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Main Forums => Politics => Topic started by: Ben on January 23, 2019, 03:32:01 PM

Title: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on January 23, 2019, 03:32:01 PM
Venezuela has been on the news backburner a bit with all the other headlines being pounded at us. Things look to be getting more interesting there right now:

https://www.foxnews.com/world/unrest-unfolds-in-venezuela-as-trump-mulls-proposition-to-name-opposition-leader-as-legitimate-president


Oh, and this might also be interesting:

https://twitchy.com/dougp-3137/2019/01/23/lol-blue-check-journo-pleads-for-help-from-aoc-over-trump-effectively-declaring-a-coup-in-venezuela/

Let's see how the socialist responds.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on January 23, 2019, 03:34:52 PM
I can only hope, for the sake of the people of Venezuela, that they succeed in deposing Maduro. The suffering they have endured is massive.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 23, 2019, 04:21:44 PM
Oh, and this might also be interesting:

https://twitchy.com/dougp-3137/2019/01/23/lol-blue-check-journo-pleads-for-help-from-aoc-over-trump-effectively-declaring-a-coup-in-venezuela/

Let's see how the socialist responds.

I'm sure there are plenty of people here willing to pitch in to buy her a one way ticket to Venezuela to get a front row seat to see for herself how well socialism works.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TechMan on January 23, 2019, 04:30:44 PM
I'm sure there are plenty of people here willing to pitch in to buy her a one way ticket to Venezuela to get a front row seat to see for herself how well socialism works.

I am for $20.  Who's starting the GoFundMe?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 23, 2019, 04:36:10 PM
BTW: Where's Sean Penn in all of this?

(https://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-venezuela-and-its-revolution-will-endure-under-the-proven-leadership-of-vice-president-sean-penn-62-21-80.jpg)
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 23, 2019, 04:57:51 PM
I fear Maduro and his supporters aren't going anywhere peacefully, they know many of them will probably wind up with their backs up against a wall if Maduro steps down or is otherwise forced from power. This could get bloody, very quickly, both in the removal and the retribution that will likely follow.
I hope I'm wrong in that and I'm hoping that Maduro and his supporters leave power peacefully and that Venezuela enjoys a peaceful and fruitful renaissance
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 23, 2019, 05:16:11 PM
Code Pink to the rescue!

https://twitchy.com/dougp-3137/2019/01/23/ratio-in-progress-code-pinks-take-on-whats-happening-in-venezuela-and-trumps-reaction-is-totally-coup-coup/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on January 23, 2019, 06:50:16 PM
I am for $20.  Who's starting the GoFundMe?

A go fund me to send her to Venezuela?

Wouldn't that be a go *expletive deleted*ck you account?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on January 23, 2019, 09:12:23 PM
A go fund me to send her to Venezuela?

Wouldn't that be a go *expletive deleted*ck you account?
What is your point?   =D
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Hawkmoon on January 23, 2019, 10:55:12 PM
It appears that the United States has recognized the opposition as the legitimate government of Venezuela, and the Maduro gang have evicted our diplomats.

I think I read that some other countries are also recognizing the opposition rather than Maduro.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: 230RN on January 24, 2019, 04:12:26 AM
I fear Maduro and his supporters aren't going anywhere peacefully, they know many of them will probably wind up with their backs up against a wall if Maduro steps down or is otherwise forced from power. This could get bloody, very quickly, both in the removal and the retribution that will likely follow.
I hope I'm wrong in that and I'm hoping that Maduro and his supporters leave power peacefully and that Venezuela enjoys a peaceful and fruitful renaissance

Maybe they can escape to Germany.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 24, 2019, 06:13:03 AM
Maybe they can escape to Germany.
Maduro does look like he could fit right in in the Middle East
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Blakenzy on January 24, 2019, 07:55:04 AM
How do we determine if this opposition leader is the legitimate representative of the venezuelan people and not just a puppet serving international geopolitical interests?

Foreign powers "assigning" a president to a sovereign country smells like all kinds of rotten. The sad part is that this kind of meddling will only fuel conflict which venezuelans will pay for in blood. It's easy and fun to support kicking out the "bad guy" when your skin isn't on the line, but the decent thing to do would be to stay the hell out of it.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: 230RN on January 24, 2019, 10:47:57 AM
Maybe they can escape to Germany.

I was making a wisecrack about the probable escape of all the high level Nazis to Venezuela and other South American countries.

Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 24, 2019, 11:02:43 AM
I know, I kind of made a wisecrack in turn because Maduro reminds me of Saddam Hussein, looks wise, and Germany seems to be having a bit of a middle eastern problem. So maybe, jokingly, Maduro could fit right in in Germany. I think maybe my joke was too vague
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on January 24, 2019, 12:07:21 PM
"Foreign powers "assigning" a president to a sovereign country smells like all kinds of rotten."

If I'm not mistaken, most of these nations have never recognized the legitimacy of the last several Venezuelan elections.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TechMan on January 24, 2019, 12:57:36 PM
A go fund me to send her to Venezuela?

Wouldn't that be a go *expletive deleted*ck you account?

Go Fund Me...Go *expletive deleted*ck You...potatoe...potato.  As long as we can drop her off in that sweet, sweet Socialist paradise.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Angel Eyes on January 26, 2019, 04:58:30 PM
https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/26/uk/venezuela-maduro-bank-of-england-gold-withdrawal-gbr-intl/index.html

Quote
London (CNN)The Bank of England has blocked Nicolas Maduro's officials from withdrawing $1.2 billion worth of gold, Bloomberg reported, dealing a further blow to the embattled Venezuelan President as he tries to salvage his authority.

