Who's Afraid of Socialism?

[georgephillip]

Abby Martin has reportedly been threatened with lynching by the so-called "peaceful" opposition in Venezuela:

"CHILE — The U.S.-backed right-wing opposition in Venezuela is consistently described as 'peaceful,' protesting non-violently against the leftist regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who mainstream media throughout the Americas and the world consider an autocrat, or dictator who is hell-bent on accumulating more power.

"However, the Venezuelan opposition has proven themselves to be anything but peaceful, especially in recent weeks.

"Late last month (5/2017), a mob of around 40 opposition protesters were caught on video beating 21-year-old Orlando José Figuera, then dousing him with gasoline and lighting him on fire after he was accused of being a 'Chavista infiltrator.'"

Venezuelan Opposition Threatens To Lynch American Journalist Abby Martin

It sounds like he got what he deserve. Maduro has killed thousands of Venezuelans.Abby Martin is a 9/11 truther. She sounds like a fucking commie. I won't shed any tears the day she is killed.

The time for peaceful protests in Venezuela is over. What the opposition needs is military grade weapons.

Venezuela 2017/2018

"Venezuela remained in a state of emergency, repeatedly extended since January 2016.

"A National Constituent Assembly was elected without the participation of the opposition.

"The Attorney General was dismissed under irregular circumstances.

"Security forces continued to use excessive and undue force to disperse protests. Hundreds of people were arbitrarily detained.

"There were many reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence against demonstrators.

"The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians.

"Human rights defenders were harassed, intimidated and subject to raids. Conditions of detention were extremely harsh.

"The food and health crises continued to worsen, especially affecting children, people with chronic illness and pregnant women.

"The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum in other countries increased."

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Capitalism to the rescue.

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

Long after Trump's impeachment, Kulak.
"Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017"

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

 

[Toddsterpatriot]

It sounds like he got what he deserve. Maduro has killed thousands of Venezuelans.Abby Martin is a 9/11 truther. She sounds like a fucking commie. I won't shed any tears the day she is killed.

The time for peaceful protests in Venezuela is over. What the opposition needs is military grade weapons.

Venezuela 2017/2018

"Venezuela remained in a state of emergency, repeatedly extended since January 2016.

"A National Constituent Assembly was elected without the participation of the opposition.

"The Attorney General was dismissed under irregular circumstances.

"Security forces continued to use excessive and undue force to disperse protests. Hundreds of people were arbitrarily detained.

"There were many reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence against demonstrators.

"The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians.

"Human rights defenders were harassed, intimidated and subject to raids. Conditions of detention were extremely harsh.

"The food and health crises continued to worsen, especially affecting children, people with chronic illness and pregnant women.

"The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum in other countries increased."

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Capitalism to the rescue.

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

Long after Trump's impeachment, Kulak.
"Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017"

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Only $6 billion?
Let's see if we can ramp that up.....

 

[francoHFW]

It

Because they are also capitalists and don't want trouble with the United States, whoever wrecked Venezuela the last 15 years with their corrupt World depression of 2008 and crippling sanctions against Venezuela. The usual GOP covert assassination of socialist countries.... See Iran 1953, Central and South America forever, Reagan's pal Saddam etc etc.

Chavez and Maduro wrecked Venezuela, douchebag. Why is it only Venezuela was wrecked when countries like Chile and Colombia are thriving?

Hardly are they thriving, and hardly are they a one product country like Venezuela... And of course they are not being sanctioned and ruined by the United States. And of course their scumbag Venezuelan oligarchs...

What stopped Venezuela from developing other industries? Can't those bureaucrats plan for the future? Why is having huge oil revenues a liability?

None of your excuses make the slightest bit of sense. Anyway you look at it, Venezuela is a disaster.

They've only had socialist leadership since Hugo Chavez in 2005 or something. Before that they were USA banana Republic with totally corrupt oligarchs and charge. Chavez cut poverty by 75% and a literacy by 90% and gave them Healthcare. You have no idea what you're talking about of course. Google US sanctions against Venezuela socialists. The GOP should get there corrupt covert garbage out of other countries. The GOP always screws up other countries and our own economy. Of course you know nothing about that, super dupe.

How did he cut poverty if everyone is starving? in 1960 they had the 4th highest GDP per capita in the entire world. So far, the only sanctions I'm aware of is the one Trump just imposed. Obama certainly didn't put any sanctions on them? He loves those fucking commies. You pathetic bleating about how Venezuela has been so abused just doesn't wash. I fail to see any basis for blaming the GOP. Name one thing the GOP has done to damage Venezuela. One thing.

