Insane take. Under Chavez everything from child mortality to extreme poverty to illiteracy plummeted. These are incontrovertible facts. Poverty grew subsequent to his death largely as a result of US sanctions designed explicitly to immiserate. Yours is a fallen ideology. And I'm done
If anyone wants to read about the progress made by Venezuela in the last two decades, or the UN report which laid bare the effect of sanctions on Venezuela, head over to my latest piece
What’s fallen is the idea that everything at its core is evil. I feel pity for you, the day one can stop seeing goodness in others is a day you may very well have stopped seeing the goodness in yourself.
Nowhere has this author stated that life under Chavez was good, and if this is the ideology you believe is noted here your reading comprehension or your ideology is getting in your own way.
Chavez crippled the non-oil economy in Venezuela, and used oil profits to fund social programs. When oil prices fell after the 2008 financial crisis it became impossible to cover up his economic mismanagement.
The Venezuelan economy stagnated by 2010 and was in free fall shortly after. US economic sanctions didn’t start until 2017 and intensified in 2019.
And yet, it is not the fall of Maduro that we are upset about, but the unlawful use of force by the US. The US violated the UN charter. President Trump also carried out this invasion without the approval of congress. What about this is justifiable? The fact they assumed the upper hand on this situation should alarm us all, because what are the implications on the sovereignty of other nations that the US deems undemocratic? Recently, Trump threatened aggression against Cuba after capturing Maduro. What makes America the global policing force? And what constitutes as undemocratic to the Americans?
We have seen events unfold familiarly to this; Previously, covert coups that destabilised nations, installing American interventionism. Today, it is in broad daylight, but the goal remains the same. American interventionalism and hard power will not save Venezuela. Celebrate Maduro's fall all you want, but it must be recognised that this is an unjust use of force by the US, reminiscent of its imperialism, rather than pointing fingers at 'liberals' or 'leftists.'
I would also like to add the snide comment about Maduro still being alive while captured. It is reported 40 people died as a result of the US strikes. Most kindly, your piece reeks of emotional one-sidedness that refuses to acknowledge the gravity of the sitution, particularly when it concerns the US military and its practices.
I can understand the relief and joy of a repressed people at the removal of their oppressor - though it is often short-lived relief and a simplistic view as, almost inevitably, there will be others who surrounded that oppressor and who will replace him or her.
However, although I shouldn't be surprised given what I know of current world affairs, it bothers me deeply that so many non Venezuelans, who ought to know better, appear to be applauding the illegal and immoral action of Trump and his administration and ignoring the clear dangers of approving, in some cases even applauding, the use of might to ignore international law and the right of sovereignty.
On the surface it may be that these individuals cannot see the reality but that reality is that Trump is a dictatorial demagogue who considers himself above any law or moral standard, whether it be the Constitution of the nation of which he is president, the citizens or residents of that nation, or the leaders, governments, people of other nations.
In other words and simply: Trump is as much a dictator and as careless of the lives of those he supposedly represents as has been Maduro or any other dictator we have known.
No rational, caring person with an understanding of human history and current geopolitical conditions will approve of this action. It is frightening even to consider what it may unleash, especially when one considers what Netanyahu and Putin are being allowed to do with no effective consequence.
This incursion and kidnapping has nothing to do with Maduro or the conditions for the Venezuelan people. It is about Trump's self-aggrandising arrogance and sole preoccupations, i.e. his own arrogance and amassing wealth.
Replacing one boot on their necks with another foreign one is hardly cause for celebration. Trump is going to let his cronies rob the country blind, I am happy anytime a dictator gets removed from power but thats not what happened here, we just replaced their dictator with our own. You have lost the plot.
Your analysis, (though that's probably too grand a term), is fundamentally flawed.
In simple terms, the fact is that one wrong does not justify another.
Those who reject Trump's demagoguery do so precisely because it echoes that of Maduro. That you cannot see that is discomforting, particularly when you rant nonsensically online. Not only that but the invasion and kidnapping of another nation's head is illegal under international law. That law was agreed upon in recognition of national sovereignty, such that other nations should not invade or take one another's territory.
There can be no doubt that the kidnapping ordered by Trump has nothing to do with the welfare of the Venezuelan people. Trump has stated publicly that the USA is taking control of Venezuela and intends to 're-claim' (!) its oil reserves.
Antonio Melonio,
Your puerile argument is entirely composed of fraudulent emotional hyperbole - indeed, precisely that for which, in effect, you ridicule "Western liberals and leftists." Your ignorant detrimental reference to "socialists" is another indicator of your fraudulent ideological hypocrisy. There is no doubt that Trump will welcome your words for they applaud his conceit, his arrogance, his disdain for international law or even basic decency.