Sounds like Maduro tried to open a GoFundMyself.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Fly320s on January 30, 2019, 06:22:04 AM
https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/26/uk/venezuela-maduro-bank-of-england-gold-withdrawal-gbr-intl/index.html

Sounds like Maduro tried to open a GoFundMyself.


Might still be doing it.  $840m in gold bars being loaded on a Russian airliner.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/russian-plane-in-venezuela-takes-20-tons-of-gold-flies-to-unknown-location-lawmaker-claims
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 30, 2019, 07:02:34 AM
Saw that, usually a sign the **** is hitting the fan
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on January 30, 2019, 09:58:56 AM
Saw that, usually a sign the **** is hitting the fan

Word.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on January 30, 2019, 10:01:04 AM
While having $840M in gold stolen would suck for the people of Venezuela, it would be worth every penny to get rid of Maduro and his allies, should this be the prelude to their departure.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 30, 2019, 10:04:31 AM
Wonder if there are any Buk missile systems in Venezuela?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on January 30, 2019, 10:06:35 AM
While having $840M in gold stolen would suck for the people of Venezuela, it would be worth every penny to get rid of Maduro and his allies, should this be the prelude to their departure.

True, but some of that crew should really be put against a wall, vs having a bank account and hammock in the Caymans, where they'll be drinking rum and figuring out how to get it right "next time".
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on January 30, 2019, 10:07:17 AM
*
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Fly320s on January 30, 2019, 10:46:21 AM
I don't think it is Maduro fleeing with his retirement account.  My bet is that Russia said, "You owe us billions and we are coming to collect.  Have the gold ready to load on Wednesday, comrade."
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on January 30, 2019, 10:51:54 AM
I don't think it is Maduro fleeing with his retirement account.  My bet is that Russia said, "You owe us billions and we are coming to collect.  Have the gold ready to load on Wednesday, comrade."

That's a good point. They might fear a new government might default on that debt.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on January 30, 2019, 10:54:34 AM
I don't think it is Maduro fleeing with his retirement account.  My bet is that Russia said, "You owe us billions and we are coming to collect.  Have the gold ready to load on Wednesday, comrade."

Ah, good point. Rum doesn't taste as good when it's spiked with Polonium-210.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: fifth_column on January 31, 2019, 12:53:07 PM
True, but some of that crew should really be put against a wall, vs having a bank account and hammock in the Caymans, where they'll be drinking rum and figuring out how to get it right "next time".

If any of them get out with the money doubtless they'll think it went right this time.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on January 31, 2019, 07:49:50 PM
From Task and Purpose today:

What The Hell Is Going On In Venezuela? An Explanation.

Beloved readers: Your friend and humble Pentagon correspondent has been spending the last week trying to figure out why in the name of the Risen Mattis that Venezuela has suddenly become a national security hotspot.

As far as your dimwitted reporter can determine, neither the Taliban nor Al Qaeda nor ISIS have established a caliphate in the Bolivarian Republic. None of North Korea’s nuclear weapons or ballistic missile facilities have been moved south of the border. And Caracas is the one place where Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has not taken a selfie – yet.

But the Trump administration, seemingly unfulfilled dealing with these simultaneous crises all over the world, is now committed to helping the Venezuelan people pass a gigantic kidney stone known as Nicolas Maduro, the dictator who has ruled the country since former Jefe In Chief Hugo Chavez went to the great socialist revolution in the sky in 2013.

Under Maduro’s inspired leadership, the Venezuelan economy has been in a state of collapse for nearly five years. Inflation is set to top 10 million percent this year (https://www.csis.org/analysis/juan-guaid%C3%B3-venezuelas-interim-president?mc_cid=421d657e8f&mc_eid=5d6d959f39) and most Venezuelans cannot get food, fuel, or medical care. (Maduro was recently awarded the Comrade Spenser Rapone (https://taskandpurpose.com/army-disciplines-commie-cadet?mc_cid=421d657e8f&mc_eid=5d6d959f39) Award for Excellence in Socialism.)

Maduro was declared the winner of Venezuela’s presidential election in May – which made Chicago’s mayoral elections look like Athenian democracy – yet the country’s opposition as well as several countries have condemned the process as rigged.

Fidel Castro Jr. – sorry – Maduro was supposed to begin his latest presidential term on Jan. 10, but the National Assembly, Venezuela’s Congress, has declared his voided his election and opposition leader Juan Guaidó has declared himself president of an interim government.

On Jan. 23, President Donald Trump officially recognized Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader and vowed to, “use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy.”

When asked later that day if he was considering using the U.S. military in Venezuela, Trump replied, “We're not considering anything, but all options are on the table.”

Trump had a phone call with Guaidó on Wednesday, “To congratulate him on his historic assumption of the presidency and to reinforce President Trump’s strong support for Venezuela’s fight to regain its democracy,” according to the White House.

Now comes the question you’ve all been waiting for: Will the United States invade Venezuela? From what your humble correspondent has been able to find out so far, no invasion force is massing to launch Bay of Pigs II: Electric Boogaloo. (This happens to be the title of Spenser Rapone’s mixtape, BTW.)

“State and Treasury are taking a significant number of steps to recognize the National Assembly and President Guaido,” Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday. “We are supporting, we're monitoring the situation very carefully and we're watching.  And we are working very much in real time, so.”

Shanahan did not comment on National Security Adviser John Bolton’s massive OPSEC fail (https://taskandpurpose.com/bolton-colombia-troops-opsec?mc_cid=421d657e8f&mc_eid=5d6d959f39) the day before, when “5,000 troops to Colombia” was clearly visible on his legal pad during a White House briefing.

“I haven't discussed that with [Ambassador] Bolton,” Shanahan said.

