Jeb Bush 'Honored' by Castro's Jab
Wednesday December 7, 2005 1:01 AM
AP Photo TD102
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday that he was ``honored'' Cuban President Fidel Castro had referred to him as President Bush's ``fat little brother in Florida.''
During a Nov. 17 speech at the University of Havana, Castro made the comment while questioning whether the governor had helped a suspected anti-Cuba terrorist enter the United States. Students responded with laughter.
``I'm flattered and honored,'' Bush replied with a smile, but then turned serious.
``I will take any criticism from Fidel Castro, of all people, as an honor given the fact that, you know, 8 million people, I believe, live on the island, 8 million people are repressed and they've been that way for 40 or 50 years,'' Bush said.
``To be criticized by a man like that who has repressed people for such an extended period of time is a high honor,'' the governor added. ``He can call me whatever he wants.''
In his speech, Castro insisted his comment was intended as constructive criticism.
``Forgive me for using the term `fat little brother,''' the Cuban leader said, according to a transcript obtained by The Miami Herald. ``It is not a criticism, rather a suggestion that he do some exercises and go on a diet, don't you think? I'm doing this for the gentleman's health.''
Undoubtedly, the 6-foot, 4-inch, 52-year-old governor has put on a few pounds since taking office in 1999. He weighs 225 pounds, said Bush spokeswoman Alia Faraj.
The ideal weight for a man of his height, frame and age ranges from 181 to 207 pounds, according to Weight Watchers International.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-5462129,00.html
Wednesday December 7, 2005 1:01 AM
AP Photo TD102
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday that he was ``honored'' Cuban President Fidel Castro had referred to him as President Bush's ``fat little brother in Florida.''
During a Nov. 17 speech at the University of Havana, Castro made the comment while questioning whether the governor had helped a suspected anti-Cuba terrorist enter the United States. Students responded with laughter.
``I'm flattered and honored,'' Bush replied with a smile, but then turned serious.
``I will take any criticism from Fidel Castro, of all people, as an honor given the fact that, you know, 8 million people, I believe, live on the island, 8 million people are repressed and they've been that way for 40 or 50 years,'' Bush said.
``To be criticized by a man like that who has repressed people for such an extended period of time is a high honor,'' the governor added. ``He can call me whatever he wants.''
In his speech, Castro insisted his comment was intended as constructive criticism.
``Forgive me for using the term `fat little brother,''' the Cuban leader said, according to a transcript obtained by The Miami Herald. ``It is not a criticism, rather a suggestion that he do some exercises and go on a diet, don't you think? I'm doing this for the gentleman's health.''
Undoubtedly, the 6-foot, 4-inch, 52-year-old governor has put on a few pounds since taking office in 1999. He weighs 225 pounds, said Bush spokeswoman Alia Faraj.
The ideal weight for a man of his height, frame and age ranges from 181 to 207 pounds, according to Weight Watchers International.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-5462129,00.html
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