I am conflicted by the notion of professional smugglers providing passage for Cubans to the United States.
On the one hand, it is doubtful whether the smugglers care for their passengers and their safety, just whether they get paid. They are nothing more than "coyotes" scavenging on the hopes and dreams of others.
On the other hand, when you are desperate for freedom — as were many of the 26 Cuban refugees who showed up on Longboat Key on Florida's Gulf Coast on Monday — you are willing to take desperate measures.
Yoniel Estevez, 24, the first refugee of the 26 to be released, went straight to the point of why he took a chance on freedom.
"I'm here to study, have a better life. It was worth it," Estevez said. "Here you are free, that doesn't exist in Cuba. Everything Castro says is a lie."
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