The Weather in Cuba
After reading some of the issues cause by Arlene, the first storm of this season, I had a few thoughts about Cuba.Considering how often the island gets tropical storms and hurricanes, I can imagine that the cost to maintain the standing structures and basic services of the country must be enormous. Cuba may have a very effficient exporting capacity, but has pretty horrible domestic problems, including poverty, food shortages, etc. I wonder if the weather is a factor, considering the constant rebuilding they have to do.
For capitalism to survive in Cuba, it would require a governming body capable of very high taxation, in order to have the emergency systems in place to deal with the explosive rainy season. . . frankly, I wouldn't see the profit in having businesses rebuilding over and over again with their own money, considering the high financial risks associated with inclimate weather.
On the other hand, considering that the creation of a high capital economy would require a vast number of loans from the World Bank to attract industry, I can't see how the government could even raise money domestically to handle their own disaster aid considering that they would be in serious hock.
Maybe there HAS to be a socialized government there, just to make sure they have the ability to mobilize the economy to handle the constant disasters of the summertime. . .
Of course, a capitalist system would open up tourism, but that just seems kind of lame. You aren't producing anything of value, and you're at the mercy of the level of disposable wealth in the world, as well as the level of fear vs. desire in the patrons. I've always thought tourism was creepy as a primary source of income for any nation.
Just a rambling thought or two.
posted by Chris W. @ 11:05 PM
