What the Diaz-Balart and Ros-Lehtinen Feared

It struck many outside observers as odd that in the Senate race in Florida that the Cuban-American delegation was lukewarm about the Mel Martinez candidacy. It should have not been that surprising. It is all about provincialism and who gets to be the top dog in the Cuban political ghetto. As long as Castro's nephews could convince the White House the Cuban-American community is in ideological lockstep and that they and only they, Castro's nephews and the housewife from Westchester, could speak for the Cuban diaspora then they would hold the keys to power.

Now here comes Mel Martinez the usurper - this self-made pol from Orlando of all places holding impecable Cuban creditionals (he came in on Pedro Pan). He owed nothing to hyphen posse in the Congress or to the hardliners that lord over Miami politics. So it makes complete sense that the posse would not welcome this newcomer's acension to the Senate. Well the deed is done and now Mel is making his own noises and not taking cues from the nephews. He said that we should accept Castro's offer to send doctors. Now everyone knows this was a cynical gesture, but Mel knows how to play this game better than Cuban Ghetto Kings and Queen. They play into Castro's hand each and every time. Mel knows that in this propaganda war you can't just throw up your hands in the air and start complaining about the embargo and sexual tourism every time Castro ticks you off. Let's invite these doctors to New Orleans...the best that Cuba has to offer and see how many go back. By the way that's Mickey Kaus's idea not mine. Anyway I raise my Hatuey beer to you Mel...