Castro declared a legend by Labour MP

Labour MP Clare Curran declared Fidel Castro a legend. Now you can claim as Clare does that this wasn’t meant as praise, but that is certainly how it came across to many people. I pointed out the legend banned independent trade unions and made strikes illegal plus executed 15,000 political opponents. Someone else pointed out he imposed massive Internet censorship. Some other comments were:

 

Also interesting to note the statement by President Obama and President-Elect Trump on his death. Obama said:

At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people. We know that this moment fills Cubans – in Cuba and in the United States – with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.  …

Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America.

So not a single mention of his human rights abuses, executions etc.

Trump’s statement is:

“Today, the world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.

“While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve.

“Though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the Cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty.

While there is much I don’t like about Trump’s foreign policy, I have to say on this issue I like him calling it straight.

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