Emotional Castro Says Cuba Blockade Not Obama's Fault

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

PANAMA CITY (AP) -- Cuban President Raul Castro delivered a stunning defense of President Barack Obama on Saturday, absolving him of responsibility for the U.S. blockade against Cuba hours before the two were expected to hold the first major meeting between a U.S. and Cuban president in more than half a century.

Castro, in his speech to the Summit of the Americas, ran through an exhaustive history of perceived Cuban grievances against the U.S. over more than a century, in a vivid display of how raw emotions still run over U.S. attempts to undermine Cuba's government. Then in an abrupt about face, he said there were many U.S. presidents at fault for that history - but that Obama wasn't one of them.

"I apologize to President Obama and to others here. I have told President Obama that I get very emotional talking about the revolution," Castro said. "I apologize to him because President Obama had no responsibility for this."

"In my opinion, President Obama is an honest man," Castro added, a remarkable vote of confidence from the leader of a country that hasn't had diplomatic relations with the U.S. in more than 50 years.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SUMMIT_UNITED_STATES_CUBA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-04-11-12-46-05

[libdem4life]

1. Yes, we can! Obama is rectifing many of our past policital deeds. My goodness,

if he keeps this up, just who will we hate...bomb...regime change? Of course in some ways these are small things in the macrocosm we call politics, but many small things lead to large things. I believe Obama will go down as one of the best US Presidents...and even better, he's black and the Republicans did and continue to do everything possible to stop him.

Next up, a Hispanic. Who other than one of the Castro twins...probably Julian.

[calimary]

11. That'd REALLY be ironic! President of the United States Castro!

Just stop for a moment and imagine the GOP apoplexy! They're such reflexive reactors to things. I'd expect they wouldn't know what to do about that!

Actually I suspect the next up might be an Anglo female. But Julian Castro as a running mate would be a genius move. Not only appealing to Latinos and younger voters, and not only appealing to the South, but setting him up as the next political star waiting in the wings. As Vice Presidents frequently are.

[libdem4life]

16. I've thought about that a number of times...LOL...Republicans freaking out

over a woman/Clinton, you called it, they'll be absolutely "hair on fire" over Vice President Castro....then...President Castro and his twin brother and Lefty mother. I think Joaquin maybe is looking toward the Texas Governorship.

It gives me much glee because they are also squeaky clean politically. Great "bootstraps" family history. Can't wait for the VP Debate...against any on the Great Republican Clown Car. I think my favorite match would be Scott Walker.

Yes, waiting in the wings. Both are now in Washington.

[brer cat]

71. Barack Hussein

followed by VP Castro...so many republican heads will explode that we will all be covered with the pickle juice that constitutes their brains.

[erronis]

80. Given the age and ruddiness (ruditie?) of these GOPers - perhaps we'll lose a few

There would be nothing so sweet as to see a Hannity and a RW pundshit both expire at the same time, on camera, while spewing spittle and bile. (My apologies for the images, and my insensitivies - sniff/sniff).

[madokie]

17. Either would be fine by me

I want to see momma Rossa living in my house, our house, the white house.
Damn how much better can it get?

[libdem4life]

29. Oh yeah, but I think it is Julian that will go the Presidential route. Not only because he's already

posed with Wendy Davis and Hillary Clinton, but he has the required family man persona. He has a darling 4-5 year old girl and attractive wife. Joaquin is not married.

And the smell of tamales and menudo coming out of the White House kitchen. It just gets better and better.

[Chan790]

74. Maybe it's just me...

but I've always been under the impression that menudo is one of those things that nobody likes the smell of...kind of like boiling cabbage. I mean it tastes good but smells...not so good.

On the other hand, I haven't had a good tamal in ages.

[libdem4life]

79. Everyone but Hispanics hate it...I'll admit that's why I used it here...but it sure does taste good.

[Voice for Peace]

26. yes! the castro brothers

[libdem4life]

31. Another plus is that the Republicans are going to have to address them in their Hispanic names

Hoo-lee-an and Wak-keen. And the last name coincidence with a certain nearby but "rogue" country, even as Obama breaks with tradition there, as well...is noted.

