There is something indecent about those willing to sell out their countries and their people for financial gain or the illusion of political power.  These “vendepatrias,” are also moved by an uncontrollable desire to genuflect to the powerful, their masters, who they are deeply afraid of offending in any shape, way or form.

In New York, vendepatrias have been very active as of late spouting venom about Puerto Rican freedom fighter, Oscar López Rivera, a former political prisoner recently liberated after spending 35 years behind bars in the U.S. for the “crime” of fighting for his country’s independence.

The vendepatrias are up in arms because the National Puerto Rican Parade, that takes place every year in this city, recognizing López Rivera’s heroism, sacrifice and love for his country, is honoring him this time around. Vendepatrias, though, insist in calling him a “terrorist” although he was never condemned of killing anybody or planting any bomb, when, instead, they should be thanking him for his sacrifice, his integrity and his courage, qualities completely foreign to vendepatrias.

But they are not the only vendepatrias around. The recent news about President Trump’s intention to roll back many of President Obama’s measures to normalize relations with Cuba after more than 50 years of irrationality and hostility, has revealed once again the true nature of the Cuban-American members of Congress, who for many years have worked very hard to inflict poverty and despair on their parents’ country.

The epitome of the vendepatrias, senators Marco Rubio (FL) and “Ted” Cruz (TX), along with representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL), Yleana Ross-Lehtinen (FL) and “Bob” Menéndez (NJ), have been enthusiastic supporters of Trump’s plans to turn back the clock and harden Washington’s stance toward Cuba.

But as has been reported, it is Rubio and Díaz-Balart who have played a key role in the White House plans by selling their votes for the disastrous Trumpcare and Trump’s Cabinet nominees in exchange for a tougher policy toward Cuba, a country they only invoke when it is politically convenient. Ironically, they are often called “Cuban.”

 But as I have said before, calling them Cubans makes as much sense as calling Barack Obama Kenyan. Both were born in the U.S. (Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida), neither one has ever set foot in the land of their parents or know much about the history, culture or daily struggles of its people made worse by 55 years of a trade embargo. And yes, unbelievably as it may be, both still support this failed, anachronistic policy with a passion deserving of a better cause.

As it is to be expected from spineless characters such as these, they have no idea about the national pride and moral strength that has sustained the Cuban people through half a century of relentless hostility from the most powerful country in the world. 

Unrepentant vendepatrias Rubio and Díaz-Balart deserve as much contempt as those trying to vilify the name of Puerto Rican hero Oscar López Rivera.