The Devil's Stuck in Raul's Details

at 12:17 AM Tuesday, May 10, 2011


BY: THE HILL


For (at least) the fourth time in the past year alone, the media has recycled the same news story about Raul Castro's supposed (and eternally upcoming) "reforms."

First, when the VI Communist Party Congress was announced in April 2008 (and postponed for two-years).

Then, during the Seminar on Project of Guidelines for Economic and Social Policies in November 2010 (when the VI Party Congress was re-announced).

Then, during the National Assembly meeting in December 2010.

Then, during the VI Party Congress in April 2011.

And again yesterday, when the Guidelines were published and (literally) sold by the regime.

So are Raul's "reforms" finally being enacted?

Nope.

Now we have to wait until December 2011, when the National Assembly meets again.

Then, for the Conference of Cuba's Communist Party in January 2012.

And then, Lord knows what.

At this rate, Raul will turn 91-years old and his supposed 10-year term limit will be up.

Here are yesterday's (almost comical) stories by Reuters and AP -- please focus on the bolded words.

It is evidently clear that the devil is permanently stuck in the Castros' details, for despite the "dog-and-pony" show -- it remains their totalitarian dictatorship.

From Reuters:

Cuba published on Monday economic reform guidelines approved by the ruling Communist Party that include proposals for the sale of homes and cars and possible changes to make it easier for Cubans to travel abroad.

But while the guidelines, endorsed last month by a party congress, were long on promises, they were short on details about when the proposals might become reality or what restrictions would accompany them.

From AP:

Cuba made official on Monday what had been rumored for weeks: It is legalizing the sale of real estate and cars and expanding the ranks of private cooperatives that could serve as engines for the sputtering economy, among other major changes.

The Communist Party's newly released economic guidelines also say the government will study the possibility of letting Cubans travel abroad as tourists, a long-time promise of Cuba's leaders that has yet to be fulfilled.

But the guidelines give few specifics, meaning islanders will have to wait to see the fine print when the strategy is eventually translated into law by Cuba's National Assembly [...]

The 313-point guidelines say the state ought to "establish the buying and selling of homes" for Cuban citizens. There is no mention of how the system will work, what restrictions will be imposed or what taxes might be levied -- all crucial to judging the scope of the changes.