Hugo and Fidel got together for a chat today

[rabs]

during an unannounced visit by Chavez to La Habana. Chavez also met with Raul during a five-hour stay before returning to Caracas. News stories say Fidel and Chavez discussed international issues.


Man in the center is Rogelio Polanco, Cuban ambassador to Venezuela.








Fidel looks really alert and fully recovered.

[Peace Patriot]

1. It sure is interesting how the moral center of Latin America has shifted to Cuba,

due in part to the persistent humanitarian efforts of the Cuban people, who are always there for others, with their superior health care programs and other initiatives. That tiny nation has carried the torch for social justice for many decades, through periods of heinous tyranny supported by the U.S. throughout the rest of Latin America. Somehow they have survived. Somehow they have managed--I shouldn't say "somehow"--by collective action they have managed to overcome hardships and obstacles that would have destroyed--and have destroyed--other small countries. And today most of the world recognizes the legitimacy of their government and their positive achievements. But more than this, Cuba--and Fidel Castro in particular--is a magnate for leftist leaders who are trying to establish Latin America's independence from the U.S. They have so much potential. This could their century, if they pull together. And its basis--the basis of the Latin American Common Market that is forming--will be social justice.

I came to adulthood during the Bay of Pigs/Cuban Missile Crisis era, and have undergone a long education from then to now about why the U.S. government hates Cuba so much. The key is, why does the U.S. hate Cuba NOW--long after the demise of the Soviet Union and that relationship (Cuba/Russia)? In retrospect, it seems very clear that our multinational corporations and war profiteers hate Cuba, and thus our bought and paid for government hates Cuba, because Cuba stands for INDEPENDENCE in Latin America--independence from corporate exploitation, independence from the failed, corrupt, murderous U.S. "war on drugs," independence from resource theft, independence from U.S. dictates. Fear of Soviet Russia is no longer an excuse. The issue is quite different now. And it is much clearer. The U.S. wants vassal states. Cuba refuses to be one. And now other Latin American countries are feeling the same way.

This is what I'm realizing about the past. The U.S. issue in the early years of the Cuban revolution was never freedom for the Cuban people. The U.S. problem was that Cuba, out of fear of the U.S., had become a client state of a rival empire and the U.S. wanted Cuba as its own client state. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba then became nobody's client state. It became self-ruled and independent. And the true intentions of the U.S. have now been revealed. Castro oversaw this transition from Soviet client state to independent state, and thus is the most hated Latin American leader of all. He also oversaw another transition--from Cuban support for armed revolution in other countries, to humanitarian aid and support for democracy in other countries. I remember reading that, when Chavez had been kidnapped by the U.S.-supported rightwing coupsters in Venezuela in 2002, Chavez's daughter was able to get a message from Castro to Chavez and it went something like this: "Don't be Allende. Don't resign." The coupsters were trying to coerce Chavez to sign a resignation letter, which he refused to do. That was one of several critical events that week that saved Venezuelan democracy. The people demanded that their elected president (and their Constitution) be restored. Chavez refused to resign. Tens of thousands of people surrounded Miraflores Palace and peacefully pressured elements of the military to change sides. RCTV--which was in on the coup--broadcast the lie that Chavez had resigned. But it wasn't true. And word got out that it wasn't true. Castro had a hand in saving Venezuela's democratic system.

That must really stick in Washington's craw.

[bherrera]

3. Moral center in Cuba?

That is very funny. Cuba's Castro brothers are dictators. The moral center is in Brazil, where Lula is president. Comparison of the two isn't possible, Castro has held power using brute force for 50 years, Lula is one of the great men of history.

[Mika]

4. FYI

Your knowledge of Cuban history is lacking, to say the least.

Dorticós Torrado, Osvaldo
http://www.bartleby.com/65/do/Dorticos.html

1919–83, president of Cuba (1959–76). A prosperous lawyer, he participated in Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement and was imprisoned (1958). He escaped and fled to Mexico, returning to Cuba after Castro’s triumph (1959). As minister of laws (1959) he helped to formulate Cuban policies. He was appointed president in 1959. Intelligent and competent, he wielded considerable influence. In 1976 the Cuban government was reorganized, and Castro assumed the title of president; Dorticós was named a member of the council of state.

