[Marxism] (no subject)

[Fred Feldman]

I would point out that this TV appearance tends to counter the claims of
serious cancer surgery. I would note that from the beginning that Castro
(and his friend Hugo Chavez) have fought for openness about the
seriousness of his condition> I have to admit I wondered about the
cancer claims, and had wondered before they were made.  But surely the
Associated Press would have made a big deal if Castro appeared without
his beard. So -- no chemo. 

I don't place a priority on Castro returning to his state positions, but
the longer he is around to contribute to guiding things, the better.
Fred Feldman
www.GlobeandMail.com (Toronto)
Castro makes television appearance
Associated Press

Havana - Cuban President Fidel Castro made his first public appearance
in more than a month, walking and defiantly addressing recent rumours of
his death in a video aired Saturday on state television.

The 80-year-old Cuban leader, who temporarily stepped down from power in
July following intestinal surgery, had not been seen since
mid-September, when photographs of him receiving world leaders at a
summit in Havana were released.

He said his recovery will be prolonged and not without risk but: "I am
coming along just as planned."

He called the death rumours ridiculous and insulting, saying they were
the work of his enemies.
"Let's see what they say now," he said, holding a copy of Saturday's
edition of Granma, the Cuban Communist party daily newspaper.

The Cuban government has treated Mr. Castro's ailment as a state secret
and rumours he may have died intensified in recent weeks. He hasn't made
a public appearance since July 26, a few days before he had surgery.
The video shown Saturday came a day after Mr. Castro's close friend and
ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the Cuban leader was walking
and taking trips at night into the countryside.