castro No-show

fidel castro is not going to give the annual "Revolution Day" address according to a communist newspaper in Cuba. The speech will be given by his sister, raul castro, who has been the interim dictator since July 31, 2006. This does not surprise me one bit.

For months now, we have been told by officials in Cuba that fidel castro will return to take command of his dictatorship. Not once has castro been seen in person or live on TV. He is only shown on taped footage which the government can manipulate and edit.

Raul Castro - not his convalescing 80-year-old brother Fidel - will give this week's Revolution Day address, the latest sign the defense minister's yearlong caretaker role is becoming much more permanent.

The announcement Wednesday on the front page of the Communist Party daily Granma doused the few remaining hopes among Fidel Castro's ardent supporters he could make a surprise appearance during Thursday's Revolution Day celebrations.

Even though Raul appears headed for permanent rule, the two brothers' longer-term roles officially remain undefined.

Let look back at other important days castro has missed since July 31, 2006:

1. His birthday - August 13 - I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he was still very ill.
2. Granma Landing - December 2 - His birthday celebration was moved to this date to also celebrate the Granma yacht landing in Cuba.
3. New Year's - January 1 - This date mark's the departure of Flugencio Batista from his reign over Cuba.
4. castro's Arrival In Havana - January 8 - On this date, castro and Co. rolled into Cuba to celebrate their "victory" over Batista.
5. May Day - May 1 - What better day to come out and make an appearance ?? There were almost a 100,000 Cubans in attendance and the international press present. If he is as "OK" as his government says, why not take the opportunity offered to him on May Day ??
6. 26 de Julio - July 26 - This day marks the anniversary of the ill-fated Moncada Barracks attack.

Folks, castro is not doing as good as his government says. He has had plenty of chances to show his mug and nothing. We all know that he loves to make an appearance and loves the attention on him. He is going downhill and it's just a matter of time !!

Read the rest here.