Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Still a contender
News of Fidel Castro's hospitalization has given rise to a lot of speculation,
mainly what lies in Cuba's future if the old man dies and what would be the chances of it becoming a democratic society. In my judgement, not any time soon. Castro will be leaving behind a dedicated cadre of young communists who show little inclination to change the political script. In time, that may change. Since I am about a month older than Fidel, I don't expect it to happen in my life time.
All that aside, the fact is that the old boy 'ain't dead yet' and may well be around to outlive yet another U.S. president. George Bush would dearly love to have the poll ratings with Americans as Castro has with Cubans, but then, he is'nt likely to reign for forty seven years . Despite the fact that the Cuban dictator has ruled with an iron fist and has in many ways exhibited a tyranical personality, he is almost an icon to his people. To his credit, under his regime, over 10,000 schools have been built and illiteracy has been totally wiped out in Cuba. Not many countries, ours included., can make that statement.
In spite of numerous attempts to assassinate him, including poisoning his cigars, he just keeps puffing along. I have long held that the the sanctions enacted against Cuba never cost Castro a meal or a cigar, but did grievous harm to the Cuban people, Perhaps it's time to give them a break.
Whatever the outcome of Castro's illness, who can deny that he was and
is one tough old buzzard, so why not be good sports give him just one little 'Viva Fidel' for old times sake.
George Morin
Auburn, Ga.
mainly what lies in Cuba's future if the old man dies and what would be the chances of it becoming a democratic society. In my judgement, not any time soon. Castro will be leaving behind a dedicated cadre of young communists who show little inclination to change the political script. In time, that may change. Since I am about a month older than Fidel, I don't expect it to happen in my life time.
All that aside, the fact is that the old boy 'ain't dead yet' and may well be around to outlive yet another U.S. president. George Bush would dearly love to have the poll ratings with Americans as Castro has with Cubans, but then, he is'nt likely to reign for forty seven years . Despite the fact that the Cuban dictator has ruled with an iron fist and has in many ways exhibited a tyranical personality, he is almost an icon to his people. To his credit, under his regime, over 10,000 schools have been built and illiteracy has been totally wiped out in Cuba. Not many countries, ours included., can make that statement.
In spite of numerous attempts to assassinate him, including poisoning his cigars, he just keeps puffing along. I have long held that the the sanctions enacted against Cuba never cost Castro a meal or a cigar, but did grievous harm to the Cuban people, Perhaps it's time to give them a break.
Whatever the outcome of Castro's illness, who can deny that he was and
is one tough old buzzard, so why not be good sports give him just one little 'Viva Fidel' for old times sake.
George Morin
Auburn, Ga.
