News From Cuba: The New Year's Edition

A brutal cut in monthly rations hit Cuba this New Year’s Day. Ration Cards, known as “libretas” have been a staple since the early 1960’s and were implemented in direct response to the trade embargo by the United States. Subsides for rice, beans, sugar, coffee, eggs, salt and small quantities of meat will not be affected.

HAVANA (Reuters) – A steady stream of Cubans bought soap and toothpaste at subsidized prices on Thursday ahead of the latest cut in monthly rations that the communist state has provided since the 1960s but is phasing out in the name of economic reform.

Government stores around the capital stayed busy as customers handed over their ration cards, or "libretas," paid a few Cuban pesos and walked out with a bagful of items that will cost many times more starting on Saturday.

 And sadly, the sentiment behind this quote says it all:

"The government says it is making changes but nothing ever changes here," he said. "All that happens is we have less and less."

The Cuban-American community here in Northern California is fairly small, and mostly folks that have been here at least since the Mariel boat lift.  But we do attract some newcomers, and I am always struck by the cynical attitude they have towards their fellow compatriots left on the island.  It is almost as if they look with disdain upon anyone who remains -- branding them either "losers" for their lack of desire or inability to leave, or "psychotics" in their belief that things might someday change.

My Most Excellent Yuca Frita

And unlike me and my generation, the don't seem all that interested in all-things-Cuban.  In some conversations I have had with folks the lack of pride is palpable, and I fear that if things ever do start to change, they won't have much interest in being part any movement forward -- even any good they could do from here in United States.  And that would not bode well for future development in Cuba.

And in other news, authorities found 20 Cuban migrants in the lower Florida Keys on New Year's Day.  Since they made it to dry land, I assume they will get to stay.  Risking their lives for freedom.  Welcome to America.