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In the last year and a half when rumors of Castro's death came around many of the Cuba émigré population of South Florida had impromptu parades and waived their Cuban Flags with Che's Gloria Estefan's picture on them. I might be a bit off on that last part.
But now, Fidel Castro is retiring (as President, not Party Secretary) and his brother Jeb Raul, at the spritely age of 76 will ostensibly take over, as he has essentially been filling in for the last year plus. Something tells me Raul's ratification as President will not exactly be a squeaker.
For a "beginning of the end" this all seems rather, anticlimactic -- but what do you do when your detested former strongman pretty much retires into the sunset?
(picture from Robert of Fairfax)
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Attaturk!
History’s breaking on all fronts! Cuba–and Pakistan, where Musharraf will lose the elections!
My my…
Lots going on. Almost too much to keep rack of.
With Helms Burton in place it is US law to support the continued force of the land titles held by US Cubans. In other words most land in Cuba belongs to Americans and Cubans are squatters. If Bush were still President when a reverse flood of ex Cubans to Cuba happened then I suppose the Marines would accompany them to help throw the squatters out.
While that is an overheated fantasy as long as Helms Burton is in place it’s going to be very very ugly going forward. Somebody better ask St McCain what he thinks about this. On second thought better not.
336!
Wow, just heard the big news. Yes, this should probably get into the campaign now, so at least no one can say [s]they were overtaken by events[/s] hoocuddanode.
Cuba! Pakistan! Kosovo! Wisconsin–for this latter: (!..*g*)
waachanode, wenyanodeit
;-)
1,761 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
Citizen Attaturk and the Crazy early mornin’ Firepup Freedom Fighters:
This tiny little island with it’s incredibly courageous people who have been contributing medical professionals and training for the rest of the Caribbean and Central America for 50 years will rise up and toss the Batistadoros out before they hit the shore…not one single American soldier should be missioned to assist in the land grab by these expatriot bastards…remember who helped ta kill JFK? (Not the CIA’s finest hour, uh?)
KEEP THE FAITH, THE CHICKENS ARE ALL COMIN’ HOME TA ROOST!!
I’ve always suspected that if you blasted GWB out of bed in the middle of the night with a gong he’d sound just like Chatsworth Osborne Jr.
Listen live to Breaking News on BBC World Service Radio: Click “Listen to World Service Radio.” Then launch stand-alone Windows MediaPlayer…
Outlook is on now, with (my pal)Freddy Dobbs, but the news will come on at 5 AM CT–
Time-Zone World Clock here–wherever you are in the world!
yo
Rut ro the CNN website says McCain is after Keith Olberman
http://www.cnn.com/
McCain wants KO!
maybe Sam Ervin was being channeled
The Cuban people may be courageous but Fidel and Che are murdering scum.
Here’s what’s now coming up on BBC World Service coming up (I have the program notes now):
News, then in-depth analysis for the rest of the hour…
(Chimpy will also be interviewed.)
Yo!
Did you get my message I left last night on your Facebook wall?
1,761 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
Citizen Raven:
Ask any common folks in the Carribean, especially Jamaica, Venezuela, Columbia, Haiti, Dominica etc. who the murderin’ thugs are that threaten life in latin America and ya won’t get Castro as an answer before they spit out “Yankee scum”…join the 21st century, brother Raven.
KEEP THE FAITH, NOW THE SHIT IS REALLY GUNNA HIT THE FAN!!
hardly in the same league with our own murdering scum.
Just! It would be so if the bodhisattva didn’t take up half the rack an 3/4 of the covers!
yeah, i’m still pissed about our most recent coup in haiti. that should definitely be the on the list of countries screwed up by our ‘regime change’ policies.
Musharraf might be impeached–he’s set to lose the election. (BBC News World Service Radio)
Most of my comments in the next hour or so on this thread will have BBC News World Service Radio as my source…for those interested in sourcing…*g*
I love ya Norkse and I’ve been there too. I don’t buy it, Ho or Mao either. One murderin scum doesn’t excuse another.
LOL!!!
I have two pillows…big ones…
juan cole is reporting that:
no excuses raven, just a little of the wisdom about dealing with the plank in our own eye before worrying about the speck in another’s.