Here's one of your links:

DSA Calls for Ending Sanctions Against Venezuela - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

In 2014, the U.S. Congress, led by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), passed a sanctions bill that targeted Venezuelan officials by threatening to deny them visas and to seize their assets.
​

That doesn't seem like much a threat to the Venezuelan economy. It might prevent the scumbag bureaucrats from traveling to the US, but that's about it. If they have significant assets in the US, that would indicate to me that they are corrupt. Keep in mind that it only "threatened" to seize their assets. As far as I know, no assets have been seized.

No they had the 4th economy in 1950, what most countries were in ruins.

Because they are also capitalists and don't want trouble with the United States, whoever wrecked Venezuela the last 15 years with their corrupt World depression of 2008 and crippling sanctions against Venezuela. The usual GOP covert assassination of socialist countries.... See Iran 1953, Central and South America forever, Reagan's pal Saddam etc etc.

Chavez and Maduro wrecked Venezuela, douchebag. Why is it only Venezuela was wrecked when countries like Chile and Colombia are thriving?

Hardly are they thriving, and hardly are they a one product country like Venezuela... And of course they are not being sanctioned and ruined by the United States. And of course their scumbag Venezuelan oligarchs...

What stopped Venezuela from developing other industries? Can't those bureaucrats plan for the future? Why is having huge oil revenues a liability?

None of your excuses make the slightest bit of sense. Anyway you look at it, Venezuela is a disaster.

They've only had socialist leadership since Hugo Chavez in 2005 or something. Before that they were USA banana Republic with totally corrupt oligarchs and charge. Chavez cut poverty by 75% and a literacy by 90% and gave them Healthcare. You have no idea what you're talking about of course. Google US sanctions against Venezuela socialists. The GOP should get there corrupt covert garbage out of other countries. The GOP always screws up other countries and our own economy. Of course you know nothing about that, super dupe.

How did he cut poverty if everyone is starving? in 1960 they had the 4th highest GDP per capita in the entire world. So far, the only sanctions I'm aware of is the one Trump just imposed. Obama certainly didn't put any sanctions on them? He loves those fucking commies. You pathetic bleating about how Venezuela has been so abused just doesn't wash. I fail to see any basis for blaming the GOP. Name one thing the GOP has done to damage Venezuela. One thing.

Here's one of your links:

DSA Calls for Ending Sanctions Against Venezuela - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

In 2014, the U.S. Congress, led by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), passed a sanctions bill that targeted Venezuelan officials by threatening to deny them visas and to seize their assets.
​

That doesn't seem like much a threat to the Venezuelan economy. It might prevent the scumbag bureaucrats from traveling to the US, but that's about it. If they have significant assets in the US, that would indicate to me that they are corrupt. Keep in mind that it only "threatened" to seize their assets. As far as I know, no assets have been seized.

