, Monpirri, Elmo, BillyB, and all of my other 'Colombianos de bien'! Lol.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ferran says on Aug 20, 2009, 13:03:

I dont know how many of you have been to cuba or have lived there, Douglas you speak of going to a concert with your ice cooler filled with beer, wine and sandwiches and your binoculars and having a great time enjoying the music, HELLO, this is Cuba, you are contrive, the spies are every where keeping an eye, No cameras, the people are truck in and trucked out, no hanging around partying after the show, the only media allowed will be controlled, Douglas are you forgetting something? CUBA IS A COMMUNIST COUNTRY, THERES NO FREEDOM FOR THE PEOPLE!!.
Now on the other hand I would love to be in Habana and go to the show, I would truly have an incredible time, be part of the pre-concert parties, see the show from back stage and after go the a number of parties at hotel bars and clubs, as I done many times before in such events in Habana, of course I'm a foreigner in Cuba and therefore I have more freedom and privileges than the Cuban citizens. Juanes is a Paisa and a succesful artist entertainer, and believe me, it is a law and a rule they NEVER EVER use their own money to stage anything, it's all business, its the world where they became famous in, look at what happened to Sinnead O'connor when she put her ideals, effort and money for good causes, they vanished her.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 13:06:

Sinnead O'Connor disappeared after she was dumb enough to rip up a picture of the Pope on live television (Saturday Night Live). Good riddance!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Haddeman says on Aug 20, 2009, 13:23:

My wife's cousin used to date Juanes .She dumped him to marry an even more insufferable twat.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 13:49:

Actually, Shinehead went completely off the deep end. Nobody disappeared her. At some point she decided that she was going to be a priest. She still does a fair amount of vocals for mostly trance artists. Do you really think that anyone in the music industry gives a fuck about the pope? If anything, they thrive on that type of anti-religious controversy.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 13:52:

Hey Hey, mas respeto! I don't even want to go there on this thread. And I do remember Gloria Estefan performing for the Holy Father and Shakira being ecstatic about meeting him as well.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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cali1010 says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:04:

Uhh....Sinnead O'connor was a one wonder hit.

What's the big deal if an artist plays in a communist country? Are forgetting about Communist China???? So, I'm guessing that if Juanes plays in China then there will be uproar? Juanes is not a politician, but an artist has the right to play where ever he wants.

Ignorance does not discriminate race, age nor gender

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:07:

let juanes do what juanes wants.
long as he ain't hurtin no one.
wtf???

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:08:

Exactly Cali1010, how come we didn't see these Cuban hypocrites complaining about the Summer Olympics being held in communist China?

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:17:

Juanes was the one who actually turned this into a political statement by calling a concert for peace. Also, a lot of people all around the world were quite pissed that the Olympics were held in China.

Juanes does have the right to play his concert wherever he wants. That doesn't change the fact that it will accomplish about as much for "peace" as taking a good dump. Even so, it will still be more than the Hitler youth alumni in Rome ever did for peace.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:19:

damn; he's an 'artista'.
they look at these things quite differently than most of the rest of us, who are busy working for a living.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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cali1010 says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:20:

Yep, that's I'm talking about. Yo les digo "VAYAN A JODER A SU ABUELA CARAJO!!"

I'm sure that the people of Cuba will enjoy the concert. The only other big band that I recall playing to a 60K audience was Audioslave. I'm sure Juanes will attract more people.

Ignorance does not discriminate race, age nor gender

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:22:

Good point. I don't recall anyone giving Audioslave a bunch of shit for playing in Cuba.

GS, Are you cracking people's backs while posting on PBH at the same time? I am supposed to be writing code all day long, but I need to take the occasional break. The fact that I choose PBH as that break is probably reason enough to have my head examined.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:34:

This is not a concert for the left or the right, so where is the political statement in doing something in the name of 'peace'? Since when is 'peace' controversial? And the US sure didn't have any problems with the Olympics in China since Bush himself went to the opening ceremony. And I bet no one here boycotted watching all the events because they were held in a communist country.

