Quote: Originally Posted by AP HAVANA - Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president from nearly a half-century early Tuesday, saying in a letter published in online official media that he would not accept a new term when the newly elected parliament meets on Sunday. "I will not aspire nor accept ? I repeat I will not aspire or accept, the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief," read a letter signed by Castro published quietly overnight without advance warning in the online edition of the Communist Party daily Granma. The new National Assembly is meeting for first time Sunday since January elections to pick the governing Council of State, including the presidency Castro holds. There had been wide speculation about whether he would accept a nomination for reelection to that post or retire. The 81-year-old Castro's overnight announcement effectively ends his rule of almost 50 years over Cuba, positioning his 76-year-old brother Raul for permanent succession to the presidency.

Now I wouldn't hold my breath that anything will happen while he's still alive and kicking, but once he's 6 ft. under, how long do you suppose it will be before another revolution takes place?

And with Fidel out, I guess Chavez takes over as the resident Latin America nutjob.

Wonder what the celebrations are going to be like in Miami?

I think that the majority of the Western Hemisphere will adopt a wait-and-see stance...

If his brother takes over, it may end up being a little longer before diplomatic channels are fully open once again, if Raul continues the current status quo. Then again, he could very well shock the world and do an about-face in terms of Cuba's foreign policies...

As far as nutjobs in the region, though, I would not doubt for a minute that there are those in abundance, just not as media-enabled as Senor Chavez... Media-enabled and delusional, I would add...

Senor Chavez is no nutjob

Crazy like a fox Dex?

Raul has welcomed big European resorts to move into Cuba and I bet he's promised to put American butts in the seats the Europeans have built. Iran may want Euros and not dollars but Cuba wants both. I expect we will see a Chinese model from Cuba - human rights abuses, corruption, rampant poverty but a generally pro-US, procapitalist face. Havana would be a marvy place for the 2028 Summer Olympics wouldn't it? Sprinters love the evening heat.

Cuban exiles? SOL. The Republican Party just thinks of them as the original illegal aliens. Those who actually escaped after La Revolcion are now OLD. Their children are Americans and would prefer to make money [not war] in Cuba. While the Democrats will whine - much like they whine about Tibet - it isn't going to affect a thing.

Delta - now with direct flights from Miami to Havana daily.
Cuban cigars back up to snuff after some careful agricultural restoration.
An entire generation of Cubans who want a new Ford.
Coca Cola made with Cuban sugar in Ciego Avila
And iPods with a Salsa beat

We may have to wait for Fidel to actually DIE before these things happen but I bet the wheels have already started rolling.

Socialists hey, what are you gonna do.

Most of my immediate family and they're friends (particularly my step father) are socialists, but yeah even my step father isn't sure what to make of Chavez...

He's certainly no nutjob though.

Quote: Originally Posted by Dex Most of my immediate family and they're friends (particularly my step father) are socialists, but yeah even my step father isn't sure what to make of Chavez... He's certainly no nutjob though.

Ohh - I think 90% of the world leaders are nutjobs. Let's face it, you'd have to be bat *badword* crazy to want to control most nations - so that's what everyone gets to choose from.