It is extremely unlikely that the president would deploy troops to Venezuela, said retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, former head of U.S. Southern Command.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford would all probably resign if the president ordered a military intervention in Venezuela, McCaffrey told Task & Purpose.

“It would also turn into a fight,” McCaffrey said. “I’ve had a lot of contact with the Venezuelan armed forces and national police. There’s no reason to expect that if a foreign power invaded Venezuela they wouldn’t fight.”

McCaffrey said he also doubts think that Trump is manufacturing a foreign crisis to distract people from his political problems, such as the ongoing investigation into alleged ties between Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russian intelligence.

“I don’t think the White House staff said: ‘Hey, we can get a war going in Venezuela. It will throw manure on your trail,’” McCaffrey said.

However, the potential for conflict remains because the U.S. government has refused Maduro’s demands to close the U.S. embassy in Venezuela and remove all diplomats, he added.

The Maduro regime initially told U.S. diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours, but it later backed down and allowed the embassy to remain open (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/26/world/americas/nicolas-maduro-juan-guaido-venezuela-diplomats.html?mc_cid=421d657e8f&mc_eid=5d6d959f39) as it establishes a U.S. Interests Office in Venezuela.

On Jan. 24, the State Department ordered all non-emergency employees and family members of U.S. embassy personnel to leave the country, a State Department spokesperson told Task & Purpose.

“We have no plans to close the embassy,” the spokesperson said. “The United States will maintain diplomatic relations with Venezuela through the government of interim President Guaido, who has invited our mission to remain in Venezuela.”

If the United States can force Maduro to step down, it will have removed a fierce opponent in Latin America who has allied himself with both Cuba and Russia, which recently sent strategic bombers to the country – nearly decapitating an eager Russian TV reporter (http://www.armedpolitesociety.com/index.php?topic=59359.0).

McCaffrey praised the U.S. government’s strategy of citing a provision in the Venezuela’s own constitution that allows the National Assembly  leader to declare himself president as justification for recognizing Guaidó as the country’s legitimate leader.

“I thought this was really quite inspired – there’s no way Trump came up with it,” McCaffrey said. “It was a brilliant move. If they follow it to its extreme, it looks to me as if it may mean in the coming 90 days there’s going to be a collapse of the government.”
 

Jeff Schogol covers the Pentagon for Task & Purpose. He has covered the military for 13 years and embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq and Haiti. Prior to joining T&P, he covered the Marine Corps and Air Force at Military Times. Comments or thoughts to share? Send them to Jeff Schogol via email at schogol@taskandpurpose.com or direct message @JeffSchogol on Twitter.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: p12 on February 01, 2019, 11:07:22 PM
I think Bolton’s legal pad misstep was intentional.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ron on February 03, 2019, 08:12:21 AM
Maduro better get out of Dodge, the US Empire has spoken.

At least Venezuela is in our corner of the world.

I don’t know if it was here or someplace else, but I read the play here is to get our guy in charge and ramp up oil production to drive the price of oil even lower.

This is a tactic to hurt Russia’s oil based economy even further.

Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on February 03, 2019, 01:14:02 PM
It will take a while (possibly years) to get VZ oil production back up to pre-Chavez levels.  Pretty much everything needs to be replaced due to lack or maintenance and vandalism over the past few years.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on February 03, 2019, 01:16:25 PM
It will take a while (possibly years) to get VZ oil production back up to pre-Chavez levels.  Pretty much everything needs to be replaced due to lack or maintenance and vandalism over the past few years.

I would be very curious to see, if ever an accurate report came out, just how much damage was caused by the turnover from competent foreigners to "the people". I suspect it is very Ayn Rand-ish.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: fifth_column on February 04, 2019, 11:29:39 AM
I think Bolton’s legal pad misstep was intentional.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm pretty sure it was photoshopped.  Someone I know happened to have watched the press conference where this "leak" supposedly occurred and had screenshots.  None of them showed anything similar to what the news "article" showed. 

It's scary how blatant and obvious the MSM has become in literally faking images and pushing an agenda.  Scary and dangerous.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on February 04, 2019, 11:59:50 AM
I would be very curious to see, if ever an accurate report came out, just how much damage was caused by the turnover from competent foreigners to "the people". I suspect it is very Ayn Rand-ish.

There have been speculative reports based on known maintenance requirements, statements from people who used to work at the plants, etc.

Essentially, it boils down to "if they don't start putting money into the infrastructure NOW the Venezuelan oil industry will pretty much cease to exist and have to be rebuilt from the ground up."

Chavez's approach to management of the oil industry was nothing short of disastrous.

His first step was to finalize nationalization of the industry (nationalization started in the 1970s), both in ownership and management, which often involved putting his buds in charge of stuff that they knew nothing about, and those people then put THEIR buds in charge of the next level down... And each level is rife with not only incompetence but also graft and corruption.

We keep hearing about how bad Crony Capitalism is, but it's nothing compared to Crony Socialism.

His next step was to look at all the money that the government was spending on required maintenance and say "Why waste that money when I can use it to give the people the free *expletive deleted*it they need to keep me in power?"

This article is a year old at this point, and the situation has not improved...

https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-low-can-venezuelan-oil-production-go



This article is even more damning, and it's more recent.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2019/01/29/charting-the-decline-of-venezuelas-oil-industry/#2f6146f64ecd



Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on February 04, 2019, 01:45:34 PM
Man, people are so off the rails with TDS it's just mind-blowing. Pretty much every free country in the world has backed regime change, but somehow this has all become a "Trump Coup" against poor Dear Leader.

