U.S. Sign In Cuba Turned Off, “Doo Doo Head” Statement Retracted

A sign running across the windows of the U.S. interests section building in Havana has been shut off. The sign was put in place in 2006, under the Bush administration, ostensibly as a means of cutting through propaganda and censorship and informing the Cuban people of the realities of their communist government. The sign, which ran across 25 windows and featured five foot-high digital lettering, featured quotes about freedom and democracy by famous Americans like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr, and ran news items placing blame on Cuba’s government for everyday hardships on the island. 

In response, the Cuban government under Fidel Castro put up obstructions and erected anti-American billboards so that people walking or driving along Malecón drive would not be able to read the sign. Castro had Cubans march past the building in protest, dug up its parking lot and planted 138 black flags which, he said, symbolized victims of U.S. aggression.

Earlier this year, Raul Castro, the island’s current leader, took down the obstructive billboards. The sign was turned off in June, either because the U.S. would like to improve their relations with Cuba in the near future, or because no one could read it anyway. 

Tony Romo also weighed in by taping a sign on the front door of the building which read: “i guyess we can cal a trooce now i love u. ur frend, tony r.”

Aw.

In Havana, U.S. turns off sign critical of Cuban government [CNN]