www.crs.gov | 7-5700
Updated November 21, 2018
Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions
For more than a decade, the United States has employed
sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the
Venezuelan government or Venezuelan individuals. These
have included sanctions, including targeted sanctions
against almost 90 individuals, related to terrorism, drug
trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions,
human rights violations, and corruption.
Terrorism-Related Sanctions
Since 2006, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about
Venezuela’s lack of cooperation on anti-terrorism efforts.
Since then, the Secretary of State has made an annual
determination that Venezuela is not “cooperating fully with
United States anti-terrorism efforts” pursuant to Section
40A of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2781). The
most recent determination was made in May 2018. As a
result, the United States has prohibited all U.S. commercial
arms sales and retransfers to Venezuela since 2006.
In 2008, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions (asset
freezing and prohibitions on transactions) on two
individuals and two travel agencies in Venezuela for
providing financial support to the radical Lebanon-based
Islamic Shiite group Hezbollah. The action was taken
pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, aimed at
impeding terrorist funding.
Drug Trafficking-Related Sanctions
U.S. concerns about the lack of Venezuelan cooperation on
counternarcotics efforts date back to 2005, when Venezuela
suspended cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration. Since 2005, the President has made an
annual determination, pursuant to procedures set forth in
the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY2003 (P.L.
107-228, §706; 22 U.S.C. 2291j), that Venezuela has failed
demonstrably to adhere to its obligations under
international narcotics agreements. President Trump made
the most recent determination for FY2019 in September
2018, when he also waived foreign assistance restrictions
for programs to support the promotion of democracy in
Venezuela.
The Treasury Department has imposed economic sanctions
on at least 22 individuals with connections to Venezuela
and 27 companies by designating them as Specially
Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign
Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act; P.L. 106-
120, Title VIII; 21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
Designated individuals include several current or former
Venezuelan officials: in 2008, General Hugo Carvajal
(former military intelligence head), General Henry Rangel
Silva (former defense minister and governor of Trujillo
State), and Ramón Rodríguez Chacín (former interior
minister and former governor of Guárico); in 2011, Freddy
Alirio Bernal Rosales and Amilicar Jesus Figueroa Salazar
(United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, politicians),
Major General Cliver Antonio Alcalá Cordones, and
Ramon Isidro Madriz Moreno (a Venezuelan intelligence
officer); in 2017, then-Vice President Tareck el Aissami;
and in May 2018, Pedro Luis Martin (a former senior
intelligence official) and two of his associates. Others
designated include drug trafficker Walid Makled, three dual
Lebanese-Venezuelan citizens allegedly involved in a drug
money-laundering network, and several Colombian drug
traffickers with activity in Venezuela.
Trafficking in Persons Sanctions
Since 2014, Venezuela has been on the State Department’s
Tier 3 list in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Tier 3
countries are those whose governments do not fully comply
with the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act (P.L. 106-386, Division A, 22 U.S.C. 7101
et seq.) and are not making significant efforts to do so. Tier
3 countries are subject to a variety of U.S. aid restrictions,
although the President may waive prohibitions for national
interest reasons. In September 2017, President Trump
waived sanctions for health and democracy-related
assistance to Venezuela.
Targeted Sanctions Related to Antidemocratic
Actions, Human Rights Violations, and Corruption
In response to increasing repression in Venezuela, Congress
enacted the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil
Society Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-278; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) in
December 2014. Among its provisions, the law requires the
President to impose sanctions (asset blocking and visa
restrictions) against those whom the President determines
are responsible for significant acts of violence or serious
human rights abuses associated with February 2014 protests
or, more broadly, against anyone who has directed or
ordered the arrest or prosecution of a person primarily
because of the person’s legitimate exercise of freedom of
expression or assembly. In July 2016, Congress extended
the 2014 act through 2019 in P.L. 114-194.
In March 2015, President Obama issued E.O. 13692 to
implement P.L. 113-278, and Treasury Department
regulations were issued in July 2015 (31 C.F.R. Part 591).
The E.O. targets (for asset blocking and visa restrictions)
those involved in actions or policies undermining
democratic processes or institutions; those involved in acts
of violence or conduct constituting a serious human rights
abuse; those taking actions that prohibit, limit, or penalize
the exercise of freedom of expression or peaceful assembly;
public corruption by senior Venezuelan officials; and any
person determined to be a current or former leader of any
entity engaged in any activity described above or a current
or former official of the government of Venezuela.


and they just made it impossible for Venezuela to sell oil to the United States, 40% of their market, and with many other countries... Screw Venezuelan oligarchs and American oligarchs... All scumbags.

 

[bripat9643]

What is so unappealing about using labor time as a sole means of determining exchange value?

It's unappealing because it squashes individual freedom. It denies the subjective nature of utility and personal preference.

I hesitate to engage you on this, because you usually play dodge 'em rather than directly defending your views, but let me ask you this. How is your conception of value "enforced"? If someone wants to trade something with someone else for a price that doesn't match your "intrinsic value" calculation, what happens? Are they arrested? Fined? What?

Even more important, how do the pricing authorities even determine a price? What is the "value" of a ton of coal? How would they even guess without having market prices to look at?

Can you imagine a market that doesn't distribute goods and services on the basis of ability to pay? Such a market would determine the price of a ton of coal based on consumers' needs for warmth and society's need to save the natural environment from the capitalism's need to privatize profits by socializing costs.

US Coal Plants Dump Thousands of Gallons of Waste Into Drinking Water Supplies a Day

No, I can't see a market that doesn't distribute goods based on demand. It's not based on ability to pay.