Chimpy: I believe that Castro stepping down will begin a period of democratic transition in Cuba…
Little Feat
Well my telephone was ringing
And they told me it was Chairman Mao
Well my telephone was ringing
And they told me it was Chairman Mao
You can tell him anything
‘Cause I just don’t wanna talk to him now
I’ve got the apolitical blues
And that’s the meanest blues of all
Apolitical blues
And that’s the meanest blues of all
I don’t care if it’s John WayneI just don’t wanna talk to him now
Yep–Juan also must be listening to BBC…
Notice I am in hot water already?
Uhhhhh, Raven -
It’s not nice to do that to my brain this early in the a.m……KO = knock-out, methinks.
maybe, but he links to dawn.
never! *g*
a little difference of opinion is one of the spices of life.
It was, like, a joke.
My brain can deal with yokes at this time of day but jokes, not so much. *g*
How goes the paw chewing pup these days?
She’s next to me chewing away as we speak. Warming up the stroller!
The Cubans who have been hanging out in Florida for the past 49 years waiting to reclaim their property are in for a let down. The people who are still there have made Cuba something completely different from the country they left.
Yep. I wasn’t going to say anything…not to worry though. You’re OK in my book at FDL…*g*
Got any doggy psychologists handy in the area?
whoo hoo!
BBC World Service Radio is always breaking, especially in international news…They have the goods on those kinds events. It went native from the get-go. Used to be called BBC Empire Service in 1932 when it was launched…
That’s the rub, if I hold her she stops.
I guess the American (in some circles) opinion is that Castro was/is “detested” but that is not in any way a universal opinion. I, rather, detested Batista who was an American Organized Crime puppet. Castro was put up backed and supported by the CIA. Of course I am old enough to be aware of the American coup that put Castro in place. Like many people that America put in place through violence he did not continue to be their puppet.
uh, you do your best to keep track of the CIA?
People of Cuba - beware. The State Capitalists are coming. Been to Haiti lately?
As for the idea that the noisy right wing, voluntary, excubans living in florida should reclaim their homes I say sure, but after the Palestinians are allowed to reclaim their lands and homes taken illegally with american backing.
What are they supposed to do now?
Well, let’s see– they could kidnap an 8 year old boy and hold him hostage, and then stage a riot?
Oh wait– that didn’t work.
Oh no! BBC News World Service radio is devoting its analysis segment to Britney Spears instead of to Cuba and Pakistan! After all I just said to selise in 41!
I owe you an apology, selise..*g*
Heh, got you trained already, she does.
Good morning, pups. It’s Bobo and Herbert today. Bobo has typed a thing called “When the Magic Fades,” and he asks if Barack Obama values independent thinking, why is his the most predictable liberal vote in the Senate? Mr. Herbert’s column is titled “The Wrong Target,” and he points out that it is common in this country for under-age girls engaged in prostitution to be arrested, even though it is a serious crime for an adult to have sex with a minor.
http://mgpaquin.wordpress.com/
The coffee, tea and hot chocolate are ready, and the Thomas’ English muffins are all hot and crispy. Have a great day.
Are you listening to the American version. I am listening, as I always do, to the UK version. Can’t trust the ‘mercan lies
UK, always…I freelance for them, like right now, editing and fact-checking news items…*g* (That’s why I get up at 2 AM CT…)
Raven — after you left last night a bunch of information regarding itching in dogs came out, mainly from MrsK8. I’ve sent you an e-mail with it, and a message on Facebook regarding the e-mail. (I’m a belt and suspenders kind of girl!) If your spam catcher snares it let me know and I’ll send it again. It turned into a 3-page Word document…
Cool Thx
But I’m just a lowly freelance news editor. BBC News in general is a huge huge organization spread all over the globe…You need a Blackberry or excel to unpack the organizational hierarchy of who’s doing what and who reports to whom or even who is staff or stringer or freelance. And then you have the permlancers: full-time freelancers who are not on staff…
Morning, Marion in Savannah…
That bobo *thing* was a real piece of work, blerrgh!
Top of the morning, Biodun.
It was one of his particularly wrong-headed pieces of crap, and that’s saying a lot.
Must have been about 15 then, and remember Castro being welcomed to Washington DC. IIRC there was a closed door session with the Foreign Relations committee after which Castro quickly and quietly left the country. It was reported that there would be a report on that meeting - never was. In short order, Castro opened channels with Moscow, something antithetical to all published quotes and information up to that time. Once this was done, the (now known) würlitzer (sp?) started up with the anti-Castro propaganda. The rest is history….
Yep, covered any rugby news for them for a while. I was a sports columnist so it was worth quite a few pints.
