Fidel Castro in grave condition

[Scottie]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070116/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/spain_cuba_castro

Poor Castro is speculated to have cancer, intestinal bleeding, a disease, or something. He's pretty beaten up whatever the correct diagnosis is. Which is a shame. I respect and believe in Castro. I believe in his desire to keep Cuba free from the globalization, from the McWorld that has invaded so many other cultures and to maintain its culture and heritage. Castro made a few mistakes, such as allowing USSR missles into his country and prompting the Missle Crisis that brought the world to a hush. Of course on the other end of the spectrum, Kennedy did promote The Bay of Pigs which was just as huge a mistake.

I sincerely hope that when Castro dies, American business and culture does not begin pouring in. I hope Castro's brother can keep up with what Castro began and that for generations afterwards nothing changes seriously. I hope America lifts its embargo on Cuba because the embargo is a relic of bygone years, and I hope people respect Cuba for being what it is.

What do you think?

[Jordan]

Man.... he's trying to outlast General Francisco Franco! Go Fidel Go! 

[Yaddo 42]

When he dies, should we give the CIA credit for the kill due to some long range assassination plot hidden by al the other preposterous ones that failed?

Raul's waited a long time here's his chance to shine.

But seriously I hope the country doesn't fall apart, it's in enough trouble as it is. The embargo was a failure, it earned us ill will in the world and just made Castro and the people dig in their heels and depend on the Soviets even more during the Cold War. I've read Raul is expected to make overtures to opening relations with the USwithout just opening the gates to rapid capitalist exploitation. Wonder if he'd be as close to Chavez and Fidel was, since Chavez was channeling so much oil revenue to Cuba. I know my state (Alabama) has become a major trading partner with Cuba in agricultural supplies equipment and foodstuffs exempted from the embargo.

[Masked_Maverick]

Looks like God is taking care of soemthing that neither the Bay of Pigs nor Coleman Francis could do. Yes first out the gate with the obscure Red Zone Cuba referance    . But seriously I would not be surprised if he dies soon.

[BTM]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070116/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/spain_cuba_castro
Which is a shame. I respect and believe in Castro. I believe in his desire to keep Cuba free from the globalization, from the McWorld that has invaded so many other cultures and to maintain its culture and heritage.
I sincerely hope that when Castro dies, American business and culture does not begin pouring in. I hope Castro's brother can keep up with what Castro began and that for generations afterwards nothing changes seriously. I hope America lifts its embargo on Cuba because the embargo is a relic of bygone years, and I hope people respect Cuba for being what it is.
What do you think?

Please tell me you're kidding.

[WyreWizard]

Fidel Castro was a communist despot.  He is responsible for the suffering of the cuban people.  He ruled over Cuba in total denial of his country's problems.  Its because of him that hundreds of cubans make it to Florida's shores.

I don't think he will be back to ruling Cuba again.  I think that his illness is caused by over 40 years of stress and hypertension.  Ruling a country takes a lot from a man.  I have my doubts as to whether he will make it past 2007.  Most people his age don't have it good.  They cannot get back to ruling a country.  Pretty soon, the Cuban immigrant community here will be celebrating Castro's passing.  After he passes, all that leaves is Raoul.

[Jim H]

Fidel Castro was a communist despot.  He is responsible for the suffering of the cuban people.  He ruled over Cuba in total denial of his country's problems.  Its because of him that hundreds of cubans make it to Florida's shores.

I don't think he will be back to ruling Cuba again.  I think that his illness is caused by over 40 years of stress and hypertension.  Ruling a country takes a lot from a man.  I have my doubts as to whether he will make it past 2007.  Most people his age don't have it good.  They cannot get back to ruling a country.  Pretty soon, the Cuban immigrant community here will be celebrating Castro's passing.  After he passes, all that leaves is Raoul.

It is interesting to think of Cuba.  I think they would be worse off now if the revolutionaries hadn't taken over the country and held it.  He did introduce a number of good changes, like producing the best medical system in Latin or South America - -with state provided health care at that.  They are the healthiest people in the region. 

However, I think they would probably be still better off if Castro had voluntarily left power and introduced democracy as he promised he would way back when. 

When Castro dies and Raoul takes power, what then?  Raul is also elderly.  Who comes after him?