President Obama couldn’t bring himself to publicly denounce Cuban dictator Fidel Castro upon the 90-year-old’s death Saturday morning. While Obama didn’t embarrass himself like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he erred much too strongly on the side of diplomacy, thus giving this murderous regime his tacit approval.
Here’s the full White House statement:
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.
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.
What’s really pathetic is that even after eight years, we still don’t know exactly what motivates Obama. This is the perfect example. Is he simply trying to preserve his legacy – not wanting to trip up his diplomatic gains with comments that will irritate Raul? Or is he an actual admirer of Castro, like his buddy to the North?
Whatever the case, Obama’s statement is a disgrace and it’s an unnecessary reminder of how glad we’ll be to see him vacate the White House.