The Cuban government was reorganized (approved by popular vote) into a variant parliamentary system in 1976.

You can read a short version of the Cuban system here,
http://www.poptel.org.uk/cuba-solidarity/faqs-cuba.html

Or a long and detailed version here,

Democracy in Cuba and the 1997-98 Elections
Arnold August
1999
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0968508405/qid=1053879619/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-8821757-1670550?v=glance&s=books



I agree with you about Lula. He is one of the great men of history.

He is a friend of ....






















get ready for it ....



















are you ready ....




















sure? .....





















he's friends with (((GASP111))) ....
























CASTRO


BOTH of them

---

[Peace Patriot]

8. I agree that Lula da Silva is a "moral center" in Latin America. So is Chavez, and

so are several others--Evo Morales in Bolivia comes to mind; also the beloved "bishop of the poor," Fernando Lugo in Paraguay. What I meant was that Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution have survived all this time--through the Brazilian dictatorship, and all the U.S. supported horrors in these other countries. When Lula was in prison, when Morales was being beaten by the police in his early union organizing, when all these other leaders and countries were suffering U.S./fascist chaos, torture and bloodshed, Cuba was transforming itself from a Soviet client state into an independent entity with a strong commitment to social justice. And it is now admired for its survival and for the survival of its values--that government should be acting in the interests of the poor majority, not in the interests of multinational corporations and war profiteers, as the U.S. government does. They are a beacon of survival and independence. They aren't a big country, like Brazil, nor an oil rich country like Venezuela. Their force is MORAL. And, very clearly, this is recognized by all of the new leftist leaders of the region.

I don't particularly like the Cuban system--in which its revolutionary leader became a sort of monarch (reverenced figure who holds it all together)--somewhat like the English system in prior ages (monarch represents "the land" and defends "the people" against untoward power of the land and commercial barons, and is thus reverenced by the poor). But I can see how this happened--and happened here as well, in some respects, with FDR. People do seem to need a unifying leader, especially in times of threat and turmoil. And the Cuban Revolution has never been without the constant threat of the Big Bully to the north. This kind of system can make the rights of the people more vulnerable and more dependent on the virtue of the reverenced leader than those rights should be. Castro has turned out to be a very temperate and restrained "monarch." It could have been otherwise. (Look what happened in Russia with Stalin!) And it's clear now that he has very much participated in weaning the Cuban people from his leadership and encouraging the development of democracy with a small d. He has "virtue" in the old-fashioned sense of the word--the ability to see the larger perspective, the ability to put himself aside and consider the long term common good. And I think this is why so many of the new leaders of Latin America make what are very like pilgrimages to visit Castro. They recognize his "virtue." The democracy revolution has occurred differently in other Latin American countries. Cuba is unique. They have transitioned from a more Soviet model of government toward a more democratic one. The other Latin American countries have transitioned from U.S. imposed dictatorships to more U.S.-like democracies--while we have been transitioning from a democracy to a corporate/military state--i.e., a fascist state with its own unique twist, the illusion of democracy. What an irony that Latin American countries have taken our democratic ideals seriously! What a tragedy, too, that our own people have been so propagandized that they don't recognize their own revolutionary heritage when it occurs elsewhere.

[CJvR]

9. It is a constant surprise to some.

That inFidel's Cuba is a dictatorship, always amusing.

[Joe Chi Minh]

7. Fascinating insights, again, Peace Patriot.

[Judi Lynn]

2. They bolth must be amazed at how far Fidel Castro has come since Hugo Chavez' first visit.

It looked so bad for the Cuban President then. Didn't seem to phase Hugo Chavez who returned again and again, as President Castro got better, and stronger.

What a delight it has to be to finally be able to talk in an office, at long last, instead of a hospital room.

These photos are so nice. He does look very alert, focused. More power to him, and time to enjoy with his good, loyal friend.

[flamingdem]

5. Fidel is looking good, in style as well

The plaid "lumberjack look" is all the rage in urban areas now!

