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| birth        =August 13, 1926<br/>Birán, Oriente Province, [[Cuba]]
 
| birth        =August 13, 1926<br/>Birán, Oriente Province, [[Cuba]]
 
| parents      =Angel Castro y Argiz<br/>Lina Ruz González<br/>(out of wedlock)
 
| parents      =Angel Castro y Argiz<br/>Lina Ruz González<br/>(out of wedlock)
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| religion    =Atheist
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| religion    =[[Atheist]]
 
| education    =University of Havana
 
| education    =University of Havana
 
| spouse      =Mirta Diaz-Balart (1948–1955)
 
| spouse      =Mirta Diaz-Balart (1948–1955)
 
Dalia Soto del Valle (1980–present)
 
Dalia Soto del Valle (1980–present)
 
| children    =
 
| children    =
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| death        = July 2006<br/>Cuba (approx.; death disclosed November 25, 2016)
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| death        = July 2006<br/>Cuba  
 
| deathmanner  = illness
 
| deathmanner  = illness
 
| burial      =
 
| burial      =
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| deathnumber  =1,500,000 at home <br/>500-100,000 in Angola
 
| deathnumber  =1,500,000 at home <br/>500-100,000 in Angola
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Fidel Castro''' (August 13, 1926 - c. July 2006) was the brutal [[atheistic]] [[Communist]] [[dictator]] of [[Cuba]] from 1959 to 2006. '''''He was not seen and heard publicly since July 2006, when he underwent surgery for a "sharp intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding" in a Communist hospital.'''''<ref name="pbs.org">http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/latin_america/july-dec06/castro_08-01.html</ref>  Engaging in [[liberal denial]], [[Communism|Communists]] in Cuba release grainy images of an apparently old man along with absurd quotes of Castro like this claim, "I don’t even remember what a headache feels like."<ref>http://indonesiakatakami.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/fidel-castro-publishes-article-criticizing-health-rumors/</ref>  On hot Cuban days a stand-in wearing heavy make-up and a scarf to conceal his young neck meets with foreign dignitaries, but Obama refuses to be humiliated by this Communist hoax by meeting with him. Rather than wait until [[Donald Trump]] was in power, Cuba timed its announcement of Castro's death for the slowest news moment of the year: late Friday night after [[Thanksgiving Day]], reminiscent of the release of hostages by [[Iran]] just before [[Ronald Reagan]] became president.
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'''Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz''' (August 13, 1926 – July 2006) was the brutal [[atheistic]] [[Communist]] [[dictator]] of [[Cuba]] from 1959 to 2006. '''''He was not seen and heard publicly after July 2006, when he underwent surgery for a "sharp intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding" in a Communist hospital.'''''<ref name="pbs.org">https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/latin_america/july-dec06/castro_08-01.html</ref>  Engaging in [[liberal denial]], [[Communism|Communists]] in Cuba release grainy images of an apparently old man along with absurd quotes of Castro like this claim, "I don’t even remember what a headache feels like."<ref>http://indonesiakatakami.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/fidel-castro-publishes-article-criticizing-health-rumors/</ref>  On hot Cuban days a stand-in wearing heavy make-up and a scarf to conceal his young neck met with foreign dignitaries, but Obama refused to be humiliated by this Communist hoax by meeting with or even mentioning Fidel during Obama's trip to Cuba. Rather than wait until [[Donald Trump]] was in power to expose the [[Communist]] lie, Cuba timed its announcement of Castro's death for the slowest news moment of the year: late Friday night after [[Thanksgiving Day]].  This announcement was reminiscent of the release of hostages by [[Iran]] just before [[Ronald Reagan]] became president.
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Fidel Castro held the posts of [[Prime Minister|prime minister]] (1959-1976) and president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers (1976-2006).<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html#Govt</ref> His oppressive rule lasted almost 50 years and killed scores of thousands.  He had not been seen publicly since July 2006, when he underwent intestinal surgery, and was presumably no longer alive as of December 2009; the Communists running Cuba had no incentive to risk challenge to their power by announcing that he passed away.<ref>''[http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-215_162-1859015.html State Secret: Is Castro Dead?]'', Brian Goodman, ''CBS News'', September 22, 2009.</ref> After a long absence from the public eye, he was purportedly shown in photographs in June 2010, released by the Cuban State News Agency. In August 2010, the Associated Press had a story of a purported Castro speech to the Cuban parliament.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/08/06/cuba-state-tv-fidel-castro-attend-parliament-meeting-time-years-1415326051/?test=latestnews</ref>  ''The fact remains there hadn't been a reputable, independent account of Castro being alive in nearly a year.'' Other authoritarian regimes, such as [[North Korea]] and [[Nazi Germany]] have also engaged in "body-doubles" and actor/impersonators to hide the death or incapacitation of despots in the past.<ref>[http://www.mahalo.com/kim-jong-il-body-doubles Kim Jong Il Body Doubles]</ref><ref>[http://www.blackraiser.com/nredoubt/identity.htm Hitler body-double]</ref> In April 2011, Castro allegedly stepped down as head of the Cuban Communist Party, but it has not been confirmed that this was not a ruse.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=41125</ref>
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{{cquote|'''I think its time we ask ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended for us by the Founding Fathers. Not too long ago two friends of mine were talking to a Cuban refugee, a business man who had escaped from Castro.  And in the midst of one of his stories, my friends turned to the other and said, ‘we don’t know how lucky ''we'' are.’  ''And the Cuban stopped and said, ‘How lucky YOU are, I had some place to escape to.’'' In that sentence he told us the entire story of Cuba, and Castro. <small>-- [[Ronald Reagan]]</small> <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXBswFfh6AY "A Time for Choosing" by Ronald Reagan]</ref>}}<br />
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With American [[globalist]]s helping bring him to and stay in power,<ref name="CastroGlobalists"/> Fidel Castro held the posts of [[Prime Minister|prime minister]] (1959–1976) and president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers (1976–2006).<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html#Govt</ref> His oppressive rule lasted almost 50 years and killed scores of thousands.  He had not been seen publicly since July 2006, when he underwent intestinal surgery, and was presumably no longer alive as of December 2009; the Communists running Cuba had no incentive to risk challenge to their power by announcing that he passed away.<ref>''[https://www.cbsnews.com/2100-215_162-1859015.html State Secret: Is Castro Dead?]'', Brian Goodman, ''CBS News'', September 22, 2009.</ref> After a long absence from the public eye, he was purportedly shown in photographs in June 2010, released by the Cuban State News Agency. In August 2010, the Associated Press had a story of a purported Castro speech to the Cuban parliament.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/08/06/cuba-state-tv-fidel-castro-attend-parliament-meeting-time-years-1415326051/?test=latestnews</ref>  ''The fact remains there hadn't been a reputable, independent account of Castro being alive in nearly a year.'' Other authoritarian regimes, such as [[North Korea]] and [[Nazi Germany]] have also engaged in "body-doubles" and actor/impersonators to hide the death or incapacitation of despots in the past.<ref>[http://www.mahalo.com/kim-jong-il-body-doubles Kim Jong Il Body Doubles]</ref><ref>[http://www.blackraiser.com/nredoubt/identity.htm Hitler body-double]</ref> In April 2011, Castro allegedly stepped down as head of the Cuban Communist Party, but it has not been confirmed that this was not a ruse.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=41125</ref>
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{{cquote|'''I think its time we ask ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended for us by the Founding Fathers. Not too long ago two friends of mine were talking to a Cuban refugee, a businessman who had escaped from Castro.  And in the midst of one of his stories, my friends turned to the other and said, ‘we don’t know how lucky ''we'' are.’  ''And the Cuban stopped and said, ‘How lucky YOU are, I had some place to escape to.’'' In that sentence he told us the entire story of Cuba, and Castro. <small>-- [[Ronald Reagan]]</small> <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXBswFfh6AY "A Time for Choosing" by Ronald Reagan]</ref>}}
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Castro was an important inspiration, role model, and hero for leftist psychopath Sen. [[Bernie Sanders]] of [[Vermont]].
    
