Renowned Cuban chef Ramón Fleites, affectionately known as Chef Ramoncito, expressed his admiration on Wednesday for a spirited reply given by Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart from Florida. The incident occurred during the opening of the Republican Party headquarters in Hialeah, where a heckler attempted to disrupt the event by shouting his support for the Democratic Party just as Díaz-Balart was about to address the crowd.
"I don't know who you are, but when my family was being executed by Fidel's followers, where the hell were you?" Díaz-Balart retorted, drawing enthusiastic applause from those in attendance. Chef Ramoncito, who provided the catering for the event, shared his reaction on Instagram, where he has nearly 40,000 followers, posting a video of the exchange.
"I was serving them (the Republican Party), but something happened that really moved me," Chef Ramoncito stated, referring to Díaz-Balart's response to the heckler's outburst. Curious about what the congressman might say, Ramoncito was impressed by what he called an "epic answer." "That's how you talk to communists. You gave a powerful response. Thank you for everything you do for the community and your city of Miami," he added in his Instagram video directed at Díaz-Balart.
Chef Ramoncito's Patriotic Stance
Chef Ramoncito emphasized his honor in serving at the Republican headquarters inauguration in Hialeah and made his political stance clear by stating he wants "communism out" of the United States, "this great country." He didn't need to elaborate further, as his use of the hashtag #Trump2024 and the emphatic declaration, "Long live democracy!" spoke volumes.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart comes from a notable Cuban lineage, being the son of the late Cuban politician Rafael Díaz-Balart and Hilda Caballero Brunet. His familial ties extend to his aunt, Mirta Díaz-Balart, who was the first wife of dictator Fidel Castro, making him a cousin to their late son, Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart. Additionally, he is the nephew of Hispano-Cuban painter Waldo Díaz-Balart and brother to Lincoln Díaz-Balart, who served Florida's 21st district from 1993 to 2011. His other brothers include journalist José Díaz-Balart and banker Rafael Díaz-Balart.
Díaz-Balart's Active Role in U.S. Politics
Mario Díaz-Balart is an active member of the U.S. Congress, recently co-signing a letter with María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Alex Mooney. The letter, addressed to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, conveyed their "deep concerns regarding reports that a high-ranking Cuban regime operative, allegedly involved in the heinous murder of Americans, was recently admitted to the United States." This reference was to Cuban military pilot Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, purportedly involved in the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, who is reportedly residing in the U.S. under President Joe Biden's humanitarian parole program.
Meanwhile, Chef Ramoncito remains a dedicated figure within the Cuban community in Miami. Last year, he garnered praise for assisting a Cuban father in selling tamales to raise funds for his daughter's cancer treatment, a gesture widely applauded by the community.