Bush Slams Obama Over Idea to Meet With Castro
Posted on February 28, 2008
A president lays it down for a boy wannabe!
At a news conference where Bush showed unusual passion for a president in his waning months, he said “now is not the time†to talk with Castro.
“What’s lost … by embracing a tyrant who puts his people in prison because of their political beliefs?†he said. “What’s lost is, it’ll send the wrong message. It’ll send a discouraging message to those who wonder whether America will continue to work for the freedom of prisoners. It’ll give great status to those … who have suppressed human rights and human dignity.
“The idea of embracing a leader who’s done this, without any attempt on his part to … release prisoners and free their society, would be counterproductive and send the wrong signal.â€
Warming to the subject, Bush continued: “Sitting down at the table, having your picture taken with a tyrant such as Raul Castro, for example, lends the status of the office and the status of our country to him. He gains a lot from it by saying, ‘Look at me. I’m now recognized by the president of the United States.’â€
Naive in hope, Obama responds with some “love your enemy” rhetoric:
“Very early in this campaign, I said I would meet not just with our friends but also with our enemies, not just with leaders we like but leaders we don’t,†Obama said. “Washington, when I said this, they said, ‘Oh, you can’t do that.’ I said, ‘Watch me; I will.’â€
Inexperienced, naive, and dangerous. Obama slings “diplomacy” around like dictators have a heart.
» Filed Under 1st Amendment, Communism, Elections, Fascism, News, Politics As Usual, Socialism, Stupidity, War On Terror
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11 Responses to “Bush Slams Obama Over Idea to Meet With Castro”
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1. Bush presents a false dichotomy. There’s a ton of middle ground between the status quo and “embracing” a tyrant.
2. The embargo strengthens his control. There’s some short term value to an embargo, but that ship sailed decades ago. At this point, the embargo just gives Castro a convenient way to shift blame away from himself. How are Cubans supposed to unite against him when a great many of them believe we are the cause of their poverty.
It doesn’t matter that it’s not true; they’re not educated enough to figure that out. We’ve handed them easy and effective rhetoric.
What was it that another respectful, and much more intelligent liberal hero said about carrying round pictures of Chiarman Mao?
Or in Obama’s case it would be pictures of Che, wouldn’t it?
I don’t know what you’re trying to say, Jay.
Che was known for executing children for political crimes. Raul sentenced a man to death for breaking a foot during training. This man’s life was spared when Fidel intervened. GWB had a point regarding these tyrants. Does Obama really believe it will do any good to embrace tyrants. In spite of the embargo Cuba has done business with many countries and still they fail economically. Communism is a broken system.
Right, so what do you think we’re accomplishing with the embargo?
It does little more than give the tyrants an easy opportunity to shift blame. As long as they can shift enough of the blame, the people will never rise up against them.
So I’ll ask again; what are we accomplishing by taking the hardest possible line short of war?
Why doesn’t OBAMA go and lick Castro’s boots, he is starting on that path already?
Please! Talk is cheap. I am more concerned about what deals our potential next Presidents will make with tyrants like Raoul. The problem is I am hearing nothing from any of them on the subject. Obama on the other hand is offering to talk to see what can be accomplished. Since the status quo is failing we might as well give him his chance.
Dont understand any criticism of the idea of meeting Castro… Reagan met with Gorbachov… gave weapons to death squads in El Salvador… Rumsfeld met with Saddam, who was our ally… Bush is complaining about Cuba for jailing dissidents… who jails more people without trial in Cuba, the US or Castro?… why not talk to Fidel or Raul? …we can always blow things up if talk doesnt work… we’re the most powerful nation in the world… let’s act like it… we can afford to talk to anyone..
Well said Nick, we have someone in No. Korea this week talking to that madman and as bad as Castro may be I think when the light of truth hit No. Korea it will make Castro look like a Boy Scout. Problems and conflicts can not be solved if the people involved ignore each other. The trade embargo has hurt only the Cuban people and made them resent us. I’ve been to Cuba and although Cubans are friendly in general there is a tension about the embargo.
who jails more people without trial in Cuba, the US or Castro?…
Without actually doing the search, but knowing that I can find hard stats for the Bush/US. Those in US custody, HAVE had trials and a HOPE of trials.
Can you provide the same for the Castro/Cuba side?