https://www.theguardian.com/world/li...rway-live-news
People are in the streets. Reports are several key military leaders are defecting to the Guaido camp.I figure Maduro is pretty close to turning the machine guns on the crowds.
There are about 100 Russian Advisors on the ground. Russia says it's not their fight, but obviously have a lot at stake.
Socialism brought Venezuela to this point. Or to be exact, Socialism that has morphed into a Thugocracy.
Learn from this.
- Jackie S
- 04-30-2019, 11:31 AM
- lustylad
- 04-30-2019, 01:19 PM
It's working. Maduro must go. Raul Castro too.
This appeared in the WSJ a week ago...
Trump Takes Aim at Caracas and Havana
Russia hopes to repeat in Venezuela the humiliation it inflicted in Syria.
By Walter Russell Mead
April 22, 2019 6:30 p.m. ET
As Washington and Moscow face off over Venezuela, the Caribbean has become a focal point for global politics for the first time since the Cold War.
The U.S. and its allies have recognized Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela and demanded that Nicolás Maduro step aside, doubling down on sanctions against the dictator and his allies in Havana. Mr. Guaidó has called on Venezuelans to turn out on May 1 for what he hopes will be the largest demonstration in the country’s history. Yet Mr. Maduro is standing his ground, backed financially by China and Russia, and receiving military and security assistance from Cuba and Russia.
For the Trump administration, all roads in the Western Hemisphere lead to Caracas. Left to accelerate, the breakdown of governance and civilized life in Venezuela can only create more refugees, enrich arms smugglers and drug cartels, allow forces like Hezbollah to insinuate themselves more deeply in the region. On the other hand, a return to some kind of stability under a pro-business government would initiate an economic recovery that would help the people of Venezuela and their neighbors alike, and deprive the terror cartels of much of their arms and funding. Crucially, if Venezuelan oil production recovers, it would help stabilize world energy markets and significantly increase American leverage with both Russia and Iran.
Mr. Maduro’s downfall would also be a major political victory for the Trump administration. Russia, however, hopes to repeat in Venezuela the humiliation it inflicted on the West in Syria. It has increased its support for Mr. Maduro, sending him military personnel and equipment and helping Venezuela evade U.S. sanctions. An American “win” in Venezuela would send a clear message around the world. So would a loss.
Domestically, overthrowing the socialist regime would please Mr. Trump’s base as well as demonstrate that his foreign-policy team can do more than talk tough. It could particularly please voters in Florida, whose support is essential to GOP hopes in 2020. A humiliating setback ahead of the election would be a major blow. Team Trump is well aware of the stakes.
Cuba plays a crucial role in the crisis. The Obama administration, influenced by archaic left-wing talking points, might have hoped normalizing U.S.-Cuba relations would lead Havana to step away from Venezuela. That was never in the cards. For Cuba, Venezuela replaced the Soviet Union as the source of subsidies, without which the island’s socialist system cannot provide even a minimal standard of living for its people. Cuba continues to regard engagement with the U.S. as a danger rather than an opportunity. Havana consented to President Obama’s offer to normalize relations because it was desperate for greater tourist and remittance income as Venezuela’s economy deteriorated and its subsidies began to shrink.
The continued collapse of Venezuela’s economy means the Cuban regime is also facing disaster. From the Trump administration’s point of view, this is a historic opportunity. If Cuba—whose regime defied American presidents from Eisenhower to Reagan and beyond—abandons socialism on Mr. Trump’s watch, the president’s prestige at home and abroad would soar.
The hope of historic victories in Cuba and Venezuela and the fear of a costly defeat have combined to persuade the Trump administration to adopt some of the most far-reaching economic sanctions ever imposed. Washington hopes sanctions on the Central Bank of Venezuela, for example, will prevent the bank from funding the Maduro government through the sale of its $5.1 billion gold reserves or by borrowing from international financial institutions.
The administration also hopes to increase pressure on Cuba by cracking down on U.S. tourism and fund transfers and by imposing sanctions on companies that ship Venezuelan oil there. In a move that electrified hard-line anticommunist Cuban-Americans, the administration announced plans to allow parts of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act to go into effect May 2. This would allow U.S. citizens to sue foreign corporations in American courts for using property that was confiscated by the Castro regime. Executives of those companies and their family members could also lose their ability to visit the U.S.
American allies in Europe and Canada are already seething over the imposition of extraterritorial sanctions targeted at Iran. No U.S. president before Mr. Trump has been willing to impose sanctions that alienate powerful allies to this degree over Caribbean policy. That Washington is pressing ahead suggests how high a priority Venezuela has become for the administration. If Russia continues to back Mr. Maduro, this crisis could escalate dramatically. And once again—60 years after Fidel Castro stormed into power in Havana—Cuba will be right in the middle of it.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-t...na-11555972251
This appeared in the WSJ a week ago...
