The mainline American propaganda, particularly from the right, is that Castro was a tyrant and a bully who oppressed his people. Of course that will be the American position. After 57 years of failed sanctions to bring down the government, America needs to brand the Castros as the bad guys to justify and continue their failed policies. The more enlightened view of Castro is that, yes, he staunchly defended his one party system of socialism, but he did so to protect his vulnerable country from the bully policies of the nation next door. He deeply loved his country and he did what he thought was best for his people to maintain self-respect and sovereignty. He did not want Cuba to return to the Batista days when Cuba was little more than a foreign playpen and safe haven for rich Americans.
The mainline American propaganda, particularly from the right, is that Castro was a tyrant and a bully who oppressed his people. Of course that will be the American position. After 57 years of failed sanctions to bring down the government, America needs to brand the Castros as the bad guys to justify and continue their failed policies. The more enlightened view of Castro is that, yes, he staunchly defended his one party system of socialism, but he did so to protect his vulnerable country from the bully policies of the nation next door. He deeply loved his country and he did what he thought was best for his people to maintain self-respect and sovereignty. He did not want Cuba to return to the Batista days when Cuba was little more than a foreign playpen and safe haven for rich Americans.