And funny how you couldn't say anything about the Pope who helped bring down the USSR, so you take a shot at the one that's been there for just four years and was forced as a child in his Nazi ruled country to join the Hiltler youth....or face death.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Cheers Terry says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:40:

1.) "... Cubans-Americans aren't allowed to go to Cuba because most are also US citizens, Juanes is not..." Actually, the exact opposite is true. The only American citizens who can legally travel to Cuba as tourists are Cuban Americans.

2.) "... No cameras, the people are truck in and trucked out, no hanging around partying after the show..." Absolutely 100% incorrect. There are no restriction on cameras, there are no people being trucked in and out - this isn't a bloody Fidel speech - and the after concert partying will be out of control fantastic!

In any case, big thumbs up to Juanes for ignoring the idiotic Miami nutbars.

Cheers,
Terry

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:46:

Then how come I heard Willy Chirino say the other day that he is not allowed to go to Cuba?

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 14:48:

Ha Ha. I'm just fucking with you Simon. This thread is not the place for a discussion on the church. We could have that one day, but you wouldn't like my opinions, so it's best to just avoid it.

I would have preferred that the Olympics not be held in China. I would also prefer to not buy Chinese products. Unfortunately, I had no choice with regard to the Olympics and have very limited choice when it comes to many products. I buy non-Chinese when I can, but it is a losing battle. That more than anything else is the reason that the US economy will eventually go completely down the shitter, but as with the church, that is another topic altogether.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:03:

He he CG...you know how to push my buttons. I agree we continue on the Juanes/Cuba topic. Now as to why it's called a 'Concert for Peace', I remember that last year's concert in Cucuta, by the Colombian/Venezuelan border was called the same thing. After the great turnout and positive energy following that event, I think Juanes just thought he will do one of these each year in a different place, preferably in places where there is strife. This years peace concert was originally scheduled to be held in Honduras, but that was scrapped after the instability following the coup d'etat, so he decided to do it in Cuba. He has already announced that next year it will be held on the US/Mexico border in Tijuana or San Diego. Again, there is no war there either but it is a contentious place due to the illegal immigration issue and Juanes just wants to bring some of his positive energy there. A 'Concert for 'Peace' was the name of the original concert and I guess the name just stuck with the subsequent ones.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ferran says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:04:

Cheer terry, so you are saying that most cubans have cameras, very few my friend, and they are very careful where and when they take pictures, of course they have nothing to worry about from undercover snooping agents, and since most Cubans dont have cars they have to rely on the number of buses "camellos" that are put into service for such events at Plaza de la revolucion, its the only way for the people to get in and out, you missed that bus and you gotta walk.
"after concert partying will be out of control fantastic!" Terry you tell me exactly where? Of course Cubans have plenty of money to go into the hotel bars where most of the parties will be happenning. I wonder where you get your information, maybe from those one week tourist to Habana who stays in the nice hotel and goes to "La Bodeguita"? other wise your version of Cuba is 100% on and the Cubans are free to choose at their will their party agenda for the night.
Meanwhile all the foreingners will be partying spending their dollars that Habana so desparetly needs, how much money those this event bring into Habana? easy one hundred thousand dollars

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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teeo9111 says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:20:

I went to see Juanes in Manizales in January,I thought he sucked.....

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:30:

That's another story. Most of his recent songs have been absolute crap. He's had a few good ones in the last few years, but a lot of it has been awful. That paz paz paz song is about the worst thing ever. I thought I was going to vomit when all the artists at last year's Latin Grammys had their cumbaya moment singing that song. Still, I like a lot of his older stuff and still listen to a lot of it.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.

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Lisa Zee says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:35:

Viva Juanes, no matter where he plays!

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:39:

To me,Juanes was better and more creative when he was with Ekymosis... If he wants to perfom in Cuba,that's HIS business... Piss on the Miami Cubans.. They think they OWN South Florida..I was working in Miami when they came to get Elian... That was indeed a GREAT day

"A wise monkey never monkeys with another monkey's monkey."

