The Difference Between How the U.S. Treats Brazil and Venezuela in One Video

[Judi Lynn]

The Difference Between How the U.S. Treats Brazil and Venezuela in One Video

Zaid Jilani
June 6 2016, 2:28 p.m.

A State Department spokesperson repeatedly refused to comment on the momentous political crisis in Brazil during his daily press briefing on Friday — in almost ludicrous contrast to his long and loquacious criticisms of neighboring Venezuela.

When questioned on the stark contrast, increasingly exasperated department spokesperson Mark Toner replied, “I just – again, I don’t have anything to comment on the ongoing political dimensions of the crisis there. I don’t.”

Watch the spokesperson’s responses below:

The State Department has long been eager to criticize Venezuela’s left-wing government, which has pursued policies antagonistic to global corporations. In contrast, it has been silent about the takeover of Brazil by a staunchly right-wing, pro-business government that is making the privatization of state industry a priority.

Friday’s exchange began when The Intercept asked Toner why the U.S. has been joining in regional criticisms of Venezuela’s democratic backsliding but has ignored Brazil’s political crisis, where right-wing lawmakers voted on May 12 to suspend the elected government and open impeachment proceedings against President Dilma Rousseff.

More:
https://theintercept.com/2016/06/06/the-difference-between-how-the-u-s-treats-brazil-and-venezula-in-one-video/

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http://www.democraticunderground.com/1016159610