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originally posted by: UKTruth
a reply to: Xcalibur254
Their issues relate to socialism destroying their country - not a 'coup' in 2019.
originally posted by: strongfp
a reply to: UKTruth
Venezuelas issues dont stem from socialist economy... they stem from a dictator and several other outside influences, the US being one of the major players with heavy sanctions.
How could a socialist economy break a nation when it wasnt even given a chance to even start?
Following the adoption of a new constitution in 1999, Chávez focused on enacting social reforms as part of the Bolivarian Revolution. Using record-high oil revenues of the 2000s, his government nationalized key industries, created participatory democratic Communal Councils and implemented social programs known as the Bolivarian missions to expand access to food, housing, healthcare and education. Venezuela received high oil profits in the mid-2000s, resulting in temporary improvements in areas such as poverty, literacy, income equality and quality of life occurring primarily between 2003 and 2007, though these gains started to reverse after 2012 and it has been argued that government policies did not address structural inequalities.
According to Bertelsmann Stiftung, Chávez's populist policies eventually led to a severe socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela. On 2 June 2010, Chávez declared an "economic war" due to shortages in Venezuela, beginning the crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela. By the end of Chávez's presidency in the early 2010s, economic actions performed by his government during the preceding decade such as deficit spending and price controls proved to be unsustainable, with Venezuela's economy faltering while poverty, inflation and shortages in Venezuela increased. Chávez's presidency also saw significant increases in the country's murder rate and continued corruption within the police force and government.His use of enabling acts and his government's use of Bolivarian propaganda were also controversial.
originally posted by: Xcalibur254
a reply to: dug88
It's funny how all the people defending this move love Trump because he's "anti-Globalist." Yet when push comes to shove Trump is acting like the Globalist b***h boy and they love him for it.
originally posted by: TheConstruKctionofLight
a reply to: Xcalibur254
sigh - Trumps just another Obama, Bush, Major - Regime Change.
Why am I not surprised.
Gotta keep the weapons flowing.
The decision was probably made on Wall St before the puppets in Washington march to the tune.
Hugo Chavez promises universal medical care
When Hugo Chavez came to power in Venezuela in 1998, he promised health care for all. In 1999, he got it written into the Constitution, which stated: "Health is a fundamental social right, an obligation of the State."
Chavez also promised to make wealth more equal, “overcome poverty” and mandate higher wages. He made initial progress in expanding medical care and reducing poverty, which was praised by Americans from Sean Penn to Michael Moore.
However, the success was short-lived. Experts say it was based on using existing wealth rather than creating new wealth.
“He took from the private sector that existed, and enjoyed buoyant oil prices, to buy off the electorate,” said Fergus Hodgson, executive editor of Antigua Report, a Latin American business consulting agency.
“This strategy was great in the short term, but it crushed investment and new businesses. Predictably, when economic activity and oil prices went south, he resorted to printing money, and we all know what has happened.”
By 2018, the Venezuelan health system was a disaster. Hospitals were out of basic medicine, and also without food for children who were starving due to extreme poverty.
Medical care and the economy itself have since fallen into shambles under Chavez successor Nicolas Maduro, sparking widespread protests. The turmoil intensified this week as numerous countries, including the U.S., recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president -- and Maduro responded by saying he's cutting off relations with the U.S.
Amid the crisis, the average Venezuelan has lost 24 pounds due to food shortages. More than 2 million people have fled the country, which was once the wealthiest in South America due to its oil wealth.
originally posted by: Xcalibur254
a reply to: seeker1963
I've never bought in to the whole Russian collusion angle. I did have an issue with Trump's nonchalance over the Russian annexation of Crimea based on a sham referendum.
What were your thoughts on Crimea?
originally posted by: Xcalibur254
Oh look, the US is one again contributing to a coup in a South American country. And people have the audacity to claim that these countries are responsible for their own issues.
originally posted by: AndyFromMichigan
originally posted by: Xcalibur254
a reply to: seeker1963
I've never bought in to the whole Russian collusion angle. I did have an issue with Trump's nonchalance over the Russian annexation of Crimea based on a sham referendum.
What were your thoughts on Crimea?
Crimea happened during Obama's watch (2014). If it wasn't important enough for O to do anything, why should we expect it to be Trump's problem?
Emmanuel Macron has praised the “courage” of Venezuelan protesters but fell short of recognizing self-declared “acting president” Juan Guaido. His desire to exert influence on Latin America could back him into a corner in Paris.
“After the illegal election of Nicolas Maduro in 2018, Europe supports the restoration of democracy. I salute the courage of the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans marching for their freedom,” Emmanuel Macron tweeted in French on his official account.
I don't mind that he wants regime change. Just do it without a war.
It's time to get these masked thugs off of our streets.