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March 19, 2007
Transportation in Socialism Paradise
Posted by Dave Blount at March 19, 2007 9:53 AM
Don't tell Hollywood, but even AP admits that life in the socialist paradise Cuba leaves a bit to be desired. Due to a public transport system that even acting dictator Raul Castro admits is "practically on the point of collapse," inmates of this island prison are forced to do a large part of their traveling by hitchhiking.
Few have their own cars, and even fewer can afford gas for them. This being a communist country, there is actually a law dictating that you have to pick up hitchhikers if you have an empty seat. Both citizens and police will hop into cars uninvited when they stop at traffic lights.
One reason so few have their own cars is that buying one requires state permission, which isn't easily granted. Then of course there is the fact that thanks to socialism, Cubans don't have any money. Many Cubans are still riding around in decrepit vehicles from before the communists seized control in 1959.
On the other hand, the esteemed intellectual Chevy Chase asserts that "Socialism works. I think Cuba might prove that."
On a tip from Metalgarth.
