Distractions, diversions, and deception

"In 1968 a young man escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later was in America to stay. Manuel Alvarez, Jr. wrote a letter to the editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and offered this sobering account of how Communism came about in Cuba [3]:

"'In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive. When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!" But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him.'" (Emphasis added)

"Now, I'm not saying that, if elected, Barack Obama will become a communist dictator like Fidel Castro. I'm simply pointing out that in their desperation the Cuban people allowed themselves to be taken in by an eloquent, passionate young leader who spoke of bringing 'change' to Cuba."