[HoosierRadical]

73. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since I became aware of the Castro twins

I thought how wonderful it would be to have a President Castro!

[libdem4life]

78. Word and Bio are getting out. He's already caught Obama's eye...some are calling him the

"next Obama" I think we'll hear a lot more before the convention.

[yallerdawg]

2. Obama, Hillary and Kerry...

have all managed to reform our reputation in the world after the psychotic belligerence of Bush 2.0.

Of course, the Republicans are apoplectic! As is the war industry behind the Republicans.

[brush]

4. "Of course, the Republicans are apoplectic!"

I love how you put that — so spot on.

And the MIC will be even more upset once the Iranian non-nukes agreement is done.

If I may paraphrase a Seinfeldianism to the repugs — "no war for you."

[calimary]

12. I love how you put that - "no war for you."

"Soup Nazi" riff - one of our favorite "Seinfeld" episodes! Shit - we just watched that last night!

[brush]

61. Thanks, calimary. nt

[Historic NY]

32. Yes they have...

I think the Nobel committee was right, they gave out the peace prize not for what he did, but what he would do.....

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

51. Dear god yes, Obama is loved practically everywhere but here. he is respected

[cheapdate]

57. Meanwhile, the talking point de jour from the right-wing noise machine

is that Barack Obama has destroyed relations with our allies and "emboldened our enemies". As you mentioned, the opposite is true.

[Fred Sanders]

3. "President Obama is an honest man". Indeed. The opposite of the mass media and the GOP.

The rest of the world of 6 billion folks not living in rural Iowa and NH, and those pandering to their little world opinions, get it.

[H2O Man]

5. Recommended.

Thank you for this.

[ZX86]

6. This is what you get for acting reasonable.

Saber rattling is not the answer to every difference of opinion in foreign affairs.

[calimary]

13. What's that saying? "When all you know is a hammer, all you see are nails."

War is NOT the Answer.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

69. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

[arely staircase]

7. Obama believes in dialogue and diplomacy

Which infuriates the neocons.

[craigmatic]

8. I like Raul Castro. This new opening is a win for him too. He's the Cuban Deng.

[libdem4life]

19. Can't you just see the headlines? Castro to visit Castro. Whoa. The Tejano meets the Cubano.

Bodes well for the Central American drama, as well. We need our Hispanic brothers and sisters to really, really step up now, have pride in their history and proclaim the rights of Americans...in English and Spanish. The Dreamers. Welcome.

Maybe one of the Democrats can offer Raul a speaking engagement in Congress? LOL.

[Judi Lynn]

27. Great idea! No doubt the fascists will take it in stride, like the gentlemen/women they are.

We can be sure of that!

[cosmicone]

42. Viven los latinos y latinas !!! n/t

[libdem4life]

50. si, si puede

[L0oniX]

9. K & R

[flamingdem]

10. HAPPY DAYS, FOR ONCE IT'S NOT OBAMA'S FAULT

VIVA CUBA!

[calimary]

14. Um... just give the GOP a few minutes.

That's certain to change if they have anything to say about it. And unfortunately, they usually do.

It's really an outrage that anybody pays any attention to them.

[flamingdem]

15. dang.. you're right

but at least this will piss 'em off and make it awkward for Cruz and Marco Rubio.

[still_one]

36. Cruz and Rubio won't be awkward, they will just spew out Cold War bullshit

and the loonies who follow them will eat it up

However, President Obama will be viewed as one of the great Presidents in my view

[madokie]

20. the majority of the American People won't even know about this

our press is solidly in the hands of the neoCONs

I love our President and trust him wholeheartedly to do what is right.