How would some socialist bureaucrat determine how much coal each consumer or enterprise needs? How much they need is largely dependent on them. If the set the thermostat at 78 degrees, they need a lot more than someone who sets it at 68. If you're worried about "saving the environment," it's a simple matter to make sure the coal companies bare the cost of recovering the resource. The idea that some bureaucrat is competent to determine these costs is laughable. The socialist bureaucrat doesn't even know the market price for coal because there is no market for coal under socialism. there is no buying and selling in the market to establish price. There is only some bureaucrat at the coal ministry making arbitrary decisions about how much each consumer will receive and how much they will pay in the meaningless script the government issues.

 

[georgephillip]

Socialism is voluntary government servitude.
It might work halfass in a small homogenious country, but not in a large diverse country like the United States.

Socialism is receiving a ballot with your tax bill so that you can direct government where to spend your fair share of supporting society.

I've proposed that idea myself. The first thing that will happen is that funding for all the socialist boondoggles like Social Security will go to zero.

If all federal tax payers received a ballot to tell government where to spend their hard-earned money, how do you think that would affect current levels of waste and corruption at the Pentagon?

Pentagon Admits Billions In US Funds Disappeared in Afghanistan To “Fraud, Waste And Abuse”

 

[Tehon]

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.

Oh my. I never would have guessed.

He's the only person in Venezuela who gained weight over the last year.
What an a-hole.

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

 

[bripat9643]

It

Chavez and Maduro wrecked Venezuela, douchebag. Why is it only Venezuela was wrecked when countries like Chile and Colombia are thriving?

Hardly are they thriving, and hardly are they a one product country like Venezuela... And of course they are not being sanctioned and ruined by the United States. And of course their scumbag Venezuelan oligarchs...

What stopped Venezuela from developing other industries? Can't those bureaucrats plan for the future? Why is having huge oil revenues a liability?

None of your excuses make the slightest bit of sense. Anyway you look at it, Venezuela is a disaster.

They've only had socialist leadership since Hugo Chavez in 2005 or something. Before that they were USA banana Republic with totally corrupt oligarchs and charge. Chavez cut poverty by 75% and a literacy by 90% and gave them Healthcare. You have no idea what you're talking about of course. Google US sanctions against Venezuela socialists. The GOP should get there corrupt covert garbage out of other countries. The GOP always screws up other countries and our own economy. Of course you know nothing about that, super dupe.

How did he cut poverty if everyone is starving? in 1960 they had the 4th highest GDP per capita in the entire world. So far, the only sanctions I'm aware of is the one Trump just imposed. Obama certainly didn't put any sanctions on them? He loves those fucking commies. You pathetic bleating about how Venezuela has been so abused just doesn't wash. I fail to see any basis for blaming the GOP. Name one thing the GOP has done to damage Venezuela. One thing.

Here's one of your links:

DSA Calls for Ending Sanctions Against Venezuela - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

In 2014, the U.S. Congress, led by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), passed a sanctions bill that targeted Venezuelan officials by threatening to deny them visas and to seize their assets.
​

That doesn't seem like much a threat to the Venezuelan economy. It might prevent the scumbag bureaucrats from traveling to the US, but that's about it. If they have significant assets in the US, that would indicate to me that they are corrupt. Keep in mind that it only "threatened" to seize their assets. As far as I know, no assets have been seized.

No they had the 4th economy in 1950, what most countries were in ruins.

Chavez and Maduro wrecked Venezuela, douchebag. Why is it only Venezuela was wrecked when countries like Chile and Colombia are thriving?

Hardly are they thriving, and hardly are they a one product country like Venezuela... And of course they are not being sanctioned and ruined by the United States. And of course their scumbag Venezuelan oligarchs...

What stopped Venezuela from developing other industries? Can't those bureaucrats plan for the future? Why is having huge oil revenues a liability?

None of your excuses make the slightest bit of sense. Anyway you look at it, Venezuela is a disaster.

They've only had socialist leadership since Hugo Chavez in 2005 or something. Before that they were USA banana Republic with totally corrupt oligarchs and charge. Chavez cut poverty by 75% and a literacy by 90% and gave them Healthcare. You have no idea what you're talking about of course. Google US sanctions against Venezuela socialists. The GOP should get there corrupt covert garbage out of other countries. The GOP always screws up other countries and our own economy. Of course you know nothing about that, super dupe.

How did he cut poverty if everyone is starving? in 1960 they had the 4th highest GDP per capita in the entire world. So far, the only sanctions I'm aware of is the one Trump just imposed. Obama certainly didn't put any sanctions on them? He loves those fucking commies. You pathetic bleating about how Venezuela has been so abused just doesn't wash. I fail to see any basis for blaming the GOP. Name one thing the GOP has done to damage Venezuela. One thing.

