On Monday, after giving his last appearance before the press, Pres. George W. Bush called in to Radio Mambi to say goodbye. He was received by Ninoska Perez-Castellon on her 3pm program.You can hear the interview here, courtesy of Univision.
Near the end [7:04], Perez-Castellon (self-appointed spokesperson for the Cuban-American community, and Cubans in general) reveals her feelings of high adoration for Pres. Bush:
"Mr. President, during the G8 summit in 2007, when you spoke at the Czech Republic, you said that an individual with moral clarity and courage can change the course of history, and I believe that you are that man. And I know that when freedom finally comes [to Cuba], the Cuban-Americans, as well as the Cubans on the island, will know that you stood by us in your darkest hour. So, I think you have a lot of gratitude in this community."
In that 2007 speech, at the Czech Republic, Bush stated: "Freedom is the design of our Maker, and the longing of every soul."
Bush also mentioned that after his Presidency he plans to create his "Freedom Institute" in Dallas, at the Southern Methodist University. He has told the press that it will be "cool-looking."
Anyway, contrary to what Perez-Castellon states, I don't believe the Bush administration ever stood with the Cuban-American community or Cubans on the island.
During his administration, prominent Cuban dissidents on the island have expressed their disagreements with US funding and Cuban family travel restrictions. And the Cuban-American community has increasingly shown their disagreement with the US embargo and travel restrictions.
In addition, Telemundo 51 recently asked their viewers to respond to an online poll asking if they agree with the Obama administration to eliminate travel restrictions to Cuba. From more than 1000 votes, an overwhelming 88% (!) voted in favor.
So who's standing with the Cuban and Cuban-American community?