== Early years of Castro ==
 
== Early years of Castro ==
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There is much that is not known of Castro's rural youth.  However, it is generally conceded that his father was [[Ángel María Bautista Castro y Argiz]] and his mother [[Lina Ruz González]].  Official biographies are essentially hagiographies and the more extreme of his many detractors portray a wild and irregular life typical of the worst elements of his class.  Castro has numerous siblings of various combination of parentage; for instance, it is widely believed that Raul Castro has the same mother but is not a son of Fidel Castro's father.  The most accepted biography is that of Geyer 2002 <ref>Geyer, Georgie Anne 2002 Guerrilla Prince. Andrews McMeel Publishing Kansas City ISBN 0740720643</ref> while a new series biographies by Norberto Fuentes (2004, and later),<ref>Fuentes, Norberto 2004 La Autobiografia De Fidel Castro Editorial Planeta, Mexico D.F ISBN 8423336042, ISBN 9707490012</ref> a former propagandist for the Cuban Government, are attracting attention.
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Castro was born on August 13, 1926, in Birán, Oriente, Cuba out of wedlock at his father's farm. There is much that is not known of Castro's rural youth.  However, it is generally conceded that his father was [[Ángel María Bautista Castro y Argiz]] and his mother [[Lina Ruz González]].  Official biographies are essentially hagiographies and the more extreme of his many detractors portray a wild and irregular life typical of the worst elements of his class.  Castro has numerous siblings of various combination of parentage; for instance, it is widely believed that Raul Castro has the same mother but is not a son of Fidel Castro's father.  The most accepted biography is that of Geyer 2002 <ref>Geyer, Georgie Anne 2002 Guerrilla Prince. Andrews McMeel Publishing Kansas City ISBN 0740720643</ref> while a new series biographies by Norberto Fuentes (2004, and later),<ref>Fuentes, Norberto 2004 La Autobiografia De Fidel Castro Editorial Planeta, Mexico D.F ISBN 8423336042, ISBN 9707490012</ref> a former propagandist for the Cuban Government, are attracting attention.
    
During his student years Fidel Castro was deeply involved in lethal violence.<ref>Ros, Enrique 2003 Fidel Castro y El Gatillo Alegre: Sus A~nos Universitarios (Coleccion Cuba y Sus Jueces) Ediciones Universal Miami ISBN 1593880065</ref> This violence also extended overseas to his involvement in the 1948 Colombian Bogotazo.<ref>Bowden, Mark  2002 Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw. Penguin ISBN-10 0142000957
 
During his student years Fidel Castro was deeply involved in lethal violence.<ref>Ros, Enrique 2003 Fidel Castro y El Gatillo Alegre: Sus A~nos Universitarios (Coleccion Cuba y Sus Jueces) Ediciones Universal Miami ISBN 1593880065</ref> This violence also extended overseas to his involvement in the 1948 Colombian Bogotazo.<ref>Bowden, Mark  2002 Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw. Penguin ISBN-10 0142000957
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</ref> and Castro, alongside his brother Raul, was captured they, unlike a number of his companions, were spared irregular execution by intervention of Roman Catholic Church members. In a courtroom speech in his defense (heavily edited in published form, and titled "La Historia me absolverá", or "History will absolve me"), Castro outlined his plans for reforms, demanding a return to the 1940 constitution, the ending of corrupt practices and a more equal distribution of land. There was no formal death penalty in Cuba at the time. After three years of incarceration on the Isle of Youth (then Isle of Pines), both Castro brothers were released during an amnesty.
 
</ref> and Castro, alongside his brother Raul, was captured they, unlike a number of his companions, were spared irregular execution by intervention of Roman Catholic Church members. In a courtroom speech in his defense (heavily edited in published form, and titled "La Historia me absolverá", or "History will absolve me"), Castro outlined his plans for reforms, demanding a return to the 1940 constitution, the ending of corrupt practices and a more equal distribution of land. There was no formal death penalty in Cuba at the time. After three years of incarceration on the Isle of Youth (then Isle of Pines), both Castro brothers were released during an amnesty.
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Upon release, the Castro brothers relocated to [[Mexico]] to avoid imminent reprisals from paramilitary groups affiliated with the Batista regime, lead by former Communist and long time rival of Castro [[Roland Masferrer]].<ref>Masferrer, Marc, 2006 Rolando Masferrer, the man from Holguín http://marcmasferrer.typepad.com/uncommon_sense/2006/10/rolando_masferr.html and also http://www.cuban-exile.com/menu2/2rolando.html</ref> In [[Mexico]] Castro organized a group of revolutionaries to return to Cuba and overthrow Batista. They became known as the 26th of July movement. This group included the Argentinian [[Che Guevara]]. In December 1956 Castro and 81 others boarded the Granma yacht, sailed to eastern Cuba, and began the armed struggle against the current regime.  
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Upon release, the Castro brothers relocated to [[Mexico]] to avoid imminent reprisals from paramilitary groups affiliated with the Batista regime, lead by former Communist and longtime rival of Castro [[Roland Masferrer]].<ref>Masferrer, Marc, 2006 Rolando Masferrer, the man from Holguín http://marcmasferrer.typepad.com/uncommon_sense/2006/10/rolando_masferr.html and also http://www.cuban-exile.com/menu2/2rolando.html</ref> In [[Mexico]] Castro organized a group of revolutionaries to return to Cuba and overthrow Batista. They became known as the 26th of July movement. This group included the Argentinian [[Che Guevara]]. In December 1956 Castro and 81 others boarded the Granma yacht, sailed to eastern Cuba, and began the armed struggle against the current regime.  
    
The landing was preceded in Santiago and the rest of Oriente Province by an armed rising of the 26 of July urban Militia, a non-Communist organization, lead by [[Frank Pais]].<ref>Alvarez, Jose 2008 Principio y Fin del Mito Fidelista. Trafford Publishing, Victoria, BC Canada  ISBN-10 1425154042
 
The landing was preceded in Santiago and the rest of Oriente Province by an armed rising of the 26 of July urban Militia, a non-Communist organization, lead by [[Frank Pais]].<ref>Alvarez, Jose 2008 Principio y Fin del Mito Fidelista. Trafford Publishing, Victoria, BC Canada  ISBN-10 1425154042
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ISBN 978-1425154042 http://www.amazon.com/Principio-fin-del-mito-fidelista/dp/1425154042
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ISBN 978-1425154042 https://www.amazon.com/Principio-fin-del-mito-fidelista/dp/1425154042
 
This is the most up to date description of the crucial role that the non-Communist militia of Frank Pais played in the "War Against Batista."  Without Frank Pais there would not have been a "Fidel Castro."  This book describes in detail and with dispassionate analysis how Frank Pais supported the Castro effort and how he was betrayed, and killed.  It is a sad and only too real description of the hijacking of the resistance against Batista by Communist activists including Castro himself.</ref> In the mountains the guidance of the bandit [[Cresencio Perez]], and a few Communist [[sleepers]] who had been placed in the Sierra for some time under the direction of stalinist agent [[Fabio Grobart]] was important.  Some local [[guajiros]] in the remote Sierra Maestra region joined in to became the nucleus of the critical scouting and picketing force of [[Escopeteros]] who screened the better armed Castro main force.  The support and guidance from revolutionary groups in the cities of Santiago, [[Havana]], elsewhere in Cuba and overseas was critical. The support of the U.S. State Department, mediated by [[William Weiland]] (aka Guillermo Arturo Montenegro) was significant from the time of the Bogotazo, through the [[Bay of Pigs]].<ref>Smith, Earl E.T. 1962 (last accessed 9-29-07) The Fourth Floor: An Account of the Castro Communist Revolution Random House ASIN: B000H5CT5M</ref>
 