I have no respect for demagogues in whatever guise but descending to their level to remove them is not a way to improve the lot of any nation, nor to build a peaceful and equitable world.
Let's remember that Trump has applauded Putin, another dictator and demagogue who has also flouted international law by invading Ukraine. Trump has also, on several occasions, put out the red carpet for Netanyahu who is responsible for the killing of well over 70,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 170,000, most of whom are innocent women and children, the aged, the infirm, or aid workers and journalists. Netanyahu is the subject of an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity, yet Trump wines and dines him rather than arresting him and the USA has funded and armed Israel for 7 decades, not least during the genocidal massacre of Palestinians and razing to the ground of around 80% of Gaza's infrastructure, homes and other buildings.
So, it would behove you to think again and make a written apology for your misguided and ill considered rant which has no validity whatsoever but is simply facile nonsense which only shows you to be a somewhat foolish person of extremely limited understanding.
I would like to add that this operation sets a precedent for other global nations to do the same with other sovereign nations, as stated by multiple analysts. What China, Russia, Israel, or any other major power would do for whatever reason they decide can become really dangerous.
It's clear that Antonio's analysis is coming from an emotional view. I don't believe anyone should be telling Venezuelan's how to feel for the removal of Maduro (something most of them have suffered from). This is not about left or right political views we should not fall into that discourse when analyzing complex situations. The fact that we have Marie Le Pen rejecting this act should be more than enough evidence to understand this is not about political views.
Yes, indeed this does add to the already illegal and immoral acts of such as the Russian Federation and Israel in their invasions and military seizure of other nation's territory.
I certainly am not telling Venezuelans how to feel about about the removal of Maduro. Regardless of his posture, style or actions, he is their President and it is an illegal act for another nation to remove him.
Antonio's feelings may be understandable given Maduro's record but that does not change the facts, as neither does the celebrations of many of its citizens and diaspora.
Whether it is about left or right political views is debatable and certainly not irrelevant, indeed this is very much a right wing ideological act and no serious person would put any stock by a statement from such a person as Marie Le Pen. However, regardless of that, neither is it about caring for the Venezuelan people. It is quite clear that this is about the oil reserves which Trump and USA companies want to control. It is also about regime change that would mean a Venezuelan President and administration that would favour the USA and so give an impression of positivity to what is a criminal action that, as well as abducting a President and his wife, was responsible for killing Venezuelan citizens.
The above is clear from the 20 times that Trump mentioned 'oil' in a public statement as well as that of Hegseth. That Trump has also stated that 'boots on the ground may be used, depending on whether any replacement for Maduro is acceptable to the US, i.e. to him, is another indicator of his arrogant disregard both for the rights of the Venezuelan people and for international law.
So, please don't instruct me on the relevance of political ideology to actions of national leaders and national governments, let alone geopolitical implications, of which this has many. This is very much about wealth, power , 'might is right' and arrogant disdain for any obstacle to getting what is wanted, and its removal, whether legal, moral or otherwise.
Sorry for the misunderstanding Roger but I am not trying to instruct you on political ideology or disagreeing with you. I very strongly agree with everything you have said and your take on this situation.
My comment on political views was meant to be over Antonio's article where he constantly mentioned western liberals or liberals individuals reaction in this situation on how he is reacting to those comments. I meant to add to your comment with other observations and additional points of view.
No, that's o.k. It is my misunderstanding. I am guilty of some of the same emotion which I alleged of others. I apologise to you for allowing my own emotions to colour my reading of what you had to say. Take care. Stay safe. ☮️
You’re no anti imperialist. If you were you’d back the working class Venezuelans that are actually living in their country defending their land from invasion. It’s as simple as that. Propaganda works and you fell for the wrong side.
I know right! This moron said “No Venezuelans in the protest”. Because they’re all in their country defending their homeland! Something these fucking idiots would never understand.
What a garbage uneducated take. US sanctions ruined Venezuela. They were big mad that the government had privatized their oil and prioritized their people. Only the fucking rich and cronies in Venezuela and those able to leave ( most likely the privilege class, not all) and living abroad are celebrating. You know who else celebrated when their so-called dictators fell. The Iraqi people, The Afghanistan people, the Syrians, the Haitians— and many others. Where does their country stand now. What about the so-called rule of law. If that is the case why hasn’t anyone gone in to arrest that POS of that fake genocidal country on Palestinian land— like. What a stupid idiot take.