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:42:

no CG,... the people are safe; Crack House closed on Thursday Mornings :-))

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 15:52:

I love this Juanes song! Great lyrics!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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dwmte7 says on Aug 20, 2009, 16:28:

thanks ferran and you too, terry. i know squat about cuba. just that folks live there. and i been a whole lotta place on this earth and one thing i can say with certainty is music rocks the soul. i don't care where you are. if they started beaing drums in darfur and whistling and chanting, the spirits would rise...maybe ever so slightly, but music and rythm are magic.

i can remember back in the college days when i didn't have the jing to go to a concert, or it was sold out, sitting outside the venue with others in the same fix and enjoying it near as much as if we were inside. just because it's magic.

now for sure, there's not a lot of money floating around and cubans probably couldn't afford big time partying in clubs and bars, but from my experience around the world and a lot in colombia in the outback, folks improvise and do things, create rhythm and sound to entertain themselves...and i know that's true in cuba...ive seendocumentaries and heard recordings. you might fill their ears with political propaganda, but you can't take away their spirit...just listen to the music of the cubans. and, again, even though i'm no big fan of juanes, i know if the folks have to sit in the street a block away, they're gonna really enjoy the music. it wouldn't make much difference if it were peter, paul and mary, or the kingston trio....if they went to cuba to turn folks on for free, what ever the music was, whom ever the group was, it would be a gigantic cumbaya for all. wish i could be there, but i gotta sing cumbaya to a bunch of homies in the hood chanting rap. not too exciting,

so go for it juanes, and if someone's sporting all the jing...great, i hope they make a buck. but most of all i want the cubans to have a ball and enjoy the music and the festivity. viva juanes, viva cubanos, viva la musica, y trago, y humo y la rumba.

pax

patriarch

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ddluzdelsol says on Aug 20, 2009, 16:49:

When Audioslave... the first american rock band to play in Cuba.... performed in 2005, there were no protests or problems.... a lot of red tape to go through, but no death threats (that I heard of.)
The band claimed that the concert was simply about the music.... nothing political.

Christmas and New Years in Ibague!!

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ferran says on Aug 20, 2009, 16:49:

Very well put doug, I agree with you 100% the spirit can not be killed and music does have the power to soothe the spirit and the mind, its a very powerful tool, imagine if some evil power got a hold of this tool and control it, how much deceit can they churned to benefit their greedy political agenda.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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theflatline says on Aug 20, 2009, 16:50:

Cabas has much more talent than Juanes. Juanes had a few decent hits but I remember when he was trying to look like Sugar Ray. Cabas has always looked Colombian.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 20, 2009, 17:07:

Yanni... good grief.

"A wise monkey never monkeys with another monkey's monkey."

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Rikito says on Aug 20, 2009, 17:08:

ferran, just what are you not an expert at or in? You have been everywhere and dome everything. you should write a book. "Ferran, my lie story from here to there. I've done it all just ask" If I haven't done it I'll make it up for you.

And yet your profile says you have only traveled in Colombia and have never been to Cuba...hhmm needs and update maybe.

...and so it goes

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FreakyG says on Aug 20, 2009, 17:48:

A Juanes concert is a solid win for the Cuban people. Music can unify, motivate, and inspire people -it truly brings people to a higher level. If the Cuban Gov. is so bad to its people, then the Cubans really should have this gift of music. Such a powerful medium and to think how a concert could affect a kid getting his or her first taste of a great show -it can be a life changing experience. Whatever the Cuban Gov gains from this concert is eclipsed by the need of the people.

Thank You Eversomuch, and then some

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Lisa Zee says on Aug 20, 2009, 20:39:

Why people have to complicate everything?. Juanes wants to play for the people of Cuba. Perhaps he will sing one day in Haiti. Would that be a problem/. I bet this concert will be free?

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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quantum says on Aug 20, 2009, 20:42:

Agreed Freaky.....whatever a few folks on this forum might think about Juanes, I bet theres flocks of Cubans wanting and waiting to see and hear him. And credit to him for being willing. He seems to have a social consciousness, like Sting or Bono and not everything is allabout money. Ive seen fantastic Cuban acts in Maui, and have been privileged to hear outrageous home grown salsa and folklorico music all over Cuba. Theres no reason why Cubans should be deprived of the pleasure of an evening with Juanes.......politics and Fidel and Elian aside!

quantum

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goin_south says on Aug 20, 2009, 22:02:

"" I bet this concert will be free?""

