Fidel Castro's Health

Ready...set.....

What's the word on the street ??

Depends on what street you're standing in.

Okay wiseguy, so then let's assume you're standing on a street just adjacent ot the University of Habana in downtown Vedado.

My $20.00 says that he WILL be at the May Day celebrations because that's the kind of "coming out" party he likes, even if he has to drag half of the equipment in the hospital behind him. The man is like the Energiser Bunny... he keeps going...and going... and going....
That's the word on the Canadian street..... mine!
Does that answer your question?

He is alive. He appeared on TV after his operation, but not recently. Recently, he has written an opinion piece condemning US enthusiasm for turning corn to fuel for automobiles when much of the world's population is starving. While the "insider" opinion (at least, what is being stated publically) is that Fidel is recovering from whatever it was that whacked him, it's plain to everyone, inside and out, that the old darling is mortal.

The Miami Cubans and their ilk celebrate the fact that he is mortal, knowing they can't be wrong about that, no matter how many times they have been wrong about his imminent death. This howling for the death of an old man who gave his life to the country they abandoned is not a sound widely heard in the rest of the world, or in Cuba.

On the streets adjacent to the University of Habana, and on many other streets throughout Cuba, I have been left with the feeling that Cubans anticipate a change in leadership with some enthusiasm, a lot of fear, and quiet courage. The central desire, voiced to me, is to have more economic rights (specifically, more money-earning opportunities, in the form of better salaries and/or business possibilities), without losing the social benefits that the Revolution has provided. The central fear (again, as expressed to me by island Cubans) is that the US government, in league with the gusanos, will take advantage of Fidel (and later Raul's) passing in order to create chaos and re-colonize the island.

The Castro government has not delivered the first, thus the enthusiasm for its end. Castro has prevented the second, thus the fear of that he will be replaced by a lesser leader, who cannnot protect Cuba's economic and political independence.

Individual Cubans naturally vary as to whether they are more hopeful or more fearful. I have not met any who did not exhibit a mixture of both.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Fidel back in charge of Cuba By Saskia van Reenen 26-04-2007

Fidel Castro appears to be taking over his presidential duties once again after a long sickness. Over the weekend, Cuba's state newspaper 'de Granma' published photos of a meeting between Mr Castro and a senior Chinese official.<hr></blockquote>
Radio Netherlands

I'm with #3. I think that he will show. That will also be a double edged sword. A large crowd will be happy to see him.

But, on the other hand . . . .

"... What is the word on the street?..."

The word on my street is that they couldn't care less. They have too many other things to worry about.

In any case, for all intent and purpose he's been dead since last summer. The transfer of power (much to the chagrin of Miami) was smooth - you could even say boring. Life has already moved on.

It'll be one hell of a funeral though...

Cheers,
Terry

Agree with 2025....he did appear on the scene with the chinese delegation this week.....agree with Ttipdo...people in Cuba do want change but they don't want the Stars and Stripes....and agree with Cheers...they too damn busy luchando para la vida.
Not to mention the growing leaning to the left of more and more of latin america....the ideal...whatever happens, that Cuba and Cubans could chart their own political and economic destiny even if they didn't copy-cat their bossy northern neighbors.

If only Posh it was that easy(i.e. for "Cuba and Cubans could chart their own ...destiny")!
Cheers
john