Mary and the Castros

     No, it's not the name of a new punk rock band.   It refers to Mary O'Grady, the distinguished journalist who writes on Latin American affairs.  She writes today of a recent meeting between Mad Vlad  and his Cubano amigo, Mad Raul Castro, Fidel's little brother who now runs the island since his older bro lost his attention span.
     The Russian is making a personal bid to ingratiate himself with the former Russian client state.  How much will it cost the Russian people this time?  In 2013,  PM Medvedev signed some agreements forgiving about $30 billions in debt, and agreeing to lease 8 Russian jets(clunkers) worth $650millions.  In February, the Russian Defense Minister announced he was engaged in talks to establish military bases in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua(with China?).
      Now, Vlad, come on.  We've been down this Cuba path before.   Remember 1962?  Ok, maybe you're too young to recall the old Shoe Banger, Kruschev(Nikki).  I'm sure one or more of your staff(old guard) can recall some of the story.
      Now Washington can tolerate quite a bit of foreign maneuvering, especially in Europe, Asia, and Africa.  But when it comes to the western hemisphere, Washington politicos tend to get a little edgy.  So, Ok, you like to see your name in the media, like to hear the buzz contain Putin, Putin, Putin.  I'm sure you like to see a few Latinos in power down south grovel with their hands out, hoping for a few favors.   These actions only serve to discredit you and your country in the eyes of the world.  There's no subtlety here, but, apparently, that's just Putin being Putin.
      So, you are looking for oil around Cuba.  So, you've signed a few agreements for business and trade with Cuba.  For what?  Sugar cane?  Mercenaries?  Cigars?  Rum?  Humidity?
      What is it about Russian KGB folks?   Don't they just get tired of it all?  It's embarrassing to see grown men act like children.
      Thank you, Mary O'Grady for highlighting Mad Vlad's recent Caribbean adventure.  Our Minister of Latin American Affairs texted us with local opinions on the little Russkie's visit to the Castro's playpen, 90 miles off the Florida coast.