Sunday, December 23, 2007

Sympathy for El Diablo






So the ailing Cuban Dictator, Fidel Castro, states; “My elemental duty is not to cling to positions, or even less to obstruct the path of younger people, but to share experiences and ideas whose modest worth comes from the exceptional era in which I lived.”

The truth is that this tyrant has clung to power for almost 50 years. Since 1959 he has ruled Cuba as his personal gulag while executing or jailing his political opposition. Suddenly Castro expects the world to believe him when he declares that he wouldn’t selfishly cling to power. Even a casual observer would have to note that this statement is only the result of his deteriorating health and his desire for the continued oppression of his country after his death. However, Castro is not a political figure that is viewed critically in our media or among our political elites.

Latin America’s most hated dictator was Chilean General Augusto Pinochet. He is well known for the repression of civil liberties, murder and torture that was committed by his junta in the seventies. His regime is believed to have murdered about 3,000 people and no sane person could praise the dictator’s morality. On the other hand, Fidel Castro has murdered about 14,000. So Castro’s regime has been much more repressive than Pinochet’s and the Cuban dictator has not given up power to make room for democratic reform like Pinochet did.

Yet many prominent Americans openly admire this Communist dictator. Take these quotes for example…

“Cuba’s Elvis!” (Dan Rather.) “Castro is the most honest and courageous politician I’ve ever met! Viva Fidel!” (Jesse Jackson.) “If you believe in freedom, justice and equality, you have no choice but to support Fidel Castro!” (Harry Belafonte.) “Castro is a genius and Cuba is a Paradise!” (Jack Nicholson) “The greatest hero of the century!” (Norman Mailer) “One helluva guy!” (Ted Turner.)

Barbara Walters is one of many American journalists who have expressed admiration for both Castro and his protégé, Hugo Chavez, the most authoritarian rulers in this hemisphere. Over the last century the Americas were rife with dictatorships. Today all of the rightwing dictatorships are gone and have been replaced by republics with a much more democratic representation of the people. Castro’s leftwing junta is the only dictatorship left and Venezuela teeters at the brink thanks to their despotic leader, Hugo Chavez.

Despite this, Walters is infamous for stating, “For Castro, freedom begins with education”.

Why do prominent journalists act as such willing dupes for totalitarians?




In this picture Barbara Walters meets with Chavez cronies in their Caracas stronghold, giving them a treasure trove of publicity. Jose Gregorio Cedeno, in the red cap, is president of a Chavez-controlled community council. The woman in blue, Doris Seren, is a teacher and member of the council. Such teachers are important to the “Revolution”, which emphasizes a complete revision of history to reflect the Socialist viewpoint that almost all conflict throughout history was the result of class struggle. It reminds me of the Castro statement… Walters would have been closer to the truth if she changed just one word…

“For Castro, freedom begins with RE-education”.

In any case, the picture was taken as a part of a staged political propaganda tour that was orchestrated by Chavez in exchange for an interview that was to occur shortly thereafter. The tour and the interview were eagerly promoted in the Chavez controlled media. One advertisement stated, “We invite all Venezuelans to watch the interview of the year. The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, ‘Comandante’ Hugo Chavez Frias, leader of the XXI Century Socialism, in an exclusive interview with the journalist Barbara Walters, star anchorwoman of the main US network ABC news”.

While Walters felt obligated to address a few of the many negative characteristics that define Chavez, she clearly has a great deal of affection for the Venezuelan strongman. In her interview she never challenges him over the abuses of power that have made Chavez an object of concern for the Venezuelan people. The closest she comes is by asking this pampered question, “Venezuela elected you to a second term. They would have to amend the constitution for you to run for a third term. You want them to do that?”

These are not the words of an educated woman who would at least be vaguely aware of how Chavez has already changed his country’s Constitution for personal gain, packed the courts with his cronies and labored so hard to get these “reforms” passed that he declared the following warning to those who would vote against the Constitutional changes that he proposed… “He who says he supports Chavez but votes ‘no’ is a traitor, a true traitor.” Why is it that Conservatives are almost always exclusively labeled as divisive and suffering from an “Us Against Them” mentality when their leftwing opponents are so unapologetic in such sentiments?

