The publication by CiberCuba regarding the video in which the American diplomat Mike Hammer was approached in Varadero by individuals who claimed that "the people chose the Revolution" has generated a flood of comments from Cubans both inside and outside the island.
The reactions, mainly expressed on Facebook (more than 1,100 comments and nearly 2,500 reactions in less than 24 hours), reflect a critical majority towards official manipulation and skepticism regarding the alleged spontaneity of the meeting.
With thousands of interactions, the prevailing sentiment among readers was one of support for Hammer, rejection of the setup, and disagreement with the idea that the Cuban people chose the so-called "Revolution", as claimed by the speakers in the video.
“If you are so sure that the people chose Revolution, hold a referendum without threats, without blackmail, and without fear”, wrote a user from Cuba, receiving dozens of responses and positive reactions. That phrase, echoed by several internet users, became the most quoted slogan in the comments.
Deconstructing "spontaneity"
Many users openly questioned the supposedly civic nature of the group that confronted Hammer. "They are not spontaneous; this is political theater orchestrated by State Security. The actors are poor, but the intention is clear: to record him, manipulate him, and discredit him," commented a user in a post that received over 300 likes.
Most reactions agreed that the video shared by the official page “” was carefully crafted, featuring speakers who used technical language in line with the government’s narrative. “Who talks about a ‘list of state sponsors of terrorism’ like that, without being instructed? Not even in a news broadcast!”, another user quipped.
The theatrical and unnatural tone of the meeting was also pointed out: “There's no way that wasn't an ambush. The guy can't even walk with his family without being surrounded to recite the MININT script”, commented an active user on social media.
Support for Hammer and criticism of the regime
Instead of generating rejection towards the diplomat, the video sparked a wave of solidarity for Hammer, who was praised by many for his calmness, willingness to engage in dialogue, and his incisive yet composed response.
“What a kind of response!: ‘And those who were born after '59?’”, wrote an internet user. “That's the point. The people cannot decide anything. That's why they harass him, because he reminds them that the people have not yet chosen”.
Comments also criticized the attempt to use Hammer as a scapegoat to divert attention from the country's real problems. "They talk about interference, but say nothing about hunger, inflation, or blackouts," commented another reader. "The diplomat can't even speak to anyone without being surrounded as if he were an enemy in war!”
Several users recalled that Hammer has been one of the few international representatives who has traversed vulnerable areas, visited religious communities, spoken with families of political prisoners, and denounced the setups against opponents. "They should focus on governing well instead of filming poorly acted shows." said a Cuban resident in Holguín.
Humor as a form of critique
Sarcasm and humor were abundant in the comments, especially directed at the profile "La Tía Carmen," which posted the video accompanied by mockery toward the diplomat. "In his paranoia, he almost implied there was a secret Russian base in some hotel," read the original post, to which many responded with irony.
“If I were paid for every Russian in Varadero, I wouldn't have to wait in line for chicken anymore”, wrote a user jokingly. “It's not paranoia, it's reality: Russian tourists are everywhere and that's no secret”, added another.
Memes and humorous comments were also made about the moment when Hammer bids farewell saying, “let's see if we eat in Varadero.” “The man has the patience of a saint. I would leave them talking to themselves in the sand after the second sentence,” joked a reader.
Called to democratic legitimacy
One of the most frequently mentioned arguments in the reactions was the lack of democratic legitimacy of the current Cuban model. The interlocutor's assertion to Hammer that "the people have already decided, they decided on the Revolution" was harshly criticized by numerous readers.
“When did the people decide? In '76? And since then, what? Never again? Don’t the ones born in the 80s, 90s, 2000s count?”, wrote a user from Camagüey. “That phrase is insulting. As if there weren’t entire generations that have never been able to vote on anything”.
Calls for a free popular referendum, without pressure, and under the supervision of international organizations surfaced again and again. “Do you want to know what the people think? Put the ballots up, without fear, and with international oversight. Let's see who decides what”, commented a young person from Havana.
The release of the video by State Security did not achieve the goal that the authorities were seeking: to delegitimize Mike Hammer.
On the contrary, it reignited the public conversation about the lack of real political participation, the control of the official discourse, and the need for a democratic consultation in Cuba. The people's response, at least on social media, was clear: the people have not yet decided.
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