Hey! Liza... let's go!

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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miamimike says on Aug 20, 2009, 22:18:

Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 12:36 (today): flag

Cubans-Americans aren't allowed to go to Cuba because most are also US citizens, Juanes is not.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Simon, CT is spot on this one.! CubanAmericans now, since April 2009 when Obama changed Bush's repressive family re-unification law where Cubans were only allowed to visit once every 3 years can now visit whenever they want. The biggest reason Cubans leave Cuba today is for Economic freedom and even they will tell you that. The Hardcore Right Vigila Mambisa Cubans have no problem welcoming Terrorists like Oscar Bosch or Posada Carriles into their Miami fold with nary a word of criticism but let some harmless singer go to Cuba for Goodwill and its the end of the world. Many Hipocrites here in the Miami Cuban Exile community as anyone who lives here will tell you. They claim when they touch wet foot here that they are terrofied of Castro yet in a few months after they save enough to buy some faux Gold Chains, a knockoff Rolex watch and Fake Nikes designer sneakers, they are ready to go back and boast to their small town friends "How they have made the bigtime in Miami " They are a piece of work, que hablan mucha mierda de torre.

Elmo--On Boy Elian, that was my Boss and Colombian American Doctor(applause) who were with INS that fateful night when they snatched Elian in Little Havana and who escorted Boy Elian back to Cuba with his Family. In Forensic follow studies over several years conducted by this Colombian American Doctor, the studies have shown Elian has completely recovered from that Cuban Family and completely bonded with his family in Cuba. Funny, the Uncle in that house, Tio Lazurus as he is known in little havana, is an Habitual Drunk who was caught up recently in a mortage fraud ring here in Miami. His nutcase daughter Marilysis(sp) is now a Hairdresser in her Calle 8 Salon. She's been in and out of the Nuthouse(casa 28) more times then you can shake a finger at. Hard to say where Elian would have wound today up if he was allowed to remain with them(tio lazurus's family) a few more years but they were a bad influence for sure. Nothing but a group of con artists.

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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Simon says on Aug 20, 2009, 22:34:

Marileysis was hot, though!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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miamimike says on Aug 20, 2009, 22:38:

Hot pero Loco! LOL She is well known in the south Florida Psychiatric wards,,,Serious

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miamimike says on Aug 20, 2009, 22:41:

I hope the person(s) here critical of Juanes playing in Cuban were equally as Critical when the New York Philharmonic Orchestra played in North Korea in 2008,,,,North Korea is infinitely more Oppressive then Cuba in 2009

Visit to North Korea, 2008
Main article: 2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea
The Philharmonic performed in Pyongyang at the invitation of the North Korean government on February 26, 2008. The event was the first significant cultural visit to the country from the United States since the end of the Korean War. The concert was held at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. The program included the national anthems of both North Korea (Aegukka) and the United States (The Star-Spangled Banner), the Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World", George Gershwin's An American in Paris, Georges Bizet's Farandole, Leonard Bernstein's Overture to Candide, and the popular Korean folk song Arirang.[19] The Dvořák, Gershwin, and Bernstein works were each originally premiered by the New York Philharmonic.

******The visit was anticipated as an opportunity to broaden relations with one of the world's most isolated nations.********[20] The U.S. State Department viewed the invitation as a potential softening of anti-U.S. propaganda.****** In response to initial criticism of performing a concert limited to the privileged elite,[21] the New York Philharmonic arranged for the concert to be broadcast live on North Korean television and radio.[22] It was additionally broadcasted live on CNN and CNN International.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Philharmonic

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Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2009, 01:02:

I remember the comments from the Cubanas in Miami.... "Get her off the damn TV!!" She's emabarassing!!"" LOL

"A wise monkey never monkeys with another monkey's monkey."

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Cheers Terry says on Aug 21, 2009, 09:10:

"... Cheer Terry, so you are saying that most Cubans have cameras..."

============================================================

No Ferran, I did NOT say that. Stop trying to out words in my mouth.