[flamingdem]

38. CNN has the press conference live coming up

I think - from Panama

[madokie]

39. Trouble is how many watch CNN anymore

I know I don't and I don't know anyone who does.
I do hope I'm wrong about what I said though

[flamingdem]

53. Try telesur for the other viewpoint!

In espanol but for things like the summit there's often translation

Right now the sit down presser w Raul and Obama is available and its got English translation:

http://www.telesurtv.net/

[Cha]

59. Viva Cuba, flamingdem!

BBC Breaking News ✔ @BBCBreaking
Follow
"The Cold War has been over for a long time" - President Obama hails "turning point" with Cuba http://bbc.in/1Emy7re
6:06 AM - 11 Apr 2015 1,998 Retweets 1,737 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/04/11/rise-and-shine-1039/

[flamingdem]

60. Hola Cha! Viva Obama too

did you see the presser this afternoon, whoa gloves off with the Republicans!
Oh these are the good days

So nice to see you!!!!!

[Cha]

62. Si! Viva Obama, tambien!

And, Hawaii!

Mahalo for the Full Presser, flamingdem.. Really good to see you too!

[flamingdem]

64. I was so amazed by that comment

because it's just so Cuban! So incredibly personal.

The idea of "humble" humilde in Cuba is so important and impossible to understand for most USAers. It's the ultimate compliment and goes back to what is considered to be the ideal Cuban from the past centuries Independence War/s (Jose Marti their George Washington) and the 1959 revolution that was all about class struggle and US domination with that hard to attain ideal of equality for all, who knows .. .if it wasn't for the USA they might have achieved it. Humble means to be so sure of your fellow humans that you'll sacrifice yourself and all vanity artifice for the good of others.

Not sure I have it totally right. I've just heard people say this in different contexts and it's the beautiful thing that remains from the Revolution, the idealism and at least the attempt at the common man/woman being the ideal not wealth.

Raul is an idealist! Still, after all these years and all these attacks, as they perceive it, from the United States against their beleaguered island he can still connect with good in Obama, he can see through the rhetoric - without religion as the mediator - with just humanity and honesty.

Who else but Obama then could have caused this breakthrough? And Raul himself is a thoughtful person, I mean vs. big bro who was an ideologue warrior, so it's quite a moment and a real connection. I especially love that the Republicans heads are totally exploding!!!

happy days!

[brer cat]

70. Thanks for an informative post, flamingdem.

Happy days, indeed.

[flamingdem]

75. u r welcome!

I happen to be studying Cuba history so I can't help going on a bit, sometimes too much!

[brer cat]

77. Not too much at all.

Please keep sharing...we can all learn from you.

[HoosierRadical]

76. Thanks for explaining what "humble" means in Cuban context.

I love your entire post, although, I have to pled Big Bro Fidel's case, he too was and remains and idealist, but one can only imagine how dealing with constant attempts of undermining by the US caused him to react a certain way, I still believe Fidel has always acted in what he thought was the best for his fellow Cubans.

[flamingdem]

81. You're right on that Fidel is an idealist

and did try over and over to make it work with the USA.

I haven't read it yet but the new book Back Channel to Cuba gets into it.

I forgot to say that the audience practically gave Raul a standing ovation when he said Obama is humble NOT when he said he was honest.

No one caught that!

[Judi Lynn]

63. Thanks for posting the press conference. n/t

[flamingdem]

65. Very welcome Judy, it's gloves off against the Republicans

he tears into them.

Then a journalist tries to set him up with the question about whether he thinks Raul is an honest man, but he knows the tricks!

Just looking for Republican talking points for Fox there!

[treestar]

83. LOL that struck me first!

SOMETHINGS NOT OBAMA'S FAULT OMG!!!!!

[Diclotican]

18. Purveyor

Purveyor

It would have been great - if the relationship between Cuba and US was to be normal - or as normal as it can be between two nations who have been at odds with each others for 60 odd years...

And I also think that would blow some fuses over at the GOP - who more than anything really want to go to war against Cuba - and if possible turn the clock back to Prue 1959 - when US was in full control of the iceland - and where the general cubans had nothing to say - and was more or less slaves.... And where also - the great families of Cuba had full control over it all...

If peace was to break out between Cuba and US, and normal conditions between two nations would be the end - it would have great possibilities for the future in the caribian...

And then - maybe normal ties between US and Iran two - that would really make Republicans blow their fuses - And many hardliners in both nations would really go off their tracks - if they was just turned away - and peace suddenly broke out.... That would be one of the greatest feats Barack Obama would have managed - to make peace both with Cuba, and with Iran at the same time...

