Why Does the Left Go Easy on Dictators?

When evil Cuban dictator Fidel Castro finally died last Friday, the left seemed deeply ambivalent. President Obama noted “the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation,” as though Castro had been some sort of high school guidance counselor. Former President Jimmy Carter recalled all the wonderful times he spent by the sea with Castro, the sun gleaming off the waves. He said, “We remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — aka handsome Bernie Sanders — described Castro as “remarkable … a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century.”

Meanwhile, around the world, dictators wept in solidarity with Castro. Palestinian Authority dictator Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently in the 11th year of a four-year term in office, ordered the flags dropped to half-staff around his trashed territory. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to Cuban President Raul Castro, saying, “Free and independent Cuba, which (Fidel Castro) and his allies built, became an influential member of the international community and became an inspiring example for many countries and nations.” Chinese dictator Xi Jinping called Castro “a close comrade and a sincere friend,” adding, “His glorious image and great achievements will be recorded in history forever.”