A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Ron DeSantis is outraged over a Cuban ambassador visiting Tampa earlier this month.
“I think they should go back to Cuba where they belong,” DeSantis declared, condemning a dinner at the tony Mise en Place that included Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera and Cuban Consul Nora Albertis Monterrey, along with various politicians from the Tampa Bay region.
While Mise en Place is known for a “delectable variety of innovative dishes” and “creative plates in a refined space,” Florida’s Governor couldn’t stomach the state visit to the Sunshine State.
“And so to wheel in a Cuban ambassador from a corrupt totalitarian regime, and acting like we have anything to benefit in Florida from that … no thank you,” DeSantis decried.
DeSantis condemned the Cuban regime as a “crime against humanity,” asserting that they “extinguished people’s liberties and freedom on the island of Cuba.”
“I think that the folks that have fled that regime there and their descendants, particularly in southern Florida because of that experience, have represented the beating heart of freedom in this state because they understand that it could all be taken away,” DeSantis added.
DeSantis’ outrage about the visit follows in the wake of a rage tweet from Rick Scott, his predecessor as Governor who currently is in the U.S. Senate.
“I’m furious that the ‘ambassador’ for Cuba’s illegitimate, communist regime was in Tampa last night. The evil she represents will NEVER be welcome in Florida. Joe Biden needs to wake up & condemn this NOW. It’s clear that his failed appeasement policies aren’t working.”
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the following politicians were at the restaurant: Guido Maniscalco, a member of the Tampa City Council; Karen Perez, a Hillsborough County School Board member; and Cindy Stuart, Clerk of Court and Comptroller in Hillsborough County.
31 comments
Rob Desantos
March 8, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Waaaaaaaaah!
Nikki
March 8, 2023 at 2:32 pm
Nice misleading headline making it sound like DeSantis just randomly insulted all Cubans. He was angry at the fact that someone could be an “ambassador” for Cuba…you know, the Communist country that starves its people? The same Cuba that people risk–and lose–their lives to get away from? There is nothing wrong with that!
Mr. Haney
March 9, 2023 at 9:48 am
DeSantis doesn’t own the State. It’s not up to him who gets to come to the State. There is something seriously wrong with you.
Nikki
March 9, 2023 at 11:04 am
Typical non-POCs being outraged for POCs when they don’t even understand the context. He obviously doesn’t control who visits. You have to read–and comprehend–the story to understand a bit better.
Jae
March 8, 2023 at 9:39 pm
He knows all about how to “extinguish peoples liberties and freedom”
He would have fit right in!
Nikki
March 9, 2023 at 8:16 am
How does DeSantis extinguish liberties and freedom? You have to read stories past their misleading headline, including this story. The headline takes it so out of context. Also, DeSantis was all for people having access to things like the Covid vaccine. He just said he doesn’t personally agree with very young children getting it, but he specifically still thinks if *you* want it for your small child, you should be able to get it. He is definitely about freedom of choice.
Jess
March 9, 2023 at 10:18 am
He doesn’t believe in freedom of choice. If he did he’d quit picking fights with anyone that doesn’t! Fall in line with him. Even that big ole mouse and it’s kingdom…
austin peterson jr
March 8, 2023 at 10:37 pm
I do believe and ally with the Governor, I applaud his efforts ! I do hope he continues as Governor and not pursue the Presidential bid at this time .
Dan
March 9, 2023 at 9:20 am
He might run but will never win because the United States are not stupid like Floridians.
Matt
March 9, 2023 at 10:37 am
Where do you live Dan ? I’m sure by your ignorant comment that there are surely some stupid people there that join you wherever it is
cassandra
March 8, 2023 at 11:17 pm
The Cuban Ambassador should be visiting. It’s not the USA’s right to dictate anything to other countries. Biden must work with Cuba. Before you start crying about rights: Cuba has books, decent education, free healthcare, abortion rights… much that we do not have in America. Don’t be so bigoted.
You
March 9, 2023 at 6:05 am
You like communism? Then go live there!!!!
