In Cuba on Monday, President Obama said that he “personally would not disagree” with some of Communist dictator Raul Castro’s criticisms of America.
During a joint press conference with the president, Castro attacked America over its record on human rights, the trade embargo (which he called a “blockade”), its “illegal occupation” of Guantanamo Bay, and its “inconceivable” failure to provide free food, health care, and social security.
Fellow traveler Obama saw nothing in that laundry list that he could disagree with.
“President Castro, I think, has pointed out that in his view making sure everybody’s getting a decent education or health care, has basic security in old age, that those things are human rights as well,” Obama said. “I personally would not disagree with that.”
He added, “I actually welcome President Castro commenting on some of the areas where he feels we’re falling short because I think we should not be immune or afraid of criticism or discussion as well.”
Earlier in the day, Obama and his delegation posed in front of a building with a mural depicting left-wing darling Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