This is the most up to date description of the crucial role that the non-Communist militia of Frank Pais played in the "War Against Batista."  Without Frank Pais there would not have been a "Fidel Castro."  This book describes in detail and with dispassionate analysis how Frank Pais supported the Castro effort and how he was betrayed, and killed.  It is a sad and only too real description of the hijacking of the resistance against Batista by Communist activists including Castro himself.</ref> In the mountains the guidance of the bandit [[Cresencio Perez]], and a few Communist [[sleepers]] who had been placed in the Sierra for some time under the direction of stalinist agent [[Fabio Grobart]] was important.  Some local [[guajiros]] in the remote Sierra Maestra region joined in to became the nucleus of the critical scouting and picketing force of [[Escopeteros]] who screened the better armed Castro main force.  The support and guidance from revolutionary groups in the cities of Santiago, [[Havana]], elsewhere in Cuba and overseas was critical. The support of the U.S. State Department, mediated by [[William Weiland]] (aka Guillermo Arturo Montenegro) was significant from the time of the Bogotazo, through the [[Bay of Pigs]].<ref>Smith, Earl E.T. 1962 (last accessed 9-29-07) The Fourth Floor: An Account of the Castro Communist Revolution Random House ASIN: B000H5CT5M</ref>
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By 1958, military attacks against Batista's army were having some success,<ref>Bonachea, Ramon L and Marta San Martin 1974. The Cuban insurrection 1952-1959. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswik, New Jersey ISBN 0878555765</ref> and the revolution was gaining national support. Castro maintained a position of diplomatic neutrality among various revolutionary factions, which included upper and middle class liberals, guajiros, and agricultural workers, communists and others, and hence was able to assume the position of director of the revolution. He was also largely successful in courting international support via astute and careful use of the media. Officials within the CIA and the United States government were divided over whether to support Castro. Some believed that Batista had become a liability, and that his overthrow was inevitable. Other officials feared the influence of known Communists in Castro's camp including Guevara, though Castro himself repeatedly claimed that he himself was "not a Communist".  
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By 1958, military attacks against Batista's army were having some success<ref>Bonachea, Ramon L and Marta San Martin 1974. The Cuban insurrection 1952-1959. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, New Jersey ISBN 0878555765</ref> with some news reports engineered by [[The New York Times]] with the help of reporter [[Herbert Matthews]], and the revolution was gaining national support. Castro maintained a position of diplomatic neutrality among various revolutionary factions, which included upper and middle-class liberals, guajiros, and agricultural workers, communists and others, and hence was able to assume the position of director of the revolution. He was also largely successful in courting international support via astute and careful use of the media. Officials within the CIA and the United States government were divided over whether to support Castro. Some believed that Batista had become a liability, and that his overthrow was inevitable. Other officials feared the influence of known Communists in Castro's camp including Guevara, though Castro himself repeatedly claimed that he himself was "not a Communist".  
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The revolution finally succeeded in late 1958, and on January 1, 1959, Batista left the country. Castro had chosen exiled leaders Manuel Urrutia Lleó and José Miró Cardona, both anti-Communist liberals with good relations with the U.S., to head the new government. Castro himself became head of the new armed forces. However, the increasing presence of Communists in the decision making process created an early split in the government. Castro and Urrutia both insisted publicly that they had relations with each other, but Urrutia and Miró resigned only months later, and Castro, with support from mass organizations, assumed the position of prime minister. Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado, a former Commodore of the Cienfuegos Yacht Club became president and head of state.
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The revolution finally succeeded in late 1958, and on January 1, 1959, Batista left the country. Castro had chosen exiled leaders Manuel Urrutia Lleó and José Miró Cardona, both anti-Communist liberals with good relations with the U.S., to head the new government. Castro himself became head of the new armed forces. However, the increasing presence of Communists in the decision-making process created an early split in the government. Castro and Urrutia both insisted publicly that they had relations with each other, but Urrutia and Miró resigned only months later, and Castro, with support from mass organizations, assumed the position of prime minister. Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado, a former Commodore of the Cienfuegos Yacht Club became president and head of state. [[Globalist]]s in the U.S. State Department sympathetic toward Marxism and influenced by the [[Council on Foreign Relations]] contributed to Castro's rise to power.<ref name="CastroGlobalists">De Varona, Frank; Newman, Alex (June 7, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/history/item/29204-us-globalists-put-castro-in-power-and-kept-him-there U.S. Globalists Put Castro in Power and Kept Him There]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 7, 2018.</ref>
    
==In Power==
 
==In Power==
 
The process of obtaining permanent power was dramatic, traumatic and bloody.  From 1959 on, mass killings of dissidents were carried out as a matter of course by the infamous "''firing squads.''"  Immediately after the Communist take-over, some 2,500 army officers were rounded up and shot dead.<ref name="capitalismmagazine.com">http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/4455-the-real-che-guevara.html</ref>  [[Che Guevara]] reportedly stayed up late into the night signing death warrants for defenseless "reactionaries."  Tens of thousands were sent to concentration camps.<ref>Frank Calzon, Castro’s Gulag (Council for Inter-American Security, 1979).</ref>  Desperate crowds of weeping daughters and shrieking mothers were clubbed with rifle butts as they pleaded for their family members to be spared.  One of Castro's exiled opponents describes it this way:
 
The process of obtaining permanent power was dramatic, traumatic and bloody.  From 1959 on, mass killings of dissidents were carried out as a matter of course by the infamous "''firing squads.''"  Immediately after the Communist take-over, some 2,500 army officers were rounded up and shot dead.<ref name="capitalismmagazine.com">http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/4455-the-real-che-guevara.html</ref>  [[Che Guevara]] reportedly stayed up late into the night signing death warrants for defenseless "reactionaries."  Tens of thousands were sent to concentration camps.<ref>Frank Calzon, Castro’s Gulag (Council for Inter-American Security, 1979).</ref>  Desperate crowds of weeping daughters and shrieking mothers were clubbed with rifle butts as they pleaded for their family members to be spared.  One of Castro's exiled opponents describes it this way:
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[[File:Warnock Castro.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Democrat Sen. [[Raphael Warnock]] (above) Socialist mass murderer Fidel Castro (below)]]
 
''"The Castro regime came to power by deception and terror, resulting in what can only be described as a state of war against the Cuban people. Executions, labor camps, forced re-locations and exile, and the imposition of a repressive military police force to exercise control over civilian society."''<ref>"Ziva" 6-8-08 Human Rights Advocacy and the Role of the Media. Babalublog http://www.babalublog.com/</ref>
 
''"The Castro regime came to power by deception and terror, resulting in what can only be described as a state of war against the Cuban people. Executions, labor camps, forced re-locations and exile, and the imposition of a repressive military police force to exercise control over civilian society."''<ref>"Ziva" 6-8-08 Human Rights Advocacy and the Role of the Media. Babalublog http://www.babalublog.com/</ref>
    
As prime minister, and then president from 1976, Castro ruled the country in line with Stalinist policies, seizing [[private property]] and eliminating [[free speech]] and [[free press]]. He was infamous for his overly long speeches, often rambling on for hours, which can be seen as an example of [[Liberal style]].  
 