Disclosure–might as well:
I double-dip when I’m at the Lake. I have several windows open in my workstation because I’m also doing my freelancing at the same time. And because it’s all news, the back and forth is seamless. That’s why I post at lot of AP stuff to FDL…’cause it’s stuff I dig up while editing. The woman I work for under subcontract(a friend actually) knows I do this, so I’m not worried…*g*
For those of you who enjoy a giggle at “their” ineptitude, the Countdown To Doom clock at the Heritage Foundation has been so very well designed that it reverts to 00:00:00 every night at midnight. It is to laugh…
IIRC the CIA did not want Castro to “nationalize” the vast organized crime property portfolio but rather wanted all hotels etc. to remain in ‘mercan hands. He must have said to them “what is it about revolution you do not understand?”
Priceless!
You too, eh? So what I’ve said in 61 is not news to you. Small world indeed. When did you freelance for them? I’ve been doing this since 1996…on and off. I can always relay on it when I need it…My friend there is a lifer…*g*
FYI -
Washington Journal -
Unless he gets preempted by the Castro news.
Finally, Auntie or the Beeb is getting down to work…
*snort*
Well, I keep FDL going behind what I’m working on at the office too, so you’re not the only one. It’s the only way I can keep up with all the posts, even if I don’t comment. (Besides, it’s a welcome break from making sure I’ve spelled dacryocystorhinostomy right…)
I sort of ocham razored that was what went on, Both Alan and John Foster (Dulles) were involved, some sort of muscling or Strong-Arming was my guess. Washington has had 50 years of blowback as a result.
Mid 70s for me. American rugby clubs had been making their first, tentative, trips to Europe so some interest was there. It took many, many years before rugby really stated to get organized over here. But before rugby historians get on my case yes America won the first (and only?) Olympic gold medal in rugby 1920s I believe.
Going to MSNBC’s Morning Joe for about 15 minutes or so…Joe, Mika and Will Geist are talking about the so-called Obama plagiarizing, saying that Hill(ary is bound to exploit it…
All right! comrade in arms…
I am going to have to research a little today as I am bloody sure that Bush was involved somehow!!!! Maybe through his skull and bones buddies?
is it november yet?
And now Andrea Mitchell is talking about Cuba…old news already…she’s getting it secondhand…
If only…
1,761 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
Citizen Raven:
I didn’t realize you have canine with some skin problems…well, I gotta West Highland Terrier (9 months) and the vet I trust recommended an oatmeal based shampoo. Been usin it for 4 months and other terrier owners I’ve talked to swear by the stuff.
Good luck…maybe a mudbath fer the mutt might work too, even if he doesn’t stop itchin’ he’ll have a hell of a time!
KEEP THE FAITH AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER!!
Good Morning, Firepups!
It’s clear and in the 30s this morning (which feels cold after the temperature hit 64° yesterday!). Well, Bobo’s piece is no worse than the idiocy that Kristof published this weekend. Mr. NJP and I cancelled our subscription to the Times when Bill Kristol’s column first ran at the end of January. Now I walk to the quickie mart in the mornings too buy a copy. Last night at dinner we were talking about idiot pundits, and come to discover neither of us has actually read Kristol–but we both read the commentary on Kristol by the good folks in Left Blogistan (thank you for reading him, so we don’t have to!).
Time to get moving! Have a good day, pups, and keep speaking truth to power. Thanks for the tea and muffins, Marion.
Work for peace, every day.
I know, I know…Me too. Probably for most of us. Nerves have been raw lately on FDL threads…and I think that’s why…
The timing would be about right, the Zapata Oil was circa that period and working in the area. A coinkidink?
Do you work in the news as well? I kinda suspected that from your FDL comments…
If I remember correctly it was when bush senior was at CIA that swine fever was introduced to cuba. bush1 was also at CIA when the (Agentinian) airplane was bombed out of the sky.
I have it on good faith that Hillary writes all her own material.
Seriously, IIRC there are some overlaps in staffing between the two speakers, from David Axelrod down. OTOH, Axelrod should know better.
Hitting the bathroom for my morning ablutions in a few. That second cuppa coffee is working…*g* See ya guys and gals in about half-an-hour…
Not for BBC but did political commentary years ago. Back at the “beginning” Middle 80’s) of the net I made free websites for all politicians as way to introduce politicians to the net. It seems to have worked.
Way too much information
And asks her own questions?
Yep, you’re right. Axelrod worked for Deval Patrick as well, so he fed Obama that same material…
LOL!!! Sorry ’bout that…*g*
I wish I had some links for you, most of what I have is from dead tree and memories. There are two books on the Bush family history House of Bush/House of Saud was one and American Dynasty was the other. They would enlighten as to who the players were at the time.