Mostly Walters glowingly refers to Presidente Chavez as “dignified”, “warm” and suffering from “misconceptions” in the U.S. She took the approach of tough love and was sure to stroke the strongman’s ego by complimenting his character and asking biased questions like, “You are not married now. Are you -- Do you want to marry, or are you married to the revolution?” The interview with an eligible bachelor like Chavez obviously sparked Walters’ romantic notions about the “Revolution”.

After wrapping up the interview on 20/20 she expressed her true feelings in a statement that could have been written by a Commissar working at the PRAVDA news desk…

“…when you meet him, when you see him in the navy blue suit and not the red shirt that he’s in, um, he’s passionate about his dislike for George Bush. He does like this country and he’s passionate about his feelings about America. And he feels that with a new President, that we can be friends. He cares very much about poverty. He’s a Socialist. What he’s trying to do for all of Latin America, you know, they’ve been trying to do it for years, is to eliminate poverty. But this is not the crazy man that we have heard.”

Since Walters is so open in her admiration for Chavez it’s no surprise that she reacted sympathetically when the Venezuelan despot lost his recent bid to be president-for-life. As a comparison I find it just a wee bit ironic that she said the following about President Bush;

“He is the president, he is not a king.”

So while Walters glosses over major infractions against the freedoms of Venezuelans by Hugo Chavez (who has also consolidated a massive amount of political power into his presidency and political party) she accuses President Bush of being an autocrat simply because she was annoyed at the security in the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. Right across the water from the Pentagon which was attacked on 9/11.

We need a truly objective media, not this.

51 comments:

Freedomnow said...

This post is dedicated to the coolest blogger in all of cyberspace, Farmer John.

Merry Xmas to him and everyone else that has visited this blog!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Thanks FN, my favorite subject! For a minute or two I was afraid nanc was going to dragin' something to post... but I can see that my fears were unwarranted.

Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and wish you a Merry Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Right Truth said...

I don't understand some American "journalists". They wouldn't have these views if they had to live under these tyrants.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and yours.

God Bless.

Debbie Hamilton
Right Truth

Mad Zionist said...

Come on...you know I'm actually the coolest blogger! Nicely done as usual, FN. Only, does it have to take 2 months between posts?

Always On Watch said...

For decades, celebs and journalists have been sucking up to Fidel Castro.

Remember Ernest Hemingway? He and Castro were some kind of buds, if I recall correctly.

-------------

Merry Christmas, FN, and best wishes for the coming year!

WomanHonorThyself said...

woohoo u posted!..Happiest and warmest holiday wishes to u my friend..now get to celebrating!:)

Freedomnow said...

Castro quit smoking cigars and Hemingway quit life.

The wily dictators always outfox their willing dupes.

Merry Xmas Y'All!!!

Brad Marston said...

And Merry Christmas to you sir.

Your Friend and Fellow Blogger.

nanc said...

MERRY CHRISTmas, my friend~!

*:]

farmer is one of the greatest - i don't know what to tell you about "journalists" that you don't already know - think of it this way, without them we bloggers would only be reporting good news!

now, i suppose we'll see you out and about again in two months? sometime around valentine's day, no?

hehehe...

AmPowerBlog said...

Have a great Christmas!

Stylin said...

Where is Walters brain ?Not in her head
Merry Christmas

Freedomnow said...

Well, I probably wont have another post until next year so you may be on to something Nanc.

All the best to everyone and a Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I don't suppose you've seen a suitcase full of cash lying around with one of our names on it, have you FN? I told Hugo we'd stop blogging about him if he sent one to us.

I mean the Argentinians AND Bolivians have BOTH gotten theirs... ours must be going around in circles on some airport baggage carousel somewhere.

Well, if you find it, let me know.

Freedomnow said...

I loved how your leftwing Chavez-supporting trolls got confused over which suitcase full of Chavez bribes that you were talking about in this post...

http://farmersletters.blogspot.com/2007/12/remember-that-venezuelan-plane-that-was.html

(Note: FJ deletes his posts on a regular basis so the link wont last too long.)

Anonymous said...

What's tragic is that the rest of the world ignores the 2nd suitcase... especially since it came fresh off a Venezuelan military C-130 and authorities extracted a full confession from the captured Venezuelan military intelligence officer delivering it... thereby accusing Hugo of everything he's accusing the Americans of doing... of using cash to sow dissent... of practicing "imperialism".

Freedomnow said...

FJ,

The truth is the first victim of partisan politics.

Chavez will continue to be an icon for Hollywood and our media for the time being.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately. Lets hope the blue dogs take their party back!

Happy New Years!

Freedomnow said...

Hopefully in the next year or two Lieberman is accepted back into the Democratic Party and our country can begin reconciliation.

This is gonna be one hell of a year!!!!

Happy New Year to you FJ and everyone who visits.

All the best ta ya'!!!!!!!!!!!

nanc said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

*:]

p.s. - now you can ditch the platform shoes and angel flight bellbottoms...i ain't lyin'...

Anonymous said...

Put 'em in mothballs, FN. They'll be back...

Those bellbottoms aren't made of polyester are they? If they are, well, what she said.

Freedomnow said...

The Moonbats Were Right About The NeoCon Fashion Police!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

BUSTED!

Up aganst the wall, we have to search you!

No, nanc, you don't get to "pat him down"... Nanc!

nanc said...

hehehe...

fern - when the honeymoon's over...

p.s. - farmer - i don't believe fern knows how many polyesters had to die to make those pants!

Freedomnow said...

Is the honeymoon over already? I really dont want to get out of bed.

It could be worse. I could be stuck in bed with Yoko Ono in a "Bed-in For Peace".

If I were to do something like that then North Vietnam or Al Qaeda would have to pay me a fortune.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, but there isn't enough money in the world...

Anonymous said...

FN: A lil' fairy flew by my ear while I was sleeping and let me know whom Mrs. Walters will be voting for...

Ok, get ready for this shocker...

...It will be the man himself, Mr. Closet-Muslim Obama! Now all those who guessed right, please report to home security for questioning...

Nah...j.k. hope you had a happy X-mas and a wonderful New Year, FN!!!

Freedomnow said...

Despite the fact that I think that much of Obama's foreign policy stances are idiotic, I have to admit that Barack Hussein Obama's lies about his Muslim past are completely understandable.

The five major schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree that a male apostate must be executed unless he suffers from a mental disorder or converted under duress.

Although such executions are rare, it is still a dark cloud to have over one's head. I dont blame Obama on this point at all.

In any case, its no surprise that Walters would support Obama. He is the Great White Hope of the Radical Leftwing Establishment.

Have a great New Year!!!

Anonymous said...

For the Tango Kid.

Anonymous said...

FN: Having been provided that info. I take my preconceptions back--or rather I will be more tolerant of Mr. Obama from hereonin. Thanks!

Freedomnow said...

Eitan,

I dont think 'tolerance' is the right wording. Its a matter of putting things into proper context.

President Clinton lied about his relationship with Lewinski, but that needs to be put in proper context as well. After all, the accusations stemmed from the Whitewater investigation and Kenneth Star had no business digging into Clinton's personal life like that. Most men would lie to prevent their wives from finding out that they havent been faithful. No matter how public a figure he was, this was a gross violation of his privacy.

On the other hand, if an Obama worshipper was to say that Obama never lies I wouldnt hesitate to point out this lie, but I would be sure to frame it in the proper context.

Something that 9/11 Truthers who rant about the 'Phony War on Islamofascism' have no concept of.

FJ here is another great YouTube video. There is some great dancing in it and the storyline is classic tango...

La Apertura

nanc said...

am i invited to the wedding?

>^66^< raerrrffffffffft!

Freedomnow said...

I was hoping that you would be the best woman at my wedding. Is there such a thing?

If so, would that mean you would pay for the catering and entertainment?

Of course my wedding may take place some time within the next hundred years, but it doesnt hurt to plan ahead.

nanc said...

i would be honored - and, it would be the ONLY reason i'd EVER return to californistan!

provided there are grandchildren in the photo...

*8]

p.s. i have an aunt who has a beauty place on the ocean our family could stay.

nanc said...

p.s. - how about i sing and throw out a potluck?

Freedomnow said...

Most of all I need you as a contestant for the Wet T-Shirt Contest during my Bachelor Party!!!!!!!

QunQat said...