As prime minister, and then president from 1976, Castro ruled the country in line with Stalinist policies, seizing [[private property]] and eliminating [[free speech]] and [[free press]]. He was infamous for his overly long speeches, often rambling on for hours, which can be seen as an example of [[Liberal style]].  
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Castro, who had been in regular contact with the KGB since 1956 and who used Soviet arms during his guerilla war, welcomed the presence of Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba to deter an American attack.  This decision precipitated the Cuban Missile Crisis, a major confrontation in the Cold War that nearly resulted in the cataclysmic death of millions.  According to Guevara:  "If the [Soviet nuclear] rockets had remained, we would have used them all and directed them against the very heart of the United States, including New York."<ref>UPI, December 10, 1962.</ref> Nikita Khrushchev wrote
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Castro, who had been in regular contact with the KGB since 1956 and who used Soviet arms during his guerrilla war, welcomed the presence of Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba to deter an American attack.  This decision precipitated the Cuban Missile Crisis, a major confrontation in the Cold War that nearly resulted in the cataclysmic death of millions.  According to Guevara:  "If the [Soviet nuclear] rockets had remained, we would have used them all and directed them against the very heart of the United States, including New York."<ref>UPI, December 10, 1962.</ref> Nikita Khrushchev wrote
 
that, according to Castro, "we needed to immediately deliver a nuclear missile strike against the United States… a proposal that placed the planet on the brink of extinction."<ref>James G. Blight et al., Cuba on the Brink: Castro, the Missile Crisis, and the Soviet Collapse (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), pp29.</ref> Fidel Castro admitted: "I would have agreed to the use of nuclear weapons."<ref>Ibid, pp. 252</ref>  On October 26, 1962, the USS Beale had tracked and dropped signaling depth charges (the size of hand grenades) on the B-59, a Soviet Project 641 (NATO designation Foxtrot) submarine which, unknown to the U.S., was armed with a 15 kiloton nuclear torpedo. Running out of air, the Soviet submarine was surrounded by American warships and desperately needed to surface.  Captain Valentin Savitsky ordered his crew to prepare the use of a nuclear torpedo against the Americans, but crew member Vasili Arkhipov stepped in and quite literally saved the world.
 
that, according to Castro, "we needed to immediately deliver a nuclear missile strike against the United States… a proposal that placed the planet on the brink of extinction."<ref>James G. Blight et al., Cuba on the Brink: Castro, the Missile Crisis, and the Soviet Collapse (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), pp29.</ref> Fidel Castro admitted: "I would have agreed to the use of nuclear weapons."<ref>Ibid, pp. 252</ref>  On October 26, 1962, the USS Beale had tracked and dropped signaling depth charges (the size of hand grenades) on the B-59, a Soviet Project 641 (NATO designation Foxtrot) submarine which, unknown to the U.S., was armed with a 15 kiloton nuclear torpedo. Running out of air, the Soviet submarine was surrounded by American warships and desperately needed to surface.  Captain Valentin Savitsky ordered his crew to prepare the use of a nuclear torpedo against the Americans, but crew member Vasili Arkhipov stepped in and quite literally saved the world.
    
In the aftermath of the crisis, the United States maintained a strict embargo on Cuba.  As a result, Castro sought close ties with anti-American Communist states, and became dependent on aid from Moscow.  He supplied massive amounts of military aid to [[North Korea]] and especially to [[North Vietnam]], where Cuban forces allegedly helped torture American POWs during the [[Vietnam War]].
 
In the aftermath of the crisis, the United States maintained a strict embargo on Cuba.  As a result, Castro sought close ties with anti-American Communist states, and became dependent on aid from Moscow.  He supplied massive amounts of military aid to [[North Korea]] and especially to [[North Vietnam]], where Cuban forces allegedly helped torture American POWs during the [[Vietnam War]].
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Ever eager to make trouble, Castro dispatched Che to assist the Chinese-and Soviet-backed "Simbas" of Laurent Kabila in the [[Congo]], who were "murdering, raping and munching (many were cannibals) their way through the defenseless Europeans still left in the recently abandoned Belgian colony."<ref name="capitalismmagazine.com"/>  The [[CIA]] fought a proxy war with Communist forces in the Congo, which descended into a complex maze of chaotic maneuverings and betrayals by several major world powers.
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Ever eager to make trouble, Castro dispatched Che to assist the Chinese-and Soviet-backed "Simbas" of Laurent Kabila in the [[Congo]], who were "murdering, raping and munching (many were cannibals) their way through the defenseless Europeans still left in the recently abandoned Belgian colony."<ref name="capitalismmagazine.com"/>  The [[CIA]] fought a [[proxy war]] with Communist forces in the Congo, which descended into a complex maze of chaotic maneuverings and betrayals by several major world powers.
    
Castro, all the while hypocritically maintaining an "anti-imperialist" political posture, would intervene extensively in the internal affairs of African nations through violence and war.  Cuban military intervention to save the Communist MPLA dictatorship in [[Angola]] from collapse led to decades of civil war that cost as many as 1 million lives.<ref>Médecins Sans Frontières, "Angola: An Alarming Nutritional Situation," August 1999</ref>  Castro also dispatched Cuban troops to fight on behalf of the Communist dictatorship in [[Ethiopia]], which killed 1.25 million people through massacre and forced starvation.<ref>Washington Post, March 18, 1978 (Ethiopia intervention); New York Times, December 14, 1994 (Ethiopia death toll).</ref>
 
Castro, all the while hypocritically maintaining an "anti-imperialist" political posture, would intervene extensively in the internal affairs of African nations through violence and war.  Cuban military intervention to save the Communist MPLA dictatorship in [[Angola]] from collapse led to decades of civil war that cost as many as 1 million lives.<ref>Médecins Sans Frontières, "Angola: An Alarming Nutritional Situation," August 1999</ref>  Castro also dispatched Cuban troops to fight on behalf of the Communist dictatorship in [[Ethiopia]], which killed 1.25 million people through massacre and forced starvation.<ref>Washington Post, March 18, 1978 (Ethiopia intervention); New York Times, December 14, 1994 (Ethiopia death toll).</ref>
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Soviet and Cuban support for Communist violence caused civil wars in [[Nicaragua]], [[El Salvador]], [[Honduras]] and [[Guatemala]].<ref>Alberto R. Coll, “Soviet Arms and Central American Turmoil,” World Affairs, Summer 1985.</ref> Support from the Cuban government was also given to terrorists from the [[PLO]].<ref>[http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y02/apr02/15e6.htm Castro's Anti-Semitism and the PLO]</ref>
 
Soviet and Cuban support for Communist violence caused civil wars in [[Nicaragua]], [[El Salvador]], [[Honduras]] and [[Guatemala]].<ref>Alberto R. Coll, “Soviet Arms and Central American Turmoil,” World Affairs, Summer 1985.</ref> Support from the Cuban government was also given to terrorists from the [[PLO]].<ref>[http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y02/apr02/15e6.htm Castro's Anti-Semitism and the PLO]</ref>
   −
Castro has repeatedly ordered acts of war against the United States.  Beyond the missile crisis, Castro maintains a huge electronic espionage complex directed at U.S. shores, conducts research into biological warfare and sponsors international terrorist groups.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/2802-starve-the-castro-regime-help-the-cuban-people</ref>  Cuban intelligence had ties with the Communist [[Lee Harvey Oswald]], who later assassinated President [[John F. Kennedy]].<ref>htmlhttp://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=28091</ref>  In the seventies, Castro deliberately sent dozens of dangerous criminals to US shores;<ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/e_exiles.html</ref> he responded to overtures from President [[Bill Clinton]] by ordering a deadly attack on an American plane.<ref>http://www.democracynow.org/2004/6/22/bill_clinton_loses_his_cool_in</ref>
+
Castro has repeatedly ordered acts of war against the United States.  Beyond the missile crisis, Castro maintains a huge electronic espionage complex directed at U.S. shores, conducts research into biological warfare and sponsors international terrorist groups.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/2802-starve-the-castro-regime-help-the-cuban-people</ref>  Cuban intelligence had ties with the Communist [[Lee Harvey Oswald]], who later assassinated President [[John F. Kennedy]].<ref>htmlhttp://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=28091</ref>  In the seventies, Castro deliberately sent dozens of dangerous criminals to US shores;<ref>https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/e_exiles.html</ref> he responded to overtures from President [[Bill Clinton]] by ordering a deadly attack on an American plane.<ref>http://www.democracynow.org/2004/6/22/bill_clinton_loses_his_cool_in</ref>
    
On February 23, 1988, the Cuban poet Armando Valladares, who was a prisoner in the Cuban gulag for 22 years, addressed the [[United Nations]] Commission on Human Rights.  In his speech, he stated:
 
