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Sanders in 1985 Praises Castro, Ortega: The Word Socialism Doesn’t Frighten Me

‘They forgot that he educated the kids, gave them health care’

EXCERPT:

SANDERS: "One of the things I think I learned on my trip, you know, as a socialist the world socialism doesn’t frighten me. And I think it's probably fair to say that the Nicaraguan government is primarily a socialist government. You may recall way back in, what was it, 1961 they invaded Cuba. And everybody was totally convinced that Castro was the worst guy in the world, that all the Cuban people were going to rise up in rebellion against Fidel Castro. They forgot that he educated the kids, gave them health care, totally transformed the society. But just because Ronald Reagan dislikes these people does not mean that the people of their own nation feel the same way."
REPORTER: "How do you find the sincerity of Sandinista leaders?"
SANDERS: "I was impressed. I was impressed by Father d'Escoto because he is a very gentle, very loving man. Ortega is an impressive guy. Ernesto Cardenal is a funny-looking guy, he has grey hair, and he really does remind you of a hippie."   

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