Venezuela Opposition Calls for Consideration of Force Against Regime

[MRubio]

39. Your venezuelanalysis.com article

Here's what I've observed in my almost 2 decades living and working in rural Venezuela.

Most Venezuelans, due to the country's great riches, believe in a free lunch. They've been sold that concept for many generations (long before Chavez came on the scene) and for most, it's all they know.

From the article you linked:

"Is that because the majority of Venezuelans are socialists? Unfortunately, there is only a small minority – and almost nobody in the armed forces – that believes in socialism these days."

WRONG. Most Venezuelans believe in, and embrace, the concept of socialism. They believe, and rightfully so, that Maduro is a miserable failure as an administrator but still believe that Chavez' 21st Century Socialism could work if only it was done "right".

The armed forces, most certainly at the lower levels, reflect the general public's view. Maduro, in order to maintain power, realized years ago that he needed the military and turned over to the Armed Forces most every function that a socialist government would normally manage......importation & distribution of food and the running of the country's oil industry, just to name a couple. Via these enterprises, the top generals in the military are able to become fabulously wealthy, far more wealthy than they'd otherwise have been under the "old" system, and for that they've given their allegience to Maduro. Illicit drug trade is another area where the military plays a key role and profits greatly.

Another comment from the linked article:

"In fact, the unknown quality that keeps people loyal to the Chavista project is a certain form of patriotism or nationalism. It’s a nationalism closely connected to a comprehension of Venezuela’s historical struggle for emancipation in an unequal global order."

I don't deny that patriotism plays a role in today's Venezuela, but most Venezuelans today don't give a flip about history or some silly struggle for emancipation. To me, that's complete bullshit. Most Venezuelans are busy trying to figure out where that next meal will come from and if it's this government that gives it to them, then fine, they'll "support" it......including with their vote.

When this government falls, they'll look to the next to pick up where this one left off.