Daily Wire co-founder and editor emeritus Ben Shapiro ripped self-proclaimed democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders Monday for criticizing the U.S. while ignoring mass protests in Cuba against the communist government.
Sanders called for taxing “billionaires” on Sunday as Cuba was erupting in protests against the repressive communist regime, a government that Sanders praised last year for its “literacy program.”
“Here on Earth, in the richest country on the planet, half our people live paycheck to paycheck, people are struggling to feed themselves, struggling to see a doctor — but hey, the richest guys in the world are off in outer space!” Sanders said, apparently referencing English businessman Richard Branson’s recent space flight. “Yes. It’s time to tax the billionaires.”
Shapiro responded to his tweet on Monday morning, ripping the Democratic lawmaker for his silence on the Cuban protests.
“I can’t help but notice that you have yet to comment on the Cuban dissident movement. Perhaps you might spare a moment, when you’re not demagoguing capitalism from your lake house,” Shapiro said, referencing Sanders’ Vermont vacation home purchased in 2016 for $575,000.
Sanders has avoided harsh criticism of Cuba in past, blunting any negative comments with praise of its social programs, healthcare system, or other policies. Last year during his run for president, Sanders defended a speech he gave praising former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro at the University of Vermont in 1986, according to Fox News.
“We’re very, very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba, but, you know, it’s unfair to simply say everything is bad,” Sanders said during an appearance on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” “When Fidel Castro came into office, you know what he did? He had a massive literacy program. Is that a bad thing? Even though Fidel Castro did it?”
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