Fidel Castro and AIDS

Here is an article out of the Miami Herald. Forbes Magazine and others are debating how much the Cuban dictator is worth. Forbes says 900 million, Castro says rubbish.

It's been almost 10 years since Forbes magazine started publishing a list of world leaders flush with fortune, and for that decade, Cuban leader Fidel Castro's wealth has been a moving target.

This year's $900 million estimate so angered the communist ruler that during a 30-minute televised address last week he vowed to resign if anyone proves he's stockpiling cash. Castro's heated tirade also raised a question that Forbes editors were not willing to answer in much detail: How can the magazine know how much the 79-year-old is worth?

Forbes' May 5 issue lists Castro as the world's seventh richest leader. That put him a far shot from the king of Saudi Arabia's $21 billion, but above Queen Elizabeth II.

Magazine editors declined to comment for this story, but issued a statement saying they felt confident about their estimate on Castro.

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To derive this year's $900 million figure, Forbes' article said it estimated a value for state-owned companies, including a convention center near Havana; Cimex, a vast conglomerate of companies; and Medicuba, which sells vaccines and other pharmaceuticals produced in Cuba.

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CASTRO: IT'S `RUBBISH'

''It is so ridiculous to attribute to me a fortune of $900 [million],'' Castro fired back, calling the listing ``rubbish.''

'I could ask, `What do I want the money for if I'm going to turn 80? What do I want money for now if I never wanted it before?' ''

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The average Cuban gets by on less than $10 a month.

So much hot air over what is only speculation. Only Castro knows what he is worth, he won't be saying it any time soon.

I wholeheartedly agree with the article's conclusion.

Bottom line, experts say: it's anybody's guess.

How true. So what does AIDS have to do with all of this.

When I first met my Philippine born wife, she told me a little Marcos joke. Do you know Marcos has AIDS? I'd say no and the wife then told me.

"AIDS- Acquired income deposited Swtzerland."

Castro I'm sure is much the same. It's socked away in Switzerland or somewhere.

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