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.