This was one of many great feeds that Herald reporters called in last night while reporting the story in Miami Monday night. This one is from Susannah Nesmith:
A party atmosphere descended over the Versailles restaurant in little Havana with a couple dozen people gathered outside celebrating what they hope is the beginning of the downfall of Castro. "We've waited 46 years in this country," said Angel Caso, 77. " We don't know what this means but it has to be good." "I think he's dead," Caso added, referring to Fidel Castro.
‘‘He can't last much longer if he's not. Then we have to figure
out what to do." Caso, a retired construction worker who immigrated in 1961, says he's too old to go home now. But he hopes his 3-year-old
granddaughter will.
As she passed out Cuban cafecitos to relatives, her mother, Clara Stiles, said she didn't think the family would head to the island anytime soon. "I'm waiting to hear about a job at the fire department," she said. "But I would like to visit." Little Havana began to get excited as the news spread with
drivers honking horns and people at Versailles, a traditonal Cuban exile hang-out cheering what seemed a sudden glimmer of hope; a decades-old dictatorship just might be ending, all agreed.
CELEBRATION VIDEO:
http://www.miami.com/multimedia/miami/news/archive/video/widescreens/fidel_calle8_video_b.html
FIDEL IS TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE LIKE HITLER WAS TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE!! HOW CAN PEOPLE ON THE SITE SAY OH POOR GUY HE IS HUMAN AND SICK!!! HE NEEDS TO PAY FOR ALL HE HAS DONE!! BURN IN HELL.. HOW DARE YOU SAY HE IS HUMAN!! NO COMPASION FOR THE SON OF A BITCH!!!
Posted by: Cuban American | August 01, 2006 at 03:59 PM
The good thing is that they will rerun that episode next Monday at 8pm before the new show at 9am. Maybe next week Monday at 9:35pm we will have more breaking news that FIDEL is dead, Raul admitting that he is no more capable of running a county or staying sober and the street will be truly filled with bottles of DOM P and all this will become a reality. Ahhh how the minds wonders... Oh yeah JIM I really think you should read some books on Buddism you really need the spirituality you are a very angry person so not good for your health.
Posted by: VIVA CUBA | August 01, 2006 at 04:02 PM
ADT, you may be on to something. Remember how many articles Oscar posted about Raul in the past few weeks? When had you ever heard anything about Raul? They are trying their best to keep a true revolution from happening. The times they are a changin'.
Posted by: a thought... | August 01, 2006 at 04:02 PM
That's what I'm saying the signs are all there...It makes sense that Castro would fear a Coupe, that's all Cuba has known since Batista. I've heard that Raul is more evil and more of a muderer that Fidel, and he's not as charismatic and popular as his brother, therefore the fear of a coupe by some of the younger more in touch general's by Fidel is reasonable.
Posted by: a different thought | August 01, 2006 at 04:11 PM
I don't see how taking up Buddism for "personal anger management" would help the real life situation facing all of us in the future.
I only digress to ponder a possible scenario, albeit, a worst case one. But, you are a COAST girl, VIVA CUBA, but I digress again, as this is not the forum for that topic. I'm sorry, if I'm keeping it too real.
Posted by: Jim | August 01, 2006 at 04:12 PM
Remember that Soviet Andropov or whatever his name was, he had been dead for weeks before the West found out about it.
Posted by: a different thought | August 01, 2006 at 04:12 PM
Now that Fidel may be dying the true hypocrisy of the exile community is laid open for all to see. When the exiles first came over here they said that it was temporary. That they simply wanted a safe place to stay until their country is free. They said they were fleeing from oppression. That they are here for political and not economic reasons. But not that Fidel is about to fall every "exile" you talk to says they plan to stay. Even the ones' that came here just a couple of months ago. It was never about "freedom" certainly not after the first few waves.
It's all about money and quality of life. If Cubans are coming here because they are being persecuted then they should have no problem going back to their country once the threat is removed.
The Cubans flooding into the United States are not Political Refugees; they are simply migrants and should be treated as such. The minute Castro's communist regime falls everyone that got a green card though the Cuban readjustment act should have their resident status revoked and be given a grace period of 3 months to return to Cuba. Everyone came here because they wanted to be free right? Not to get rich in a first world country. So returning to where they immigrated from shouldn’t be a problem.