Shut up and sing/act.

https://twitchy.com/sarahd-313035/2019/02/04/people-are-dying-roger-waters-shredded-for-this-take-on-the-trump-coup-in-venezuela/

Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: grampster on February 04, 2019, 04:24:40 PM
Man, people are so off the rails with TDS it's just mind-blowing. Pretty much every free country in the world has backed regime change, but somehow this has all become a "Trump Coup" against poor Dear Leader.

Shut up and sing/act.

https://twitchy.com/sarahd-313035/2019/02/04/people-are-dying-roger-waters-shredded-for-this-take-on-the-trump-coup-in-venezuela/

Sometimes I'd like to pound my head against a wall.  I have friends and acquaintances who are fairly smart and educated people.  The are so deep into TDS that it boggles the mind.  Virtually every derogatory remark about Trump is either flat out false or partially false leaning to the hateful comment category without any basis in truth.  Yes, Trump has philandered.  Yes, he is not a very good speaker.  Yes, he is blunt.  Yes, he appears to talk about a thing today that varies from what he said about the subject yesterday.  (I sometimes wonder if he has ADHD)  Yes, he doesn't have a network of Deep State people who can help him correctly judge who should be appointed to various and sundry positions.  By correct definition, though, he is not a bigot.  He is not a misogynist, he is not racist.  He is a savvy billionaire businessbeing who is used to having his minions do as he says.  I do suspect he accepts counsel, though perhaps what he decides is a blend of what his gut tells him and the advice he gets.
 
If Trump would go down in history for only one thing it would be how he exposed the corruption in the media, the D party and portions of the R party as well as the deep state bureaucracy.

Venezuela has and is crumbling into anarchy and despotism and those who should know and understand that, don't or won't.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on February 04, 2019, 06:00:18 PM
Sometimes I'd like to pound my head against a wall.  I have friends and acquaintances who are fairly smart and educated people.  The are so deep into TDS that it boggles the mind.  Virtually every derogatory remark about Trump is either flat out false or partially false leaning to the hateful comment category without any basis in truth.  Yes, Trump has philandered.  Yes, he is not a very good speaker.  Yes, he is blunt.  Yes, he appears to talk about a thing today that varies from what he said about the subject yesterday.  (I sometimes wonder if he has ADHD)  Yes, he doesn't have a network of Deep State people who can help him correctly judge who should be appointed to various and sundry positions.  By correct definition, though, he is not a bigot.  He is not a misogynist, he is not racist.  He is a savvy billionaire businessbeing who is used to having his minions do as he says.  I do suspect he accepts counsel, though perhaps what he decides is a blend of what his gut tells him and the advice he gets.
 
If Trump would go down in history for only one thing it would be how he exposed the corruption in the media, the D party and portions of the R party as well as the deep state bureaucracy.

Venezuela has and is crumbling into anarchy and despotism and those who should know and understand that, don't or won't.
I have heard people comment on podcasts that a few years ago if someone talked about the Deep State, they would have thought they were crazy or a bit off the wall at the least.  Now, they see it as absolutely true.  I am sure not everyone thinks that, but I think there has been a big shift. 
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on February 04, 2019, 06:13:29 PM
There have been speculative reports based on known maintenance requirements, statements from people who used to work at the plants, etc.

Essentially, it boils down to "if they don't start putting money into the infrastructure NOW the Venezuelan oil industry will pretty much cease to exist and have to be rebuilt from the ground up."

Chavez's approach to management of the oil industry was nothing short of disastrous.

His first step was to finalize nationalization of the industry (nationalization started in the 1970s), both in ownership and management, which often involved putting his buds in charge of stuff that they knew nothing about, and those people then put THEIR buds in charge of the next level down... And each level is rife with not only incompetence but also graft and corruption.

We keep hearing about how bad Crony Capitalism is, but it's nothing compared to Crony Socialism.

His next step was to look at all the money that the government was spending on required maintenance and say "Why waste that money when I can use it to give the people the free *expletive deleted*it they need to keep me in power?"

This article is a year old at this point, and the situation has not improved...

https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-low-can-venezuelan-oil-production-go



This article is even more damning, and it's more recent.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2019/01/29/charting-the-decline-of-venezuelas-oil-industry/#2f6146f64ecd




I thought I had seen something in the past about warehouses of spare parts being sold off by managers to pocket the money.  I was thinking that everyone with access would be selling whatever they could take for scrap, but I have no idea if there is a place to sell the scrap.  If it was open season on scrap being pulled out, all the small motor all the copper cable would be gone.  I imagine there are lots of valves and piping made from expensive alloys.  That doesn't even get to the stuff that is corroded and falling apart from misuse.  Cooling water circulation systems probably weren't shut down properly and all the heat exchangers and piping are rusted to hell.  I am sure an oil refinery has a lot of more corrosive chemicals I have no experience with.  Even if someone tried to stuff from being taken, it could still cost a huge amount to put it back into 100% shape. 
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on February 06, 2019, 10:37:54 AM
"I thought I had seen something in the past about warehouses of spare parts being sold off by managers to pocket the money."

Under the people's socialism? NEVER!

Hundreds of millions worth of spares magically appeared on the secondary market in the mid 2000s when Maduro's buds started replacing people who knew what they were doing.


"I imagine there are lots of valves and piping made from expensive alloys."

Oh my god yeah. Highest quality stainless steel alloys, phosphor bronze alloys for valves and the like, titanium and titanium steel alloys...

