From the capital of his workers' paradise, Fidel Castro has reached out to Florida Governor Jeb Bush to speak the truth in love:
Castro called the governor ''the fat little brother in Florida'' and wondered if Bush had helped Luis Posada Carriles into the country, according to a transcript released Monday of the Nov. 17 address to University of Havana students, who erupted in laughter.
The Cuban leader didn't stop there.
'Forgive me for using the term `fat little brother' '' Castro said. ``It is not a criticism, rather a suggestion that he do some exercises and go on a diet, don't you think? I'm doing this for the gentleman's health.''
The unflappable governor replied to reporters' questions about the incident with a question of his own: "Slow news day?"
Why yes, Jeb, it is.
UPDATE
Jeb's official response:
"I'm flattered and honored,'' Bush said with a smile, but then turned serious.
"I will take any criticism from Fidel Castro, of all people, as an honor given the fact that, you know, 8 million people, I believe, live on the island, 8 million people are repressed and they've been that way for 40 or 50 years.
"To be criticized by a man like that who has repressed people for such an extended period of time is a high honor,'' Bush added. ``He can call me whatever he wants.''
It's one for the memoirs.
Posted by floridacracker at December 6, 2005 10:48 AMObviously this was an attempt to get under W's skin, as well as a response to the "CIA" statement that Castro was very ill with Parkinson's. The reality is Castro will outlive Cheney:
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