Otto J. Reich is perhaps the most unreconstructed, old-style rightist
appointee in the Bush administration. A friend and
protector of Cuban emigre terrorist Orlando Bosch, Reich was also implicated in
the United States’ seeming involvement in the failed coup against Venezuela’s
Hugo Chavez last April. He runs Latin America policy
at the State Department.
Recently, the St. Paul Pioneer Press asked Reich if he had any advice
for out-going Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and state business executives who
are accompanying him on a trade 
mission to Cuba this month. Reich
told the
paper: “First, I would ask them not to participate in sexual tourism, which
is one of the main industries in Cuba.”
Ventura called the remark “offensive” and said:
“At the very least, he and President Bush owe my wife and children a personal
apology.”
A State Department spokesman rebuffed Ventura’s request.