And even if they only got pennies on the pound some of those fittings are hundreds of pounds....
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on February 24, 2019, 07:08:03 PM
A little local news

Activists demonstrate against U.S. intervention in Venezuela at Big Four Bridge
http://www.wave3.com/2019/02/24/activists-demonstrate-against-us-intervention-venezuela-big-four-bridge/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on February 24, 2019, 07:11:37 PM
A little local news

Activists demonstrate against U.S. intervention in Venezuela at Big Four Bridge
http://www.wave3.com/2019/02/24/activists-demonstrate-against-us-intervention-venezuela-big-four-bridge/


I'm at a loss with this stuff. The dems and SJWs are trying to stop food and medical aid so they can "teach Trump a lesson" (never mind the 49 other countries that agree with him).

I just saw a newsclip this morning that showed aid trucks on fire, then segued to Maduro, who was dancing in the streets with his supporters.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on February 24, 2019, 07:35:09 PM
Yeah, I don't understand it either.
Only think I can think of is TDS. If Orange man does it it is automatically  bad.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: bedlamite on February 24, 2019, 07:36:03 PM
Yeah, I don't understand it either.
Only think I can think of is TDS. If Orange man does it it is automatically  bad.

So you do understand it.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on February 24, 2019, 07:44:17 PM
Guess that's one way of looking at it.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Perd Hapley on February 24, 2019, 11:31:35 PM
Conspiracy Coworker says he's keeping out the globalists. Maduro's not going to let his country be vassal state of the Internationalist Joo-ish Bankers, by gum.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TommyGunn on February 25, 2019, 12:02:59 AM
Conspiracy Coworker says he's keeping out the globalists. Maduro's not going to let his country be vassal state of the Internationalist Joo-ish Bankers, by gum.


There's a lot of the STOOPIDZ   infecting the minds of Americans these days. 
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on February 25, 2019, 12:15:29 AM
Except that doesn't explain why people have no food.  They fixed food prices then started seizing food and farms.  They can't even handle a basic farming economy.  Oil production is far out of reach. 
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on February 25, 2019, 02:15:35 AM
TDS is really bad on this.   Trump is the non-interventionist president.   He wants to reduce our involvement in the Mid-east.  He wants Europe (NATO) to pull more of their own load.  He wants peace with the Norks, to reduce our commitment on the peninsula.

The very last thing he's going to do is launch the 82nd Airborne into Caracas.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: 230RN on February 25, 2019, 02:44:00 AM
FWIW Dept:

Came across this, don't know if it's been posted or not, but in my ignorance, I thought it was interesting.

https://youtu.be/CCIdm3cM6zQ (5:30, skip the ad)

I agree, though.  TDS, "Orange man bad," is cutting off our own cajones.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Blakenzy on February 26, 2019, 01:11:53 PM
"Humanitarian aid " stunts are pretty lame.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on March 08, 2019, 10:11:43 AM
Major power outage. Caused by us, as per El Presidente.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuela-in-chaos-after-massive-power-outage-maduros-regime-blames-marco-rubio
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on March 08, 2019, 10:34:43 AM
Major power outage. Caused by us, as per El Presidente.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuela-in-chaos-after-massive-power-outage-maduros-regime-blames-marco-rubio

At least they don't have to worry about food spoiling in the refrigerator  >:D
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on March 08, 2019, 11:52:13 AM
Quote
Marco Rubio

Verified account
 
@marcorubio
Follow Follow @marcorubio
More Marco Rubio Retweeted Madelein Garcia
Tonight the “Baghdad Bob” of #Caracas @jorgerpsuv revealed  I caused the nationwide & ongoing electric power outage in #Venezuela.  

My apologies to people of Venezuela. I must have pressed the wrong thing on the “electronic attack” app I downloaded from Apple. My bad.
https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1103851660743507968
 =D
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on March 11, 2019, 09:04:48 AM
Quote
Caracas (AFP) – Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for a nationwide march on Caracas to crank up the pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro, as the country endured its third night largely without power.

Guaido Calls for March on Caracas as Venezuela Blackout Drags On Three Nights
https://www.breitbart.com/news/guaido-calls-for-march-on-caracas-as-venezuela-blackout-drags-on/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: lee n. field on March 11, 2019, 12:07:24 PM
Atlas Shrugged decay and misery, without a John Galt.

Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: HankB on March 11, 2019, 01:51:24 PM
Atlas Shrugged decay and misery, without a John Galt.


Maybe closer than you realize. I saw an article claiming that a LOT of electrical engineers and other tech workers have fled Venezuela - presumably this includes people who work for the nation's electrical utility.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Brad Johnson on March 11, 2019, 02:16:09 PM
Maduro needs to brush up on his history. Romanian, specifically, with a focus on 25 Dec, 1989.

Brad
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on March 11, 2019, 05:55:25 PM
Maduro needs to brush up on his history. Romanian, specifically, with a focus on 25 Dec, 1989.

Brad

I remember watching that  on AFN.  When I saw that, I knew the Cold War was well and truly over...
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on March 11, 2019, 07:28:08 PM
Quote
The power outage began last Friday, with around 70 percent of the country receiving little or no electricity at all, making it the longest and most severe blackout in the country’s history. The situation that has already sparked considerable civil unrest, with incidents of mass lootings and the closure of nearly all public services.
https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/03/11/venezuelan-power-blackout-continues-humanitarian-crisis-rages-on/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Pb on March 12, 2019, 09:40:16 AM
Maduro needs to brush up on his history. Romanian, specifically, with a focus on 25 Dec, 1989.

Brad

(https://66.media.tumblr.com/b67f431f967c2796a72373b74230eb21/tumblr_obq67438Ya1rwjpnyo2_500.jpg)
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TechMan on March 12, 2019, 12:03:47 PM
Supermarket in Venezuela: https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/b07mg5/supermarkets_in_venezuela_these_days/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/b07mg5/supermarkets_in_venezuela_these_days/)
They have an abundance of an item.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on March 12, 2019, 12:20:31 PM
Supermarket in Venezuela: https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/b07mg5/supermarkets_in_venezuela_these_days/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/b07mg5/supermarkets_in_venezuela_these_days/)
They have an abundance of an item.