Dude. I get some of your points. No one likes a dictator. But you are glossing over history. Every US led coup in central and South America has led to devastation for that populace. You really think this time will be different? I’m happy Maduro is gone, but Trump is basically just doing imperialism now. You really think the average Venezuelan is going to be living better under the control of Chevron and Shell corporation? Come on dude.
Substack ass article. This is just "listen to the Venezuelans" in silk pajamas.
You scold liberals for lacking nuance without acknowledging any of the arguments like a) it's obviously (and explicitly) a ploy for oil b) it's an aggressive act of imperialism that will likely extend further c) it's not legal
This app literally has an opinion for every "nuance" so anyone can game the algorithm by second guessing every moral impulse that should be teased out later
Jesus. What happened to a rules-based order? Or is might-makes-right the new world order?
If we even take Trump’s justification for an end-run around not just international law but THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES—the one he is pledged to uphold as the president of the goddamn United States—by claiming this was nothing more than the service of a criminal warrant and the subsequent arrest of a fugitive from the law…he fucking BOMBED the capital of a sovereign nation to do it! He killed over 40 people asleep in their beds in an apartment building!
And what about this little nugget, Antonio? What about the fact that the Supreme Court has decided Trump himself, as the POTUS, cannot be held liable for criminal acts done in office but can now fucking KIDNAP the leaders of other sovereign nations to stand trial for crimes against the United States???
No I will not unsubscribe, I’ll just wanna be here to watch you come to your fucking senses.
How many time has US instigated or backed regime change resulted in better outcomes for a country over the last century? Chile, Libya, Afghanistan, etc. etc. etc.
Ah the old “I used to be a leftist post”. Classic. Well it was good reading you chap. Also for the record fuck Maduro, but I’m not interested in following such uninformed takes as this.
Insane take. Under Chavez everything from child mortality to extreme poverty to illiteracy plummeted. These are incontrovertible facts. Poverty grew subsequent to his death largely as a result of US sanctions designed explicitly to immiserate. Yours is a fallen ideology. And I'm done
Also 40+ Venezuelans were killed including random civilians while sleeping in their beds in Caracas. But let's not complain
If anyone wants to read about the progress made by Venezuela in the last two decades, or the UN report which laid bare the effect of sanctions on Venezuela, head over to my latest piece
https://open.substack.com/pub/donotpanic/p/us-murders-sleeping-civilians-media?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2915q
subbed to you, woefully disappointed in Antonio
What’s fallen is the idea that everything at its core is evil. I feel pity for you, the day one can stop seeing goodness in others is a day you may very well have stopped seeing the goodness in yourself.
Nowhere has this author stated that life under Chavez was good, and if this is the ideology you believe is noted here your reading comprehension or your ideology is getting in your own way.
Dog what…
What?
You forget, these people *want* Latin America poor. Everything you're talking about here is considered a *negative* by these people.
Chavez crippled the non-oil economy in Venezuela, and used oil profits to fund social programs. When oil prices fell after the 2008 financial crisis it became impossible to cover up his economic mismanagement.
The Venezuelan economy stagnated by 2010 and was in free fall shortly after. US economic sanctions didn’t start until 2017 and intensified in 2019.
And yet, it is not the fall of Maduro that we are upset about, but the unlawful use of force by the US. The US violated the UN charter. President Trump also carried out this invasion without the approval of congress. What about this is justifiable? The fact they assumed the upper hand on this situation should alarm us all, because what are the implications on the sovereignty of other nations that the US deems undemocratic? Recently, Trump threatened aggression against Cuba after capturing Maduro. What makes America the global policing force? And what constitutes as undemocratic to the Americans?
We have seen events unfold familiarly to this; Previously, covert coups that destabilised nations, installing American interventionism. Today, it is in broad daylight, but the goal remains the same. American interventionalism and hard power will not save Venezuela. Celebrate Maduro's fall all you want, but it must be recognised that this is an unjust use of force by the US, reminiscent of its imperialism, rather than pointing fingers at 'liberals' or 'leftists.'
I would also like to add the snide comment about Maduro still being alive while captured. It is reported 40 people died as a result of the US strikes. Most kindly, your piece reeks of emotional one-sidedness that refuses to acknowledge the gravity of the sitution, particularly when it concerns the US military and its practices.
Yes indeed. Well said.
I can understand the relief and joy of a repressed people at the removal of their oppressor - though it is often short-lived relief and a simplistic view as, almost inevitably, there will be others who surrounded that oppressor and who will replace him or her.
