Twitter goes nuts over Canadian PM's Castro comments

The Canadian prime minister’s oddly warm remembrance of Fidel Castro set social media aflame Saturday as Castro’s many critics pilloried Justin Trudeau’s statement calling the dead dictator a controversial and “larger than life leader” but stopping far short of condemning his actions.

Trudeau has met Castro, and said his father considered the dictator a friend. Canada and Cuba maintained diplomatic relations during the U.S. embargo, and Canadians have long vacationed on the island.

“A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and health care of his island nation,” Trudeau said in a statement released by the Canadian government. “While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for 'el Comandante.' "

Trudeau’s comments stood in stark contrast to American elected officials, including Sen. Marcio Rubio, R-Fla., whose parents left Cuba before Castro came to power. “Is this a real statement or a parody? Because if this is a real statement from the PM of Canada it is shameful & embarrassing,” Rubio said in a statement on Twitter.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/twitter-goes-nuts-over-canadian-pms-castro-comments/ar-AAkNFVJ?li=BBnb7Kz