On February 23, 1988, the Cuban poet Armando Valladares, who was a prisoner in the Cuban gulag for 22 years, addressed the [[United Nations]] Commission on Human Rights.  In his speech, he stated:
Line 84: Line 83:  
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
   −
Castro's policies imposed poverty and slavery on millions.<ref>Nick Eberstadt, The Poverty of Communism (Transaction Publishers, 1990), pp188, 196-206, 240-6.</ref>  In 1959, Cuba was the second richest country in Latin America; today, it is the second poorest.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/5404-castro-s-cuba-at-fifty-no-freedom-no-fish.html</ref>  Most pharmacies in Cuba do not even have aspirins.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/4402-aid-from-self-serving-autocrats.html</ref>  Cuba is plagued with a humanitarian catastrophe involving massive and widespread malnutrition and lack of basic goods; death, suffering, and misery is the result.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/2538-bad-cuban-medicine.html</ref>  The streets are now choked with scenes of starving peasants frantically pleading for food.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  In September 2010, Castro admitted that "the Cuban model doesn't even work."<ref>http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2010/09/fidel</ref>   
+
Castro's policies imposed poverty and slavery on millions.<ref>Nick Eberstadt, The Poverty of Communism (Transaction Publishers, 1990), pp188, 196-206, 240-6.</ref>  In 1959, Cuba was the second richest country in Latin America; today, it is the second poorest.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/5404-castro-s-cuba-at-fifty-no-freedom-no-fish.html</ref>  Most pharmacies in Cuba do not even have aspirins.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/4402-aid-from-self-serving-autocrats.html</ref>  Cuba is plagued with a humanitarian catastrophe involving massive and widespread malnutrition and lack of basic goods; death, suffering, and misery is the result.<ref>http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/world/cuba/2538-bad-cuban-medicine.html</ref>  The streets are now choked with scenes of starving peasants frantically pleading for food.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  In September 2010, Castro admitted that "the Cuban model doesn't even work."<ref>https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2010/09/fidel</ref>   
    
Castro has been accused of genocide by ''Genocide Watch.''<ref>http://www.genocidewatch.org/</ref>  He has been sued for genocide in [[Belgium]] and [[Spain]].<ref>http://www2.fiu.edu/~fcf/castrosuedgenocide.html</ref>
 
Castro has been accused of genocide by ''Genocide Watch.''<ref>http://www.genocidewatch.org/</ref>  He has been sued for genocide in [[Belgium]] and [[Spain]].<ref>http://www2.fiu.edu/~fcf/castrosuedgenocide.html</ref>
   −
The estimated number of deaths attributable to the Castro regime varies according to different sources—but not by much.  The number of named, documented victims (with 2 or more sources) established by recent scholarship is 86,000, excluding an estimated minimum<ref>http://www.cubaverdad.net/genocide.htm</ref> of 16,282 deaths in war and combat, for a conservative total of 112,000.<ref>http://cubaarchive.org/home/</ref>  R.J. Rummel, in his book ''Statistics of Democide'' estimates a range of 35-141,000 killed, which may underestimate the full toll by as much as 50%, since it only covers the years 1959-87.<ref>http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/POSTWWII.HTM</ref>  The most comprehensive survey, by Armando Lago, puts the total at 116,730-119,730 killed.<ref>http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat6.htm#Cuba59</ref>  The majority (85,000) of these deaths were caused by drowning; the firing squads account for some 30,000.  Adding combat deaths to his calculations, we arrive at a total of some 136,000 Cubans killed by the Castro regime.  Little effort has been made to calculate boat people deaths in recent years.  Cuban exiles claim that as many as 200,000 have been murdered altogether.<ref>http://www.therealcuba.com/</ref>  The death toll from Cuban interventions abroad can be numbered in the hundreds of thousands.
+
The estimated number of deaths attributable to the Castro regime varies according to different sources—but not by much.  The number of named, documented victims (with 2 or more sources) established by recent scholarship is 86,000, excluding an estimated minimum<ref>http://www.cubaverdad.net/genocide.htm</ref> of 16,282 deaths in war and combat, for a conservative total of 112,000.<ref>http://cubaarchive.org/home/</ref>  R.J. Rummel, in his book ''Statistics of Democide'' estimates a range of 35–141,000 killed, which may underestimate the full toll by as much as 50%, since it only covers the years 1959–87.<ref>http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/POSTWWII.HTM</ref>  The most comprehensive survey, by Armando Lago, puts the total at 116,730-119,730 killed.<ref>http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat6.htm#Cuba59</ref>  The majority (85,000) of these deaths were caused by drowning; the firing squads account for some 30,000.  Adding combat deaths to his calculations, we arrive at a total of some 136,000 Cubans killed by the Castro regime.  Little effort has been made to calculate boat people deaths in recent years.  Cuban exiles claim that as many as 200,000 have been murdered altogether.<ref>http://www.therealcuba.com/</ref>  The death toll from Cuban interventions abroad can be numbered in the hundreds of thousands.
    
==Death and purported sightings==
 
==Death and purported sightings==
−
In August 2006, health problems led to the appointment of his younger brother, Raul, as temporarily president and head of the Communist Party in Cuba. Political analysts believe that the appointment marks the beginning of a transition designed to maintain Communist control over Cuba after Castro's death.<ref>The Washington Post, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/01/AR2006080100647.html For Castro, a First Step In Calculated Transition ]</ref> Castro's surgery was scheduled to repair a "sharp intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding." <ref name="pbs.org"/>
+
In August 2006, health problems led to the appointment of his younger brother, Raul, as temporarily president and head of the Communist Party in Cuba. Political analysts believe that the appointment marks the beginning of a transition designed to maintain Communist control over Cuba after Castro's death.<ref>The Washington Post, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/01/AR2006080100647.html For Castro, a First Step In Calculated Transition]</ref> Castro's surgery was scheduled to repair a "sharp intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding."<ref name="pbs.org"/>
   −
Bonded by their hate for the United States and capitalism, Castro and [[Venezuela]]n dictator [[Hugo Chavez]] created a close relationship. Both socialist countries have worked together on various political ventures.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,166355,00.html</ref>   
+
Bonded by their hate for the United States and capitalism, Castro and [[Venezuela]]n dictator [[Hugo Chavez]] created a close relationship. Both socialist countries have worked together on various political ventures.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,166355,00.html</ref>   
 
   
 
   
−
On May 1, 2007, Castro did not attend Cuba's annual celebration of May Day, leading many to believe that he had died. While Castro allegedly met with Brazilian President [[Lula da Silva|Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] on February 25, 2010,<ref>http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghGthxqnYMWcICCnEkjH5ayqPamQD9E356IO1</ref> there is no independent confirmation that this was not in fact a body-double.
+
On May 1, 2007, Castro did not attend Cuba's annual celebration of May Day, leading many to believe that he had died. While Castro allegedly met with Brazilian President [[Lula da Silva|Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] on February 25, 2010,<ref>http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghGthxqnYMWcICCnEkjH5ayqPamQD9E356IO1</ref> there is no independent confirmation that this was not, in fact, a body-double.
    
On February 18, 2006, Communist Cuba publicly recognized that Fidel Castro was no longer President of the State Council and Commander in Chief.<ref>http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/2008/02/19/nacional/artic10.html</ref> He was succeeded by his brother, [[Raul Castro]].
 