However, although I shouldn't be surprised given what I know of current world affairs, it bothers me deeply that so many non Venezuelans, who ought to know better, appear to be applauding the illegal and immoral action of Trump and his administration and ignoring the clear dangers of approving, in some cases even applauding, the use of might to ignore international law and the right of sovereignty.
On the surface it may be that these individuals cannot see the reality but that reality is that Trump is a dictatorial demagogue who considers himself above any law or moral standard, whether it be the Constitution of the nation of which he is president, the citizens or residents of that nation, or the leaders, governments, people of other nations.
In other words and simply: Trump is as much a dictator and as careless of the lives of those he supposedly represents as has been Maduro or any other dictator we have known.
No rational, caring person with an understanding of human history and current geopolitical conditions will approve of this action. It is frightening even to consider what it may unleash, especially when one considers what Netanyahu and Putin are being allowed to do with no effective consequence.
This incursion and kidnapping has nothing to do with Maduro or the conditions for the Venezuelan people. It is about Trump's self-aggrandising arrogance and sole preoccupations, i.e. his own arrogance and amassing wealth.
"please unsubscribe from my Substack now"
okay, done 👍
Replacing one boot on their necks with another foreign one is hardly cause for celebration. Trump is going to let his cronies rob the country blind, I am happy anytime a dictator gets removed from power but thats not what happened here, we just replaced their dictator with our own. You have lost the plot.
Your analysis, (though that's probably too grand a term), is fundamentally flawed.
In simple terms, the fact is that one wrong does not justify another.
Those who reject Trump's demagoguery do so precisely because it echoes that of Maduro. That you cannot see that is discomforting, particularly when you rant nonsensically online. Not only that but the invasion and kidnapping of another nation's head is illegal under international law. That law was agreed upon in recognition of national sovereignty, such that other nations should not invade or take one another's territory.
There can be no doubt that the kidnapping ordered by Trump has nothing to do with the welfare of the Venezuelan people. Trump has stated publicly that the USA is taking control of Venezuela and intends to 're-claim' (!) its oil reserves.
Antonio Melonio,
Your puerile argument is entirely composed of fraudulent emotional hyperbole - indeed, precisely that for which, in effect, you ridicule "Western liberals and leftists." Your ignorant detrimental reference to "socialists" is another indicator of your fraudulent ideological hypocrisy. There is no doubt that Trump will welcome your words for they applaud his conceit, his arrogance, his disdain for international law or even basic decency.
I have no respect for demagogues in whatever guise but descending to their level to remove them is not a way to improve the lot of any nation, nor to build a peaceful and equitable world.
Let's remember that Trump has applauded Putin, another dictator and demagogue who has also flouted international law by invading Ukraine. Trump has also, on several occasions, put out the red carpet for Netanyahu who is responsible for the killing of well over 70,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 170,000, most of whom are innocent women and children, the aged, the infirm, or aid workers and journalists. Netanyahu is the subject of an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity, yet Trump wines and dines him rather than arresting him and the USA has funded and armed Israel for 7 decades, not least during the genocidal massacre of Palestinians and razing to the ground of around 80% of Gaza's infrastructure, homes and other buildings.
So, it would behove you to think again and make a written apology for your misguided and ill considered rant which has no validity whatsoever but is simply facile nonsense which only shows you to be a somewhat foolish person of extremely limited understanding.
I would like to add that this operation sets a precedent for other global nations to do the same with other sovereign nations, as stated by multiple analysts. What China, Russia, Israel, or any other major power would do for whatever reason they decide can become really dangerous.
It's clear that Antonio's analysis is coming from an emotional view. I don't believe anyone should be telling Venezuelan's how to feel for the removal of Maduro (something most of them have suffered from). This is not about left or right political views we should not fall into that discourse when analyzing complex situations. The fact that we have Marie Le Pen rejecting this act should be more than enough evidence to understand this is not about political views.
Rafain RSM
Yes, indeed this does add to the already illegal and immoral acts of such as the Russian Federation and Israel in their invasions and military seizure of other nation's territory.
I certainly am not telling Venezuelans how to feel about about the removal of Maduro. Regardless of his posture, style or actions, he is their President and it is an illegal act for another nation to remove him.
Antonio's feelings may be understandable given Maduro's record but that does not change the facts, as neither does the celebrations of many of its citizens and diaspora.