That works out to $637.00 per bottle.  No wonder they have so much...
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Angel Eyes on March 12, 2019, 04:35:39 PM
Supermarket in Venezuela: https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/b07mg5/supermarkets_in_venezuela_these_days/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/b07mg5/supermarkets_in_venezuela_these_days/)
They have an abundance of an item.

From the comments:
Quote
The ketchup must flow.

He who controls the Heinz controls the universe!
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Fly320s on March 12, 2019, 07:16:52 PM
That works out to $637.00 per bottle.  No wonder they have so much...

I have a coupon for 25 cents off.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: RocketMan on March 12, 2019, 07:23:49 PM
See the marvelous benefits of socialism!  Plenty of ketchup for all!  And it's red!
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on March 15, 2019, 03:47:25 PM
Life imitates Art.   It's been Lights Out in VZ for going on 7 days, with no sign of them coming back on.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on March 15, 2019, 03:53:34 PM
Life imitates Art.   It's been Lights Out in VZ for going on 7 days, with no sign of them coming back on.

Just as Europe is a glimpse into the future, so too is Venezuela.

Venezuela just decided to do the neglect of basic infrastructure at a much higher rate than the U.S. or Europe. Those problems with upkeep will show up later! We live in the NOW!

And, for Chavez at least, it looks like his gamble paid off. He ignored the maintenance, shafted the skilled workers, and paid no price (on this Earth) whatsoever!

But, the gods of the copybook headings will ALWAYS return.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on March 15, 2019, 04:07:48 PM
Think we found the problem

(https://i.gifer.com/1qXK.gif)
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TommyGunn on March 16, 2019, 12:00:43 AM
Think we found the problem

(https://i.gifer.com/1qXK.gif)

Unpossible - - - - no electricity.  I'm shocked at the cognitive dissonance.   [tinfoil]
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on March 21, 2019, 07:35:05 AM
China is sticking their nose into the power issues according to the video. They don't come right out and blame the US but the hints are strong.

Citigroup to sell more than $1B in Venezuelan gold in blow to Maduro regime, reports say
https://www.foxnews.com/world/citigroup-to-sell-over-1b-of-venezuelan-gold-in-blow-to-maduro-regime-reports-say
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on March 21, 2019, 08:54:00 AM
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/b67f431f967c2796a72373b74230eb21/tumblr_obq67438Ya1rwjpnyo2_500.jpg)


Never saw that picture before. Saw pictures of them post firing squad. Remember when it happened. Ex and I were spending Christmas in Maine...
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 10:44:36 AM
Something going on, is or was not sure yet

Guaido Leads Military Uprising in Venezuela
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2019/04/30/guaido-leads-military-uprising-in-venezuela-n2545591

Venezuela's Guaidó accused of coup attempt by government
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48103858
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on April 30, 2019, 12:41:11 PM
Seems like the military is 50/50 split on who to back. That's making things more interesting.

https://twitchy.com/gregp-3534/2019/04/30/escalation-a-national-guard-apv-just-mowed-down-pro-guaido-protesters-in-caracas-warning-graphic-video/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: brimic on April 30, 2019, 12:43:36 PM
Something going on, is or was not sure yet

Guaido Leads Military Uprising in Venezuela
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2019/04/30/guaido-leads-military-uprising-in-venezuela-n2545591

Venezuela's Guaidó accused of coup attempt by government
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48103858

I hope Guaido has a fleet of helicopters ready for when he takes control of the country. He has his work cut out for him.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 12:47:05 PM
Seems like the military is 50/50 split on who to back. That's making things more interesting.

https://twitchy.com/gregp-3534/2019/04/30/escalation-a-national-guard-apv-just-mowed-down-pro-guaido-protesters-in-caracas-warning-graphic-video/

Holy Crap
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 12:54:28 PM
And of course the conversation goes straight to how dictatorial Trump is
https://twitter.com/RVAwonk/status/1123256050843516929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Quote
Caroline Orr
‏ @RVAwonk
19m19 minutes ago

Maduro is a dictator. If Trump could effectively consolidate power, he'd follow in Maduro's brutal footsteps.
13 replies 10 retweets 185 likes
Ryan
‏ @RyanYankster
17m17 minutes ago

Dude he’s gone against socialism every chance he gets. This just doesn’t make sense lol
3 replies 0 retweets 26 likes
Scott
🇺🇸
🇨🇦
🇳🇴
‏ @ScottQuenette
15m15 minutes ago

It's not the economic system, it's the political system.  This is what anti-intellectualism gets you.
1 reply 0 retweets 18 likes
Ryan
‏ @RyanYankster
14m14 minutes ago

Ok then give me one example of something trump has done that’s dictatorish.
9 replies 0 retweets 6 likes
susan mathai
🍩
‏ @susanmathai
12m12 minutes ago

Refusing oversight from from a coequal branch of government
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on April 30, 2019, 01:27:09 PM
And of course the conversion goes straight to how dictatorial Trump is
https://twitter.com/RVAwonk/status/1123256050843516929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw


"Refusing oversight from a co-equal branch of government."


Sir, there's an Eric Holder on line one for you.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on April 30, 2019, 01:27:50 PM
"Refusing oversight from a co-equal branch of government."


Sir, there's an Eric Holder on line one for you.

I've got another call from Hillary Clinton on line two.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on April 30, 2019, 01:28:45 PM
I've got another call from Hillary Clinton on line two.

Sally Yates, Line three!
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on April 30, 2019, 01:32:35 PM
"Refusing oversight from a co-equal branch of government."