On February 18, 2006, Communist Cuba publicly recognized that Fidel Castro was no longer President of the State Council and Commander in Chief.<ref>http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/2008/02/19/nacional/artic10.html</ref> He was succeeded by his brother, [[Raul Castro]].
   −
In September 2011, it was claimed that a Venezuelan reporter had interviewed Castro,<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/cubas-fidel-castro-breaks-long-silence-in-interview-with-venezuelan-television/2011/09/08/gIQA08FSCK_story.html]</ref> but independent media have not confirmed that this was not actually a doppelganger standing in for the long-deceased Castro.
+
In September 2011, it was claimed that a Venezuelan reporter had interviewed Castro,<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/cubas-fidel-castro-breaks-long-silence-in-interview-with-venezuelan-television/2011/09/08/gIQA08FSCK_story.html]</ref> but independent media have not confirmed that this was not actually a doppelganger standing in for the long-deceased Castro.
   −
In February 2012 the mainstream media claimed that Castro met with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.  Predictably there have been no reports from the liberal media as to whether this was actually Castro or a lookalike.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/01/us-cuba-brazil-idUSTRE8100B620120201 Brazil's Rousseff meets with Fidel Castro in Cuba]</ref>  
+
In February 2012 the mainstream media claimed that Castro met with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.  Predictably there have been no reports from the liberal media as to whether this was actually Castro or a lookalike.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/01/us-cuba-brazil-idUSTRE8100B620120201 Brazil's Rousseff meets with Fidel Castro in Cuba]</ref>  
   −
In February 2013, Castro allegedly<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3jqbsLvqXY</ref> addressed Cuba's National Assembly, giving support for younger leadership in Cuba.<ref>http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=114511:fidel-castro-backs-move-for-younger-leadership-in-cuba&catid=76:world&Itemid=560</ref> The National Assembly went on to re-elect Castro’s 82-year-old brother Raul.
+
In February 2013, Castro allegedly<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3jqbsLvqXY</ref> addressed Cuba's National Assembly, giving support for younger leadership in Cuba.<ref>http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=114511:fidel-castro-backs-move-for-younger-leadership-in-cuba&catid=76:world&Itemid=560</ref> The National Assembly went on to re-elect Castro's 82-year-old brother Raul.
   −
On November 25, 2016, Cuba finally confirmed what the rest of the world suspected for over a decade and announced the death of Castro, although the cause of death was not immediately disclosed.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2016/11/fidel-castro-is-dead-at-90/?cat_orig=world Fidel Castro is dead at 90] at [[WorldNetDaily.com]]</ref> Exiled Cubans and Cuban-Americans celebrated the news of the revelation of Castro's death upon hearing about it.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2016/11/libertad-cuban-exiles-celebrate-castro-death-in-miami/?cat_orig=us Libertad! Cuban exiles celebrate Castro death in Miami] at WorldNetDaily.com</ref> Ironically, given his long-lived fight against Capitalism, his announced death occurred on [[Black Friday]].
+
On November 25, 2016, Cuba finally confirmed what the rest of the world suspected for over a decade and announced the death of Castro, although the cause of death was not immediately disclosed.<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2016/11/fidel-castro-is-dead-at-90/?cat_orig=world Fidel Castro is dead at 90] at [[WorldNetDaily.com]]</ref> Exiled Cubans and Cuban-Americans celebrated the news of the revelation of Castro's death upon hearing about it.<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2016/11/libertad-cuban-exiles-celebrate-castro-death-in-miami/?cat_orig=us Libertad! Cuban exiles celebrate Castro death in Miami] at WorldNetDaily.com</ref> Ironically, given his long-lived fight against Capitalism, his announced death occurred on [[Black Friday]].
   −
Numerous [[leftists]], including [[Canada|Canadian]] prime minister [[Justin Trudeau]],<ref>Wootson, Cleve R., Jr. (November 26, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/11/26/trudeau-called-castro-a-remarkable-leader-twitter-imagined-what-he-would-say-about-stalin/?tid=pm_world_pop Trudeau called Castro a ‘remarkable leader.’ Twitter imagined what he would say about Stalin.] ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref> [[Green Party]] presidential nominee [[Jill Stein]],<ref>Lott, Jeremy (November 26, 2016). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jill-stein-praises-fidel-castro-a-symbol-of-the-struggle-for-justice/article/2608223 Jill Stein praises Fidel Castro: 'A symbol of the struggle for justice']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref> [[Sierra Club]] president Aaron Mair,<ref>Richardson, Valerie (November 28, 2016). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/nov/28/aaron-mair-sierra-club-president-fidel-castro-had-/ Sierra Club president: Fidel Castro had ‘more honor’ than Donald Trump]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref> and [[Jesse Jackson]],<ref name="O'ReillyNov.29.2016">[http://www.billoreilly.com/show?action=viewTVShow&showID=4323#3 The O'Reilly Factor - Monday, November 28, 2016]. ''billoreilly.com''. Retrieved November 29, 2016.</ref> issued positive or semi-positive statements in response to the death of a man who killed thousands of people and left an extremely poor third-world country.<ref name="O'ReillyNov.29.2016"/> On the other hand, [[Republican Party|Republican]] president-elect [[Donald Trump]] gave very strong statements against the dictator, calling him a "brutal dictator" and saying that "Fidel Castro's legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights".<ref>Wootson, Cleve R., Jr. (November 26, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/26/here-is-donald-trumps-reaction-to-fidel-castros-death/ How Donald Trump responded to the death of Fidel Castro, ‘a brutal dictator’]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Jackson, David (November 26, 2016). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/11/26/donald-trump-reacts-fidel-castros-death/94469240/ Trump condemns Castro as 'brutal dictator']. ''USA Today''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Scott, Eugine (November 26, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/26/politics/trump-reacts-to-castro-death/ Donald Trump: Fidel Castro is dead!]. ''CNN''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref>
+
Numerous [[leftists]], including [[Canada|Canadian]] prime minister [[Justin Trudeau]],<ref>Wootson, Cleve R., Jr. (November 26, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/11/26/trudeau-called-castro-a-remarkable-leader-twitter-imagined-what-he-would-say-about-stalin/?tid=pm_world_pop Trudeau called Castro a ‘remarkable leader.’ Twitter imagined what he would say about Stalin.] ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref> [[Green Party]] presidential nominee [[Jill Stein]],<ref>Lott, Jeremy (November 26, 2016). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jill-stein-praises-fidel-castro-a-symbol-of-the-struggle-for-justice/article/2608223 Jill Stein praises Fidel Castro: 'A symbol of the struggle for justice']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref> [[Sierra Club]] president Aaron Mair,<ref>Richardson, Valerie (November 28, 2016). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/nov/28/aaron-mair-sierra-club-president-fidel-castro-had-/ Sierra Club president: Fidel Castro had ‘more honor’ than Donald Trump]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref> and [[Jesse Jackson]],<ref name="O'ReillyNov.29.2016">[https://www.billoreilly.com/show?action=viewTVShow&showID=4323#3 The O'Reilly Factor - Monday, November 28, 2016]. ''billoreilly.com''. Retrieved November 29, 2016.</ref> issued positive or semi-positive statements in response to the death of a man who killed thousands of people and left an extremely poor third-world country.<ref name="O'ReillyNov.29.2016"/> On the other hand, [[Republican Party|Republican]] president-elect [[Donald Trump]] gave very strong statements against the dictator, calling him a "brutal dictator" and saying that "Fidel Castro's legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights".<ref>Wootson, Cleve R., Jr. (November 26, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/26/here-is-donald-trumps-reaction-to-fidel-castros-death/ How Donald Trump responded to the death of Fidel Castro, ‘a brutal dictator’]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Jackson, David (November 26, 2016). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/11/26/donald-trump-reacts-fidel-castros-death/94469240/ Trump condemns Castro as 'brutal dictator']. ''USA Today''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Scott, Eugine (November 26, 2016). [https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/26/politics/trump-reacts-to-castro-death/ Donald Trump: Fidel Castro is dead!]. ''CNN''. Retrieved November 28, 2016.</ref>
    
[[Ben Shapiro]] wrote:
 
[[Ben Shapiro]] wrote:
   −
* What were Castro's great achievements? He presided over the economic destruction of one of the most quickly developing countries in Latin America; he arrested and imprisoned hundreds of thousands of dissidents; he caused the self-imposed exile of millions of Cubans; he watched and participated in the drowning of thousands of Cubans attempting to escape his prison island; he worked with mass murderer Che Guevara to murder political opponents. Castro was, simply put, one of the worst people in a century full of awful human beings.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/benshapiro/2016/11/30/why-does-the-left-go-easy-on-dictators-n2252347 Why Does the Left Go Easy on Dictators?] - Ben Shapiro</ref>
+
* What were Castro's great achievements? He presided over the economic destruction of one of the most quickly developing countries in Latin America; he arrested and imprisoned hundreds of thousands of dissidents; he caused the self-imposed exile of millions of Cubans; he watched and participated in the drowning of thousands of Cubans attempting to escape his prison island; he worked with mass murderer Che Guevara to murder political opponents. Castro was, simply put, one of the worst people in a century full of awful human beings.<ref>[https://townhall.com/columnists/benshapiro/2016/11/30/why-does-the-left-go-easy-on-dictators-n2252347 Why Does the Left Go Easy on Dictators?] - Ben Shapiro</ref>
    
===Continued persecution===
 
===Continued persecution===
−
Even after Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized the dictator, as in the example of a Christian leader who was arrested in March 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison, a few months after his young children were arrested.<ref>Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/22/cuba-christian-leader-receives-3-year-prison-sentence-for-anti-castro-comments/ Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence for Anti-Castro Comments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref>
+
Even after Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized the dictator, as in the example of a Christian leader who was arrested in March 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison, a few months after his young children were arrested.<ref>Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/22/cuba-christian-leader-receives-3-year-prison-sentence-for-anti-castro-comments/ Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence for Anti-Castro Comments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref>
    
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
* [[Mystery:Did a Fake Fidel Castro Meet the Pope?]]
 