Realizing that that comment might be taken as pointed.
The only point is that “There’s no there there”
A line which I have taken to using frequently in relation to attacks on Dems from any quarter.
Not that all Dems are squeaky clean (I reside in Chicago), but the unlike 2000, we need to shut down the Wurlitzer on these stupid and misleading points.
I work with people who still maintain Al Gore is a liar for claiming to invent the internet.
This accusation of plagerism needs harsh refuting immediatly.
Oh, and even John Stewart will tell you that greatness requires writing assistance.
91 (cont.)
then there are the published conspiracy theorists that have assembled bits and pieces to support themselves, not all those bits and pieces are contaminated by the use they were put. Some of this may be on line as well.
Jon Stewart
heh
the songwriter actually didn’t need any help
This was supposedly a “drug overdose” but was not too much of a surprise as many people that have crossed the bushies have turned up, coincidentally, dead.
Just to tell you in advance, I don’t know about the 5:00 a.m. post.
…I just don’t know.
Ah. Fidel resigns.
The Scourge of the Crazies.
Pokes imperial Amurika in the eye for 50 years and is still standing.
Pokes American in the eye for nearly 50 years…retires, leave it up to Brother.
What a sterling policy success.
Although it beats 50, no make it 100 years of occupying more than a snip of land like Guantanamo.
said facetiously “is it coincidence or is it memorex”, there is a lot of smoke (and mirrors as well) in these reports not to be open to the possibility there may be a fire at the heart of the stories. It was the timeline concerning GHWB and the Kennedy assassination conspiracy theory which has similar coincidences and may be a record of the players contemporaneous to the events. They may show up at other events as well. Just saying there would be a resource for whom to look at or for.
a disclaimer: my sister is the end of the world and New World Order conspiracy theorist. I am permanently on a low salt regime as consequence. ;-)
Who wants to bet Georgie & Dickie will invade Cuba and call it their own to retire to? Wouldn’t surprise me!
You might want to begin your research here…
Happy trails!
B…b…b…but, I need my fix.
thnx
only if it is false.
What is our obsession with these tiny strips of land?
You guy would be pleased to know that I was just yacking with myself down stairs thinking I was up here. It is all so confusing at the lake. You can’t tell where you are or when it is (Can’t we just use one time zone please - mine of course!). *g*
All things must pass.
Coming soon: Cuba, the mega tourist mecca.
We will end up invading it with capitalism and turning it into an overdeveloped gambling resort/eyesore rife with social and economic inequities.
I never could figure out why Americans couldn’t visit Cuba regularly. Or why presidents couldn’t have “normal” relations with Cuba. Because they were commies? Didn’t seem the same with the Soviet Union, China, etc. Is it because of all those Cubans in Florida? That is too stupid to contemplate.
Webster Tarpley wrote a great book on Bush Sr. You can read it online here:
There was also a report in early 2007, I believe, by Russ Baker that Bush was working for the CIA as early as 1953, just prior to the overthrow of Arbenz in Guatemala. It seems that while Bush’s paper trail in the agency was destroyed, that of his handler, Thomas Devine, wasn’t. Devine even accompanied Bush to Vietnam in December ‘67 for a two week trip while Ted Shackley was working for the CIA there and Richard Armitage was assigned to the SEALS and John Negroponte was working for the State Department. The info on Bush’s early CIA ties is here:
http://www.realnews.org/index......Itemid=217
I believe that Bush was deeply involved with the Bay of Pigs as one of his first assignments with the CIA. Two of the ships used in the operation belonged to his Zapata Oil Company. I think Bush’s involvement was what Nixon was hinting at when he mentioned the whole Bay of Pigs/Texan connection while ordering Haldemann to tell Helms to obstruct justice by approaching FBI to curtail its investigation into the Watergate break-in.
Felix Rodriguez, an integral player in Iran-Contra the Bay of Pigs stated in his book Shadow Warrior that he was recruited into the CIA by George Bush in 1959. Rodriguez was one of the people who killed Che in Bolivia in 1967.
And that’s just scratching the surface of Bush’s involvement in the downfall of our country.
Sorry.
Here’s the link for the Tarpley book:
http://www.tarpley.net/bushb.htm
Republicans are salivating over the thought of the return of donkey sex shows returning to Cuba. Unhindered capitalism and the market is the only true freedom.