“I would not vote for the mayor. It’s not just because he didn’t invite me to dinner, but because on my way into town from the airport there were such enormous potholes.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“I would not vote for the mayor. It’s not just because he didn’t invite me to dinner, but because on my way into town from the airport there were such enormous potholes.”
Explanation
This quote blends humor with political critique, using a lighthearted personal grievance—not being invited to dinner—as a setup for a more serious and relatable complaint: poor infrastructure. Fidel Castro uses the metaphor of potholes to represent neglect of basic public services, suggesting that a leader’s competence is measured not by ceremony or hospitality, but by the condition of everyday life for ordinary citizens.
Though seemingly casual, the quote reflects Castro’s broader message about government accountability and tangible results. In contrast to grand speeches or superficial gestures, he implies that what truly matters is whether public officials address the real, material needs of the people. Roads with “enormous potholes” are not just an inconvenience—they symbolize mismanagement, inefficiency, or disregard for civic responsibility.
In modern political discourse, this quote resonates with widespread frustration toward local governments that prioritize image over function. It serves as a reminder that leaders should be judged not by their personal gestures or social niceties, but by the quality of life they deliver to the public. Castro’s blend of satire and scrutiny underscores a timeless truth: effective governance begins with attention to the basics.
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