But every news report I read or see when an exile young or old is asked if s/he will return to Cuba the answer is a resounding NO! If it's an older exile they say that they are too old to return. If it's a younger exile they say that America is their home now. Apparently Cubans love their homeland, but not enough to live there. What a bunch of bullshit! Are you Cuban or American? Choose one and stick with it! If you’re a Cuban then move back to Cuba when Castro dies, if you’re American then move an, assimilate to America culture, speak English, and be American. Miami is practically North Cuba/Haiti. Don’t be a hypocrite and switch back and forth when it suits you.
Posted by: Slim | August 01, 2006 at 04:12 PM
VC...You see the valid point that ADT brings up, I would have feared the same thing. I could totally see his little brother being a much uglier monster than Fidel and on top of that he's not well respected (Napoleon complex). I and any normal human being should expect him to try to prove something to himself and the world and ADT is right when he proposes a revolution would occur, meaning armed resitance by lots of angry people, as opposed to a peaceful transition...But again, that's worst case scenario.
Posted by: Jim | August 01, 2006 at 04:17 PM
Should we ask all the Italians, English, Irish, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc to go back too? They were only supposed to be here temporarily too. Then you would have to go back too Slim, cause in America unless you are a Native American (Cherokee, Souix, Cheyenne) you came from somewhere else. Who's the hypocrite now Slim???
Posted by: a different thought | August 01, 2006 at 04:21 PM
Jim my friend you wish you were keeping it real but that is another topic. SLIM let me tell you something first take the white sheet off your head and stop reciting the words "White Power" over and over it gets old rather quickly. I was born here MF I don’t have to go back because this is my country. I can say that I am CUBAN AMERICAN ALL I WANT (Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American, Cuban American). Hey if you don’t like it you can leave S. Florida ahhhh but you can’t because the CUBAN PEOPLE EMPLY YOU!!!!
Posted by: VIVA CUBA | August 01, 2006 at 04:29 PM
Actually, a bit about raw American History:
The English and the Spanish kicked Red Tail to be here, then the English kicked Spanish ass to start USA.
The Irish ran out of potatoes, the Italians wanted to expand their Mafia cartels and the Chinese wanted to build the railroads. Looks like none of these groups claimed to be here temporarily. I'm here b/c my ancestors kicked everyone's ass to be here, so if you said you came temporarily then you're a hypocrite.
Posted by: Professor | August 01, 2006 at 04:33 PM
Wow! Lots and lots of economically and politically disenfranchised rednecks hanging around the MCC... licking their chops at the prospect of getting "their city" back. Y'know, it's that very thinking, and I use the term loosely, that left "you people" living in tract housing in Davie... LOL Always thinking with your beercans instead of your brains, but then, what would you use to bubble in the lotto ticket, or scan the TV Guide for that repeat of King of the Hill. Don't worry folks, leave the beaches and the hi-rises to us, we'll take good care of them. You can still cold call us from time to time, we might buy a subscription or a water purifying system... But then scurry back up north of the line before it gets dark, don't wanna get yourself caught in the middle of a lambada or anything, right?
By the way, to the insightful genius who uttered that bottom-of-the-ocean pearl of wisdom, "Being born in America doesn't make you American...", BRAVO! So, which tribe are you from, Chad?
So what if the Cubans celebrate? What's it to ya? And to the "do somethings" out there, besides Pancho (who has earned his way in here), everybody else whip out their bona fides, I'll be around shortly with the microscope...
AT: I can hear you seethe, girl. Being righteous with this gang of budding therapees is a waste of energy. Like wrestling with pigs, you get dirty and the pig has too much fun.
Manuel: Va llegando la hora de los mameyes... ahora dara la medida la fealtad a Raul. My outside bet is Lage gets toasted, out of jealousy and/or perceived threat or even collaboration with dissidents. Everybody paints Raul as less dogmatic than his brother... we shall see.
ADT: What bumper stickers? the "last american" ones? surely, these folk were from "out of town"... LOL
Jim: good questions, once all the riff-raff goes back to watching Springer, or actually guesting on Springer, we can calmly discuss it. Welcome.
My honest opinion? Who is surprised this transfer happened? Not me. But what does it mean? Hope everyone enjoyed the celebration, but my champagne is still on ice. There's still too much game left...
Posted by: nonee moose | August 01, 2006 at 04:38 PM
Well said Nonee, ther is entertainment value here for at least a year.
