As Economy Tanks, Cuba Tightens Thumbscrews on 'Private' Businesses

Anyone who knows how Castro, Inc. operates knows that Cuba’s so-called “private” businesses (Mipymes) are not really in private hands, but are merely an extension of the military junta’s monopoly. Aaah, but the usual suspects in the world’s news media would like everyone to believe these businesses are really private. Never mind what recently happened to the schlemiel who supposedly ran Diplomarket, also known as “Cuba’s Costco.”

As the economic situation on the island worsens, Castro, Inc. is now quickly erasing the camouflage it had set up to fool the world by proclaiming that the country has now entered a “wartime” economy.” The end result is simple: private” businesses are now being subjected to greater control than ever through six recently enacted laws. Mipymes are being seized, and “self-employed” entrepreneurs are being punished for disobeying Castro, Inc.’s directives. Those who are ignoring Castro, Inc.’s new price controls are also being slapped with heavy fines. Tighten those thumbscrews, comrades! To hell with the camouflage!