They already HATE him - so why do not do what should have been doing for a long time already - make peace with the two countries US have had trouble with for decades.. And that would also cement Obama as one of the greatest Presidents - side by side with FDR, Truman, JFK and George Washington - to put a few of the greatest president US have fostered over its time.. And that would in the end maybe be the end of Noe-Conservative ideology - who have plagued US for the last 25-30 years.... With it poison - and with the belief that just military might is what is needed...

Diclotican

[libdem4life]

22. Seems the more they want his political head, the more Democratic he becomes. Love your post. n/t

[Diclotican]

23. libdem4life

libdem4life

The President have been trying hard to work with them - all the time from 2008 when he was elected - and was given squat back... its time for him to be able to hit back - and make progress where it is posible doing it - with countries who want peace with US - on terms both sides can agree on..

Thank you for your kind words - I just hope Im not to bad in the english language - as Im not native to it -

Diclotican

[libdem4life]

46. Peace. Paz. Pais. Paci. Pasi. There. Fixed that English language thing. Doesn't seem to

stop our President, either. Totally agree with your analysis.

[Diclotican]

49. libdem4life

libdem4life

Thank you - Peace IS the best we can fight for - on a local level - on regional level - national level - or worldwide....

Diclotican

[DonViejo]

28. "...GOP -who more than anything really want to go to war against Cuba..."...

Who don't they want to go to war against or on behalf of?

[Diclotican]

30. DonViejo

DonViejo

I have no clue - from what I understand - they just want to get rid of the current government of Cuba - and replease it with some who is more friendly and who is not as independed as the current one..

Diclotican

[DonViejo]

35. Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Libya, ISIS, Putin...

the gang of thugs in the GOP are always ready to send someone else's kid to war. McCain, Graham, Cruz, Cotton, Kirk, etc., long for war as badly as Dems long for peace.

[Diclotican]

44. DonViejo

DonViejo

I know - I found it weird, that some want to get other kids to war - but who do not want to go to war them self - or put their own offspring's in harms way.... Even the ones who do know what war is, is seen as hellbent on war alone.. My experience is that the ones I have known - have never been to helbendt on war - but then again - it is a long time since World War Two, with all the horrible things what happened then... I guess that make for the difference - in a age when it is allmoust like playing a video-game...

Its nuts to be honest...

Diclotican

[davidpdx]

67. North Korea is going to collapse on it's own just due to the fact that information

is getting in and out of the country. It is a bit different animal than Cuba. A decade or two at most before it falls without a war. The problem will be what to do at that point.

[madokie]

41. I wish I could rec a reply

cause this would be one I would recommend all to read.

Thanks
you made my day

[Diclotican]

45. madokie

madokie

Your welcome Madokie - It allways good to know my little writings is making somes day - sometimes its seen I am able to do so...

Diclotican

[riverbendviewgal]

21. fantastic

And I am watching Godfather 2 and right at the NewYears scene when the revolution begins.

CUba is so beautiful. The people too.

[Hulk]

24. "fodder" for fox-nonsense to hate and inflame the crazies that tune in....

"Diplomacy" is a four letter word to these nut-wads. I just listened to two minutes of sean vannity brow-beating some guest on "tell them three things Hillary has accomplished".

These simple minded loonies get one thing...."2-1=1", or some other form of simple action/reaction. Diplomacy is not anything they can wrap their empty heads around. Strengthening respect and cooperation around the world is a myth to them. Drop a bomb, kill; now we get that.

They are still mocking Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize prior to even serving as President, or doing anything concrete. Fact is, HE was responsible for wrapping up our involvement in Iraq. He has been responsible for keeping us OUT of Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iran, Yemen, and half a dozen African nations where the repukkkes and the war machine would LOVE to run off to. I'd say, in my opinion he has EARNED that prize, several times over. How they decided he would follow through and accomplish such abstention is beyond me, but he did!

