Commerce Secretary in Cuba Praises Socialist Youths’ Pledge to Fidel Castro
On a trip to Cuba last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker praised a socialist youth group practicing to demonstrate its allegiance to Fidel Castro, saying they would be happy and make their parents proud with such a display.
“In a plaza not far away, the secretary stumbled on what looked like a group of young school children,” National Public Radio reporter Scott Horsely said [1] on Weekend Edition Saturday. “They were wearing red and white uniforms and lined up in formation.”
“The kids were actually members of the Pioneros, a kind of socialist scout troop,” Horsley said. “They were practicing for a ceremony the next day, in which they'd each be awarded a red scarf, pledging their allegiance to [Jose] Marti and Fidel.”
Horsley said the children were chanting, “For country and socialism we’re always ready.”
“It was a little odd watching the U.S. commerce secretary smiling at these miniature Marxists, but Pritzker gamely urged the kids to pay attention to their instructor and have fun,” Horsley said.
“It will make you very happy, and it will make your parents very proud,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker was in Cuba as part of the ongoing effort by the Obama administration to normalize relations with the communist country. In addition to trade talks, NPR reported Pritzker toured Old Havana where she met the children.
“This shift in policy is rooted in a fundamental desire to improve the lives of people in both of our nations,” Pritzker said in a speech [2] in Havana on Oct. 7.
“We want to help all Cubans plug into the global economy and enjoy a higher standard of living, while also giving the people of the United States an opportunity to learn about Cuba and develop relationships with the people of an island that is only 90 miles away from our shores.”
H/T National Public Radio [1]
Source URL:
http://cnsnews.com/blog/penny-starr/commerce-secretary-cuba-praises-socialist-youths-pledge-fidel-castro 