Trump Takes Aim at Caracas and Havana
Russia hopes to repeat in Venezuela the humiliation it inflicted in Syria.
By Walter Russell Mead
April 22, 2019 6:30 p.m. ET
As Washington and Moscow face off over Venezuela, the Caribbean has become a focal point for global politics for the first time since the Cold War.
The U.S. and its allies have recognized Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela and demanded that Nicolás Maduro step aside, doubling down on sanctions against the dictator and his allies in Havana. Mr. Guaidó has called on Venezuelans to turn out on May 1 for what he hopes will be the largest demonstration in the country’s history. Yet Mr. Maduro is standing his ground, backed financially by China and Russia, and receiving military and security assistance from Cuba and Russia.
For the Trump administration, all roads in the Western Hemisphere lead to Caracas. Left to accelerate, the breakdown of governance and civilized life in Venezuela can only create more refugees, enrich arms smugglers and drug cartels, allow forces like Hezbollah to insinuate themselves more deeply in the region. On the other hand, a return to some kind of stability under a pro-business government would initiate an economic recovery that would help the people of Venezuela and their neighbors alike, and deprive the terror cartels of much of their arms and funding. Crucially, if Venezuelan oil production recovers, it would help stabilize world energy markets and significantly increase American leverage with both Russia and Iran.
Mr. Maduro’s downfall would also be a major political victory for the Trump administration. Russia, however, hopes to repeat in Venezuela the humiliation it inflicted on the West in Syria. It has increased its support for Mr. Maduro, sending him military personnel and equipment and helping Venezuela evade U.S. sanctions. An American “win” in Venezuela would send a clear message around the world. So would a loss.
Domestically, overthrowing the socialist regime would please Mr. Trump’s base as well as demonstrate that his foreign-policy team can do more than talk tough. It could particularly please voters in Florida, whose support is essential to GOP hopes in 2020. A humiliating setback ahead of the election would be a major blow. Team Trump is well aware of the stakes.
Cuba plays a crucial role in the crisis. The Obama administration, influenced by archaic left-wing talking points, might have hoped normalizing U.S.-Cuba relations would lead Havana to step away from Venezuela. That was never in the cards. For Cuba, Venezuela replaced the Soviet Union as the source of subsidies, without which the island’s socialist system cannot provide even a minimal standard of living for its people. Cuba continues to regard engagement with the U.S. as a danger rather than an opportunity. Havana consented to President Obama’s offer to normalize relations because it was desperate for greater tourist and remittance income as Venezuela’s economy deteriorated and its subsidies began to shrink.
The continued collapse of Venezuela’s economy means the Cuban regime is also facing disaster. From the Trump administration’s point of view, this is a historic opportunity. If Cuba—whose regime defied American presidents from Eisenhower to Reagan and beyond—abandons socialism on Mr. Trump’s watch, the president’s prestige at home and abroad would soar.
The hope of historic victories in Cuba and Venezuela and the fear of a costly defeat have combined to persuade the Trump administration to adopt some of the most far-reaching economic sanctions ever imposed. Washington hopes sanctions on the Central Bank of Venezuela, for example, will prevent the bank from funding the Maduro government through the sale of its $5.1 billion gold reserves or by borrowing from international financial institutions.
The administration also hopes to increase pressure on Cuba by cracking down on U.S. tourism and fund transfers and by imposing sanctions on companies that ship Venezuelan oil there. In a move that electrified hard-line anticommunist Cuban-Americans, the administration announced plans to allow parts of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act to go into effect May 2. This would allow U.S. citizens to sue foreign corporations in American courts for using property that was confiscated by the Castro regime. Executives of those companies and their family members could also lose their ability to visit the U.S.
American allies in Europe and Canada are already seething over the imposition of extraterritorial sanctions targeted at Iran. No U.S. president before Mr. Trump has been willing to impose sanctions that alienate powerful allies to this degree over Caribbean policy. That Washington is pressing ahead suggests how high a priority Venezuela has become for the administration. If Russia continues to back Mr. Maduro, this crisis could escalate dramatically. And once again—60 years after Fidel Castro stormed into power in Havana—Cuba will be right in the middle of it.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-t...na-11555972251
- Ex-CEO
- 04-30-2019, 03:49 PM
In my view, this is not an "attempted coup," but rather a citizen effort to effect something of a "reverse coup." For a coup is generally taken to mean the illegal or unconstitutional usurpation of power by renegade military or other actors.
