We reported earlier  this week that we've got one gutsy U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba under President Bush. It seems the bully on the block in Havana has taken note — and like an enraged mobster losing a turf war, has gone ballistic. The U.S.' showy Christmas light display, along with a provocative numeral '75' — which stands for remembering 75 imprisoned dissidents — is something El Barbudo can't stand for. He's demanding that the Americans take them down. Or there will be "consequences."  Privately, U.S. diplomats smile wolfishly and tell former People's Daily World reporter turned Reuters correspondent Mark Frank that they think Castro's lost it.
 
But publicly, the U.S mission is unfazed, blanding stating in their best Mr. Magoo diplospeak: "Our position is that all our decorations are up through Christmas."
 
Keep an eye on this, President Bush isn't going to back down here.

A.M. Mora y Leon    12 15 04