Dan
March 9, 2023 at 7:41 am
Try talking to a Cuban, see how wonderful living there is..
Nikki
March 9, 2023 at 8:13 am
Cassandra, you seriously think Cubans are doing well with their apparent free healthcare, decent education, and abortion rights? You need to do better research of what it’s like to live in Cuba. If you live in Florida, I encourage you to engage in real conversation with 1st generation Cubans and ask them just how great Cuba is. You can’t just throw the word “bigoted” around and think you’ll scare off people from telling you how wrong you are.
Jose Ferrer
March 10, 2023 at 4:36 pm
And who’s to blame for the economic situation in Cuba?, the USA embargo.
Mack Lack
March 11, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Jose why cant they do what the USA does and buy from China and abroad?
Dan
March 9, 2023 at 9:19 am
Yes he talks about “Free Florida” while at the same time is a little dictator telling us what we can read, what can be taught in schools, what women can do with their bodies, and is the most racist governor to ever serve Florida. He is just a little weak man throwing his weight around.
Brian
March 9, 2023 at 12:57 pm
What democratically controlled crime ridden city are you from Dan? Are you really that stupid Dan? With the racist shiot comment you must be an asswipe for sure.
Matt
March 9, 2023 at 10:40 am
Why don’t you move there if it is so great ? Let me know how it is once you have been there for awhile you ignorant ungrateful person
Bob
March 9, 2023 at 2:34 pm
Cassandra is spot on. Free healthcare and education for Cuban citizens. Not so much for Floridians.
Jose
March 9, 2023 at 11:01 pm
Bob, that is the dumbest thing I’ve heard.. and I’ve heard some pretty dumb things
Joy rogers
March 9, 2023 at 10:21 am
The governor speaks from his prejudices. Cuba is a diverse community that Fidel Castro tried (rather unsuccessfully) to advance. If we hadn’t responded with embargoes and the Bay of Pigs—then the relations between our countries might have been much more positive. Havana is a lost city—lost both in time and in politics. Mr Desantis only pours salt in the wounds that appear on both sides of the Straits of Florida!
Nikki
March 9, 2023 at 11:07 am
Stop. Just stop. You are speaking about Fidel Castro in a positive light?! You might as well spit in the face of Cubans who escaped Fidel and their country to come here.
Jose
March 9, 2023 at 11:00 pm
You are naive my friend
Momwhocares
March 9, 2023 at 1:28 pm
Oh the green eyed monster! Ron is jealous of Cuban Dictators who have been more successful than him! Pure BD jealousy. DeSantis is afraid of his own shadow why else did he exclude his own immigration story from his latest book? Who are the parents that raised this man?
Jesús Lopez
March 9, 2023 at 2:33 pm
The negative responses to the Florida governor represents people that do not live in Florida or are Democrats against all Republicans. History, boat lifts, dead bodies all in an attempt to escape from Cuba tells the story. Anyone that admires Fidel is a communist and should be on a watch list.
albert
March 9, 2023 at 2:55 pm
if people don’t wake up the republics are slowly taking away our freedoms all we see in the news mostly is the corruption of republics the dems aren’t perfect either so think about what we’er losing in florida time well tell
craig quirolo
March 9, 2023 at 3:36 pm
We must come up with a better way to get rid of the communists in power other than starving their people. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Jose
March 9, 2023 at 10:58 pm
Ehh, I agree with desantis in this one.. -A Cuban
Nikki
March 10, 2023 at 8:33 am
Right! All these obvious whites, Dems, or just trolls talking about Cuban government or Fidel in a positive light is disgusting. Then we have the ones who did not read past the headline. Oh, guess what, I actually emailed the writer of this article saying it was deceptive to write the headline that he did, and the guy wrote me back with the quote again and goes “it’s a direct quote.” Even the WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE ignored the actual context! Unbelievable. AG is clearly just another trash writer rather than a true journalist.
Sam
March 10, 2023 at 5:02 pm
I. Spent 16 months in guantanamo and helped many Cuban people who escape. Ask them how is
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