Posted on 04/02/2008 9:48:34 AM PDT by BenLurkin
HAVANA (AP) — Cuban shoppers are snapping up DVD players, motorbikes and electric rice cookers that are going on sale to the general public for the first time.
Lines stretch out the doors of major government department stores as Cubans gaze at the new gadgets on display.
The goods that went on sale Tuesday previously were available only to foreigners. But the government of new President Raul Castro has lifted that ban.
There was no sign yet of two highly anticipated items: computers and microwaves, though salespeople said computers would soon hit the shelves.
Maybe, but I predict internet access will be severely restricted. Google will probably cut a deal with the dictators in Cuba the same way they did with the Red Chinese.
Just my opinion.
They’ll probably get a Wii before I do.
The US should use a satellite and beam down internet service to the island of Cuba. Then they can broadcast the settings to them via Radio Marti.
That would be great. Of course we need to let the Cubans join the late 20th century first. May take a while for computers in numbers to get out.
Perhaps we are witnessing the beginning of the (very) slow death of totalitarian communism in Cuba.
Next up: Organ grinders and buggy whips.
It’s just a matter of time before communism becomes passe in Cuba. Once you have a taste of capitalism, you’re addicted.
“It’s just a matter of time before communism becomes passe in Cuba.”
I’ll know that they’re back when they open up the casinos.
Your last sentence would make for some decent signs and stickers to sell worldwide while promoting capitalism all over the world.
Sean said yesterday that the ban against Cubans using the hotels in Havana was also lifted, but since it costs a month’s wages to stay one night, few Cubans will ever get to check in. Ah, Socialism...what a future.
Raul has always liked the Chinese model of communism and I think that’s where he’s headed.
As I understand, most Cuban’s have such a low income level that even if these good are no longer “banned”, most won’t be able to afford them anyway, at least not legally.
But then again, knowing they exist and that they can be purchased for a price will, I would think, stimulate the underground economy that probably already exists on some level.
But we should not mistake consumerism with capitalism. China has become a big “consumer” but they are in no way capitalists – at least not the type of capitalists that is good for a free society.
Computers will probably be more restricted than firearms in Cuba.
...Reports indicate Michael Moore, Ed Asner, Danny Glover and Sean Penn were seen on line waiting for their electric rice cookers,
Considering that the average Cuban salary is about $20 a *minrh*...I wonder how they managed to save the money to buy these items, without saving every cent they’ve earned and living off Govt subsidies. Even still, I’ve gotten a look at what the Cuban Govt is charging for these items, and they are priced at about 3 times what one would pay for them in a free country.
Where do you think all these goods came from? Chinese Communists.
Communism never produced a thing. If they make goods in China, it’s the Chinese capitalists who do it.
You've heard of Miami? They get the money via remittances from family members there. Although Bush restricted remittances a couple of years ago, so they can only go to the sender's immediate family in Cuba.
Good point!
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