Here's one of your links:

DSA Calls for Ending Sanctions Against Venezuela - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

In 2014, the U.S. Congress, led by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), passed a sanctions bill that targeted Venezuelan officials by threatening to deny them visas and to seize their assets.
​

That doesn't seem like much a threat to the Venezuelan economy. It might prevent the scumbag bureaucrats from traveling to the US, but that's about it. If they have significant assets in the US, that would indicate to me that they are corrupt. Keep in mind that it only "threatened" to seize their assets. As far as I know, no assets have been seized.

www.crs.gov | 7-5700
Updated November 21, 2018
Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions
For more than a decade, the United States has employed
sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the
Venezuelan government or Venezuelan individuals. These
have included sanctions, including targeted sanctions
against almost 90 individuals, related to terrorism, drug
trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions,
human rights violations, and corruption.
Terrorism-Related Sanctions
Since 2006, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about
Venezuela’s lack of cooperation on anti-terrorism efforts.
Since then, the Secretary of State has made an annual
determination that Venezuela is not “cooperating fully with
United States anti-terrorism efforts” pursuant to Section
40A of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2781). The
most recent determination was made in May 2018. As a
result, the United States has prohibited all U.S. commercial
arms sales and retransfers to Venezuela since 2006.
In 2008, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions (asset
freezing and prohibitions on transactions) on two
individuals and two travel agencies in Venezuela for
providing financial support to the radical Lebanon-based
Islamic Shiite group Hezbollah. The action was taken
pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, aimed at
impeding terrorist funding.
Drug Trafficking-Related Sanctions
U.S. concerns about the lack of Venezuelan cooperation on
counternarcotics efforts date back to 2005, when Venezuela
suspended cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration. Since 2005, the President has made an
annual determination, pursuant to procedures set forth in
the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY2003 (P.L.
107-228, §706; 22 U.S.C. 2291j), that Venezuela has failed
demonstrably to adhere to its obligations under
international narcotics agreements. President Trump made
the most recent determination for FY2019 in September
2018, when he also waived foreign assistance restrictions
for programs to support the promotion of democracy in
Venezuela.
The Treasury Department has imposed economic sanctions
on at least 22 individuals with connections to Venezuela
and 27 companies by designating them as Specially
Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign
Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act; P.L. 106-
120, Title VIII; 21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
Designated individuals include several current or former
Venezuelan officials: in 2008, General Hugo Carvajal
(former military intelligence head), General Henry Rangel
Silva (former defense minister and governor of Trujillo
State), and Ramón Rodríguez Chacín (former interior
minister and former governor of Guárico); in 2011, Freddy
Alirio Bernal Rosales and Amilicar Jesus Figueroa Salazar
(United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, politicians),
Major General Cliver Antonio Alcalá Cordones, and
Ramon Isidro Madriz Moreno (a Venezuelan intelligence
officer); in 2017, then-Vice President Tareck el Aissami;
and in May 2018, Pedro Luis Martin (a former senior
intelligence official) and two of his associates. Others
designated include drug trafficker Walid Makled, three dual
Lebanese-Venezuelan citizens allegedly involved in a drug
money-laundering network, and several Colombian drug
traffickers with activity in Venezuela.
Trafficking in Persons Sanctions
Since 2014, Venezuela has been on the State Department’s
Tier 3 list in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Tier 3
countries are those whose governments do not fully comply
with the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act (P.L. 106-386, Division A, 22 U.S.C. 7101
et seq.) and are not making significant efforts to do so. Tier
3 countries are subject to a variety of U.S. aid restrictions,
although the President may waive prohibitions for national
interest reasons. In September 2017, President Trump
waived sanctions for health and democracy-related
assistance to Venezuela.
Targeted Sanctions Related to Antidemocratic
Actions, Human Rights Violations, and Corruption
In response to increasing repression in Venezuela, Congress
enacted the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil
Society Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-278; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) in
December 2014. Among its provisions, the law requires the
President to impose sanctions (asset blocking and visa
restrictions) against those whom the President determines
are responsible for significant acts of violence or serious
human rights abuses associated with February 2014 protests
or, more broadly, against anyone who has directed or
ordered the arrest or prosecution of a person primarily
because of the person’s legitimate exercise of freedom of
expression or assembly. In July 2016, Congress extended
the 2014 act through 2019 in P.L. 114-194.
In March 2015, President Obama issued E.O. 13692 to
implement P.L. 113-278, and Treasury Department
regulations were issued in July 2015 (31 C.F.R. Part 591).
The E.O. targets (for asset blocking and visa restrictions)
those involved in actions or policies undermining
democratic processes or institutions; those involved in acts
of violence or conduct constituting a serious human rights
abuse; those taking actions that prohibit, limit, or penalize
the exercise of freedom of expression or peaceful assembly;
public corruption by senior Venezuelan officials; and any
person determined to be a current or former leader of any
entity engaged in any activity described above or a current
or former official of the government of Venezuela.