I responded to three of your specific statements. All three were incorrect and I explained why. That's all.

Cheers,
Terry

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El Expatriado says on Aug 22, 2009, 04:03:

What about Santana wearing a Che T-shirt?

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cali1010 says on Aug 22, 2009, 15:55:

Why don't these extremist cubanos first clean up "Little Cuba or Little Havana", first and then move on to bigger things. Music is music and Juanes is not using it as a political weapon.

Ignorance does not discriminate race, age nor gender

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dwmte7 says on Aug 22, 2009, 22:02:

i'll second that.
d

patriarch

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El Expatriado says on Aug 23, 2009, 01:28:

Elian is doing OK cuz he is famous, and the Cubans hve to make an example out of him. If he was a normal Cuban boy, he would be living in a 2 room tin shack, with a dirt floor, no hot water, no TV, no refrigerator,one phone between his family and 6 others on the block,his mum woud have to line up for eggs and milk,

But he would have free education, and be able to get a degree in bovine engineering or some useless discipline that no one heard of anywhere else, and paid $5 a month to work in a state run milk factory producing poor qualityand low quantity dairy products. Or he would be a "doctor"really a par-medic) and be making $10 a mnth, or have the option of going to Venezuela where he would likely be shot bt las Piedras or other Pandillas (cuz they really don't like Cubans there).

And like all Cubans, he would be pining for the day when he could go to the US (or anywhere else, for that matter).

But then, whether Juanes plays in Cuba is irrelevant to all this.

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El Expatriado says on Aug 23, 2009, 01:30:

PS Elmo, I've been to Cuba 7 times, from one end to the other and the Isla de Juventud. How many time you been there?

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El Expatriado says on Aug 23, 2009, 01:32:

Not that I don't think some of the Cubans in Florida aren't idiots (espescially the older ones).

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El Expatriado says on Aug 23, 2009, 01:36:

Actually, I haven't been to North Korea, but I have been to a lot of countries (over 40), and the most oppressive I have seen is the US good buddy (for obvious reasons), Saudi Arabia.

WAY worse than Cuba. But you'll Nver see Juanes or even Shakira (who is half Arab) in a concert there.

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dwmte7 says on Aug 23, 2009, 05:59:

ex pat........"the most oppressive i have seen is the u.s." say what? like yourself, i seen one hell of a lot of this planet and i'll not deny the short comings of the good ole u.s.a. HOWEVER. if the u.s. is the most oppressive of the 40 countries you've seen. you ain't been outta your shoes. period. sorry brother, that's fact. it's more oppressive in canada than the u.s!

out of all the places i've visited, there's only a couple--literally--that WEREN'T oppressive. and that includes almost all of europe, too. so for what ever problems we have here, we're a light year ahead of anyplace else.
d

patriarch

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El Expatriado says on Aug 24, 2009, 03:52:

You didn't read the whole sentence. I said "The USA's good, Buddy. SAUDI ARABIA.

I don't joke about stuff like that.

Your eye sight must be worse than mine in your advanced age Doug.

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El Expatriado says on Aug 24, 2009, 03:59:

You know, like the good Buddy and ally of the US, Saudi Arabia, is the most oppressive country. Not the US , but their good oil providing , suicide bombing buddy (through personal relationshion between King Faud and the Bush family, and I am sure Obama is keeping it up), SAUDI ARABIA.

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dwmte7 says on Aug 24, 2009, 10:35:

when some newbie was givin me some shit one time, i pointed out that i move slow--with my walker and all--and that i wear a patch over one eye.

the saudis are about as freindly to as as a pissed off cobra. 19 hijackers came from there. our buddies. and the sad note is that every president since roosevelt has treated them like kin. pity.

patriarch

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El Expatriado says on Aug 25, 2009, 02:51:

Of course your gonna treat them like Kin , since they are fillin up your gas tank. (or at least controlling the price)

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dwmte7 says on Aug 25, 2009, 12:00:

a rag head by any other name..........

patriarch

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juli says on Aug 26, 2009, 21:19:

"how come we didn't see these Cuban hypocrites complaining about the Summer Olympics being held in communist China?"

Because they were all part of the "special" Olympics

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