Miami exile radio shitting a brick: Economic disruption of mass layoffs in Cuba could lead to exodus

[Mika]

The old guard does not like the new arrivals from Cuba (cuz they don't all hate the Castros, and won't vote Repig).

This has been a major topic on Miami exile radio since (as they say) Fidel "admitted" that the Cuban model is a failure. Many callers are worried that if too many younger generation post revolution Cuban migrants get to Miami, then the old timers will lose their US socialist benefits (worrying that the Americans will catch on to the gravy train and cut the exile programs in these times of cutbacks, and will get little support from the young Cubans who revile them). Now that the old gen is here safe and sound, many are voicing support to ending Wet Foot/Dry Foot to keep the young Cubans from coming to Miami.

Always interesting to see the worms squirming.
:popcorn:

Economic disruption of mass layoffs in Cuba could lead to exodus
http://www.tampabay.com/news/world/economic-disruption-of-mass-layoffs-in-cuba-could-lead-to-exodus/1121594

(snip)

If this economic overhaul doesn't work, should we expect a mass exodus from the island?

It's hard to say what will happen. The outlines of economic reform seem to satisfy both the pragmatics (more space for private business) as well as leftist critics in Cuba (collectivization and more workplace democracy via co-ops). It also seems the government continues to prioritize health care and education in their spending, while continuing some subsidies for food and housing. That should give the government broad backing and some leeway should the reform hit serious bumps.

The biggest resistance will come from an entrenched bureaucracy. It remains to be seen whether inflated ministries will also be reduced in size.

Doubtless, the transition means a massive disruption. And any substantial disruption of the economic structure — look at Puerto Rico in the 1960s and '70s, Mexico in the 1980s and '90s, Dominican Republic in the 1990s — inevitably produces mass emigration. The question is how Cuba and the United States will channel the migratory pressure.

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