Fidel Castro Resigns
The Cuban president Fidel Castro has resigned his position saying he, “will not aspire or accept - the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief.” The notification came in the form of a letter distributed through the media.
At 83 years old, it isn’t a huge surprise that Castro will not push on as the President of Cuba, especially considering recent setbacks to his health. The word “President” could be somewhat misleading: Fidel Castro ruled for nearly 50 years in what seemed more like a dictatorship. His 76 year old brother Raul Castro will likely take over the “throne” and serve as Cuba’s next president… sounds like a monarchy to me!
Fidel Castro is best known as a guerilla leader who reshaped Cuba into a Communist government, survived assassination attempts by the United States and fueled the “Cuban Missile Crisis” during the JFK administration that brought the world to the brink of Nuclear Warfare. Through 10 U.S. presidencies that have tried to oust him, none of been seen successful and the 1961 “Bay of Pigs Invasion” is considered the most disastrous. After this failed takeover by Cuban exiles, funded by the United States, the American relationship with Cuba grew very icy.
President Bush used the resignation as an opportunity to criticize Castro saying he denied the Cuban people, “their right to live in a free society.” He suggested Cuba should move towards a Democratic process and said their current “staged elections” don’t count - Cuba is one of the world’s last remaining Communist countries.
Some of praised Castro for providing great healthcare to his citizens without any type of aid from the United States. But, most see the blood on his hands as he is responsible for suppressing individual rights and liberties by force. And those that praise him may do so because those that detract from him face a perilous fortune.
So Raul Castro takes over at 76 years old… what happens when HIS time has come and gone? Let’s face it - 76 isn’t exactly youthful. The United States has pushed for Democratic turn of events, but that is extremely unlikely to happen with a Castro in office and the country probably won’t have a change of heart after both brothers are gone.
For those who trumpe Democratic principles, the resignation of Fidel Castro is however, at least symbolic of the opportunity for change. But when will it happen? Don’t hold your breath.
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