Fidel Castro, one of the world’s most bloodthirsty dictators, died November 25th 2016. He was 90 years old. Castro took power in Cuba 57 years ago and immediately implemented a communist totalitarian regime that became the longest standing dictatorship in the Americas. During his reign, the Cuban people suffered repression, violations of their human rights and lack of democratic elections.
During the near 6 decades of communism, thousands of Cubans have been killed, imprisoned or have disappeared.
Fidel died not long after President Obama restored relations with the communist government. During his presidency, Obama also removed Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism and reopened the U.S. embassy in Havana August 2015.
Despite Obama’s concessions, the Castro brothers kept the Cuban people subjugated under the boot of communism. Hopes for a free and democratic Cuba were ruined.
A couple years ago, during Obama’s State of the Union speech, the President criticized the embargo on Cuba and spoke about the need to reach out to the Cuban people. More than one year has passed, and nothing has changed. President Obama’s concessions benefited the Castro dictators and the island’s waning economy, but not the Cuban people. To them, Obama’s promises were nothing more than words that did not offer the hope for Democracy and freedom the Cubans so desperately need.
The position of President elect Donald Trump has been totally different. During the election campaign, Trump asked for political and religious freedom for all Cubans. He even suggested imposing more sanctions on the communist regime if no democratic changes are implemented. Donald Trump’s stance was well received among Cubans and the Republican candidate won 58% of the Cuban vote in Miami. Trump also defended the Damas de Blanco and accused Hillary Clinton of ignoring the abuse in Cuba.
Shortly after Raul Castro announced the death of his brother Fidel, Obama and Trump reacted to the passing of the Cuban dictator.
Barack Obama refrained from commenting on the atrocities and crimes against humanity committed by Fidel Castro saying, “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”.
The President talked again about extending his hand of friendship to the Cuban people. Furthermore, he reminded us that during his administration he has worked hard to put the past behind us.
“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”.
On the other hand, Donald Trump said:
“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. I join the many Cuban Americans who supported me so greatly in the presidential campaign, including the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed me, with the hope of one day soon seeing a free Cuba.”
The comments of Barack Obama and Donald Trump could not be more opposing. Trump described the real Fidel Castro and denounced the crimes committed by the communist dictator while Obama was politically correct.