and they just made it impossible for Venezuela to sell oil to the United States, 40% of their market, and with many other countries... Screw Venezuelan oligarchs and American oligarchs... All scumbags.

Blocking visas for selected scumbag bureaucrats, restricting arms sales and "blocking" the assets of selected officials.

<YAWN!>

 

[georgephillip]

Abby Martin has reportedly been threatened with lynching by the so-called "peaceful" opposition in Venezuela:

"CHILE — The U.S.-backed right-wing opposition in Venezuela is consistently described as 'peaceful,' protesting non-violently against the leftist regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who mainstream media throughout the Americas and the world consider an autocrat, or dictator who is hell-bent on accumulating more power.

"However, the Venezuelan opposition has proven themselves to be anything but peaceful, especially in recent weeks.

"Late last month (5/2017), a mob of around 40 opposition protesters were caught on video beating 21-year-old Orlando José Figuera, then dousing him with gasoline and lighting him on fire after he was accused of being a 'Chavista infiltrator.'"

Venezuelan Opposition Threatens To Lynch American Journalist Abby Martin

It sounds like he got what he deserve. Maduro has killed thousands of Venezuelans.Abby Martin is a 9/11 truther. She sounds like a fucking commie. I won't shed any tears the day she is killed.

The time for peaceful protests in Venezuela is over. What the opposition needs is military grade weapons.

Venezuela 2017/2018

"Venezuela remained in a state of emergency, repeatedly extended since January 2016.

"A National Constituent Assembly was elected without the participation of the opposition.

"The Attorney General was dismissed under irregular circumstances.

"Security forces continued to use excessive and undue force to disperse protests. Hundreds of people were arbitrarily detained.

"There were many reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence against demonstrators.

"The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians.

"Human rights defenders were harassed, intimidated and subject to raids. Conditions of detention were extremely harsh.

"The food and health crises continued to worsen, especially affecting children, people with chronic illness and pregnant women.

"The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum in other countries increased."

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Capitalism to the rescue.

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

What about all those socialist paradises in Europe? Why can't the Venezuelan oil monopoly just borrow money from them? Come to think of it, since socialism is so superior, why does Venezuela even need any capitalist countries?

It's hilarious the way socialists always blame capitalist countries for not doing business with them when they fail.

What about all those socialist paradises in Europe? Why can't the Venezuelan oil monopoly just borrow money from them? Come to think of it, since socialism is so superior, why does Venezuela even need any capitalist countries?

Because US sanctions prevent Venezuela from borrowing on global markets. When capitalism no longer controls stock and bond markets and global financial units like the IMF and World Bank, only then will socialism have a fair opportunity to challenge the status quo.

 

[bripat9643]

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.

Oh my. I never would have guessed.

He's the only person in Venezuela who gained weight over the last year.
What an a-hole.

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

 

[Tehon]

Oh my. I never would have guessed.

He's the only person in Venezuela who gained weight over the last year.
What an a-hole.

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

The right wing government will continue the looting of the country. Is that clear now?

 

[bripat9643]

It sounds like he got what he deserve. Maduro has killed thousands of Venezuelans.Abby Martin is a 9/11 truther. She sounds like a fucking commie. I won't shed any tears the day she is killed.

The time for peaceful protests in Venezuela is over. What the opposition needs is military grade weapons.

Venezuela 2017/2018

"Venezuela remained in a state of emergency, repeatedly extended since January 2016.

"A National Constituent Assembly was elected without the participation of the opposition.

"The Attorney General was dismissed under irregular circumstances.

"Security forces continued to use excessive and undue force to disperse protests. Hundreds of people were arbitrarily detained.

"There were many reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence against demonstrators.

"The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians.