Posted by: a different thought | August 01, 2006 at 04:42 PM
Post-Fidel fantasies
Published July 24, 2006
In the early 1990s, when Cuba was left to fend for itself after decades of Soviet sponsorship, there was a lot of talk about how the United States would respond to the inevitable overthrow of Fidel Castro. Fifteen years later, we're still waiting for Castro to fall. Or die. At this point, the latter seems much more likely.
El jefe turns 80 on Aug. 13 and the Bush administration's Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba celebrated early with the release this month of its second report on how to hasten democracy in a post-Castro Cuba.
The plan assumes that a wobbly succession government, probably headed by Castro's younger brother, Raul, will meet strong resistance from an energized opposition movement. After a few choruses of "Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead," the Cuban people will overthrow the Communists and install a transition government whose goal is to restore democracy to the island. Of course, they will want our help.
The 95-page report details the many, many areas in which a post-Castro Cuba might benefit from the counsel of the U.S. government.
Lest these overtures be interpreted as presumptuous, the report qualifies virtually every recommended action with the phrase "if asked." It calls for federal agencies to get ready to help Cuba rebuild its economy and infrastructure, rewrite its laws, refinance its debt, reform its electoral process and retrain its military, police, judges, prosecutors and journalists. If asked.
A question comes to mind: What happens if the Cuban people don't ask for our help?
Yes, Cubans are hungry and discouraged by the lack of opportunity on the island. Half a century under the thumb of a ruthless dictator can have a dispiriting effect. But there's no real reason to believe Cubans will invite us to come in and supervise a makeover. The Bush administration shares this fantasy with South Florida's hard-line exile community, or pretends to. But it is not a likely scenario.
Cuba's political elite has a strong vested interest in the status quo. The dissidents that the U.S. plans to empower with $80 million aren't the only ones who have ideas about how to replace the current regime. And ordinary Cubans are less interested in ideology than in a higher standard of living. It's far from certain that Cuba will embrace American-style democracy as soon as Fidel is gone.
No matter what else they think of the U.S., all of those groups are likely to find its offer a bit heavy-handed. More than one critic has observed that it reads like a blueprint to rebuild a country that has been invaded, not a plan to help a sovereign nation. It's not a gesture that will sit well with people who have been on the receiving end of 46 years of failed U.S. trade policy. Two years ago, acting on a recommendation contained in the commission's first report, the U.S. tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba and imposed new limits on supplies and money that Cuban-Americans send to their relatives. The goal, as always, was to pressure Castro; the effect, as always, was to squeeze the Cuban people. With friends like us, who needs enemies? Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez provides more than $1 billion a year in energy subsidies and other goodies. Cubans will think twice before turning their backs on that.
Our punitive policies have cut us off from any meaningful contact with everyday Cubans, especially the young people who will have a voice in shaping the country's future. By continuing those policies, we alienate the very people we should be trying to influence. Who's going to place that call to the State Department when Castro dies?
Instead of wasting time and tax dollars preparing for that call, the U.S. should be working to restore dialogue and good will and to gain a better understanding of what might actually happen in Cuba when Fidel is finally out of the picture. When we've built a better relationship with the Cuban people, we'll be in a better position to help them. If they ask.
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
Posted by: another view | August 01, 2006 at 04:44 PM
ah, yes... Another View! Thank you for that insightful CNP...
And SLIM! Thank you so much for that rather profound and enlightening breakdown of the simple solution of rolling back the CAA. You manifest a rather deep knowledge of the subject, except for the part where reality gets introduced.
Slim, please embarass yourself in private. If we want any shit from you, one of us will go over and squeeze your head, ok?
Posted by: nonee moose | August 01, 2006 at 05:02 PM
Raul is even worse than his brother, if you can believe it. As for "Slim", that's what his grip on reality is. Just because I can speak two languages doesn't make me any less American than a monolinguist, so spare me. I am not here temporarily; I was born here and I will stay. I will visit Cuba, but I won't live there. America is my country and my home.
Posted by: a thought.... | August 01, 2006 at 05:15 PM
where is John? I cant believe he is missing out on this!
Posted by: manny o | August 01, 2006 at 05:16 PM
If the U.S. expects post-Castro Cuba to be self determinant, it better help out with drafting a constitution, the Cuban Islanders have not been raised in nor educated in Democracy.
