Tuesday, October 9, 2012

It is better to die standing than to live on your knees. -Ernesto Che Guevara

October 9,
Ever Onward to Victory
I will tread lightly on this topic today, as it is one that often sparks a bit of controversy.  The legacy of Che Guevara is one that many people disagree on. Nelson Mandela referred to him as "an inspiration for every human being who loves freedom", while others spoke of the violence that surrounded him, concluding that he was full of hate. SS is a bout having fun and celebrating, so with that in mind, I would like to celebrate what Che' stood for. I'm not talking about school kids in shirts they know nothing of. I am not referring to the bloodshed is necessary attitude.I toast the part of him that ached for others, that wanted social equality for people around the globe, who fought for the injustices everywhere, not just in his own backyard. A lead by example type of guy, he was known to do 36 hour stretches of volunteer work, cutting sugar cane or building houses. His goals included creating affordable housing, health care, employment, and education for all. Guevara urged all individuals to view each other as equals and take on the values of what he termed "el Hombre Nuevo" (the New Man). This "new man" would ultimately be "selfless and cooperative, obedient and hard working, gender-blind, incorruptible, non-materialistic, and anti-imperialist." His hopes and dreams are as relevant today as they were then.
On October 9, 1967, Ernesto "Che" Guevara was executed in Bolivia on the grounds of inciting a revolution. Earlier that same morning, while in captivity, Guevara asked to see the school teacher of the village. 22-year-old Julia Cortez would later stated that Guevara was an "agreeable looking man with a soft and ironic glance" She found herself "unable to look him in the eye" because his "gaze was unbearable, piercing, and so tranquil". Guevara pointed out to Cortez the poor condition of the schoolhouse, stating that it was "anti-pedagogical" to expect the "campesino" (peasant or rural dwelling) students to be educated there, while "government officials drive Mercedes cars". Guevara ended telling her, "that's what we are fighting against."
Months before his death Che had wrote his own epitaph:
 "Wherever death may surprise us, let it be welcome, provided that this our battle cry may have reached some receptive ear and another hand may be extended to wield our weapons."

I extend that toast to you, let your weapons be your intelligence, your words, your heart and your compassion.

Salud! 



Che Guevara
I hope I end up with a drink named after me one day! Hmm... I could just make one and put it in a blog! Just wait for my birthday!!

Ingredients:
.5 oz. Goldschlager
.5 oz.Gold Jose Cuervo
.5 oz. Jagermeister

Directions:
In a Shot glass pour Cuervo
Then pour  Jager
Top with Goldschlager
Try to enjoy, responsibly...this one is no joke!

Bonus Drink!!


Cuba Libre

No better time to break this one out! Remember the movie Cocktail? Every bartender hates "that person" who actually orders this by name.

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Bacardi
Coca Cola
* LIME*

Directions:
Add all ingredients in a glass filled with ice.
Most important! Add lime slices
That's right...it's just a rum and coke with a lime...Don't be that  DB!



"Above all, always be capable of feeling deeply any injustice committed against anyone, anywhere in the world. This is the most beautiful quality in a revolutionary."
Ernesto "Che" Guevara (excerpt from the last letter Che would write to his children)

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