Right now on Fox:

Breaking News >> Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro Retires From Presidency

I can't wait to see what Val and the rest of the crew at Babalu have to say.

Before I forget to say it: good riddance.

This is a step in the right direction for Cuba. Only one step — Raul Castro will probably move in where Fidel leaves off — but the longest journey, as they say, begins with that one step.

Update 3:01am: headline now reads "Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro Steps Down As President And Commander." No article online yet.

3:08am: CNN has a story up — Castro resigns as president, state-run paper reports

3:11: Ah, Fox does have the story, linked off the headline on the front page (rather than listed with their other stories.)

3:15: CNN — "Fidel Castro captured the world's attention and imagination at 32 when the bearded revolutionary led a band of guerillas that overthrew a corrupt dictatorship -- and then became an irritating thorn in Washington's paw by embracing communism and cozying up to the Soviet Union."

I guess that's about as worshipful as they were prepared to be at this hour of the morning. No doubt the lauds will come later.

[Later...] As predictable as a sunset... CNN: Be kind to castro

I guess there's an upside to working nights... I get to see all the stories that break in the wee hours of the morning. This would be maybe the second such in three years.

Posted by Russ at 02:59 AM, February 19, 2008 in News