Embarrassing reactions to Castro’s death

There were a lot of embarrassing reactions to Fidel Castro’s death, and if you click through to read, that of the president of Ireland was among the worst. But Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was probably the worst of all:

“It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba’s longest serving President.

“Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and healthcare of his island nation.

“While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for “el Comandante”.

“I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away. It was also a real honour to meet his three sons and his brother President Raúl Castro during my recent visit to Cuba.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and many, many supporters of Mr. Castro. We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.”

Now remember, Castro is the guy who lined up his political opponents against a wall and shot them after taking power. Many of the people he murdered had also fought against the Batista dictatorship that he took credit for toppling. He never subjected himself to a free democratic election, and even today nearly all the people living under the regime he started are barred from using the Internet without tight state controls.

Not only did Trudeau praise this tyrant, who over six decades plunged a wealthy nation into deep poverty, but he also made the statement all about himself. You met Castro? Good for you, kid. His statement has spawned the #TrudeauEulogies hashtag on Twitter, on which people briefly frame the lives of other notorious historical villains in similar fashion.

But not all left-liberals are morally compromising themselves by defending the murderous tyrant who just passed away. Nancy Pelosi is living proof that they don’t have to:

“The death of Fidel Castro marks the end of an era for Cuba and the Cuban people. After decades under Fidel’s doctrine of oppression and antagonism, there is hope that a new path for Cuba is opening.

“In recent years, we have seen both the opportunity and the responsibility to break free of the past and build new bonds of friendship. With the bold leadership of President Obama, the U.S. and Cuba have already taken historic steps toward a new, forward-looking relationship between our peoples. We are hopeful this progress will continue under the new Administration.

“Still, we meet this day with clear eyes. Generations of Cuban political prisoners, democracy activists and families suffered under Fidel Castro’s rule. In their name, we will continue to press the Cuban regime to embrace the political, social, and economic dreams of the Cuban people.”

Good statement.