This article from The Hill compares the lengthy economic collapse of Cuba with the more recent crisis in Venezuela. Just as Venezuela’s oil production has fallen, so too has Cuba’s production of cane sugar, so much that they must now import raw sugar.
“The currency collapse has ground down daily life. Even average state salaries amount to less than $20 a month at the informal exchange rate, far below the cost of living. Gasoline is scarce and ruinously expensive. In rural areas, bicycles and horse carts have replaced cars. Tourism, once the island’s economic engine, has fallen by more than half over the last decade. Even middle-class Havana now endures rolling blackouts, empty shelves, and rising petty crime.”
As bad as that sound, some of the symptoms can be seen elsewhere in the world. This is what happens when socialism is more important that capitalism. Profit drives progress. Socialism has always failed and often lead to the death of millions. Anyone who thinks socialism is an appropriate form of government should spend six months in Cuba or Venezuela. There’s a reasons millions have fled.
