From Capitol Hill Cubans/
From 2000 to date, remittances to Cuba have tripled. That's not only good news for poor relatives on the island. It is also good news for the government. In pursuit of hard currency, the regime in Havana exploits all variables. From a 13% "revolutionary tax" against the dollar, to opening new hard currency stores, kiosks and cafeterias, to even offering tourist packages in 4 and 5 star hotels to Cubans on the island [...]
Even though receiving dollars or euros give 40% of Cubans certain economic independence (they don't have to rely on social assistance or scarce state subsidies), such a privileged situation has not translated into a critical attitude towards the government -- whether through joining a dissident group or some sort of popular assembly -- in order to demand the urgent political changes that Cuba needs.
Fear always remains hidden in a corner. And while almost all who receive remittances are tired of the government's inefficiencies, bureaucracy and corruption, they prefer to remain indifferent and quiet.
The future aspiration of the ample sector of people who live better in Cuba thanks to the dollars sent through "mules" or Western Union, or through the euros sent through bank transfers, is to reunite with their families in the United States or Europe.
Meanwhile, they pass the time watching channels from Florida through an "antenna" (satellite connection, illegal), watching Brazilian soap operas on national television, drinking vodka with orange juice and playing dominoes with neighborhood friends. For mental hygiene, they don't read the official media.
Until they are out of "fulas" ("dollars"). Then, they call or email their relatives in Hialeah. "Please send me one hundred dollars." But they remain silent regarding the government's abuses.
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