Sorta what pretty much every president in at least the last 100 years could be (rightly or wrongly) accused of. All it takes is one jackass fringe congressperson or senator to say, "Submit to my authority Mr President!" and the President to say, "Go jump in a lake." And boom, you have refusal of oversight.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TechMan on April 30, 2019, 01:37:50 PM
Can we drop AOC and Bernie into the middle of this mess, so they can get a taste of what they are advocating for.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 01:40:28 PM
Can we drop AOC and Bernie into the middle of this mess, so they can get a taste of what they are advocating for.

Add 90% of congress and California's government to that air drop
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: RoadKingLarry on April 30, 2019, 02:00:13 PM
Coming soon to a USA near you!!
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: AmbulanceDriver on April 30, 2019, 02:00:44 PM
Add 90% of congress and California's government to that air drop

Can we make that an orbital insertion sans parachute?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 07:55:46 PM
Because, you know, no one in Latin America wears MLB gear unless they're working for Trump
This is proof! Proof I tell ya! That Trump is causing this!
It gets even dumber as she tries to defend her claim in the comments. :facepalm:

https://twitter.com/LavenderNRed/status/1123300612408598528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitchy.com/brettt-3136/2019/04/30/hot-take-nationals-fans-catching-flights-to-venezuela-to-join-trump-administrations-coup-effort/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Angel Eyes on April 30, 2019, 09:53:19 PM
Well, who am I to question an autistic transgender revolutionary who insists on being referenced with plural pronouns?

Maybe Mr. Nationals Fan is part of this:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-erikprince-exclusi/exclusive-blackwater-founders-latest-sales-pitch-mercenaries-for-venezuela-idUSKCN1S608F
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Ben on April 30, 2019, 09:59:44 PM
Well, who am I to question an autistic transgender revolutionary who insists on being referenced with plural pronouns?

Maybe Mr. Nationals Fan is part of this:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-erikprince-exclusi/exclusive-blackwater-founders-latest-sales-pitch-mercenaries-for-venezuela-idUSKCN1S608F


To me, the most interesting part of that article was learning that his sister is Betsy DeVos.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 10:15:20 PM
LOL, I didn't even notice the "autistic transgender revolutionary" part
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on April 30, 2019, 10:19:34 PM
They knocked CNN & The BBC off the air

Venezuela Says 'Ta-Ta' To CNN
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2019/04/30/maduros-team-pulls-the-plug-multiple-media-outlets-in-venezuela-n2545650
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Hawkmoon on April 30, 2019, 10:51:01 PM
"Refusing oversight from a co-equal branch of government."


Sir, there's an Eric Holder on line one for you.

"Checks and balances" does not equate to "oversight." Absent an impeachable offense, the legislative branch doesn't have any power or authority to "oversee" the executive branch. Just as the executive branch doesn't have any power or authority to "oversee" the legislative branch.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Boomhauer on May 01, 2019, 05:48:04 PM
Heard there was a push to assault the presidential mansion and get Maduro but it failed. It would have been a sweet victory for today
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on May 02, 2019, 10:29:35 AM
(https://media.townhall.com/Townhall/Car/b/IMG-567920190502110231.jpg)
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: TechMan on May 02, 2019, 10:41:16 AM
(https://media.townhall.com/Townhall/Car/b/IMG-567920190502110231.jpg)

You owe me a new keyboard.  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Viking on May 02, 2019, 02:15:37 PM
With a bit of luck, we might actually see a livestream of Maduro being put up against a wall and shot. What a time to be alive.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Andiron on May 03, 2019, 09:27:12 PM
With a bit of luck, we might actually see a livestream of Maduro being put up against a wall and shot. What a time to be alive.

I'm holding out for defenestration via helo,  has a more regional vibe.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on May 04, 2019, 04:10:50 PM
With a bit of luck, we might actually see a livestream of Maduro being put up against a wall and shot. What a time to be alive.

It's been done.....Besides, it's too Eastern European.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: RocketMan on May 04, 2019, 08:52:05 PM
I have a hunch Maduro won't be going anywhere soon.  I hope my hunch is wrong.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on May 06, 2019, 01:50:48 AM
I predict that the protests will continue to ramp up.  Blood will begin to spill.  Once the Army realizes that "Hey, we're supposed to be protecting the people, not shooting them", will they begin to switch sides in large numbers.  Once that happens, Maduro either gets on a plane to Havana or gets Mussolini'd and Gaudiro takes over.

Then the real work begins. 
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Hawkmoon on May 06, 2019, 11:02:20 AM
Even Mubarek eventually bought the farm in Egypt. Sooner or later los soldados are going to wake up and realize that their families are starving because of him.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on May 09, 2019, 09:58:01 PM
Where the coup go?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on May 28, 2019, 09:10:51 AM
Fun Fun Fun

Quote
The New York Times recently compiled the list of issues facing the nation. For starters, hyperinflation is about to hit…10 million percent.

And gangs taking over whole towns

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2019/05/28/total-disaster-venezuelas-failed-socialist-experiment-produces-worst-collapse-o-n2546591
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on May 28, 2019, 09:48:34 AM
In one of the comments, someone asked if Hillary was elected, how long before the US looked like Venezuela? 

IMO, quite a while.  Even Venezuela took a while fall apart under Chavez and his predecessor.  The pro-Communists had plenty of time to crow about what a great job they were doing even while oil production tanked.  I think it could take a good while for the US to fall that far. 
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on May 28, 2019, 10:35:16 AM
In one of the comments, someone asked if Hillary was elected, how long before the US looked like Venezuela?  

