# No viva Fidel! - Castro 1926 - 2016 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 26, 2016, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021 "2016-11-26T05:43:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/61 "2016-11-27T04:18:18Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > He outlived everybody who tried to assassinate him. > An achievement, of sorts. Not quite all of them. [Luis Posada Carriles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Posada_Carriles) is still alive. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/62 "2016-11-27T04:25:37Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > Justin Trudeau’s remarks were even more clueless than anything I thought he was capable of. [Breaking News, Headlines and Stories | National Post](http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/fidel-castro-dies-justin-trudeau-issues-statement-much-hilarity-ensues-trudeaueulogies) > > Naturally Twitter is mocking him mercilessly. > > [x.com](https://twitter.com/hashtag/trudeaueulogies?src=hash) > > [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyPEc5oUoAA2Uul.jpg:large](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CyPEc5oUoAA2Uul.jpg:large) Yeah, Canada might want to think of a do-over now that he’s gonna have to deal with Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/63 "2016-11-27T05:01:21Z")
Note my sarcasm in post number 2 of this very thread. (ETA: Well before Trudeau’s comments were made.) Trudeau is a light-weight “Kum ba yah” Prime Minister with pretty much no credentials. I don’t hate the guy, and share a lot, if not all of his morales, but he’s out of his depth and sometimes clueless. Canada will be fine under him, and his cabinet, but he’s not really a worthy candidate for Prime Minister. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/64 "2016-11-27T05:52:34Z")
Upon rereading that Trudeau quote, I realized that it can be corrected with the mere addition of four letters, bolded: > [@](#): > > Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people **shit** for almost half a century. A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and healthcare of his island nation. > > While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for “el Comandante”. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/65 "2016-11-27T14:29:53Z")
> [@ColdPhoenix](#): > > Good to see the US propaganda engine works so well… I guess none of you have been to Cuba? > > A man has died and you slate him. Well, despite the US hating him, he was much liked in a lot of the rest of the world. Tell me, **Cold Phoenix** , how do you respond to the [Amnesty International report on Cuba](https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/americas/cuba/report-cuba/)? just US propaganda? > [@](#): > > **CUBA 2015/2016** > > Despite increasingly open diplomatic relations, severe restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and movement continued. Thousands of cases of harassment of government critics and arbitrary arrests and detentions were reported. > > **Freedoms of expression and association** > > Government critics continued to experience harassment, “acts of repudiation” (demonstrations led by government supporters with participation of state security officials), and politically motivated criminal prosecutions. The judicial system remained under political control. > > The government continued to control access to the internet and blocked and filtered websites, limiting access to information and criticism of the state. Activists reported that mobile phones were without service during the Pope’s visit in September. > > **Arbitrary arrests and detentions** > > Reports continued of government critics, including journalists and human rights activists, being routinely subjected to arbitrary arrests and short-term detention for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly and movement. > > The Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation (CCDHRN) documented more than 8,600 politically motivated detentions of government opponents and activists during the year. > … > > **Prisoners of conscience** > > Laws covering “public disorder”, “contempt”, “disrespect”, “dangerousness” and “aggression” were used in politically motivated prosecutions, or threats of prosecution, against government opponents. > > In January, the authorities released five prisoners of conscience along with a group of more than 50 people believed to have been imprisoned for political reasons. The USA had requested they be freed as part of an agreement between the two governments to “normalize” relations. > … > Graffiti artist Danilo Maldonado Machado, known as El Sexto, was arrested by agents of the political police in Havana while travelling in a taxi on 25 December 2014. He was carrying two pigs with “Raúl” and “Fidel” painted on their backs, which he intended to release at an art show on Christmas Day. He was accused of “disrespecting the leaders of the Revolution” but was never brought to court. He was released from detention on 20 October. ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/66 "2016-11-27T14:42:18Z")
> [@DWMarch](#): > > FWIW, this is what I posted on Facebook about Fidel’s passing: > > Fidel Castro finally died! Probably had a look at Trump, decided there was no further competition in the “fuck up America” department and passed peacefully, with a smile on his face and a hard-on. To the mark. “Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people,” Obama said in the statement. [The Hill](http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/307555-obama-offers-condolences-to-castro-family) ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/67 "2016-11-27T15:22:38Z")
Maybe Trudeau can get a hold of some of Obama’s speechwriters when he’s done with them. The full text deserves to be posted: > [@](#): > > **Statement by the President on the Passing of Fidel Castro** > 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. > > For nearly six decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements. During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends - bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba. > > 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. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/68 "2016-11-27T16:16:24Z")
