What’s happening in Venezuela and what does it mean?

[theotherfossilsister]

I’m confused- has the US gone to war with them? What are the implications if so?

Simon Reeve’s South America Episode 1 is on iPlayer. If it’s the episode I think, it’s an insight into the terrible conditions in Venezuela, and must be at least 5 years old already.

It’s time for FIFA to get involved - he is making a mockery of their special prize.

But I thought Trump was the President of peace?

Well you can't end wars unless you start a few more.

I think it is relevant actually. I’ll be interested to know what the Venezuelan man/woman on the street thinks, all those trapped there and also the millions who fled their own country and it’s totalitarian government, sickening corruption and poverty.

Of course it’s about oil but will the average Venezuelan be worse off after this “intervention”? Will be interesting to see.

Means the Epstein files still haven't been released.

Means China can invade Taiwan.

Means Business As Usual for the United States of Amnesia.

Do you have any history books in your house?

If not, have a quick google of;

Power vacuum
American interventionism
Puppet government..

Oh never mind. No one learns.

What would you say to those starving on what to do?

This is the 80s playbook all over again. CIA, Iran-Contra, regime changes.

Trumps wants Venezuelan oil.

He’ll produce whatever rationale he likes for taking that oil.

It’s only a couple of weeks since Miller pretended that the oil was stolen from the US in the first place!

This isn’t about benefitting the average Venezuelan although that might be a byproduct.

The aim is control of oil.

So do we think Trump will now work hard with relevant parties in Venezuela to promptly hold free and fair elections and uphold the results?

Everyone saying that Trump has started a war… a war with who? Are Venezuela able to counter attack? Surely you can only have a war if there are two opposing factions? Is Venezuela equipped to defend itself? Do they want to defend itself? Would the population be happy to do away with their dictator or are they going to fight to keep him?

Isn’t it just.

Venezuela has the largest reserves of oil, but instead of being a wealthy country and making money off oil exports, they chose socialism. That's all there is to know. It's quite sad, really.

Haha so true.

A lot more come from Mexico and China but he doesn’t want to start wars with those countries.

Yeah, it's an invasion, and should have needed congressional approval, which he doesn't have.

I wouldn’t say anything because they haven’t asked for my advice. And I’m not Venezuelan.

But if asked, I would say not to trust the bear more than the wolf.

Like he had any choice!

Well we will see won’t we? Like I said.

I am a bit annoyed actually. I’ve come off all SM for January, except this site 😁, so can’t see what actual Venezuelan people are saying about this, rather than the directed reportage of the usual news sites. I’m itching to get back on X!

Well you seem to have an opinion on what not should be done, so what’s the alternative for them?

Have a leader that controls all the wealth and no food?

It’s been going on for years. What are their options?

Maniacal!

If you live in Greenland you'll be looking at this and be worried.

Considering there are over 13 million living in food poverty in the US, the Trump family has enriched themselves by something around 70% since his reelection, and the US has cancelled the aid programme that fed and aided fleeing Venezuelans, I'm not sure this is the model Venezuela needs to be looking for.

This is a good podcast between a Venezuelan national who fled 🇻🇪 and a second generation descendent of another. Good insight into the issues there.

open.spotify.com/episode/1gmv30QvOpQGy4bR4AJlvn?si=I_5KoyvtRS2xV2uOgdekzA&pi=2lYhnXuJRp-7Y&t=2