We understand that leaders shake hands at funerals and other diplomatic events.   

For example, President Clinton shook Fidel Castro's hand back in the 1990s.  Also, Hugo Chavez handed President Obama a book a few years ago.

However, this is Raul Castro, a man who is holding a US citizen named Allan Gross for no reason at all.

This is also the same Cuba harassing dissidents more than ever, such as the case of Antonio Rodiles.

It would have been a great opportunity for President Obama to show his displeasure about Mr Gross and human rights violations in general.  He could have shown the world that we shake some hands, like the President of Brazil, and skip others, like the dictator of Cuba.

We deserve a president with a better sense of timing or a gate keeper who keeps him ahead of the game.   

Some should have briefed President Obama with a simple message:  "Look out for Raul....he will be there."

Or, at least we deserve a president who defends his citizens when they are held illegally by rogue states.

Obama missed an opportunity to promote US values, such as due process for US citizens abroad.

P. S. You can hear CANTO TALK here & follow me on Twitter @ scantojr.