Posted on 11/29/2012 12:45:02 PM PST by IBD editorial writer
Tyranny: The media praised Cuba for slapping taxes on its impoverished citizens for the first time, calling the move "market-oriented" and "modern." In reality, it's just a new kind of theft from the same old dictatorship. To hear Reuters tell it, you'd think that Cuba, a brutal communist dictatorship for 53 years, has been a tax-free haven for all its lucky citizens. "Most Cubans have not paid taxes for half a century, but that will change under a new code starting Jan. 1," the newswire chirped, noting that the new taxes on private profits begin in the 35% vicinity. They're new all right, but hardly the first: Last September, the regime initiated punishing customs taxes at $4.55 a pound in excess baggage fees on Cuban expats bringing in supplies for their relatives with businesses. "The government's free-market reforms, introduced over the last two years, are designed to encourage small businesses, private farming and individual initiative," Reuters wrote. "Under the new tax code the state hopes to get its share of the proceeds." Its share? Cubans earn about $19 a month, slave wages by any standard. They do the same work as other Latin Americans, often with more skill. But to the state, their sole employer, their wages are worth just $19, an implicit expropriation of their true market value.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.investors.com ...
Sounds suspiciously like the direction Obama’s moving in.
But, but, but they have free health care!!!!!
Paging Michael Moore...
http://www.therichest.org/celebnetworth/politician/president/fidel-castro-net-worth/
“Net Worth: $900 Million As of June 2010”
“Maximum Leader”: nice work, if you can get it.
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