A Stitch in Haste

Miami's politicians seem to think so:

The city of Miami is planning an official celebration at the Orange Bowl whenever Cuban president Fidel Castro dies.

Discussions by a committee appointed earlier this month by the city commission to plan the event have even covered issues such as a theme to be printed on T-shirts, what musicians would perform, the cost and how long the celebration would last.

Such a gathering has long been part of the city's plan for Castro's death, but firming up the specifics has been more urgent since Castro became ill last summer and turned over power to his brother, Raul.
...
"Basically, the only thing we're trying to do is have a venue, a giant venue ready for people, if they wish, to speak to the media, to show their emotions. It's not that we're doing an official death party," [a city commissioner] said Monday.

It's not clear from the piece what is meant by "official celebration" or "the cost." Does it mean that the City of Miami is merely reiterating the viewpoint-neutral availability, when the time comes, of the Orange Bowl (which should be private property anyway) and other public facilities for the private individuals and organizations prepared to pay to use them? Or will actual Miami taxpayer money will be spent underwriting the celebrations? (This story suggests that the city, after some politician backpedaling, is merely strategizing and not subsidizing.)

Good. The former is questionable at best; the latter is flat-out unacceptable. With few exceptions (e.g., inaugurations), partying is a strictly private matter that should be paid for with strictly private funds.

I don't remember any "official" celebrations in the U.S. when the Berlin Wall came down, or when the Soviet Union was dissolved. And those events actually meant something -- it's not clear that anything will change once Castro dies.

Planning is one thing -- sponsoring is something else entirely.

(Via Catallarchy.)