An ominous email from a Venezuelan friend

[Wednesdays]

I've been corresponding regularly with a person in Venezuela--she's a 20 year old college student in Caracas. Until now we hadn't talked politics at all (although she mentioned once she might join the army to help pay for college). But at the end of today's email she added this:

...But ahaha, I suppose I need to say this, but, um. My country is holding elections this sunday. I don't know how much is known about my country, ah, world-wide, buuuuut the situation, no matter who wins, won't be a good one. Not for a few days, at least. ...I'm seeeriously hoping for nothing bad to happen, but you can never worry enough, I suppose. Ehehehe. ...Yeah.

...Anyway, anyway. I'll be here, I hope!

Man, it's tough to come up with assuring words. ;(

[Freedom_from_Chains]

1. I have not followed this election closely but I expect it to end up

somewhat like the Mexican mess if not worse. The is a lot changing in South and Central America these days. But then again, there is a lot changing worldwide right now and I expect we will be living with it for sometime to come.

[LA lady]

2. We lived in Maracaibo almost 10 years

To be honest, everyone I know is trying to leave Ven.
I don't know what to suggest you say to your friend. Just be as supportive as possible.

[K8-EEE]

5. That's surprising to me!

I know a couple of people who moved down there and love it....to an island though, I think it's Margarita Island or something, is that right? It sounds like paradise to me....albeit with some red tape and all that, but they don't regret it.

[Common Sense Party]

10. It might have something to do with the 16% inflation rate...

...or the 67% increase in homicides in the past 7 years.

I wouldn't want to stick around.

[LA lady]

12. You're right

They say the crime is astronomical now and prices are skyrocketing.

I just heard from my Dad's old secretary; she got to Miami this week. Her son was born there so she can stay.

[tkmorris]

3. Given Chavez' approval ratings........

It is a given he will win.

If any rioting, violence, or whatever takes place afterward it will obviously be instigated by people unhappy with that result, and who are unwilling to abide true Democracy.

I sincerely hope that there will be no serious upheavals after the election, but if there are to be any I just want it clear up front who is causing it and why. The Venezuelan people do not appear to want to be ruled by foreign corporations and the most upper class and in a real democracy, they don't have to be.

[AJ9000]

4. "if any rioting, violence, or whatever takes place afterward..."

"if any rioting, violence, or whatever takes place afterward it will obviously be instigated by people unhappy with that result, and who are unwilling to abide true Democracy."

In other words, the CIA.

[Codeblue]

6. That's what I was gonna say!

[rman]

7. Yes, though it should be pointed out

that the intel agencies don't act entirely on their own accord. What they do is in the interest of the ruling class, the big money interests - and that's not coincidence.

[upi402]

8. exactly, but try to explain that to the Chavez bashers here

Really, it's like Republican logic at work right here at DU.
"I hate him because he's a jerk"
No reasoning, just hate -Republican style.

[tkmorris]

9. Oh certainly

It is certainly no secret that the US is supporting and in many cases creating the anti-Chavez faction in Venezuela. It's the Corporatists versus the People, and that battle recognizes no national boundaries.

It's just like old times huh?

[Vexatious Ape]

11. You nailed it.

I love the fact that Latin America is turning Left and the Bushies are too tied up in their Middle Eastern fuck ups to really do anything about it.