this post was submitted on 11 Apr 2026
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Yes, state taxes need to be considered.
Also include healthcare expenses because the US doesn't have socialized medicine (taxes, insurance premiums, and deductibles)
Also include social security deductions and retirement account contributions...
Even before considering the dysfunctional state of housing that's easily 60-70%
The point is you get to decide which of those to do or not to do. You can renounce your citizenship and apply for it in another country. You can move to a state that doesn't have those tax requirements. And none of those add up to 90% of your wage.
This is not a discussion about where it's cheapest to work, from a tax perspective. It's about the fact that the cubans don't have a choice, while a citizen of the USA or Canada or the EU or UK do have choices. Nobody is holding our families hostage so we will behave.
The notion that these doctors who are a national symbol of pride are somehow slaves is laughable.
Any one of these doctors could defect and they would be endlessly feted in the Western press. Interviews, book deals, speaking tours...
We can see clearly this has not happened because all they can do is repeat this lame talking point about how they don't keep whatever percentage of their paycheck it is.
RTFA or live with your delusions, the choice is yours.
https://hir.harvard.edu/medical-servitude-the-other-side-of-cuban-medical-diplomacy/
"One driver for doctors participating in these overseas programs is fear. Employed publicly whether at home or abroad, many doctors fear reprisal for refusing to participate in these programs. Sometimes given bonuses, many feel the pay will benefit them and their families while overseas or upon their return, even if marginally. This is often weighed against the possibility of a loss of work and wages, or further reprisal, for refusing to participate.
When overseas, the fear does not dissipate. Many face exile for speaking out about poor pay or conditions. This threat hung over many that participated in the Brazilian exchange, after doctors went to court to sue to be treated as contractors able to earn an entire paycheck and work independently, rather than as employees of the Cuban state. This put them at risk of temporary or permanent exile, with no viable alternative for citizenship or way to connect with their families. This also put any wages they had earned in jeopardy for them and their families. "
Oh boy, I love deconstructing these stupid propaganda pieces. Here we go!
Discredited their whole argument right out of the gate
The linked Time article also says that these doctors are paid very well by Cuban standards (a country that has been under financial blockade for over 70 years)
What a fucking word salad. Also note how they cite (alone) the US state department, known to be a very reliable source about communist governments LOL
That's as far as I'm willing to go. All their big, scary claims are very weakly backed up (or contradicted!) as soon as you follow any of the links.
I just realized you are from lemm.ml.
Fuck off tankie!!!!
Must have run out of arguments. Scurry off back to your echo chamber where you can lick imperial boots in peace