The son of a wealthy landowner, Fidel Castro betrayed Cuba's ruling class to overthrow President Bastista and on January 1, 1959 the MR-26-7 entered Havana to oust the last vestiges of a corrupt regime allied the the USA. Angered by the expulsion of United Fruits, ITT, and various American interests Washington placed an embargo on the island, yet despite this onerous penalty the Communists built houses for the poor, distributed land the the landless, educate the masses, and offered free health to every Cuban. Castro squashed any threat to his rule and the prisons filled with dissenters.
"¡Patria o Muerte!" was his battle cry.
The USSR gained a foothold in the Western Hemisphere leading to the Missile Crisis of 1962 and the export of revolution to Latin America and Africa. Castro tightened his grip on all facets of life and the Cuban people suffered from his excesses until the 90s when Fidel relaxed state control on the economy.
Last week Fidel died at the age of 90.
Millions of Cubans mourned his passing.
Millions more rejoiced his departure.
Fidel banned any streets, bridges, or public buildings from bearing his name.
The man was long-winded. His speeches lasted hours. He loved the sound of the revolution.
The roar of his people.
"A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." Viva Fidel.
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