ARTICLE: “Secret poll shows Cubans want to select next leader: 79% say Castro’s government can’t fix country’s problems,” by Alan Gomez, USA Today, 20 November 2007, p. 4A.MEXICO PROPERTY: “Surging market attracts babyboomers,” by Adam Thomson, Financial Times, 19 November 2007, p. 1.
Don’t expect Cubans to take some passing of the torch to Raul without putting up something of a popular struggle. He won’t last long, and the committee that replaces him will naturally have, as its first order of business, meeting this popular expectation, a demand for political input that skews higher the younger you go.
According to the polls, 76% of Cubans think a more democratic political system would be good, improving their lives.
Also, 84% says a market-driven economy would improve their lives.
The second data point is the migration of U.S. elders to Latin America, especially cheap Mexico and especially Baja.
| Permalink |
Comments (2)
So, why is it that for the oh, last forty years or so, we've had the same weak-assed policy of isolation towards Cuba? I would argue that it has only kept Fidel in power rather than open up options for not only dialogue, but also investment.
Posted by BWJones | December 24, 2007 3:45 PM
Here in San Diego we get the news from Baja as if it were another neighborhood in San Diego County. The level of violence there directed against law enforcement officers, prosecutors, newspaper reporters and any other opponents of the drug cartels is astonishing. Two police stations have been attacked in the last couple of weeks. Police officers are ambushed on the roads, assassinated as they sit in restaurants and shot to death in their homes in front of their families. Unfortunately, the killers are often other Mexican law enforcement officers. The level of corruption in Mexico is beyond the comprehension of most Americans.
I know people who have moved there because the cost of living is cheap. If you don't need sophisticated medical care your are fine. Keep your money in U.S. banks and mind your own business is the common wisdom. Don't bother the drug runners and they won't bother you. If that philosophy is valid, one wonders why so many Mexicans keep buying expensive homes in San Diego and other places north of the border.
Posted by Ted O'Connor | December 26, 2007 1:57 PM