* [[Mystery:Did a Fake Fidel Castro Meet the Pope?]]
−
* [[Ronald Reagan]]
   
* [[Bay of Pigs]]
 
* [[Bay of Pigs]]
 
* [[Dictatorship]]
 
* [[Dictatorship]]
Line 124: Line 122:  
** [[List of dictators]]
 
** [[List of dictators]]
 
** [[Friendly dictator]]
 
** [[Friendly dictator]]
−
** [[Adolf Hitler]], [[Joseph Stalin]], [[Chairman Mao]], [[Kim Jong-Il]], [[Pol Pot]]
   
** [[Dictatorship of the proletariat]]
 
** [[Dictatorship of the proletariat]]
 
** [[List of Communist States]]
 
** [[List of Communist States]]
 
** [[List of Socialist States]]
 
** [[List of Socialist States]]
 
** [[Death toll of communism]]
 
** [[Death toll of communism]]
−
** [[Coup d'état]]
   
* [[Cult of personality]]
 
* [[Cult of personality]]
 
* [[Single-party state]]
 
* [[Single-party state]]
−
* [[Big government]] [[Welfare state]] leads to [[Nanny state]], leads to [[Police state]]: [[Globalist]]-[[Statist]]-[[Socialist]]-[[Communist]]
+
* [[Big government]]
 
* [[Liberal totalitarianism]]
 
* [[Liberal totalitarianism]]
    
==References==
 
==References==
−
{{reflist|2}}
+
{{Reflist|colwidth=35em}}
    
==Other Sources==
 
==Other Sources==
Line 150: Line 146:  
Anton, Alex and Roger E. Hernandez 2002 Cubans in America: A Vibrant History of a People in Exile Kensington Publishing Corporation (May, 2002) ISBN 157566593X
 
Anton, Alex and Roger E. Hernandez 2002 Cubans in America: A Vibrant History of a People in Exile Kensington Publishing Corporation (May, 2002) ISBN 157566593X
   −
Bonachea, Ramon L and Marta San Martin 1974. The Cuban insurrection 1952-1959. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswik, New Jersey ISBN 0878555765
+
Bonachea, Ramon L and Marta San Martin 1974. The Cuban insurrection 1952–1959. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswik, New Jersey ISBN 0878555765
    
Carrillo, Justo 1985 Cuba 1933: Estudiantes, Yanquis y Soldados.  University of Miami Iberian Studies Institute ISBN 0935501002 Transaction Publishers (January 1994) ISBN 1560006900
 
Carrillo, Justo 1985 Cuba 1933: Estudiantes, Yanquis y Soldados.  University of Miami Iberian Studies Institute ISBN 0935501002 Transaction Publishers (January 1994) ISBN 1560006900
   −
Castro, Fidel 1972 (editors Bonachea, Rolando E. and Nelson P. Valdéz) Revolutionary Struggle. 1947-1958. MIT Press Cambridge, Massachusetts and London ISBN 0262020653
+
Castro, Fidel 1972 (editors Bonachea, Rolando E. and Nelson P. Valdéz) Revolutionary Struggle. 1947–1958. MIT Press Cambridge, Massachusetts and London ISBN 0262020653
    
de la Cova, Antonio Rafael. 2007 The Moncada Attack: Birth of the Cuban Revolution.. University of South Carolina Press ISBN 1570036721 ISBN 978-1570036729  
 
de la Cova, Antonio Rafael. 2007 The Moncada Attack: Birth of the Cuban Revolution.. University of South Carolina Press ISBN 1570036721 ISBN 978-1570036729  
Line 164: Line 160:  
Enamorado, Calixto 1917 Tiempos. Heroicos Persecucion. Rambla, Bauza and Company, Havana.  
 
Enamorado, Calixto 1917 Tiempos. Heroicos Persecucion. Rambla, Bauza and Company, Havana.  
   −
Encinosa, Enrique G. l989 La Guerra Olvidada Un Libro Historico De Los Combatientes Anticastristas En Cuba (1960-1966). Editorial SIBI, Miami  
+
Encinosa, Enrique G. l989 La Guerra Olvidada Un Libro Historico De Los Combatientes Anticastristas En Cuba (1960–1966). Editorial SIBI, Miami  
    
Evans, Walker (Photographer), and [[Andrei Codrescu]] 2001 Walker Evans: Cuba (Hardcover) J. Paul Getty Trust Publications ISBN 0892366176
 
Evans, Walker (Photographer), and [[Andrei Codrescu]] 2001 Walker Evans: Cuba (Hardcover) J. Paul Getty Trust Publications ISBN 0892366176
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Greene, Graham 1958 Our Man in Havana: Viking ISBN 067053141 laneta, Mexico D.F ISBN 8423336042, ISBN 9707490012
 
Greene, Graham 1958 Our Man in Havana: Viking ISBN 067053141 laneta, Mexico D.F ISBN 8423336042, ISBN 9707490012
   −
Guevara, Ernesto “Che” (and Waters, Mary Alice editor) 1996 Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War 1956-1958. Pathfinder New York (see reference to “El Viscaíno” on page 186). ISBN 0873488245.
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Guevara, Ernesto “Che” (and Waters, Mary Alice editor) 1996 Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War 1956–1958. Pathfinder New York (see reference to “El Viscaíno” on page 186). ISBN 0873488245.
    
Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara Guerrilla attack on the Barracks de la Plata. In: The Mammoth book of War Stories. Jon. E. Lewis, editor, Carroll & Graf Publishers, New York 1999 Edition Printed and bound in United Kingdom. ISBN 0786706295 pp.&nbsp;507–512.  
 
Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara Guerrilla attack on the Barracks de la Plata. In: The Mammoth book of War Stories. Jon. E. Lewis, editor, Carroll & Graf Publishers, New York 1999 Edition Printed and bound in United Kingdom. ISBN 0786706295 pp.&nbsp;507–512.  
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Geyer, Georgie Anne 2002 Guerrilla Prince. Andrews McMeel Publishing Kansas City ISBN 0740720643
 
Geyer, Georgie Anne 2002 Guerrilla Prince. Andrews McMeel Publishing Kansas City ISBN 0740720643
   −
Jimenez Pastrana, Juan 1983. Los Chinos en la Historia de Cuba: 1847-1930. Editorial de Sciencias Sociales, Havana,
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Jimenez Pastrana, Juan 1983. Los Chinos en la Historia de Cuba: 1847–1930. Editorial de Sciencias Sociales, Havana,
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Kapcia A. 2002. The Siege of the Hotel Nacional, Cuba, 1933: A Reassessment. Journal of Latin American Studies, 34, 283-309.
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Kapcia A. 2002. The Siege of the Hotel Nacional, Cuba, 1933: A Reassessment. Journal of Latin American Studies, 34, 283–309.
    