"Human rights defenders were harassed, intimidated and subject to raids. Conditions of detention were extremely harsh.

"The food and health crises continued to worsen, especially affecting children, people with chronic illness and pregnant women.

"The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum in other countries increased."

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Capitalism to the rescue.

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

What about all those socialist paradises in Europe? Why can't the Venezuelan oil monopoly just borrow money from them? Come to think of it, since socialism is so superior, why does Venezuela even need any capitalist countries?

It's hilarious the way socialists always blame capitalist countries for not doing business with them when they fail.

What about all those socialist paradises in Europe? Why can't the Venezuelan oil monopoly just borrow money from them? Come to think of it, since socialism is so superior, why does Venezuela even need any capitalist countries?

Because US sanctions prevent Venezuela from borrowing on global markets. When capitalism no longer controls stock and bond markets and global financial units like the IMF and World Bank, only then will socialism have a fair opportunity to challenge the status quo.

Stock and bond markets are capitalist creations. I'm not aware that US sanctions against certain corrupt politicians prevents German banks from loaning them money. furthermore, why should it matter? Since socialism is so superior, why can't Venezuela borrow from other socialist Utopias? Why are they dependent on capitalist institutions? Why should Venezuela even need to borrow money? All they have to do is poke a hole in the ground, and money comes gushing out.

 

[Tehon]

Oh my. I never would have guessed.

He's the only person in Venezuela who gained weight over the last year.
What an a-hole.

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

And the only knowledge you have of the situation comes from Western sources. Bear that in mind.

 

[bripat9643]

He's the only person in Venezuela who gained weight over the last year.
What an a-hole.

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

The right wing government will continue the looting of the country. Is that clear now?

the looting that began under the socialist government?

 

[georgephillip]

Venezuela 2017/2018

"Venezuela remained in a state of emergency, repeatedly extended since January 2016.

"A National Constituent Assembly was elected without the participation of the opposition.

"The Attorney General was dismissed under irregular circumstances.

"Security forces continued to use excessive and undue force to disperse protests. Hundreds of people were arbitrarily detained.

"There were many reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence against demonstrators.

"The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians.

"Human rights defenders were harassed, intimidated and subject to raids. Conditions of detention were extremely harsh.

"The food and health crises continued to worsen, especially affecting children, people with chronic illness and pregnant women.

"The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum in other countries increased."

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Capitalism to the rescue.

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

Long after Trump's impeachment, Kulak.
"Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017"

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Only $6 billion?
Let's see if we can ramp that up.....

Why do you imagine capitalists need to overthrow another democratically elected government?

Does it have anything to do with taking the oil?

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

"The following piece by Canadian political analyst Joe Emersberger was written in response to a recent article by Torino Capital Chief Economist Francisco Rodriguez.

"Rodriguez is well-known as an outspoken critic of the Maduro government, but in his recent article he recognizes that Washington’s “misguided” sanctions are exacerbating falling oil production in Venezuela and as such, pejoratively affecting general living standards.

"The resulting loss of access to credit appears to have helped precipitate the collapse in oil output, driving the resulting economic contraction.

"Our point is that the spilling over of this political crisis into the arena of finance had consequences for the country’s economy and for the living standards of Venezuelans,

"Despite problematic comparisons between Venezuela and Iraq and Syria and charged anti-government rhetoric, Rodriguez presents a coherent economic argument against US sanctions which, amongst other things, block international payments.

"I argue that Venezuela’s economy has imploded because it can’t import.

"Finally, Rodriguez deconstructs Washington’s argument that the sanctions only impact high-ranking figures in the Venezuelan government, claiming that..."

 

[bripat9643]

He's the only person in Venezuela who gained weight over the last year.
What an a-hole.

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

And the only knowledge you have of the situation comes from Western sources. Bear that in mind.

So the videos on youTube showing thousands of emaciated people waiting in line for food are Western propaganda?

 

[bripat9643]

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

You're blaming capitalism for all this?

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

Long after Trump's impeachment, Kulak.
"Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017"

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Only $6 billion?
Let's see if we can ramp that up.....

Why do you imagine capitalists need to overthrow another democratically elected government?

Does it have anything to do with taking the oil?
Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017
"The following piece by Canadian political analyst Joe Emersberger was written in response to a recent article by Torino Capital Chief Economist Francisco Rodriguez.

"Rodriguez is well-known as an outspoken critic of the Maduro government, but in his recent article he recognizes that Washington’s “misguided” sanctions are exacerbating falling oil production in Venezuela and as such, pejoratively affecting general living standards.