[Billy Burnett]

10. At least the msm can't say that this shirt is like his green military uniform.

Like they were obsessing on about the green silk shirt he wore on an outing a few weeks ago.

[flamingdem]

14. Plaid wearing by Fidel reported two weeks ago

-- snip
One thing that has never changed is Fidel’s fashion sense. He appeared in a track suit over a plaid shirt for an interview that is not known if it was a recorded piece or played live.

http://www.examiner.com/cocktails-in-national/fidel-castro-the-cocktail

Billy here is a drink called the Fidel Castro:

-- snip
So, today is a perfect opportunity to sit back, enjoy the great weather outside and mix yourself a Fidel Castro.

What you will need.

3 oz Havana Club Dark Rum
Juice from 1 lime
Ginger Ale

Add your ingredients to a mixing tin that has been half filled with ice. Stir for 30 seconds and then pour into a rocks that glass that has been filled with ice. Add Ginger Ale until the liquid is over the ice.

[Judi Lynn]

11. Didn't know that! It's true US Cuba watchers NEVER used to see plaids in Cuban photos.

Very interesting, actually.

[flamingdem]

12. Is Lumberjack Still Chic? Couture Carrie is not sure..

http://couturecarrie.blogspot.com/2008/12/is-lumberjack-still-chic.html

Well Fidel is a slightly behind the fashion curve but that's not too bad. Plus, Couture Carrie wasn't even really
sure at the end of 2008 that it was over, so let's figure it's still hot outside of Manhattan.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B6J6nGs6VwA/SUPJRFIqiCI/AAAAAAAANGs/fzyPrFUilb8/s1600-h/Elle+MacPherson+in+Glamour+UK.jpg

WAIT .. just checked again and this article is from August 2010! STILL HOT for men.



http://www.bluebanana.com/news/lumberjack-fashion-shirts/673/


Pick the right top to suit you from our Lumberjack fashion section, guaranteed to have just what you’re looking for. Perfect for any occasion, our shirts can be worn as something formal or casual depending on the event you’re off to. Or why not get the true festival style with one of these amazing tops, we promise you’ll find the colour for you. As if this wasn’t enough, get the full Lumberjack style with the Criminal Damage Trap style jeans now available from Blue Banana, creating your individual style couldn’t be easier. Whether you need a new shirt for a night out or if you’re on a shopping spree, our tops are definitely worth a glance. Coming with a full returns and exchange guarantee, you’ll keep shopping with us for years to come. Or if this Lumberjack section hasn’t got exactly what you’re looking for, we have a checker shirts for men section providing you with an ever changing range of fashionable gear so you get the most out of your number one alternative shop. Here at Blue Banana our cut prices make it easier and more affordable so you can shop for your favourite things without having to break the bank! So what are you waiting for? Check out our awesome Lumberjack fashion collection now and grab yourself

[flamingdem]

16. Over at Versailles Saavedra must be attempting to put a spin on the plaid thing

Like "Fidel is utilizing the youth fashion plaid image to reach out to a younger demographic in the USA so he can take over their minds!"

[Judi Lynn]

17. I think Saavedra should wear a few plaid things, himself! He really should loiosen up a bit,

shouldn't he? My gosh! All that yelling, waving his arms, shoving his flag up everyone's nose, crushing CD's by Juanes, who gave a concert in Havana...... It's too much!

http://www.nuevoaccion.com.nyud.net:8090/MIGUELSAAVEDRA.jpg http://miamiherald.typepad.com.nyud.net:8090/cuban_colada/images/2008/05/08/saavedra.jpeg http://www.foxnews.com.nyud.net:8090/images/345250/4_62_021908_castro_miami.jpg

http://media.elnuevoherald.com.nyud.net:8090/smedia/2009/09/20/22/exilio.embedded.prod_affiliate.84.jpg http://2.bp.blogspot.com.nyud.net:8090/_bCnWIxmOJSA/SrakCWLQqNI/AAAAAAAABpM/t_1a3PJZPwM/s400/VigiliaMambisa.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com.nyud.net:8090/_p0Ky0eMmXNo/SrmKljKdk5I/AAAAAAAAXlo/ll69aJcFe00/s400/vigilia.jpg http://www.cubadebate.cu.nyud.net:8090/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/la-multitudinaria-manifestacion-contra-juanes-de-vigilia-mambisa-segun-el-nuevo-herald-300x199.jpg

Burning a Juanes t-shirt



I'll bet if Fidel Castro walked up and tapped him on
the shoulder he'd probably faint dead in his tracks!