Whether it is about left or right political views is debatable and certainly not irrelevant, indeed this is very much a right wing ideological act and no serious person would put any stock by a statement from such a person as Marie Le Pen. However, regardless of that, neither is it about caring for the Venezuelan people. It is quite clear that this is about the oil reserves which Trump and USA companies want to control. It is also about regime change that would mean a Venezuelan President and administration that would favour the USA and so give an impression of positivity to what is a criminal action that, as well as abducting a President and his wife, was responsible for killing Venezuelan citizens.
The above is clear from the 20 times that Trump mentioned 'oil' in a public statement as well as that of Hegseth. That Trump has also stated that 'boots on the ground may be used, depending on whether any replacement for Maduro is acceptable to the US, i.e. to him, is another indicator of his arrogant disregard both for the rights of the Venezuelan people and for international law.
So, please don't instruct me on the relevance of political ideology to actions of national leaders and national governments, let alone geopolitical implications, of which this has many. This is very much about wealth, power , 'might is right' and arrogant disdain for any obstacle to getting what is wanted, and its removal, whether legal, moral or otherwise.
Sorry for the misunderstanding Roger but I am not trying to instruct you on political ideology or disagreeing with you. I very strongly agree with everything you have said and your take on this situation.
My comment on political views was meant to be over Antonio's article where he constantly mentioned western liberals or liberals individuals reaction in this situation on how he is reacting to those comments. I meant to add to your comment with other observations and additional points of view.
No, that's o.k. It is my misunderstanding. I am guilty of some of the same emotion which I alleged of others. I apologise to you for allowing my own emotions to colour my reading of what you had to say. Take care. Stay safe. ☮️
You’re no anti imperialist. If you were you’d back the working class Venezuelans that are actually living in their country defending their land from invasion. It’s as simple as that. Propaganda works and you fell for the wrong side.
I know right! This moron said “No Venezuelans in the protest”. Because they’re all in their country defending their homeland! Something these fucking idiots would never understand.
Way off dude. Delete this one and go back to posting your otherwise killer material. https://classautonomy.info/venezuelan-coup-leader-maria-corina-machado-vows-to-privatize-oil-us-corporations-will-make-a-lot-of-money/
What a garbage uneducated take. US sanctions ruined Venezuela. They were big mad that the government had privatized their oil and prioritized their people. Only the fucking rich and cronies in Venezuela and those able to leave ( most likely the privilege class, not all) and living abroad are celebrating. You know who else celebrated when their so-called dictators fell. The Iraqi people, The Afghanistan people, the Syrians, the Haitians— and many others. Where does their country stand now. What about the so-called rule of law. If that is the case why hasn’t anyone gone in to arrest that POS of that fake genocidal country on Palestinian land— like. What a stupid idiot take.
this ain't it
Dude. I get some of your points. No one likes a dictator. But you are glossing over history. Every US led coup in central and South America has led to devastation for that populace. You really think this time will be different? I’m happy Maduro is gone, but Trump is basically just doing imperialism now. You really think the average Venezuelan is going to be living better under the control of Chevron and Shell corporation? Come on dude.
Substack ass article. This is just "listen to the Venezuelans" in silk pajamas.
You scold liberals for lacking nuance without acknowledging any of the arguments like a) it's obviously (and explicitly) a ploy for oil b) it's an aggressive act of imperialism that will likely extend further c) it's not legal
This app literally has an opinion for every "nuance" so anyone can game the algorithm by second guessing every moral impulse that should be teased out later
Oof. Well, every writer cranks out at least one stinker. Fortunately, you can just delete this one and we'll pretend it didn't happen.
Jesus. What happened to a rules-based order? Or is might-makes-right the new world order?
If we even take Trump’s justification for an end-run around not just international law but THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES—the one he is pledged to uphold as the president of the goddamn United States—by claiming this was nothing more than the service of a criminal warrant and the subsequent arrest of a fugitive from the law…he fucking BOMBED the capital of a sovereign nation to do it! He killed over 40 people asleep in their beds in an apartment building!
And what about this little nugget, Antonio? What about the fact that the Supreme Court has decided Trump himself, as the POTUS, cannot be held liable for criminal acts done in office but can now fucking KIDNAP the leaders of other sovereign nations to stand trial for crimes against the United States???
No I will not unsubscribe, I’ll just wanna be here to watch you come to your fucking senses.
How many time has US instigated or backed regime change resulted in better outcomes for a country over the last century? Chile, Libya, Afghanistan, etc. etc. etc.
What a shallow and uneducated take.
Ah the old “I used to be a leftist post”. Classic. Well it was good reading you chap. Also for the record fuck Maduro, but I’m not interested in following such uninformed takes as this.