Castro falters during speech HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Two hours into a speech that was being broadcast live to the nation on Saturday, Cuban President Fidel Castro suddenly appeared faint and was led away from the podium by his bodyguards. Castro, 74, who is famous for talking as long as five hours without a break and without water, started his remarks at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Dressed in his traditional garb of battle fatigues, at 11:20 a.m. EDT, his speech slowed and he appeared to be groping for words. As the camera cut away to pictures of the crowd, he was escorted to a seat, where he remained for several minutes. Hundreds of people in the crowd watched initially in confusion, and then began chanting, "Fidel! Fidel!" A Cuban official then tried to calm the crowd and exhorted them to raise their flags. He said Castro had participated in the dedication of a new ballet school Friday night and had not eaten or slept. A few minutes later, Castro resumed his remarks. "I'm okay," he said to applause. "Don't worry." He said he would finish his speech later in the day "when it's not so hot. I have things to say, and I want to finish." He then concluded with his trademark closing phrase: "Patria o muerte -- Venceremos!" ("Fatherland or death -- We will overcome!") In his speech, Castro denounced the conviction of five Cuban spies in Miami, Florida, earlier this month. ------------------ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick once and you suck forever."
I wonder what will become of Cuba when he is gone? Probably another war torn country or at least another exploited country. Rocket River ------------------
There's your problem right there. Sheesh. Two hour speeches? Our president won't even stand for two hour meetings. It's a wonder he ever became a baseball fan. Well, now that we're moving our military exercises our of Vieques... he is gone?
BK wrote: "Our president won't even stand for two hour meetings." yeah, but I bet he could drink and do blow for 2 hours! RR wrote: "I wonder what will become of Cuba when he is gone? America will insert their own dictator, one that will push them to consider a 'democracy' OR some other old school commie wanna-be will take over. Cuba? are we talking about Cuba in the Hangout? just checking... rH ------------------ visit: groovehouse.org
