In death, just as in life— Cuban dictator Fidel Castro is dividing world leaders and public opinion alike as heads of state in many western countries hesitate to send high-level delegations to the official funeral.
It was confirmed that neither U.S. President Barack Obama, nor Vice President Joe Biden would attend the funeral. Answering a question to reporters, White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters to “stay tuned” as to which top U.S. officials, if any, would attend the funeral, scheduled for Dec. 4.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau faced the wrath of the internet both at home and abroad for his public statement on Castro’s passing, praising him as a great leader and joining the likes of Kim Jong Un of North Korea, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad who released glowing tributes.
Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras went one step further, issuing a Tweet saying “Farewell Comandante”
Αντίο κομαντάντε. Ως την παντοτινή νίκη των λαών. https://t.co/oZxgNmfaIn
— Alexis Tsipras (@atsipras) November 26, 2016
Tsipras’ ruling Syriza party also issued a statement on Castro’s death, praising him for teaching his country “dignity, struggle, solidarity, justice and courage” and that the “star of Fidel Castro will shine forever.” A Tweet from Syriza noted that “history vindicated” Fidel Castro.
H ιστορία τον δικαίωσε #FidelCastro pic.twitter.com/FEJ93STkQv
— ΣΥΡΙΖΑ (@syriza_gr) November 26, 2016
Tsipras is en route to Cuba for the funeral, scheduled for December 4.
6 comments
Tsipras should stay in Cuba where his Marxist, collectivist and morally bankrupt ideology may still have an audience. Wake up Hellenes and revisit the teachings of your ancient ancestors on individualism and freedom!
Socrates was killed by the Athenian government for his individuality and questioning the collective status quo of society.
Just don’t be too individualistic, or you will be killed by the state. Just ask Socrates.
A famous quote come to mind as a response, “when the people are afraid of their government, you have tyranny and when the government is afraid of its people you have FREEDOM (as in a free republic)”. Are we sheep or are we free men? That is the question all Hellenes should be asking.
…are you pretty sure you’ve been through all our ancestors teachings and fully understood them?
…is it moral enough to have some tenths of millions without proper education or health care?
…well dying in despair while next door someone celebrates Christmas sounds like the epitome of ελευθερία*, ατομικότητα** and a success as well.
…have you ever heard that quote “άνθρωπος ον κοινωνικόν”, it’s of our ancestors teachings as well.
*freedom
**individualism
Our buddy Tsipras also stiffed the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce where he was to give the keynote speech Tuesday night wooing investors. This insult, for this particular reason (Castro), will not be forgotten.