> [@Iggy](#): > > Still not sure what will become of his ashes. I say, burn them again, and piss on those ashes. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/69 "2016-11-27T17:26:58Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > Maybe Trudeau can get a hold of some of Obama’s speechwriters when he’s done with them. The full text deserves to be posted: Yeah, thats pretty much the kind of statement that the foreign ministry should have given out in Ottawa. When I read what Justin said, to me it more reads like someone giving condolences to a family friend, than one world leader commenting on another one. ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/70 "2016-11-27T17:46:07Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > I say, burn them again, and piss on those ashes. That reminds me of a bit from _Leave It to Beaver:_ In one episode the Cleavers and the Rutherfords (Lumpy’s family) went on a picnic. Lumpy’s little sister Violet kissed Beaver, and her dad Fred took a picture of it. The picture got printed in the newspaper of the place where Fred and Ward worked! Naturally Beaver was furious. But so was Violet. He later told her he burned up the picture and spat on the ashes. 😃 Sounds like what you could have done to your “ashes.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/71 "2016-11-27T19:19:16Z")
Have you ever pissed into some smoldering ashes? You won’t do it a second time, I’ll clue ya. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/72 "2016-11-27T19:37:49Z")
I went to Cuba once, which was enough for me. People were friendly but frustrated. Everything looked like it was from the 50s, and in rough shape. Food was rationed, and I was told for a middle class family, dinner of a bologna sandwich rather than rice and beans was a weekly treat. Castro was a character, but younger Cubans want progress. The embargo was flawed and hurt the Cuban people, who deserved more. I have no idea whether Batista was worse. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/73 "2016-11-27T21:45:53Z")
> [@Declan](#): > > When I read what Justin said, to me it more reads like someone giving condolences to a family friend, than one world leader commenting on another one. That’s because that’s what Castro was. He and Trudeau père had a long relationship. Castro was an honorary pallbearer at his funeral. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2016, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/74 "2016-11-27T23:18:06Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > That’s because that’s what Castro was. He and Trudeau père had a long relationship. Castro was an honorary pallbearer at his funeral. Yeah, I realize that and if junior had phoned Raul and expressed those thoughts I would have been fine with it, as it is, he made them as PM, not junior private citizen and again was tone deaf to what people think of Castro. I get it, we have and are one of the few countries that does have good relations with Cuba, In my opinion Trudeau’s condolences should have been more in line with Obama’s, for the Cuban people going forward. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/75 "2016-11-28T02:03:43Z")
> [@Declan](#): > > I get it, we have and are one of the few countries that does have good relations with Cuba, In my opinion Trudeau’s condolences should have been more in line with Obama’s, for the Cuban people going forward. Actually, a lot of countries have good relations with Cuba. We’re not unusual in that respect. It’s the US that is the outlier. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/76 "2016-11-28T02:39:30Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Actually, a lot of countries have good relations with Cuba. We’re not unusual in that respect. It’s the US that is the outlier. They are just trying to make the world safe for democracy. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/77 "2016-11-28T22:28:18Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Actually, a lot of countries have good relations with Cuba. We’re not unusual in that respect. It’s the US that is the outlier. Right- which means it’s silly to blame Cuba’s problems on the US embargo. Cuba had trade relations with loads of countries, and that never benefitted ordinary Cubans. ---
**Author:** ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2016, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/78 "2016-11-29T00:21:35Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Try [this](https://panampost.com/luis-henrique-ball/2015/05/06/you-will-not-like-cuba) on for size. Looks like a hatchet job. Spot checking their claims on poverty, both the World Bank and the CIA estimate Cuba’s GDP per capita at twice that of Honduras ([Cite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)_per_capita)). A look at that website’s other articles indicates they’re pushing a particular agenda. I agree that Castro was a horrible person and that he screwed up Cuba’s economy, but that site’s opinions can be safely ignored. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2016, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/79 "2016-11-29T02:20:07Z")
> [@Punoqllads](#): > > Looks like a hatchet job. Spot checking their claims on poverty, both the World Bank and the CIA estimate Cuba’s GDP per capita at twice that of Honduras ([Cite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)_per_capita)). A look at that website’s other articles indicates they’re pushing a particular agenda. > > I agree that Castro was a horrible person and that he screwed up Cuba’s economy, but that site’s opinions can be safely ignored. Thank you for pointing that out. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2016, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021/80 "2016-11-29T03:05:22Z")
> [@Punoqllads](#): > > Looks like a hatchet job. Spot checking their claims on poverty, both the World Bank and the CIA estimate Cuba’s GDP per capita at twice that of Honduras ([Cite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)_per_capita)). A look at that website’s other articles indicates they’re pushing a particular agenda. > > I agree that Castro was a horrible person and that he screwed up Cuba’s economy, but that site’s opinions can be safely ignored. Nice link. Gracias. Interesting, in regards to Cuba, the difference between The World Bank and the CIA numbers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-viva-fidel-castro-1926-2016/773021.md?page=3)