Cell Phones Don't Replace Freedoms

IBD ^ | March 28, 2008

[Kaslin]

The Hemisphere: Raul Castro is making hay from "reforms" allowing his subjects access to toasters and cell phones. Big deal. What Cubans need is cash to buy them. That can only come with real economic freedom.

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As befits a new dictator seeking to win some popularity, Castro is lifting ownership restrictions for ordinary Cubans on mobile phones, computers, DVD players, even toasters.

But unlike the toasters that U.S. banks used to give away, these don't come free. Each of Raul's offerings to buy goods comes with a state-set price most Cubans have no realistic prospect of affording.

Average Cuban salaries, minus ration cards for food and state health care, come to only $20 a month, so computers and cell phones will still remain out of reach. As Raul takes plaudits for the banquet of "reform" he's offering, the little detail of where the money comes from generally goes unasked.

But it's in fact the most essential detail. Economic freedom — including the right to earn what one is worth, charge what the market will bear and innovate and invest as one's individuality allows — is the real issue that needs to be reformed in Cuba. Raul has made no moves in this direction because he may get too close to giving Cubans real power against his rule.

[Westlander]

[bill1952]

That just means that every whore in the tourist resorts will have a toaster and a cell phone to call other whores.

Why were toasters forbidden?

[6SJ7]

Raul Castro is making hay from "reforms" allowing his subjects access to toasters...

Now, if they only had some bread to put in the toaster.

[davisfh]

Raul had better be careful or he’ll blow that single 20 amp fuse that’s assigned to “the people.” He dare not authorize sex toys with vibrators.