In order for Democracy to work there has to be respect for the rule of law and the process. The people on the island do not understand respect for the rule of law, since their rule of law has been the whim of a meglomaniac for the last 47 years,m and 70% were born under that meglomaniac's rule. People this is going to take time, lots of time. Patience is important. Nonee is right, not only has the fat lady not sung, she ain't even near the stage.
Posted by: a different thought | August 01, 2006 at 05:18 PM
The Cuban state-media has not released post-operative pictures of Fidel. If he were his old (living) self, he would already be ridiculing from his hospital suite (in his own private hospital) the exiles who were celebrating his demise last night. But, of course, dead men can't speak.
Nor have his disciples and acolytes rushed to Cuba to obtain Essau's blessing. Dead men, of course, can't annoint anyone.
Posted by: Manuel A. Tellechea | August 01, 2006 at 06:07 PM
John, wherefore art thou? I personally believe he took himself and his fabled TransAm over to El Malecon and was cruising around, blasting capitalist pig heavy metal over his speakers. Castro was taking a stroll and the rest is history...
I agree with ADT that the people in Cuba are going to need help with democracy. Even if the constitution of 1942 (I hope I got the year right; I seem to have a mental block) is reinstated, it will not be a magic cure-all. Yes, patience is required. But I do want to believe the peanut vendor has sung....
Posted by: a thought.... | August 01, 2006 at 07:30 PM
AT, ADT - all well intended, but I have to agree with the sentiments expressed in that editorial in the Chicago Tribune above.
Right now Miami is in a kind of fantasyland. Even assuming Castro is gone, which I believe he is not, at least not yet, how would you even think that Cubans on the island would take to the streets and open the doors for their Miami Cuban counterparts? I think one principle beyond the battle of ideology of their communism versus our capitalism, is the idea that Cuba is a sovereign nation, and that unless Cubans on the island ask for help from us, we have no right to assume or presume that they want our assistance. I sincerely believe they want our products, goods, and services, and our people to visit. But to step in and meddle with their government? I don't think so. This is something I believe they will want to figure out for themselves. And again, the irony is we offer assistance when we have opened and thrown salt in their wounds with our crazy policies.
Remember, Miami Cubans have encouraged policies that hurt Cubans on the island, beyond the repression of Castro. That is not going to be dismissed collectively, even when Castro is gone. There will be a kind of dual anger that will need to be released hopefully in a constructive way.
There is so much pent up emotion that it is concerning, as my hope is that there will be no violence or loss of life.
The smart thing to do would be to lift restrictions now so Cubans could visit their families and communications could expand. Fat chance though that common sense will prevail for the duration of Bush's term.
The situation in Cuba under Raul Castro will be an unfolding drama. He controls the military and has their loyalty. Translation - as long as the military backs him, he will call the shots. This is no different than any other Latin American country.
And democracy? We have sewn the seeds of cynicism rather than hope with our crazy policies and by turning U.S. Cuba relations into a political whore. There is going to be some hard facing up in the community because things will likely not go as some will expect them to go or as fast as some want. So patience is indeed a virtue.
Posted by: usambcuba | August 01, 2006 at 08:16 PM
I hope he dies a slow horrible death. I hope he suffers the pain of those he killed and the country he destroyed. I hope he suffers the humiliation that he put our Cuban people thru.
It's over viejo! Hope your eternity in hell was all worth it!
Posted by: Miss T | August 01, 2006 at 08:59 PM
Usambcuba:
Yes, we know, you are holding your fingers crossed, hoping against hope that Castro is not dead. It just wouldn't be any fun for you if the embargo were lifted and Castro wasn't around to enjoy his (your) victory.
Miami Cubans haven't "encouraged policies that hurt their countrymen on the island," but, rather, fed, clothed and protected them against the economic predations practiced on them by this madman, who singlehandedly turned the most prosperous country in Latin America into a mendicant nation and himself into one of the world's richest oligarchs.
You are against Cuban-Americans "stepping in and meddling with their [sic] government." Whose government? Certainly not the Cuban people's, since they never elected Castro satrap for life or anything else. What you call a "government" is a terrorist gang that seized control of the state 47 years ago and has held unto power by crushing the bodies and spirits of Cuban people.
Sadly, for you, this reign of terror is soon to end.
