U.S. diplomat says end is near for Castro government

AP ^ | 12/10/4 | ANDREA RODRIGUEZ

[SmithL]

HAVANA -- The top American diplomat in Cuba says the end is near for Fidel Castro and his government and that even Castro's supporters are preparing for a transition to democracy.

U.S. Interests Section Chief James Cason spoke at his official residence where dissidents gathered Friday for a time capsule ceremony marking International Human Rights Day.

Castro's government "is on its last legs," Cason said as dissidents filled the capsule with messages spelling out their dreams for a different kind of Cuba.

"Even regime supporters are discreetly preparing for the inevitable democratic transition" on the communist-run island, the American official said.

Come New Year's Day, Castro, 78, will have been in power 46 years. Cuba's communist leaders say the island will retain its current political system for many years to come.

[SmithL]

If it is on its last legs, it's through no fault of the CIA.

[Michael.SF.]

Castro, 78, will have been in power 46 years.

This guy is not exactly going out on a limb is he?

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

Highly paid CIA analyst:

YOOZ SAYIN' I AIN'T EFFECTIVE, OR SUMPIN?(!)

(Stalks off thread in state of quiet indignation. Goes to Krispy Kreme. Eats jelly donut while he plans how to be non-efficient.)

[Avenger]

When that day comes there is going to be wailing and gnashing of teeth from Berkeley. The will probably take the week off to mourn Castro.

[Prime Choice]

The top American diplomat in Cuba says the end is near for Fidel Castro and his government and that even Castro's supporters are preparing for a transition to democracy.

Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.

[cherry]

the worse for me would be a return to big-time corruption that was the norm before Castro.....

[Brimack34]

The left says Cuba has the best health care, so he should live for a while longer. Right?

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

Believe me if it's a choice between another Battista, or the Adolf Hitler of the Western Hemisphere, I can guarantee you that three quarters of the Cuban population-which hasn't already been forced into exile-would vote for the former option.

[hineybona]

worse than what it is now ????????????

[appeal2]

If only they had gotten that poisoned exploding cigar to work properly, Castro would be long gone.

[EGPWS]

This guy is not exactly going out on a limb is he?

Sorry, but you have put me OTFLMAO!!!

Your point however is a sensible one and most likely a major part of the reason for this article!

No he isn't going out on a limb at all!

[Sthitch]

From his lips to God's ears.

The government of Cuba is nothing but a cult of personality.

[Michael.SF.]

big-time corruption that was the norm before Castro.....

You cannot possibly be series?

Big time Corruption IS Castro

[EGPWS]

The government of Cuba is nothing but a cult of personality.

It must be true, after all, "The Body" when he was Governor of MN went to Cuba on behalf of Fidel.

[Liberal Classic]

There will be dancing in the streets of Havana, and mourning on American college campuses.

[EGPWS]

the worse for me would be a return to big-time corruption that was the norm before Castro.....

Mmmm an attitude of corruption before Communism.....

Are you sure you are url'd to the proper site my FRiend?

[EGPWS]

There will be dancing in the streets of Havana, and mourning on American college campuses.

Sadly enough, you are right.

Berkeley comes to mind....

[Qwinn]

"There will be dancing in the streets of Havana, and mourning on American college campuses."

And a big old party at my house :)

Unfortunately, I suspect this CIA guy's primary goal is to get Cuban dissidents hopeful enough to come out of hiding so that Castro can identify and "purge" them. Again. And then CIA guy can get his cut.

Qwinn

[EGPWS]

If it is on its last legs, it's through no fault of the CIA.

Oh, oh, you have just opened the gates for the MSM with THAT statement!

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

Mr. Cason deserves a special round of applause for his bravery and determination.

Although first priority should go to recognizing the heroic achievements of the brave dissidents on the island nation itself, we should also single out for attention the man who proves that not everyone working for the State Dept. is an inept bureaucrat who could care less about stopping the spread of totalitarian government in third world nations.