In this case, it was Maduro who brutally arrogated dictatorial powers to himself, and Juan Guaido who is on the side of freedom-seeking Venezuelans and has the support of the governments of the US and the vast majority of free nations.
Go Guaido!
In this case, it was Maduro who brutally arrogated dictatorial powers to himself, and Juan Guaido who is on the side of freedom-seeking Venezuelans and has the support of the governments of the US and the vast majority of free nations.
Go Guaido!
- Jackie S
- 04-30-2019, 03:57 PM
In my view, this is not an "attempted coup," but rather a citizen effort to effect something of a "reverse coup." For a coup is generally taken to mean the illegal or unconstitutional usurpation of power by renegade military or other actors.The dumb ass citizens of Venezuela voted for representatives that allowed Chavez and Maduro to do what they are doing. Giving up al civilian firearms was the first step.
In this case, it was Maduro who brutally arrogated dictatorial powers to himself, and Juan Guaido who is on the side of freedom-seeking Venezuelans and has the support of the governments of the US and the vast majority of free nations.
Go Guaido! Originally Posted by Ex-CEO
"Everything will be free, free, free".
Sound familiar?
- Ex-CEO
- 04-30-2019, 04:01 PM
The dumb ass citizens of Venezuela voted for representatives that allowed Chavez and Maduro to do what they are doing. Giving up al civilian firearms was the first step.
"Everything will be free, free, free".
Sound familiar? Originally Posted by Jackie S
Sort of does sound familiar, at that. For details, check with Ms. Alexandria Occasional-Cortex!
- Jackie S
- 04-30-2019, 04:05 PM
Sort of does sound familiar, at that. For details, check with Ms. Alexandria Occasional-Cortex! Originally Posted by Ex-CEOOr any one of the twenty or thirty candidates for the Democrat Nomination for POTUS.
Here is a frightening note. If they had an election today, half of the people in Venezuela would vote for the same shit again.
- Ex-CEO
- 04-30-2019, 04:19 PM
Or any one of the twenty or thirty candidates for the Democrat Nomination for POTUS.
Here is a frightening note. If they had an election today, half of the people in Venezuela would vote for the same shit again. Originally Posted by Jackie S
It might be fun to see who looks like a winner in the upcoming bidding war these people will conduct while campaigning.
A couple of trillion extra bucks per year for free college and job guarantees? Hell, that's just an appetizer!
- Tiny
- 04-30-2019, 08:07 PM
Here is a frightening note. If they had an election today, half of the people in Venezuela would vote for the same shit again. Originally Posted by Jackie SOnly because Maduro would rig the election. His approval rating has hovered between 20% and 25% in recent years. It may be lower now. When things get as fucked up as they are now in Venezuela it's hard to keep pulling the wool over people's eyes.
Trump on the other hand would kill for the approval rating here that he has in Venzuela - it's over 50%.
- Redhot1960
- 04-30-2019, 08:58 PM
Only because Maduro would rig the election. His approval rating has hovered between 20% and 25% in recent years. It may be lower now. When things get as fucked up as they are now in Venezuela it's hard to keep pulling the wool over people's eyes.Tiny PDJTrump supporters are the best.
Trump on the other hand would kill for the approval rating here that he has in Venzuela - it's over 50%. Originally Posted by Tiny
Thanks, Tiny
Oh, the times they are a changing...
- dilbert firestorm
- 04-30-2019, 11:12 PM
this is going to be a long slow over throw. not going to happen over nite.
- lustylad
- 05-01-2019, 08:02 AM
this is going to be a long slow over throw. not going to happen over nite. Originally Posted by dilbert firestormIf you're right (and I damn well hope you're not) it's because that commie jackass John Brennan fucked up the CIA so badly they can't shoot straight anymore. Back in the day Langley knew how to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Mossadegh, Arbenz, Allende.
- rexdutchman
- 05-01-2019, 08:49 AM
But rather a citizen effort to effect something of a "reverse coup." from the socialist gov that destroyed them.
Venezuela was one of the most prosperous countries in the world till oil prices went down and hugo s dictatorship sent the country into the shitter . To high tax's too much ""Free"" from gov , took away gun's (2013 control of arms) so if you think it cant happen one word VENEZUELA.
Venezuela was one of the most prosperous countries in the world till oil prices went down and hugo s dictatorship sent the country into the shitter . To high tax's too much ""Free"" from gov , took away gun's (2013 control of arms) so if you think it cant happen one word VENEZUELA.
