Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Be careful what you say. It can cost you.

I read the news today. Admittedly, this is a small, inconsequential story, but it shocked me. Ozzie Guillen, manager of the Miami Marlins was suspended 5 days for telling Time Magazine, "I love Fidel Castro. I respect Fidel Castro. You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill Fidel Castro for the last 60 years, but that [he] is still here." For that he lost 5 days worth of salary, which will be donated to charity, perhaps the "Assassins Against Fidel Association" or the "Bring Back Batista Benevolence Bloc".

Some Miamians were calling for him to be fired, comparing his remarks to supporting Hitler. What is the old internet canard? I think it is a corollary of Godwin's Law — once you invoke the image of Hitler, your argument is lost.

3 comments:

Big Myk said...

This event may mean less than one might think, and more economically driven than anything. Cubans make up more than one third of Miami's population, and pretty much all of them blame Castro for their problems.

Mike said...

Yeah, pure economics. The stadium is also located in Little Havana.

Mike said...

But yes, saying something political and getting suspended from your job seems draconian. Sounds like something that would happen in Cuba, and at least they have comprehensive healthcare. Hey-O.