Posted by: Manuel A. Tellechea | August 01, 2006 at 09:09 PM
So it's confirmed: John was Castro. End of discussion.
I can't tell you guys, how much I enjoy when the rednecks rage and sheete over "losing their city" and inmigration in general. Hey Slim, I got here 12 years ago and I'm as American as you for all intents and purposes, how do you like them apples?. The only difference is that you are eligible to be President... oh no, wait... Buahahahahahahahahaha...
Usamb, your true colors show more and more every day. I'm sorry for your loss (not). And your assertion that a coward alcoholic pederastic nepotist has the loyalty of the armed forces... oh no, I can't help it again... Buahahahahahahahahaha...
Posted by: gansibele | August 01, 2006 at 11:16 PM
Manuel- you know my friend you can be contemptable sometimes. You see this insanity as a contest. That is the problem. I see U.S. foreign policy ineffectual and tortured, harming our own interests, not helping them. You are obsessed and fixated on Castro, not recognizing that the ability to beat him in this chess game, was always within our reach, but you were too blind or arrogant to see beyond the error of Castro's way, but our error too. You are being hypocritical if you say you have unclean hands in this tragedy of U.S. Cuba relations.
No, Miami Cuban hardliners, have promoted and supported policies, to wit the U.S. Trade Embargo and even restrictions on Cuban Americans with family and Americans' right to freely travel to Cuba, that have only hurt Cubans living on the island, and actually have empowered the very Castro regime and man they claim to hate. This insanity has helped keep Castro in power far longer than he should have been. And then of course while we add to their suffering with these policies and we send food, money, clothing, and other resources to help them in a struggle, we exacerbate.
This schizoid thinking Manuel is part and parcel of the problem. And in the process, it has forsaken noble principles this nation is supposed to stand for.
I am concerned with U.S. government intervention in the internal affairs of another sovereign nation. The only justification for such action is when the national security of the United States is threatened or when that nation requests it. And Cuba does not pose any threat to the United States now. There are no missiles pointed at us. Not since 1962. There are no armies being mounted to invade us. They follow a hollow political ideology, communism, which has been proven a failure.
I pray for U.S. influence - the power of the people, goods, services, and normal contact that will be a healthy tonic for Cuba as it evolves into its next evolution as a nation post Castro. I pray for the reconciliation of the two nations.
Cuban Americans, particularly those who intend to go back and involve themselves in the next Cuban government, will have to deal with the Cubans on the island, who may not be so open to that.
Again, your interpretations are way off the mark.
Posted by: usambcuba | August 02, 2006 at 12:02 AM
You know what Gansi - I hope I am wrong about what I stated. Because I do want the madness to end.
We are going to find out soon enough if the armed forces are loyal to Raul Castro.
If they are not loyal, then the end is really in sight of Castro's revolution. The reality of its failure and limitations will become evident to all Cubans.
Posted by: usambcuba | August 02, 2006 at 12:11 AM
"We are going to find out soon enough if the armed forces are loyal to Raul Castro.
If they are not loyal, then the end is really in sight of Castro's revolution. The reality of its failure and limitations will become evident to all Cubans." — usambcuba.
For now I would be happy if it became evident to you.
Posted by: Manuel A. Tellechea | August 02, 2006 at 12:29 AM
usambcuba:
Is it really so hard for you to say it?
Try with me: "I wish Fidel Castro were dead so that the Cuban people might live."
Posted by: Manuel A. Tellechea | August 02, 2006 at 12:56 AM
"Should we ask all the Italians, English, Irish, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc to go back too?"
All the groups you mentioned immigrated here LEGALLY, not by paying sneaking over the border.
They also didn't lie about their intention to stay their reasons for coming. If Cubans came here to avoid political persecution then they should have no problem going back to their homeland once Fidel falls.
"SLIM let me tell you something first take the white sheet off your head and stop reciting the words "White Power" over and over it gets old rather quickly."
The designation Cuban is used to denote people of a certain nationality and has nothing to do with race. There are white Cubans, black Cubans, Chinese cubans, mixed Cubans, and from what I hear even Semetic Cubans (who came to Cuba fleeing WWII). Get your facts straight before making yourself stand out as an idiot.
"Just because I can speak two languages doesn't make me any less American than a monolinguist."
I never suggested it did. You learned our common language, bravo. All I ask is that foreigners adopt our shared: language, culture, and customs. Immigrants should become Americans instead of expecting Americans to become: Mexicans, Haitians, Chinese, etc.