- bamscram
- 05-01-2019, 12:46 PM
Looked like the Trumpster was getting a winner, till Putin told Madurro. to stay where he was
- lustylad
- 05-01-2019, 01:36 PM
- dilbert firestorm
- 05-02-2019, 09:15 AM
problem with the venezuelan military. its known that they are not happy with the current situation. they stay out of fear for their families.
2000 defector soldiers (out of 350,000 V. soldiers) is not enough to make a difference.
Maduro Uses Threats to Keep Military Loyal, Frustrating Opposition
https://www.thenewamerican.com/world...ing-opposition
Those few who have successfully escaped told Reuters that rebellion “has been contained by intimidation and threats of reprisals against officers’ families.” Said one escapee, a female National Guard lieutenant who crossed into Brazil on foot, told Reuters, “Most military people that are leaving are from the National Guard. They will continue coming. More want to leave.” But they are constrained by threats of reprisals against their families if they oppose Maduro. Those threats are being carried out by the colectivos — motorcycle gangs with automatic weapons — who terrorize any who might support Guaidó’s opposition to the Maduro dictatorship.
the article makes a good a comparison between Venezuela and Romania (Maduro & Nicolae Ceaușescu). the moves are the men made are very similar to maintain control.
This same frustration must have been felt by Ion Iliescu, the leader of the opposition during the Romanian Revolution in December 1989. He experienced firsthand the repression and tyranny imposed by Romania’s communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. The dictator imposed price controls on his people, which led to rationing. Protests were quashed by his Securitate (remarkably similar to Maduro’s colectivos), which was responsible for mass surveillance, repression, and human-rights abuses of those perceived to pose potential threats to his regime. He suppressed and controlled the media and the press and had arrested any who dared to speak out about those abuses.
All of which led to the moment of crisis for Ceaușescu. His military turned on him following a speech on Christmas Day 1989 where he lost control of the crowd. Wikipedia tells the story: “Ceaușescu raised his right hand in hopes of silencing the crowd; his stunned expression remains one of the defining moments of the end of Communism in Eastern Europe.”
there is one key difference between then & now. Romania didn't have the Russian support at the time. Venezuela is backed by China & Russia.
its also possible that the money ran out for Ceasusecus and the military found out and over threw him.
Ceausescu was out within 3 weeks of the revolution starting.
Maduro put those controls in place for a year and his colectivos are running wild for a year too, worse, the timing was all wrong. there were large protests last year, none of the military defected and joined the protests.
strange situation in venezeula with the Guaido vs. Maduro.
so I don't know if the lightning will strike twice.
2000 defector soldiers (out of 350,000 V. soldiers) is not enough to make a difference.
Maduro Uses Threats to Keep Military Loyal, Frustrating Opposition
https://www.thenewamerican.com/world...ing-opposition
Those few who have successfully escaped told Reuters that rebellion “has been contained by intimidation and threats of reprisals against officers’ families.” Said one escapee, a female National Guard lieutenant who crossed into Brazil on foot, told Reuters, “Most military people that are leaving are from the National Guard. They will continue coming. More want to leave.” But they are constrained by threats of reprisals against their families if they oppose Maduro. Those threats are being carried out by the colectivos — motorcycle gangs with automatic weapons — who terrorize any who might support Guaidó’s opposition to the Maduro dictatorship.
the article makes a good a comparison between Venezuela and Romania (Maduro & Nicolae Ceaușescu). the moves are the men made are very similar to maintain control.
This same frustration must have been felt by Ion Iliescu, the leader of the opposition during the Romanian Revolution in December 1989. He experienced firsthand the repression and tyranny imposed by Romania’s communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. The dictator imposed price controls on his people, which led to rationing. Protests were quashed by his Securitate (remarkably similar to Maduro’s colectivos), which was responsible for mass surveillance, repression, and human-rights abuses of those perceived to pose potential threats to his regime. He suppressed and controlled the media and the press and had arrested any who dared to speak out about those abuses.
All of which led to the moment of crisis for Ceaușescu. His military turned on him following a speech on Christmas Day 1989 where he lost control of the crowd. Wikipedia tells the story: “Ceaușescu raised his right hand in hopes of silencing the crowd; his stunned expression remains one of the defining moments of the end of Communism in Eastern Europe.”
there is one key difference between then & now. Romania didn't have the Russian support at the time. Venezuela is backed by China & Russia.
its also possible that the money ran out for Ceasusecus and the military found out and over threw him.
Ceausescu was out within 3 weeks of the revolution starting.
Maduro put those controls in place for a year and his colectivos are running wild for a year too, worse, the timing was all wrong. there were large protests last year, none of the military defected and joined the protests.
strange situation in venezeula with the Guaido vs. Maduro.
so I don't know if the lightning will strike twice.