Real Dictators Fidel Castro Part 8: Miami Vice
Jun 17, 2025
Michael Bustamante, an associate professor at the University of Miami, sheds light on the experiences of Cuban exiles in Miami amidst Castro's regime. The discussion dives into the violent confrontations faced by displaced families and their struggles during the turbulent 1970s. Bustamante recounts the complexities of the Mariel boatlift, highlighting desperate escapes and the emotional toll of political repression. Additionally, they explore Cuba's global involvement, including military actions in Angola, revealing the precarious balance of Castro's power.
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Monkey Morales' Violent Dual Role
- Ricardo 'Monkey' Morales exemplifies Cuban exile militancy morphing into Miami's violent underworld.
- He shifts from CIA-backed anti-Castro bombings to mob-coordinated attacks, blending political and criminal agendas.
Exiles' Diverse Motivations
- Early Cuban exiles included middle-class professionals alarmed by politicization and shortages.
- Their migration stemmed from fear of declining living standards and loss of familiar society.
Recreating Havana In Miami
- Cuban exiles in Miami recreate their homeland's social and financial networks to thrive.
- They innovate with community trust-based banking due to limits from Anglo-American banks.