Posted by: Slim | August 02, 2006 at 03:19 AM
Maybe Slim, just maybe, you can learn to read our "common language" before lecturing. Nobody said Cuban is a race. Your hateful comments are directed at all Hispanics and therefore it's not hard to imagine you with the white sheet and the burning cross. Being suspected a racist hurt your feelings? Pobrecito. There's plenty land left in Montana for nuts like you, grab some quick because we are getting there as well.
Posted by: gansibele | August 02, 2006 at 03:47 AM
"Maybe Slim, just maybe, you can learn to read our "common language" before lecturing."
What the hell are you babbling about?
"Nobody said Cuban is a race."
"I love how the bigots and racists have jumped all over this as an excuse to vent their hate."
In order to be "racist" you must judge people based on their RACE and not their nationality. I'll repeat it slowly this time so you can understand. I never put down any racial group therefore I am not a racist. Jackass.
"Your hateful comments are directed at all Hispanics and therefore it's not hard to imagine you with the white sheet and the burning cross."
Please quote any "hateful comments directed all all hispanics" that I made. I referenced many different national and ethnic immigrant groups. I didn't however make hateful comments directed at hispanics. I did complain about Cubans though, who are a group of people categorized by nationality. That has nothing to do with being hispanic, which is an ethnic grouping or race which is a construct based on physical characteristics and DNA sequencing.
"Being suspected a racist hurt your feelings?"
You can suspect the moon is made of of cheese if you'd like. I don't give two shits about your beliefs.
Posted by: Slim | August 02, 2006 at 04:16 AM
Gansibele - please do not attack Montana. It is absolutely a beautiful state, particularly this time of year. Glacier National Park up near Kalispell, the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park, is some of the most beautiful areas in the country. All that is missing is a good Cuban restaurant in downtown Billings, Bozeman, Missoula...
Posted by: Yo Amo Montana | August 02, 2006 at 07:52 AM
Slim, I "learned the language" because I was born here. I agree that if you are living here, you should learn the language. But that's all I'm going to give you on your comments. Not everyone with a Latin last name is here illegaly. Enough of our wasting time with you. Pearls before swine and all that....
If the military turns on Raul, I believe it will truly be over. I am with the Ambassador on this one.
Posted by: a thought... | August 02, 2006 at 08:44 AM
AT:
Haven't you recognized yet who "Slim" is?
Posted by: Manuel A. Tellechea | August 02, 2006 at 08:57 AM
Thankfully Fidel is "stable" ... keep on celebrating for nothing "RIDICULOS" ...
Posted by: Che | August 02, 2006 at 09:38 AM
From Slim " All I ask is that foreigners adopt our shared: language, culture, and customs. Immigrants should become Americans instead of expecting Americans to become: Mexicans, Haitians, Chinese, etc."
Hi Slim, how is your Seminole or any other american indian language.
What happened to the Italians,Irish I guess it's in the etc. I bet the ones you name don't have your same skin color.
How would catagorize a Cuban Jew with ancestors from Spain and Italy.
Think Global
Shalom,Paz,Peace and have a nice day
Posted by: Quijote | August 02, 2006 at 09:52 AM
Slim PS
"Miami is practically North Cuba/Haiti. Don’t be a hypocrite and switch back and forth when it suits you."
What's wrong with the best of both worlds maybe I should also learn some French or Creole,
Slim think global,the Europeans are doing it.
Shalom
Posted by: Quijote | August 02, 2006 at 10:06 AM
Ohhhhklahoma! Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains...
Hey Slim, you ride a horse? Well, F*** you and the one you rode in on. How you like my eenglich, pardner? Ah yes, I LOVE the common language!
Fishy fishy fish...
Posted by: nonee moose | August 02, 2006 at 10:48 AM
Ohhhhklahoma! Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains...
Hey Slim, you ride a horse? Well, F*** you and the one you rode in on. How you like my eenglich, pardner? Ah yes, I LOVE the common language!
Fishy fishy fish...
Posted by: nonee moose | August 02, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Cmon folks, lets not attack members of our Union. Oklahoma and Montana are nice states. Do not let yourself get sucked into the poison of racism of one individual.
A.T. - it is a basic lesson of government.
As long as the military backs the leadership, the leadership can exercise power.
When we study this in Latin American history, everytime we see power change by force, it involves the military. That's why it is a called coup de etat when it happens.
So, as long as the military stays loyal to Raul Castro (and Fidel - why do you think he wears military fatigues more than business suits) , he will be in charge, regardless of everything else.
Posted by: usambcuba | August 02, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Fidel and his smelly old fatigues....
I will not attack any state in our Union because I have been to quite a few of them and find them quite beautiful...from sea to shining sea...
Posted by: a thought... | August 02, 2006 at 11:29 AM
A.T.
I agree with you. I have been to more than 40 states. Some are absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.
Posted by: usambcuba | August 02, 2006 at 11:34 AM
I was not attacking Oklahoma. I was merely bursting out in song. Every state in th Union is beautiful. Except for Delaware. It doesn't really exist. The flag company rounded up.
Posted by: nonee moose | August 02, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Nonee, I have heard about your singing...you were attacking poor Oklahoma....
Sweet Home Alabama, where the skies are so blue....
Posted by: a thought... | August 02, 2006 at 11:49 AM
AT: you ARE mean, I knew it... and stop hiding in the linen closet when I'm in the shower!
Danke schoen, darling sanke schoen...
Posted by: nonee moose | August 02, 2006 at 02:49 PM
Thankfully Fidel is "stable" ... keep on celebrating for nothing "RIDICULOS" ... —"Che"
Yes, Fidel is as "stable" as anyone can be who's room temperature.
Posted by: Manuel A. Tellechea | August 02, 2006 at 02:57 PM
It is shame to celebrate someone'e death, how could you. I was sickened to see people crowding the streets of Little Havana. Let's get serious, you should celebrate when the people of Cuba have a choice. If the people of Cuba would become a democracy, ask yourself these questions. Would the people receive free healthcare? Would they receive a free education? Would literacy rate drop? Would people from the low-income bracket receive a good education? I do believe that the so called white Cubans are very racists towards the darker skinned Cubans. Especially before the revolution were the worst times. Ask the those same so called white Cubans is South Florida (Coral Gables) Do you know anything about Afro-Cuban massacre of 1912 when the those darker skinned Cubans died of trying to overthrow the racists government. Yes I want democracy for Cuba, but come together as a nation not fools. Yes I am a light skinned Cuban. Thank God for Che who wanted to unite Latin America.
Posted by: Ricardo Chavez | August 02, 2006 at 05:45 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen! The raulista propaganda machine is in the house! Wow, for not having internet access, these guys got the hang of infiltrating blogs mighty fast.... I'm curious, which ministry do you work for Ricardo? I'm trying to bubble in the new org chart...
Posted by: nonee moose | August 02, 2006 at 06:06 PM
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The raulista propaganda machine is in the house! Wow, for not having internet access, these guys got the hang of infiltrating blogs mighty fast.... I'm curious, which ministry do you work for Ricardo? I'm trying to bubble in the new org chart"
You respond to a valid point and criticism of true history and probably an accurate description of white Cubans with childish name calling, you're either ignorant, not intelligent enough to offer a solid rebuttal b/c you rely on others to lead or are just an arrogant hypocrite who is only interested in what's in it for yourself and not what's best for the village.
I won't recite the stick and stones childish taunt b/c it would make me as foolish as you.
Que come mierda!!!
Posted by: Fidel Highlander | August 02, 2006 at 08:42 PM
I completely agree with Ricardo's post. It seems that a large number of my brothers and sisters in Miami love to make fools of themselves. Come on, celebrating on the streets the supposed death of a human being; that's portraying Cuban-Americans in a real positive way!
Having left Cuba almost 40 years ago I also have my differences with Castro but I am not blinded by the hatred that seems so prevalent in certain circles. Let's face it Cuba before Castro was the U.S.'s backyard where everything and anything was OK as long as it benefited the business interest of it's Big Brother and/or the Mafia. I'm afraid that if the same crowd that is now celebrating on the streets of Miami gets a chance to "help bring back democracy" as defined by them it'll be a sad day indeed.
I trust that positive change will happen in Cuba whenever Castro leaves the scene but the change must come from the Cubans that are on the island right now. Let's not export the "chusmeria" and repulsive way of yesteryear to the homeland.
Posted by: Andres Maceo | August 02, 2006 at 09:03 PM