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Electric power and water supply have
experienced the same fate of housing and
transportation. Constant blackouts and total or
permanent lack of water supply have plagued the Cuban
citizen, particularly after the end of the Soviet
subsidy. These two infrastructure factors, that were
never before Castro were in such a serious condition,
have contributed to make the life of the average Cuban
increasingly difficult, if not unbearable.
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In addition, constant blackouts and an almost total lack
of running water indoors –never in such seriously
short supply before Castro– have combined with dilapidated
dwellings, long lines, and reduced rations to
contribute to an existence of daily privation for the
average Cuban.
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His attempt to exercise the utmost political control
has had a very negative impact on the economy at all
levels. Castro, since his youthful years has deeply
resented those who, individually, may prosper
economically, thus bringing about the constant
curtailment of successful private initiative and
entrepreneurship that may be displayed by the ordinary
citizen, in sharp contrast with the facilities granted
to the foreign investor. At the core of that
resentment appears to be the knowledge that, along
with economic independence, comes also the political.
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From a young age, Castro has deeply
resented those individuals who prosper economically.
Thus, he has constantly curtailed the successful
private initiative of citizen entrepreneurs while in
recent years he has granted facilities and means to
foreign investors. The core of that resentment appears
to be a sharp concern that economic and political
independence go hand in hand.
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