U.S. & Cuba On July 4th

Different Celebrations
Updated: Monday, July 6th, 2015

        Fireworks proliferated as the United States of America celebrated its independence on the July 4th weekend in the year 2015. History's greatest, strongest, richest, and most admired nation turned 239 years old this past weekend.

     Congratulations to Carli Lloyd and the U. S. Women's soccer team. Up in Canada, they led the celebration of the July 4th weekend in America by beating Japan 5-2 to win the coveted World Cup. Already the best female soccer player in the world, Carli Lloyd scored an historic 3 goals in the first 16 minutes of play Sunday in Canada.  

      Meanwhile, on the nearby island of Cuba, Fidel Castro made the headlines, setting off fireworks by merely making one of his rare public appearances. He appeared at a meeting of cheese experts just outside Havana, and appeared surprisingly healthy and energized, especially for a man who turns 89 next month, on August 13th. Australia's SkyNews network reported that, "Mr. Castro appeared strong, sharp."

{AFP photos and videos showed a healthier than expected Fidel Castro} 

        Segments of Fidel Castro's public appearance this weekend were televised live by Cuba's state network and snippets were carried internationally by outlets such as London's BBC. Suffice to say that video and audio tapes are being scrutinized, especially in Miami and Washington, by those who closely monitor Fidel's health. The BBC reported that, "The old revolutionary participated, actually performed, with vigor and acuity for four full hours." His voice also appeared stronger than it was in previous public appearances or during recent sessions with world leaders in his home. Journalism questions were not allowed but a participant was heard to ask him how he felt about the ongoing U.S.-Cuban rapprochement. He replied, "I don't trust the U. S. but peace is better than war, even if the peace is merely an interlude between wars." Ummmmmm? I guess that means he approves the detente, if reluctantly.

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