IMO, quite a while.  Even Venezuela took a while fall apart under Chavez and his predecessor.  The pro-Communists had plenty of time to crow about what a great job they were doing even while oil production tanked.  I think it could take a good while for the US to fall that far.  

"There is a great deal of ruin in a nation" -Adam Smith

It would PROBABLY take some time to get to the point of Argentina. VENEZUELA. (Though Argentina is also a possible future, too.)

Probably.

One thing that bothers me is the role the US has in the world. IF the main driver of the world economy/keeper of the peace/source of innovation stopped propping up the world system, what would happen?

I'm not even sure what that would look like, but the thought gives me pause.

Another thought: Argentina has done this without a natural disaster, as well. The U.S. is a much larger country, with several natural disaster-prone areas.

Imagine Argentina with a major earthquake. Or a volcano. Use your imagination for a disaster appropriate to your home.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Hawkmoon on May 28, 2019, 10:20:37 PM
How did we segue from Venezuela to Argentina?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: RoadKingLarry on May 29, 2019, 05:39:25 AM
How did we segue from Venezuela to Argentina?

Freudian slip?
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on May 29, 2019, 06:44:29 AM
Trump is doing the absolute correct thing in VZ. 

Nothing. 

It will collapse (or implode) of it's own accord, no point in us being accused of installing another Pinochet.  They can install their own this time...
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on May 29, 2019, 10:05:24 AM
Freudian slip?

Pretty much. VENEZUELA. Not Argentina. They were in a less worse situation a decade ago, but still very bad.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Perd Hapley on May 29, 2019, 04:25:43 PM
Trump is doing the absolute correct thing in VZ. 

Nothing. 

It will collapse (or implode) of it's own accord, no point in us being accused of installing another Pinochet.  They can install their own this time...

too late:

https://thefreethoughtproject.com/guaido-venezuela-us-puppet/
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on May 30, 2019, 08:24:55 AM
One of the prime drivers of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland islands in 1982 was to focus patriotic feelings towards reclaiming the Falklands as a means of diverting public attention from an absolutely catastrophic economic situation and increasing unrest and violence against the ruling military government.

There's been some speculation that Maduro might try the same thing given the tenuous relations its had with Colombia, but I think that ship has really sailed for their being any support of such an action.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on May 30, 2019, 08:38:34 AM
One of the prime drivers of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland islands in 1982 was to focus patriotic feelings towards reclaiming the Falklands as a means of diverting public attention from an absolutely catastrophic economic situation and increasing unrest and violence against the ruling military government.

There's been some speculation that Maduro might try the same thing given the tenuous relations its had with Colombia, but I think that ship has really sailed for their being any support of such an action.

I've had the same thought for a while. The Falklands certainly wasn't the first and not the last time a war was started for the purpose of distracting the people from a country's internal problems.
Maduro biggest fear at this point is the military turning on him and he might start something just to give them sometime else to do while he and the top brass make off with the gold.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on May 30, 2019, 08:44:46 AM
Maduro and the rest of his and Hugo's cronies have already bled Venezuela dry.

I saw an interesting article some months ago that stated that pretty much everyone in the top echelon of the Chavez/Maduro governments is a billionaire.

Regarding starting something with Colombia or one of its other neighbors, I agree -- the situation has become so grim for so many in Venezuela that there's simply no longer much, if any, public emotion to redirect.

As bad as Argentina's economic problems were in the 1970s and 1980s in the lead up to the Falklands war the people still had adequate food supplies, they still had adequate medical care, and there was still toilet paper. None of that is true in Venezuela right now.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on May 30, 2019, 08:52:36 AM
Maduro and the rest of his and Hugo's cronies have already bled Venezuela dry.

I'm sure Maduro and gang have nest eggs hidden in various places.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: makattak on May 30, 2019, 08:57:21 AM
I'm sure Maduro and gang have nest eggs hidden in various places.

Of course they do. If by "nest egg" you mean $$BILLIONS$$

And those various places are ALL "not Venezuela".
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on May 30, 2019, 09:31:24 AM
I'm sure Maduro and gang have nest eggs hidden in various places Havana.

FTFY
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: bedlamite on May 30, 2019, 11:25:03 AM
Probably Bolivia and Nicaragua in addition to Cuba.
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on May 30, 2019, 11:29:37 AM
Most socialist despots know, for good reason, that it's usually not a good idea to put their money in the hands of another socialist despot
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: K Frame on May 30, 2019, 12:40:39 PM
Most socialist despots know, for good reason, that it's usually not a good idea to put their money in the hands of another socialist despot

This. They've most likely established slush funds in the traditional haven nations -- Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Andorra, Nevis, Singapore...
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: Scout26 on May 31, 2019, 08:43:24 AM
This sounds plausible, but launching a day early screwed up the timing of the defections from Maduro.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuelan-businessman-joined-plot-to-oust-maduroand-escape-sanctions-11558958520?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: WLJ on June 06, 2019, 05:16:04 PM
Be a two for one if they drag Cuba down with them

Quote
To bolster Maduro, Cuba has reportedly deployed some 20,000 troops to the nation, with aid packages. These aid packages have forced Cuba to start rationing their own goods, as it’s started to drain their resources. Cuba says there are no troops in the country, which is just as credible as North Korean state television. Cuban security forces have been seen protecting Maduro reportedly no longer trusts his own military.

Oh, So Could This Be Why Venezuela’s Maduro Has Been Able To Stick Around
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2019/06/06/oh-so-could-this-be-why-venezuelas-maduro-has-been-able-to-stick-around-n2547704
Title: Re: Venezuela Looks to be Getting Interesting
Post by: MechAg94 on June 06, 2019, 05:25:55 PM
I don't know if I wanted the US involved in this, but kicking out Cuban troops might a good reason.