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Ulises Toirac's Heartfelt Lament on Cuba's Dire Situation: "It's Terrible and I See No Way Out"

Friday, June 20, 2025 by James Rodriguez

Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac has sparked a heated discussion on social media, stepping away from comedy to deliver a raw and poignant observation on the dire normalization of hardship experienced by much of Cuba's population.

Reflecting on a casual street conversation, Toirac depicted how frequent power outages, scarcity, and poverty have become an accepted part of everyday life for many. On his Facebook page, he shared a conversation with a Havana resident who described the psychological state of people in Pinar del Río, where 18-hour blackouts are no longer met with outrage but have become a resigned routine. "They've gotten used to it. They live like this and expect nothing else," the resident told him.

Toirac admitted he was left "speechless with horror" confronting what he termed a collective psychological defense mechanism that enables people to survive without completely losing their sanity, albeit at a significant cost. "In the early 21st century, in a country that was over 90% electrified for many years..." he lamented.

Systemic Collapse Beyond Blackouts

The comedian didn't stop at criticizing the blackouts. He painted a picture of systemic collapse: food spoiling due to lack of refrigeration, interrupted workdays, nearly non-existent medical services and supplies, pharmacies without medications, and empty store shelves. According to Toirac, these issues surpass a simple economic crisis, indicating a total breakdown of daily life.

The post, widely shared and commented on, concludes with a powerful wartime metaphor. Toirac compared Cuba's situation to occupied territories during World War II, where hope was revived with the Allies' progress. But in Cuba, even hope has vanished. "There's none of that here. Not in two, not in ten [years], not ever. There will be no advance of 'friendly troops' because it's just not possible," he somberly stated.

Government's Inaction and Desperation

Toirac also harshly criticized the government's ineffective actions, suggesting that their measures resemble a "virus consuming its host," weakening the nation from within. He expressed his despair: "It's terrible and I see no way out." This post has resonated deeply with Cubans who find themselves amid an unprecedented energy, healthcare, and economic crisis.

His reflection stands as a testament to a nation enduring but no longer anticipating a return to normalcy.

Understanding the Cuban Crisis Through Ulises Toirac's Words

What prompted Ulises Toirac's reflection on Cuba's crisis?

Ulises Toirac was prompted to reflect on Cuba's crisis after a street conversation highlighted the normalization of power outages and poverty in daily Cuban life.

How does Toirac describe the psychological state of Cubans?

Toirac describes the psychological state of Cubans as a collective defense mechanism that allows them to endure hardships without losing their sanity.

What metaphor does Toirac use to describe Cuba's situation?

Toirac uses a wartime metaphor, comparing Cuba's plight to occupied territories in World War II, where hope was tied to the Allies' progress, which he sees as absent in Cuba.

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