Trudeau starting to embarrass Canada
By Harvey Oberfeld
PSR Contributor
Keeping It Real…
Tuesday December 13, 2016
Readers of this blog know I am an avid traveler … but what you probably do not know is that I always refused to visit Cuba during the rule of Fidel Castro.
Even though hundreds of thousands Canadians over many decades took advantage of cheap holidays and Cuba’s wonderful beaches, fine European-built resorts, the friendly welcome by the Cuban people …. and the chance to vacation in a boorish-American-free zone … I never went.
I just could not enjoy holidaying in a state where no freedom of the press existed, where journalists were imprisoned … somtimes for years … and where any outspoken community activists who dared top criticize were regularly rounded up, imprisoned and where regime opponents executed by the thousands.
In fact, on my most recent cruise, the ship stopped in Turkey … and again, I stayed aboard for these same reasons: how could I … a retired political journalist and an outspoken blogger … enjoy the sites of a country where dozens of newspapers have been padlocked by the government, where thousands of journalists, writers, teachers etc. have been rounded up under the orders of an increasingly fascist dictator.
But apparently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has no such moral qualms.
Trudeau, it seems, will pose for a selfie with anyone; smilingly rub shoulders at the UN with ambassadors from some of the worst evil dictatorships that debase their own citizens (especially women, gays, poets and democratic activists); and even sing the praises of Fidel Castro … despite his bloody record of thousands of imprisoned/executed activists during his decades of iron fisted dictatorial rule.
“It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba’s longest serving President.,” Canada’s Prime Minister said in a statement after Castro died.
“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.”
FEH!!!!
A total disgrace that must have dismayed the families of those in Cuba who have been locked up or shot for DARING to express themselves, their ideas or take or advocate any actions … even basic democratic rights … the Castro government didn’t like.
Of course, once Trudeau’s tobacco ash hit the fan … he modified his stance/remarks … but the damage was already done.
Trudeau’s ignorance, immaturity and inexperienced actions embarrassed Canada and made our Prime Minister look like a “B” Grade leader on the world scene.
And not much better at home lately.
I won’t go over the details of the Liberal government’s (Trudeau’s) handling of electoral reform … but suffice it to say it’s a disaster!
The CBC’s Rex Murphy summed up the Trudeau Liberals handling of both issues best: http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/rex-murphy-liberals-electoral-reform-survey-1.3889002.
Time for Trudeau to take fewer selfies, wooing the starstruck and spend more time learning his real job … and the responsibilities that go with it.
Harv Oberfeld
Original Story HERE
Freedom of the press eh? Freedom to scare the daylights out of the population and serve up puppy stories on the other hand. Journalism is in its last throes in the country. It’s the Facebook algorithm that rules all now. The CBC drones never leave the office. dot ca is the main engine with nobody in the street on a local level. There are no moving images – all talk. All talk is radio my friends and that is a duplication of service.
“The CBC drones never leave the office.”
Amen to that Rasterman!
It’s common to hear a report about a major news event, in let’s say Bucharest, signed off with, “Wire-copy reader, CBC News Toronto.”
They don’t even try anymore to pretend they are not the TBC.
And yet they are about as good as it gets these days.
We`re doomed.
Excellent as always Harve your media is pathetic ,add Michael Campbell to list of truth tellers,he is one of the best.
Boycotting countries whose leadership you don’t agree with will affect the thousands of workers whose livelihood depends on it more so than the leadership itself.
I cruised into Istanbul awhile back and did go ashore. I do that wherever I travel because I want to experience the land and it’s people for myself. If I run into anti-government sentiment, I learn, or try to learn, why. I think I owe that to myself and those living in the country I’m visiting.
Many years ago, my wife and I planned a trip to Cuba. It would have been roughly 20 years after the embargo was established. While I can’t remember what, something occurred that made us cancel the trip and I still haven’t been to Fidel’s World. I gather it’s slowly changing. That can only be a good thing. Sad for people who like classic cars, though.
There is nothing like experiencing a new country for yourself. That is the truth.