The Myth of Che Guevara

In recent years the Argentinean revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara has become a chic fashion symbol. In my nation of America, "Che" t-shirts are in vogue with college students wearing all around. Some do so out of vapid fashion concerns others out of conviction. But why is one wearing a "Che" shirt at all?

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"Che" is no romantic revolutionary but was a dogmatic ruthless killer who often pulled the trigger himself. Instead of sitting here and defining "Che" I'll let his words speak for him:

"In fact, if Christ himself stood in my way, I, like Nietzsche, would not hesitate to squish him like a worm".

To the people of faith who believe in "Che", here's something just for you.

"We don't need proof to execute a man. We only need proof that it's necessary to execute him. A revolutionary must become a cold killing machine motivated by pure hate."

"Che's" view of justice. Charming.

"He went into convulsions for a while and was finally still. Now his belongings were mine."

"Che" describing a man he just shot.

"I'd like to confess, papa', at that moment I discovered that I really like killing."

Papa, o' that is sweet.

And, finally, I won't end with a quote but a heart warming story. During the Cuban revolution, "Che" ordered the death of a 17 year old boy who was accused of political subversion. When his mother, a Rose Hernandez, came to "Che" and tearfully begged for her son's life "Che" made he stand as he picked up the phone and called for the boy's immediate death as his mother has then dragged away. This story was told in "Exposing the Real Che Guevara" by Cuban-American writer Humberto Fontova.

Next time you see someone sport such a despicable image, think of that 17 year old boy who was about your age. May he rest in peace.