"The resulting loss of access to credit appears to have helped precipitate the collapse in oil output, driving the resulting economic contraction.

"Our point is that the spilling over of this political crisis into the arena of finance had consequences for the country’s economy and for the living standards of Venezuelans,

"Despite problematic comparisons between Venezuela and Iraq and Syria and charged anti-government rhetoric, Rodriguez presents a coherent economic argument against US sanctions which, amongst other things, block international payments.

"I argue that Venezuela’s economy has imploded because it can’t import.

"Finally, Rodriguez deconstructs Washington’s argument that the sanctions only impact high-ranking figures in the Venezuelan government, claiming that..."

venezuelanalysis.com

Yeah, that's obviously an unbiased source.

 

[Tehon]

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

The right wing government will continue the looting of the country. Is that clear now?

the looting that began under the socialist government?

The politicians were looting the country before the left wing government took power. It's what they do.

 

[Tehon]

You like them on the heavy side do you?

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

And the only knowledge you have of the situation comes from Western sources. Bear that in mind.

So the videos on youTube showing thousands of emaciated people waiting in line for food are Western propaganda?

I haven't seen those videos.

 

[georgephillip]

Yes.
Capitalists control the world's reserve currencies.
Capitalists control the IMF and World Bank.
And capitalists control this
Treasury sanctions Venezuela state-owned oil firm in bid to transfer control to Maduro opposition

Why do you suppose capitalists aren't sanctioning this mad dog?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

We're gonna fuck the shit out of Maduro.
How long before he eats a bullet?

Long after Trump's impeachment, Kulak.
"Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017"

Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017

Only $6 billion?
Let's see if we can ramp that up.....

Why do you imagine capitalists need to overthrow another democratically elected government?

Does it have anything to do with taking the oil?
Trump’s Economic Sanctions Have Cost Venezuela About $6bn Since August 2017
"The following piece by Canadian political analyst Joe Emersberger was written in response to a recent article by Torino Capital Chief Economist Francisco Rodriguez.

"Rodriguez is well-known as an outspoken critic of the Maduro government, but in his recent article he recognizes that Washington’s “misguided” sanctions are exacerbating falling oil production in Venezuela and as such, pejoratively affecting general living standards.

"The resulting loss of access to credit appears to have helped precipitate the collapse in oil output, driving the resulting economic contraction.

"Our point is that the spilling over of this political crisis into the arena of finance had consequences for the country’s economy and for the living standards of Venezuelans,

"Despite problematic comparisons between Venezuela and Iraq and Syria and charged anti-government rhetoric, Rodriguez presents a coherent economic argument against US sanctions which, amongst other things, block international payments.

"I argue that Venezuela’s economy has imploded because it can’t import.

"Finally, Rodriguez deconstructs Washington’s argument that the sanctions only impact high-ranking figures in the Venezuelan government, claiming that..."

venezuelanalysis.com

Yeah, that's obviously an unbiased source.

What source do you rely on for accurate information about Venezuela?

US Hits PDVSA with More Sanctions as UNSC Fails to Pass Resolution on Venezuela

 

[bripat9643]

Fat commies, skinny commies, as long as they're dead commies.

Are you gonna cry when he gets ousted? Losing sleep already?

Not at all.
What will happen is the US will install its right wing government. They will continue to loot the country, that won't change. The capitalists who can afford to eat now will continue to eat. The poor and hungry people will continue to be poor and hungry. Western media will go away and pretend like all is better.

Pretty much exactly as happened in Honduras after the US installed that right wing government.

They [the opposition] will continue to loot the country? How are they in any position to loot the country? Chavez and Maduro are the ones who looted the country. Chaves' daughter ran off with $4 billion of the people's money. Formerly everyone could afford to eat, not just the rich. Now everyone but those who are politically connected is poor and hungry. You pretend as if the people of Venezuela aren't 1000% worse off.

You can't defend this regime without blatant lying.

The right wing government will continue the looting of the country. Is that clear now?

the looting that began under the socialist government?

The politicians were looting the country before the left wing government took power. It's what they do.

To a certain extent. That goes on in every government. Even ours. Just look at all the money HIllary skimmed off the top. However, what Chavez and Maduro have done is 1000 times worse. furthermore, they are destroying the economy. Oil production is falling. The same goes for every industry in the country, especially food production.