So, fook all these reich wingers. Castro is right on the money. We need to cut this foolishness and reopen diplomatic channels with these people we have persecuted for the past 50+ years. Jesus....most of them are dead and gone from that period. The Cubans today are going to realize they are a happier people WITHOUT American involvement than they will be once our corporations get their claws in their society.

[Judi Lynn]

25. Ahead of meeting, Castro calls Obama "an honest man"

Ahead of meeting, Castro calls Obama "an honest man"
11 April 2015
By Valerie Hamilton, dpa

Panama City (dpa) - Cuban President Raul Castro extended an olive branch to US President Barack Obama at the Summit of the Americas Saturday, absolving him of responsibility for the US embargo of Cuba and calling him "an honest man."

Toward the end of a fiery speech that slammed past US interventions in Cuba and Latin America, he apologized to Obama for the tirade.

"I apologize to him because President Obama has no responsibility for any of this, like his 10 predecessors did. Everyone of them is indebted to us except President Obama," Castro said.

"In my opinion, President Obama is an honest man," he added, to sustained applause.

More:
http://www.dpa-international.com/news/international/ahead-of-meeting-castro-calls-obama-an-honest-man-a-44861039.html

[Aunt Bold Ire8]

33. Do you all know that your FB Like function always swallows the FB Share button? . . .

at least for some of your users anyway.

The FB Share button is always behind the box for the thread-frame that occurs just below the FB Like when you click on it.

..............

Solidarity!

[Cosmocat]

34. This stupid shit should have ended a LONG time ago

Time to put it to an end.

[Stellar]

37. Republic0ns aren't going to like this...

"In my opinion, President Obama is an honest man," Castro added,

[Jefferson23]

40. He sounds sincere and how fantastic to hear it. Kudos to both men. K&R

[cosmicone]

43. He is only saying that because

Obama is a secret communist-muslim born in Kenya of course. He is going to turn half the world into communists and the other half into ISIS. (In addition to painting the White House black)

[Sunlei]

47. "President Obama is an honest man"

He would make a great SOS in future and a SC Justice, when he's done with SOS

[riderinthestorm]

48. K&R!! This is a master stroke for both men. Bravo!!

[tabasco]

52. I'm proud of Obama's courage to make amends with Cuba

It's about goddamned time!

[BeyondGeography]

54. I always thought this President would do best in FP

Because the outside world would "get" him better than many Americans. He would show them sincere respect and genuine engagement because this would be the real part of his job, as opposed to the dreary domestic scene.

It's panning out. The initiatives with Iran and Cuba are imaginative and stunning. These are great works for our country, and they are validating this President in a very profound way.

[hifiguy]

55. President Obama deserves nothing but the highest praise

for his recent diplomatic triumphs with Iran and Cuba. I continue to have significant policy differences with him (drone kills, TPP) but these achievements are legacy-makers and he deserves the utmost credit for them.

Choke on it, 'pukes.

[Hekate]

56. Emotional Hekate says, How very happy to see this day.

[Cha]

58. "In my opinion, President Obama is an honest man," Castro added.. Totally Pissing off US Repugs.

BBC Breaking News ✔ @BBCBreaking
Follow
"The Cold War has been over for a long time" - President Obama hails "turning point" with Cuba http://bbc.in/1Emy7re
6:06 AM - 11 Apr 2015 1,998 Retweets 1,737 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/04/11/rise-and-shine-1039/

Mahalo Purveyor

[kelliekat44]

66. This is just awesome and wonderful!!!

I only hope that our President and his family remain safe. Having to depend on a failing Secret Service protection, gun-loving haters all riled up by FOX "News" and Limbaugh ditto heads, and low to no-information racist bigots all around is really scary. The President's attempts to do the right thing for everyone does not sit well with the GOPers but I love the President's fearlessness and his persistence in the face of the most God-awful opposition from this Congress and even from many within his own party. No matter what the powerful and privileged say or write about him, we know the truth and I will pass this truth on to my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Peace to your heart, Mr. President.

[m-lekktor]

68. K & R!

[Zorra]

72. K&R nt

[treestar]

82. Of course it's Obama's fault!!!!

What is the matter with you Castro? You say, "Thanks Obama!"

[IMG][/IMG]