And I heard it first from a music critic

Official Cuban news says Fidel Castro’s 50-year rule is over, AP says, but I read it first in Chris Ziegler’s comment to his own story about Jack Ruby’s coffeetables. I was never a fan of Castro’s (weak throwing arm, not much speed on the base paths–I kid), but Bush’s fratboy gloating this morning–about the terrible condition of civil rights under Castro–is a little hard to take: Bush’s own campaign to advance human rights in Cuba produced Guantanamo.

Then, too, there’s AP’s weird use of language: the press agency says Castro “contended” that the U.S. dominated Cuba until the revolution for much of the 20th century. Check out any explanation of the Platt Amendment to see whether you agree with AP’s contention that Castro’s contention is merely a contention.

Likeliest outcome of Castro’s resignation? The Bush Administration, starved for success, will  claim responsibility much as Reagan did for the collapse of communism.

Tags: Bush, castro, communist, Cuba, fidel, George W., hasta la revolucion siempre, Platt Amendment