Criticism stems from belief that Pentagon has plans to hit island

By TRACEY EATON / The Dallas Morning News

HAVANA – When Fidel Castro had something urgent to say to President Bush on Monday, he didn't reach for an old Soviet-style hotline to Washington.

Fidel-style, he summoned 200,000 followers, delivered a broadside against Mr. Bush and broadcast it live.

"I have absolutely no intent to insult you," the Cuban president declared before a sea of people in Havana. He condemned U.S. policies toward his country as "ridiculous," "inhumane" and "arrogant."

In Cuba, such Cold War antics endure even in today's era of suicide bombers, war in Iraq and al-Qaeda fears.

Mr. Castro's latest salvo stemmed from his belief that the Pentagon has drawn up plans for a Cuba invasion, something U.S. officials deny. The 77-year-old is convinced that an attack may come once he dies – as soon as American officials find out.

That, however, will be too late, he said, because a new socialist government will take charge immediately and Cubans will be at their "combat stations" within seconds.

So, he admonished Mr. Bush, forget about any "crazy adventures" or "surgical strikes." Better yet, he said, don't attack at all.

In the meantime, he declared, Mr. Bush should let Cuba provide free health care to 3,000 poor, vulnerable, uninsured Americans. Those unfortunates – and one relative each – would live on the island, and doctors would tend to their medical needs for free.

"I wish to ask you a question, Mr. Bush," Mr. Castro said. "Would you be willing to give those people permission to come to Cuba? ... Would they be punished?"

A U.S. official in Havana dismissed Mr. Castro's speech as a retread of old themes.

"Officials of the U.S. government have said repeatedly that the U.S. has no intention of invading Cuba," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"The problem for Mr. Castro is that the facts don't square with his tired rhetoric."