Marco Rubio may be out of the 2016 presidential race, but he’s making news for a photo op with Felix Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is a former CIA operative who famously helped capture the communist revolutionary, right-hand man to ruthless dictators, and mass murderer Che Guevara. (Rodriguez denies actually killing Guevara — see below.)
At an event in Miami commemorating the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba Sunday, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio paid homage to the 2506 Brigade, which led the assault. Organized by the CIA in 1961, the disastrous invasion was soundly defeated by the Cuban military and its people.The former Republican presidential candidate took the opportunity to pose for a photo with Felix Rodriguez, former CIA agent who was a leader in the planning of the Bay of Pigs.Rodriguez is also known as the person responsible for giving the order to kill Che Guevara, a leading figure in the Cuban Revolution, who had arrived in Bolivia in 1966 to lead a guerrilla movement to overthrow the U.S.-backed government there.The CIA recruited Rodriguez in 1967 to head a team to hunt down Che.Rodriguez, whose cover was that of a Bolivian army major, is pictured in the last photograph of Che alive.
Rubio, in his comments, (under)stated that Cuba “has not respected human rights.”
Telesur continues:
In his comments during the ceremony, Rubio said he lamented the lack of respect given to Cuban “martyrs” such as the 2506 Brigade and hinted that the Obama administration did not have any sympathy for “the thousands of Cubans who have died over more than 55 years of Cuban Communist rule for the sake of trying to bring democracy and freedom to the island.”He also criticized the series of concessions that have been made by Obama to Cuba which he maintained “has not respected human rights.”
Be sure to read Jay Nordlinger, Felix Rodriguez, freedom fighter and patriot:
Rodriguez’s orders from Washington were to do everything he could to keep Guevara alive. Then, the prisoner would be transported to Panama, to be interrogated by the Americans. But the Bolivians had the authority in this matter. It was their war, their country — and they wanted him dead. Rodriguez gave the prisoner the news. “It’s better this way, Felix,” said Guevara. “I should never have been captured alive.” Rodriguez said to him, “Comandante, do you want me to say anything to your family if I ever have the opportunity?” After an interval, Guevara said, “Yes. Tell Fidel that he will soon see a triumphant revolution in America” (i.e., South America). “And tell my wife to get remarried and try to be happy.” The two men embraced. Then Rodriguez walked out of the schoolhouse. (He was never to meet Guevara’s family.)The Bolivian officer in charge, Joaquín Zenteno Anaya, had offered Rodriguez the chance to finish Guevara off. Guevara had done Rodriguez’s country so much harm, Zenteno said. It was only right that he have the opportunity. But he declined. It was left to a Bolivian sergeant. Rodriguez has always maintained that Guevara died with courage and dignity. He admired him for it, and still does. But that’s as far as his admiration goes.
Not everyone is happy about the photo:
[Featured image via Telesur]
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY