And maybe the failed coup is just a convenient scapegoat for all fo the country's problems. Any thoughts on that?
I really don't care about Venezeula's internal politics, or the fact that their stores often have empty shelves on display. That was our experience with Target but nobody suggested the Harper regime should be ousted prematurely because of it. A non-imperialist position would have it that Venezuela's economic problems are for its citizens to work on.
That was our experience with Target but nobody suggested the Harper regime should be ousted prematurely because of it.
And more to my point, Harper didn't claim that the empty shelves at Target were caused by a left-wing coup attempt.
I think you forgot one, in 1992. Ooops!
No, I didn't forget...that one evolved out of this:
Interestingly it was after the 1980's oil price crash and President Carlos Andrez Perez from the nominally social democratic "AD" turned sharply to the right and introduced severe austerity policies.
In the demonstrations that followed perhaps thousands were killed at the hands of security forces and the military.
No, I didn't forget...that one evolved out of this:
Interesting. The economy was suffering due to a downturn in oil prices, the government was f-ing up, and there were mass protests (which included government violence against the protesters) followed by an attempted coup.
You were right not to include it among the other coups, RR; it clearly has no relevance to today.
So did you actually read the article on inflation in Venezuela?
Also, Chavez' attempted coup in 1992 was partially to break up "Puntofujismo", a system established in 1958 whereby two parties COPEI and AD alternated in power excluding any other parties. The '92 coup attempt was futile and adventurous, not unlike Fidel Castro's attack on the Moncada barracks in 1953.
In 1958 the Punto Fijo Pact was probably a good move...ending a cycle of political violence and military dictatorships. But over time, it became two wings of the oligopoly.
1992 was about tossing out the oligopoly. 2002 and the events taking place right now are about restoring the oligopoly's power.
So did you actually read the article on inflation in Venezuela?
I hadn't at the time (it competed with making dinner) but I have now.
Interesting, but curiously (for such a lengthy article, addressing a lot of different things) it never once criticizes ANYTHING the current (Maduro) government has done, nor anything the previous (Chavez) government has ever done. The closest it comes would be:
Real currency value continues to be reflected in the black market rate, which, despite trying, the government has not been able to curb.
That's the criticism: they haven't succeeded yet, but they're trying. Meanwhile, the opposition just can't seem to get ANYTHING right. EVER.
I'd have actually enjoyed this if it had been honest analysis instead of a hagiography.
Here's my thinking:
- if everytyhing's hunky-dory in Venezuela, and stuff like lining up for hours to buy diapers, and one of the highest rates of inflation in the world are the totally acceptable "fringe benefits" of a perfect government, then why all this chin music about "economic warfare"? Nothing wrong here, folks. Anyone who doesn't like lining up for diapers must be a quisling who's totally asking to have their loyalties to the revolution questioned.
- if Joe Biden and 11 friends have brought economic armageddon down on Venezuela, such that people line up for hours in the rain to buy diapers, what the hell is this article even saying? It's all good, everyone! It's all good!
Either there are problems in Venezuela, or there aren't any problems in Venezuela or (wait for it!) those traitors disloyal to the revolution are pretending there are problems in Venezuela as part of the NEXT attempt at a bloody coup (the first step of which will be to pretend there are problems in Venezuela).
Here's my thinking:
- if everytyhing's hunky-dory in Venezuela, and stuff like lining up for hours to buy diapers, and one of the highest rates of inflation in the world are the totally acceptable "fringe benefits" of a perfect government, then why all this chin music about "economic warfare"? Nothing wrong here, folks. Anyone who doesn't like lining up for diapers must be a quisling who's totally asking to have their loyalties to the revolution questioned.
- if Joe Biden and 11 friends have brought economic armageddon down on Venezuela, such that people line up for hours in the rain to buy diapers, what the hell is this article even saying? It's all good, everyone! It's all good!
Either there are problems in Venezuela, or there aren't any problems in Venezuela or (wait for it!) those traitors disloyal to the revolution are pretending there are problems in Venezuela as part of the NEXT attempt at a bloody coup (the first step of which will be to pretend there are problems in Venezuela).
I find your thinking extremely inadequate. I grade it an F. You seem to think that the current situation in Venezuela is not the result of the history that produced it, and/or that changes in government can instantly create changes in economies and societies.
There are obviously big problems in Venezuela for the people who live there, as there are for people in many parts of the world. However, in the judgement of many people I respect, those problems have their origins in the colonial exploitation of the country by the U.S. Chavez' government made some strides towards rectifying the situation, but the U.S. empire, as it always does, has put many obstacles in the way.
Your flippant dismissal of the proxy war being waged on behalf of the U.S. empire by former Venezuelan oligarchs against the clear will of the Venezuelan people as "Joe Biden and 11 friends" is very disappointing on a supposedly left wing board.
You really need to learn some history.
I grade it an F.
You really need to learn some history.
[i]Mr. Moriarity???[/i]
I'm TOTALLY going to submit that late term paper this week, I swear!
Britain and Canada Involved in Foiled US Venezuelan Coup Plot - by Stephen Lendman
http://sjlendman.blogspot.nl/2015/02/britain-and-canada-involved-in-foil...
"Britain and Canada were co-conspirators in the latest plot to topple Venezuela's government. More on this below..."
Venezuela vs. a "Common Enemy"
Why might now be a prime time, internationally, for pushing toward a coup? If the primary problem is Venezuela being an example that could spread, is the emergence of a receptive audience for that example in Europe adding to the u.s. response?Pilger: It's important to understand that Washington is ruled by true extremists, once known inside the Beltway as 'the crazies'. This has been true since before 9/11. A few are outright fascists. Asserting US dominance is their undisguised game and, as the events in Ukraine demonstrate, they are prepared to risk a nuclear war with Russia. These people should be the common enemy of all sane human beings. In Venezuela, they want a coup so that they can roll-back of some of the world's most important social reforms – such as in Bolivia and Ecuador. They've already crushed the hopes of ordinary people in Honduras. The current conspiracy between the US and Saudi Arabia to lower the price of oil is meant to achieve something more spectacular in Venezuela, and Russia.
There is no doubt that our part of the 'common enemy of all sane human beings' is the Canadian political establishment in its entirety.
I find your thinking extremely inadequate. I grade it an F.
Magoo's contention is that he seems to think that if you can't buy diapers your democracy has gone to shit. He may be on to something. The other day I was at Walmart and overheard some people complaining that they had run out of the discount diaper brands, leaving only the more expensive kinds available, and of them there were only a few boxes remaining, none of which matched the sizes the people were looking for. And so it may very well be the case that a lack of diapers is as good a bellweather as anything for how democracy is faring. Given the problems we're experiencing with democracy here in Canada, Magoo's concerns shouldn't be so casually dismissed as they usually are.
lol. He needs to change his. I've noticed a foul odor whenever I read Magoo's posts.
In other news, it seems that Venezuela has a few friends as well as the animosity of the Empire.
Russia to Take Part in Venezuelan Military Exercises - Defense Minister
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20150211/1018127498.html#ixzz3S1YyNVqk
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed on Wednesday that Russia will participate in joint air defense and artillery drills with Venezuela.
While the Roooooooooooooooooskies have no plans to construct any military bases in Latin America [unlike the Empire that has virtually surrounded Russia with endless bases, ABM facilities, "rendering" facilities, torture chambers, etc., etc., ] they are interested int re-fueling facilities, water provisions, places to rest, etc. and includes Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba, etc.
The following is also of interest ...
On Friday in Managua, Shoigu signed an agreement on simplifying the visit of Russian navy vessels to Nicaragua's ports, and discussed several other military-technical cooperation agreements. Last fall, Russia had announced its intention to provide the country with technical assistance in the construction of a planned interoceanic canal that would serve as an alternative to the Panama Canal.
Will the Yanqui Empire start bombing Nicaraguan ports again? I wouldn't be surprised. The lidless eye never rests.
Magoo's contention is that he seems to think that if you can't buy diapers your democracy has gone to shit.
I don't recall saying that a scarcity of basic goods means democracy is on the ropes. I think I've been suggesting that it means your economic policies aren't working.
In our circumstances here in Canada they tell us to sort out ill-conceived economic policies at the ballot box, not in the streets, and certainly not via coup sponsored by some foreign intelligence service.
Opposition Leaders Issued a Statement to Signal the Launch of the Foiled Coup
video
Lucas Koerner, journalist in Caracas for Venezuelanalysis.com discusses what know thus far about the alleged foiled coup in Venezuela
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&I...
Venezuela vs a 'Common Enemy' - John Pilger
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/02/17/78405/
"Why would the US want Venezuela's government overthrown?"
More on Canadian involvement in the thwarted coup d'etat ...
On Friday, National Assembly President, Diosdado Cabello, alleged that officials at the Canadian and British embassies had links to the failed coup attempt, in a new round of revelations surrounding the attempted putsch.Cabello claimed that a Canadian official by the name of Nancy Birbek was investigating the contingency plans of the Arturo Michelena airport in Valencia.
"On Monday, together with another Canadian embassy official, this woman identified as Nancy Birbeck, was inquiring about the capacities of that same [airport] for special cases. Is this woman asking about the capacities of the airport for cases of contingency?"
plot detail..Canada´s role
THE UNITED STATES, GERMANY, CANADA, ISRAEL AND THE UNITED KINGDOM LAUNCHED "OPERATION JERICHO"
Obama failed his coup in Venezuelaby Thierry Meyssan
...voltaire network
Despite President Maduro's condemnation of the incident, and an a arrest is made. But, many on Twitter are blaming him for the child's death
Despite President Maduro's condemnation of the incident, and an a arrest is made. But, many on Twitter are blaming him for the child's death
If the government is looking into it, shouldn't that be enough? There's no more need for Venezuelans to express their impatience or outrage then there would be in, say, France.
Obama Failed His Coup in Venezuela - by Thierry Meyssan
http://voltairenet.org/article186879.html
The United Snakes, Germany, Canada, Israel and the UK launched 'Operation Jericho
On February 12, 2015, the Venezuelan government announced it had dismantled a violent plan to overthrow the elected government of President Nicolas Maduro with a campaign of violence, including mass killings and tactical bombings of strategic sites across caracas.
What follows is a brief summary and selection of U.S. aggression towards Venezuela that clearly shows a one-sided war. Venezuela has never threatened or taken any kind of action to harm the United States or its interests. Nonetheless, Venezuela, under both Chavez and Maduro – two presidents who have exerted Venezuela’s sovereignty and right to self-determination – has been the ongoing victim of continuous, hostile and increasingly unfriendly actions from Washington.
Eva Golinger: US Aggression against Venezuela
The timeline shows clearly the unrelenting and continuous murderous hostility from the US regime towards Venezuela over a period of years and years - coinciding with the election of Hugo Chavez and all subsequent years.
All those who oppose the Emperor must die!
Al Jazeera: Obama declares Venezuela a national security threat.
Because independence of the Empire is ... a crime!
At the same time it gives arms to the coup dictator al-Sisi in Egypt.
It's the same with "democracy promotion". The hypocrisy is breathtaking.
If the Palestinians vote for Hamas, after decades of venomous bile directed towards them for not having proper "elections" while under occupation, then it's a failure of democracy and the Palestinians must be punished for their insolence. If the Crimeans vote to re-join Russia then they must be punished (which they are, with sanctions, etc.). OTOH, there's no problem with Kosovo, and turning that fabricated statelet into one of the 2 largest NATO military base in Europe...
BAR: Obama, At War on Three Continents, Threatens Venezuela - by Glen Ford
http://blackagendareport.com/node/14713
"Obama is using the same language and law against Venezuela that was used against Syria and Iran, leading to Syria's near destruction by the US. Venezuela has every reason to fear that Obama's executive order might be a prelude to military attack.
In that context, Obama's assertion that Venezuela is a danger to US national security ranks just short of a declaration of war.
So, if Obama thinks that he can get away with waging a phony 'humanitarian' interventionist war against Venezuela's President Maduro, as he did against Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, he will find himself opposed by an entire continent..."
US Prepares For Military Aggression on Venezuela
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/US-Preparing-for-Military-Aggressi...
"When a 'rogue state' like the United States - which it is because of its systematic violations of international law - issues a threat like the one we are commenting on, it must be taken very seriously..."
I doubt it'll be a "boots on the ground" thing.
More likely they'll send Biden in, to hoard some more toilet paper. The first time seems to have destabilized an entire nation to the point that Maduro simply had no choice but to request power of decree -- again.
Sure, it's easy to say "what if they just had enough ass wipe for everyone -- like nearly every other country on earth -- so that when Joe Biden goes black-op as José Bideño and hoards some it matters sweet fuck all?" but of course that's what Uncle Sam would LIKE you to ask. It's far, far more complicated than just "ensuring that people have basic goods they need when you're sitting on the world's largest oil reserves".
U.S. Sanctions Against Venezuela Denounced by Latin American Leaders
Miguel Tinker-Salas says U.S. attempts to destabilize Maduro's government will backfire
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&I...
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frO1T3vZNrA]U.S. State Department Announces New "Long-standing" Policy Against Backing Coups[/url]
I guess there's nothing more to worry about.
It's a wonder that the more thoughtful journalists present don't laugh uproarously at the transparent and bare-faced lying that goes on in those State Department briefings.
The Emperor has no clothes. Pass it around.
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frO1T3vZNrA]U.S. State Department Announces New "Long-standing" Policy Against Backing Coups[/url]
I guess there's nothing more to worry about.
Yeah, but they don't say anything about backing coup leaders after they take power.
“How can the United States possibly claim that Venezuela is a threat to their national security?” President Correa asked during his weekly address to the nation on Saturday.“It is embarrassing … how long will we have to put up with these things?” Correa added.
The Ecuadorean president went on to note that the recent actions by the United States aim to undermine and destabilize the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro.
"It is the same story as always… what the United States is trying to do is destabilize the progressive governments in the region, “ Correa stated.
An Extraordinary Meeting of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) noted the following ...
The 12-nation regional bloc condemned Washington’s actions against the democratically-elected government of Maduro.At a press conference following the meeting of the foreign ministers, UNASUR Secretary General Ernesto Samper read out a statement that said, “The member states of UNASUR reject the executive order approved by the United States government which declares Venezuela a threat to national security.”
The statement describes the executive order as an “interference” and a “threat to sovereignty and to the principle of non-intervention.”
"We call upon the United States to evaluate and implement dialogue as an alternative,” adds the statement
Correa Says Obama's Statement on Venezuela is 'Embarrassing'
The US Empire, aka the lidless eye. Evil incarnate. And Canada is a close ally of this most dangerous threat to peace on Planet Earth.
If there is a country that is a threat in the Americas, it’s the United States, because it has permanently invaded countries, societies in Latin America. It has created coups d’état. It has invaded countries, such as Grenada, the Dominican Republican, Panama. And it promoted dictatorships. Venezuela doesn’t have the minimal material possibility to constitute a threat to the United States, nor does it wish to be in that position....
Democracy Now interview (translated)
Some Canadian Honourable Members: dead silence. Which speaks volumes.
If there is a country that is a threat in the Americas, it’s the United States, because it has permanently invaded countries, societies in Latin America. It has created coups d’état. It has invaded countries, such as Grenada, the Dominican Republican, Panama. And it promoted dictatorships. Venezuela doesn’t have the minimal material possibility to constitute a threat to the United States, nor does it wish to be in that position....Democracy Now interview (translated)
Some Canadian Honourable Members: dead silence. Which speaks volumes.