[flamingdem]

18. Great photos as usual! Wonder who the woman is on Miguel's pamphet

I thought it was Hillary for a second

[Billy Burnett]

19. One of the Castro sisters.

Book title is ...

Fidel and Raul, my brothers.
The secret history

[Judi Lynn]

20. I wondered too, but it came back to me that the sister of the two Presidents lives in Miami,

and I believe she recently published a book. Bet that's the sister.

You may recall his illegitimate daughter he had with Naty Revuelta also moved from Spain to Miami where she also is a big celebrity, I've heard, with her own radio program.

Mom stayed in Havana.

First wife went to Spain.

http://www.pbs.org.nyud.net:8090/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/images/p_castro_03.jpg

Mirta Diaz Balart

http://www.sptimes.com.nyud.net:8090/2002/03/18/photos/st-castro2.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com.nyud.net:8090/_YV2gEA9DNhw/SWWfbe57C1I/AAAAAAAAUyQ/-h_isvbQVKg/s400/alina1.jpg http://www.cubaeuropa.com.nyud.net:8090/historia/imagenes/alina-y-fidel.jpg

http://www.thanhnien.com.vn.nyud.net:8090/tnotuansan/Picture/MinhNguyet/Nam2009/Thang1/9.1/TL5.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com.nyud.net:8090/_kxrGJ4WbGds/R4z4IQ-4CnI/AAAAAAAAAFk/YPp86AefnmY/s320/nati.jpg
http://www.asociacioncaliope.org.nyud.net:8090/imagenes/AlinaFernandezRevuelta.jpg

Daughter, Alina Fernandez Revuelta


U.S. News & World Report
February 1, 1999
A '50s affair: Fidel and Naty

A socialite's love letters helped sustain Castro's revolution

BY LINDA ROBINSON

HAVANA–Back when he was a beardless young lawyer, Fidel Castro and his conspirators gathered
night after night in a columned mansion in Havana's leafy Vedado section to plot the first attack of the
Cuban revolution. The year was 1953, and the house was the home of Natalia Revuelta, a
green-eyed socialite, and her husband, a well-to-do physician. Opposition to the dictatorship of
Fulgencio Batista was growing even among the upper middle class, but Naty, as Natalia was
known in Havana society, went further. Drawn to Castro and inspired by his crusade for social
reform, she gave him a key to her home so he might, if necessary, have a haven. Then, to finance
the rebels' first assault on a government Army barracks in Santiago, she emptied her bank
account and pawned her emerald earrings, gold bracelets, sapphires, and diamonds.

The recent publication of love letters that Naty Revuelta and Fidel Castro once swapped is lifting
the shroud that for four decades has cloaked Castro's private life. Their love affair is long over, but
Revuelta's story provides a glimpse of the young man whose charisma and ambition swept up much
of Cuba. Forty years ago this month, delirious crowds cheered Castro and his rebel band for
overthrowing an army 10 times bigger. Many Cubans would consider Castro's turn toward
Marxism a betrayal of the revolution. But their ranks do not include Revuelta.

"He was the kind of person who couldn't be ignored. If he was in a room, people paid attention to him,"
Revuelta recalls. "I too had a certain charm of my own." That is readily confirmed by a glance at the
'50s-era portrait of her in her hallway, plus photos of her modeling fashions at charity benefits and
enveloped in jewels for a Hotel Nacional ball.

More:
http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/fidel/naty.htm

[harun]

6. Vive Chavez, Vive Fidel!

[Billy Burnett]

13. I love photo 2.

The spark, the fire is still there.



Thanks rabs. :thumbsup:

[Judi Lynn]

15. There's a world of difference in his energy level now! That IS a great photo. n/t