That's what happens when the people don't have guns...
SOCIALIST-RUN VENEZUELA DESCENDS INTO CHAOS
Massive anti-government protests reach a tipping point.
May 1, 2017
David Paulin
It wasn't supposed to turn out this way. Venezuela was going to be a workers' paradise. President Hugo Chávez said so and declared early into his first term, in 1999, that Venezuela and Cuba would sail toward the same “sea of happiness.” Not surprisingly, Venezuela is now a workers' hell. Authoritarian and dysfunctional, the oil-rich yet impoverished South American nation of 31 million people suffers dire food shortages; soaring levels of violent crime (28,479 deaths reported last year); and epic levels of corruption and drug trafficking. Unemployment is soaring – not surprising given that large swaths of the economy have been nationalized. Venezuela's court-ordered seizure of a General Motors plant is the latest such calamity.
Now Venezuelans are venting their anger like never before, and this includes protesters who were once the bedrock of Chávez's political base – the poor. In recent weeks, tens of thousands of Venezuelans have staged massive anti-government protests that turned streets and highways into seas of humanity. Security forces and armed pro-government militias – Chavista enforcers riding motorcycles -- have met the protesters with force: rubber bullets, tear gas, and deadly gunfire. More than 30 people have died and hundreds injured and arrested. Protesters are demanding fresh elections and the restoration of an independent parliament. Human rights watchdogs and neighboring countries are voicing concern over the unfolding crisis.
...
But anti-Americanism may be waning as Venezuelans with empty stomachs realize Cuba and its over sized influence (with its many agents and advice coming from Havana) is the real enemy of Venezuelan democracy and prosperity. One thing is certain: the Trump administration has another crisis on its hands along with North Korea and Iran. As Venezuela descends into chaos, this may be an opportune time for the Trump administration to turn a crisis into an opportunity.
Socialist-Run Venezuela Descends Into Chaos
SOCIALIST-RUN VENEZUELA DESCENDS INTO CHAOS
Massive anti-government protests reach a tipping point.
May 1, 2017
David Paulin
It wasn't supposed to turn out this way. Venezuela was going to be a workers' paradise. President Hugo Chávez said so and declared early into his first term, in 1999, that Venezuela and Cuba would sail toward the same “sea of happiness.” Not surprisingly, Venezuela is now a workers' hell. Authoritarian and dysfunctional, the oil-rich yet impoverished South American nation of 31 million people suffers dire food shortages; soaring levels of violent crime (28,479 deaths reported last year); and epic levels of corruption and drug trafficking. Unemployment is soaring – not surprising given that large swaths of the economy have been nationalized. Venezuela's court-ordered seizure of a General Motors plant is the latest such calamity.
Now Venezuelans are venting their anger like never before, and this includes protesters who were once the bedrock of Chávez's political base – the poor. In recent weeks, tens of thousands of Venezuelans have staged massive anti-government protests that turned streets and highways into seas of humanity. Security forces and armed pro-government militias – Chavista enforcers riding motorcycles -- have met the protesters with force: rubber bullets, tear gas, and deadly gunfire. More than 30 people have died and hundreds injured and arrested. Protesters are demanding fresh elections and the restoration of an independent parliament. Human rights watchdogs and neighboring countries are voicing concern over the unfolding crisis.
...
But anti-Americanism may be waning as Venezuelans with empty stomachs realize Cuba and its over sized influence (with its many agents and advice coming from Havana) is the real enemy of Venezuelan democracy and prosperity. One thing is certain: the Trump administration has another crisis on its hands along with North Korea and Iran. As Venezuela descends into chaos, this may be an opportune time for the Trump administration to turn a crisis into an opportunity.
Socialist-Run Venezuela Descends Into Chaos
