Obama's statement on Cuba is an example of one of the many straws that has been breaking  the Democrats back the past 8 years. It's a reason why the House, Senate and majority of governors are Republicans. Democrats are correctly perceived as caring as much, in some cases more, about others as their own citizens. The only proper response to Castro's death is it came far to late....  If by "Altered the course of individual lives..." you mean shot them blindfolded, then yes, he altered their lives.

At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people. We know that this moment fills Cubans - in Cuba and in the United States - with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.

For nearly six decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements. During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends - bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba.

Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro's family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That said, every country in the world normalize relationships with Cuba decades ago, the US was the only holdout. Yes, there are still many hard feeling among the Cuban-Americans against the guy, I lived in south Florida most of my life and heard the horror stories firsthand from many that were there. Hopefully now, they can move on.

I'm taking a sabbatical from the TT; however, I have to add a brief comment.  

I am almost surprised Barry didn't have all the flags at half mast.

Best regards,

As old as that POS was, hope you used high mileage....