Despite my cowardly refusal to agree that Canada would be wise to leave NATO or otherwise directly oppose the U.S. empire, I agree with you that in this case, a clever and courageous Canadian Prime Minister could speak out opposing this particular outrageous action. It would have to be carefully phrased in proper diplomatic language, something like, "We regret the action of the U.S. in declaring Venezuela a threat to its national security. We believe that it is an error to interfere in this way with a democratically elected government. We support the declaration of UNASUR in this regard".
American wingnuts would fume, and the administration would be pissed off, but not enough to cause them to do anything rash, such as nuking Ottawa, or closing the border. This is the sort of small-scale opposition to imperial adventurism that I believe Canada actually could get away with, and make a real contribution to the international dialogue by so doing.
It would have to be carefully phrased in proper diplomatic language, something like, "We regret the action of the U.S. in declaring Venezuela a threat to its national security. We believe that it is an error to interfere in this way with a democratically elected government.
How, exactly, does freezing the assets of a handful of individuals in the United States, and making those same few individuals unwelcome in the United States, interfere with a democratically elected government?
What, specifically, is Venezuela unable to do now, in Venezuela? Just curious.
Oh, here's a quick thought though: what if Venezuela, to even the score, were to declare the United States to be a threat?
I know, that's pretty extreme, and Maduro surely wouldn't go there casually, any more than Chavez ever would have, but if they're willing to play hardball then wouldn't it be fun watching the U.S. try to survive a dose of its own medicine?
Not so funny now, eh, Obama????
It would have to be carefully phrased in proper diplomatic language, something like, "We regret the action of the U.S. in declaring Venezuela a threat to its national security. We believe that it is an error to interfere in this way with a democratically elected government.How, exactly, does freezing the assets of a handful of individuals in the United States, and making those same few individuals unwelcome in the United States, interfere with a democratically elected government?
What, specifically, is Venezuela unable to do now, in Venezuela? Just curious.
I adopt the statement of President Correa and UNASUR as quoted above. If you don't find this convincing, then we are living in different worlds.
Oh, here's a quick thought though: what if Venezuela, to even the score, were to declare the United States to be a threat?
I know, that's pretty extreme, and Maduro surely wouldn't go there casually, any more than Chavez ever would have, but if they're willing to play hardball then wouldn't it be fun watching the U.S. try to survive a dose of its own medicine?
Not so funny now, eh, Obama????
You really are an annoying twit. You have plenty of snark, but not a scintilla of wisdom.
but not a scintilla of wisdom
I'm glad that "Word-of-the-Day" desk calendar is working out for you, Mr. Moriarity.
but not a scintilla of wisdomI'm glad that "Word-of-the-Day" desk calendar is working out for you, Mr. Moriarity.
Q.E.D.
I'm glad that "Latin Word-of-the-Day" desk calendar is working out for you, Mr. Moriarity.
From here it reads like you're having a barrel of laughs against the backdrop of all the naked, violent, and deadly imperialism of the United States.
Wowzers. Naked, violent and deadly.
Perhaps, then, you can answer what Mr. Moriarity couldn't:
How, exactly, does freezing the assets of a handful of individuals in the United States, and making those same few individuals unwelcome in the United States, interfere with a democratically elected government?
Please... answer in naked, violent and deadly terms. Don't tell us that "now they can't get Netflix".
I don't know, not having given it any thought. I'll get back to you if I find it particularly remarkable. The word naked seems to have caused another chuckle, but actually it refers to what just about everyone in the hemisphere knows, and what many of its leaders have signed statements condemning, which is the open and continuous threat that the United States represents to the peace of the region.
I'll get back to you if I find it particularly remarkable.
Then perhaps we can join forces, because I'm not finding this particularly remarkable either.
The U.S. calls Venezuela a threat, after the 305th time Venezuela calls the U.S. a threat, and we're all supposed to lose our shit over it?
