In Cuba, 'On the Left' Means A Flourishing Black Market

[Bacchus39]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/21/AR2006102100336.html

I didn't realize that Cuba had such a flourishing illegal black market where all kinds of dangerous substances and contraband is sold. in the photo note that a dealer is selling one of the most insidious substances known to man, the potato.



vendor of "secret potatoes" holds contraband. Cubans risk fines or jail to buy potatoes or other food items after reaching limits on their ration cards. (Manuel Roig-franzia - Twp)


HAVANA -- Most mornings a woman with darting brown eyes lingers here in the sticky hot corner of an open-air vegetable market.

She effects a casual stance, elbow propped nonchalantly against a cigar stand, waiting for the regulars. If she nods, her customers follow her to a side street.



A vendor of "secret potatoes" holds contraband. Cubans risk fines or jail to buy potatoes or other food items after reaching limits on their ration cards. (Manuel Roig-franzia - Twp)


A few quick, nervous glances and the woman reaches inside her blouse. From her bra, she removes her contraband -- neatly folded plastic grocery sacks, illegal except in state-run stores.

Five for one cent.

[Billy Burnett]

1. Figures you'd support theft from the Cuban food stamp system.

Entire networks have developed to feed the black market system. There are suppliers, who skim materials from state-run enterprises. And there are middlemen, who buy the stolen goods and resell them.

Your kind of people.


Meanwhile there are open markets all over Cuba to get ample food at very reasonable prices, in addition to the government subsidized ration (food stamp discount) stores.

But, you know all about this due to your extensive experience in Cuba. Right?

[Bacchus39]

2. no, I agree with you, I am quite aware of the nefarious nature of the potato

and when this:





is turned into this by contraband suppliers and dealers. the harm it brings to society is immeasurable.