Kelshall, Gaylord T. M. 1994 The U-Boat War in the Caribbean United States Naval Institute Annapolis Maryland ISBN 1557504520
 
Kelshall, Gaylord T. M. 1994 The U-Boat War in the Caribbean United States Naval Institute Annapolis Maryland ISBN 1557504520
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Kissinger, Henry 2000 Years of renewal. Simon & Schuster ISBN 0684855720
 
Kissinger, Henry 2000 Years of renewal. Simon & Schuster ISBN 0684855720
   −
Kost, William E. 2004 Cuban agriculture: to be or not to be organic. Cuba in Transition 14, 274-281.
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Kost, William E. 2004 Cuban agriculture: to be or not to be organic. Cuba in Transition 14, 274–281.
    
Lagas, Jacques 1964 Memorias de un capitán rebelde. Editorial del Pácifico. Santiago, Chile.
 
Lagas, Jacques 1964 Memorias de un capitán rebelde. Editorial del Pácifico. Santiago, Chile.
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Lazo, Rodrigo 2005 Writing to Cuba Filibustering and Cuban Exiles in the United States. University of North Carolina Press, ISBN 0807855944
 
Lazo, Rodrigo 2005 Writing to Cuba Filibustering and Cuban Exiles in the United States. University of North Carolina Press, ISBN 0807855944
   −
Loiret, F; Ortega, E; Kleiner, D; Ortega-Rodes, P; Rodes, R; Dong, Z 2004 A putative new endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Pantoea sp. from sugarcane  J. Appl. Microbiol., 97 (3) 504-511.
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Loiret, F; Ortega, E; Kleiner, D; Ortega-Rodes, P; Rodes, R; Dong, Z 2004 A putative new endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Pantoea sp. from sugarcane  J. Appl. Microbiol., 97 (3) 504–511.
    
López, Juan J. 2003 Democracy Delayed: The Case of Castro's Cuba The Johns Hopkins University Press Baltimore Maryland ISBN 0801870461
 
López, Juan J. 2003 Democracy Delayed: The Case of Castro's Cuba The Johns Hopkins University Press Baltimore Maryland ISBN 0801870461
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Morán Arce, Lucas 1980 La revolución cubana, 1953-1959: Una versión rebelde Imprenta Universitaria, Universidad Católica; ISBN  
 
Morán Arce, Lucas 1980 La revolución cubana, 1953-1959: Una versión rebelde Imprenta Universitaria, Universidad Católica; ISBN  
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Orro Fernandez, Roberto 2004 Education and labor skills in Socialist Cuba. Cuba in Transition-ASCE 10, 224-230.
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Orro Fernandez, Roberto 2004 Education and labor skills in Socialist Cuba. Cuba in Transition-ASCE 10, 224–230.
    
Ortiz, Fernando 1995 edition, (translated from 1947 original by Harriet de Onís) Cuban counterpoint Tobacco and Sugar. Duke University Press, Durham, North Carolina and London ISBN 08223161161
 
Ortiz, Fernando 1995 edition, (translated from 1947 original by Harriet de Onís) Cuban counterpoint Tobacco and Sugar. Duke University Press, Durham, North Carolina and London ISBN 08223161161
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Pirala, Antonio (1895, 1896 and some from 1874) Anales de la Guerra en Cuba. Felipe González Rojas, Madrid
 
Pirala, Antonio (1895, 1896 and some from 1874) Anales de la Guerra en Cuba. Felipe González Rojas, Madrid
   −
Priestland, Jane (editor) 2003 British Archives on Cuba: Cuba under Castro 1959-1962. Archival Publications International Limited, 2003, London ISBN 1903008204   
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Priestland, Jane (editor) 2003 British Archives on Cuba: Cuba under Castro 1959–1962. Archival Publications International Limited, 2003, London ISBN 1903008204   
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Puebla, Teté  (Brigadier General Cuban Armed Forces) 2003 Marianas in Combat: and the Mariana Grajales Women's Platoon in Cuba's Revolutionary War 1956-58, New York Pathfinder ISBN 0873489578
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Puebla, Teté  (Brigadier General Cuban Armed Forces) 2003 Marianas in Combat: and the Mariana Grajales Women's Platoon in Cuba's Revolutionary War 1956–58, New York Pathfinder ISBN 0873489578
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Ramos, M. G., Villatoro, MAA, Urquiaga, S, Alves, BJR and: Boddey, RM 2001 Quantification of the contribution of biological nitrogen fixation to tropical green manure crops and the residual benefit to a subsequent maize crop using super(15)N-isotope techniques J. Biotechnol. 91 (2-3)105-115
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Ramos, M. G., Villatoro, MAA, Urquiaga, S, Alves, BJR and: Boddey, RM 2001 Quantification of the contribution of biological nitrogen fixation to tropical green manure crops and the residual benefit to a subsequent maize crop using super(15)N-isotope techniques J. Biotechnol. 91 (2–3)105-115
    
Rodriguez, Felix I. and John Weisman 1989 Shadow Warrior/the CIA Hero of a Hundred Unknown Battles Simon & Schuster, New York ISBN 0671667211
 
Rodriguez, Felix I. and John Weisman 1989 Shadow Warrior/the CIA Hero of a Hundred Unknown Battles Simon & Schuster, New York ISBN 0671667211
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Hugh Thomas Cuba or the Pursuit of Freedom (Paperback) Da Capo Press; Updated edition (April, 1998) ISBN 0306808277
 
Hugh Thomas Cuba or the Pursuit of Freedom (Paperback) Da Capo Press; Updated edition (April, 1998) ISBN 0306808277
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Thomas-Woodward, Tiffany (accessed 1/29/2006) Towards the gates of eternity: Celia Sánchez Manduley and the creation of Cuba’s new woman. Project Muse http://muse.jhu.edu
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U.S. State Department 1950–1954. Confidential Central files Cuba 1950-1954 Internal Affairs Decimal Numbers 737, 837 and 937, Foreign Affairs decimal numbers 637 611.37 Microfilm Project University of Publications of America, Inc. http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/us-cuba/Confidential_Files-Nov-1952-July-1953.pdf http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/us-cuba/Confidential_Files-Aug-1953-Oct-1954.pdf
    
Velazquez, Loreta Janeta 1876  (2003 Editor Andrews, William L.)  
 
Velazquez, Loreta Janeta 1876  (2003 Editor Andrews, William L.)  
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Zimmerman, Robert 1958 Our Man in Havana: Viking ISBN 067053141 laneta, Mexico D.F ISBN 8423336042, ISBN 9707490012
 
Zimmerman, Robert 1958 Our Man in Havana: Viking ISBN 067053141 laneta, Mexico D.F ISBN 8423336042, ISBN 9707490012
 
</small>
 
</small>
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{{liberalism}}
      
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
* [http://cubawatcher.blogspot.com/ Cuba Watcher]
 
* [http://cubawatcher.blogspot.com/ Cuba Watcher]
 
* [http://www.castrodeathwatch.com/ Castro Death Watch]
 
* [http://www.castrodeathwatch.com/ Castro Death Watch]
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* [http://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/president-fidel-castro.htm Fidel Castro - breaking news]
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* [https://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/president-fidel-castro.htm Fidel Castro - breaking news]
 
* [http://17503.spreadshirt.com/junior-s-cap-sleeve-t-shirt-A1429312/customize/color/1 I bought this t-shirt before Castro died]
 
* [http://17503.spreadshirt.com/junior-s-cap-sleeve-t-shirt-A1429312/customize/color/1 I bought this t-shirt before Castro died]
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 +
{{Historic Communism}}
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{{liberalism}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Castro, Fidel}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Castro, Fidel}}
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[[Category:Communism]]
 
[[Category:Communism]]
 
[[Category:Dictators]]
 
[[Category:Dictators]]
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[[Category:Police State]]
 
[[Category:Police State]]
 
[[Category:Welfare State]]
 
[[Category:Welfare State]]
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[[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]
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[[Category:Terrorists]]
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[[Category:Former Christians]]
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[[Category:Left-wing Nationalism]]
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[[Category:Gun Control proponents]]
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[[Category:Atheists]]
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[[Category:Anti-Semitism]]
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[[Category:Elites]]