Fidel Castro in His Twilight

For John, BLUF:  Opening to Cuba opens another nation for Americans to visit.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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"Fidel Castro Lashes Out at Obama After Cuba Visit".

Why is it with Mr Castro that The Wall Street Journal would have a sub-headline, "The 89-year-old former leader offers a written rebuke a week after president’s historic trip"?

The Reporter is Kejal Vyas and the lede is:

Retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro slammed President Barack Obama’s recent visit to the Caribbean island, warning his countrymen to beware of Washington’s sweet talk as both nations embark on a long and uncertain path toward improved relations.

It could be dismissed as just an older gentleman who is cranky.  But, it made it past the censors, so it is sending some sort of a message.

I think that, as Americans we should note this and then move on.  We don't need Cuba as an ally.  We should be neighborly and we should buy good quality products from Cuba (for hard dollars) (like Cuban cigars).  The issue of Democracy and Human Rights can be dealt with by allowing Cubans to rub elbows with Americans, through free travel.

Without Russian nuclear weapons Cuba is less of a threat to the United States than the drug cartels in Mexico.  Let us not invest too much in worrying about Cuba.  Visit and at the same time keep an eye on the country, like we would any other Latin American nation.

Should the President have gone to Cuba?  Not necessary, but not a problem.

As a final thought, I have a tag for President Barack Obama, but not for former President Fidel Castro.  Who is more important?  Our President, not their's.

Regards  —  Cliff