Passing the Flame??

you mean they light their farts in Cuba and Venezuela too??

Duuuuhhhhh!!! All those beans!!


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Freedomnow said...

With such bad jokes its no small wonder why you are using an alias.

At least you are not championing the cause of fanatical Socialism. So it could always be worse... Even more than your jokes!!!!!!!!!!!!

QunQat said...

Congratulations,

your incisive expose has so belabored the OLD MAN OF COMMUNISM that he has stepped, or fallen, down. I believe his exact words were "help I fall down and can't get up. Please take me to the land of the free electric wheel chairs!!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

nanc said...

so, you've seen the photos?

*8]

Freedomnow said...

Qunqat,

Are you serious? Do Cubans really get free electric chairs? Perhaps that does justify withholding the liberty of Cuba's people. Socialism is such fun!

Nanc,

If you have an online photo gallery I would appreciate a link or at least some sort of conciliation prize.

QunQat said...

FN,

If he was already in the Land of the Free Electric Wheelchairs, why would he need to be asked to be taken there??

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Anonymous said...

FN: now that more and more allegations about 'Bama's Islamist connections are leaking through, I must reconsider my accusation that 'Bama is a closet-Muslim. In fact he's one dangerous S.O.B. methinks...would like your input on my latest post...

Freedomnow said...

Greg,

While the media is dominated by bias towards Obama, it is not a good idea to get all of your info from sources that are biased against Obama either.

Despite the questionable relationship of Obama’s church with the Nation of Islam, there is no evidence that Obama is a practicing Muslim. It may delight Obama’s opponents to hear such things, but undecided voters will be turned off by such accusations.

It is much better to concentrate on issues that are more relevant and damaging to Obama’s campaign.

His inexperience, naïve policy statements and hostility towards patriotism are key weaknesses that will sink his election bid. It should not be lost on voters that the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan have more to gain from an Obama victory than the American people do.

P.S. When I visited your blog I didnt see the Obama post that you were talking about. Could you give me a link to that post? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

FN, you need to come down from the mountains more often!

Nietzsche, "Zarathustra"

WHEN Zarathustra was thirty years old, he left his home and the lake of his home, and went into the mountains. There he enjoyed his spirit and his solitude, and for ten years did not weary of it. But at last his heart changed,- and rising one morning with the rosy dawn, he went before the sun, and spake thus unto it:
Thou great star! What would be thy happiness if thou hadst not those for whom thou shinest!
For ten years hast thou climbed hither unto my cave: thou wouldst have wearied of thy light and of the journey, had it not been for me, mine eagle, and my serpent.
But we awaited thee every morning, took from thee thine overflow, and blessed thee for it.
Lo! I am weary of my wisdom, like the bee that hath gathered too much honey; I need hands outstretched to take it.
I would fain bestow and distribute, until the wise have once more become joyous in their folly, and the poor happy in their riches.
Therefore must I descend into the deep: as thou doest in the evening, when thou goest behind the sea, and givest light also to the nether-world, thou exuberant star!
Like thee must I go down, as men say, to whom I shall descend.
Bless me, then, thou tranquil eye, that canst behold even the greatest happiness without envy!
Bless the cup that is about to overflow, that the water may flow golden out of it, and carry everywhere the reflection of thy bliss!
Lo! This cup is again going to empty itself, and Zarathustra is again going to be a man.

Thus began Zarathustra's down-going.

Anonymous said...

...or at least empty your cup here every once and awhile! ;-)

Freedomnow said...

Ahhh... my apologies for my mountain dwelling.

In actuality I have been super busy with dance. I am now slightly downscaling my involvement and hope to have more free time.

Regardless, as soon as Obama beats Hillary I will not be able to stop myself from going the fray.

Anonymous said...

Well damn, take & post another vid! We'd love to see it!

Freedomnow said...

I havent been performing at all. Just teaching, marketing, managing, DJing etc...

nanc said...

holy crappe, fern!

get with the program.

do i hear wedding bells? yeah, i'm gearing up for the wet t-shirt contest at your bachelor party!

bwah!

*8]

Freedomnow said...

Now thats the attitude!!!!!!!!!!!!

You go gurl...

Anonymous said...

marketting???

h/t-elbro