Well, it may not be THAT easy - Venezuela is not Russia. But I think there is basically a gentleman’s agreement between world leaders to not bump each other off. So from the perspective of that club - which Putin is definitely a part of - what Trump is doing is unconscionable.
Right. And one of the reasons for the rush to establishing a nuclear arsenal is to make this sort of thing far less likely for vulnerable nations—the ‘fallout’ becomes too risky.
Venezuela is not Russia; both are very poor countries that differ only by their size. Both have dictatorial presidents. Russia has nuclear power. Is it so easy to use? In this case, poor Russians! They will never have freedom and prosperity. Nuclear power is their curse. I am an idealist.
I suspect the intent was to kick off America's 250th commemorations with a bang, and for better or worse expect many more big moves throughout the year programmed as part of a larger macho spectacle of American might.
Sam, I woke up yesterday to this news--and thought: What else? Really? I've been saying all along that Trump's interest in Venezuela has been oil and personal enrichment. With all the well-armed bad actors in Venezuela, for any U.S. company to go in and operate would require substantial protection, probably boots on the ground—permanently.
Venezuela's oil extraction infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. I think Iran has been helping them patch things up, but it's slow going. I would not be surprised if the government stays intact but allows foreign companies to come in and get the oil flowing. And frankly that would probably help the Venezuelan people.
I don't agree with Trump's actions, because principles like sovereignty exist for a reason. Even if this one goes off okay, it creates a precedent. And it's only a matter of time before there's a miscalculation leading to a serious war.
There were four thousands of protesters at all times during the food riots. Venezualans are undoubtably not going to roll over to watch their oil leave the country. The best guesses we have about the Bar Kochba revolt, well the one in 70 ad that saw the temple levelled in Jerusalem, we understand to be about appointed Tetrarachs bilking the populations of their zones of control for money to send to Senators to bribe them to maintain their governorships. In spite of the odds coherent communities will fight to win on their own territory.
wiresouth.com/s3qw0
I am shocked. Why haven't they done it with a real criminal, a former KGB operator, and the president of Russia, if it can be done so easily?
Well, it may not be THAT easy - Venezuela is not Russia. But I think there is basically a gentleman’s agreement between world leaders to not bump each other off. So from the perspective of that club - which Putin is definitely a part of - what Trump is doing is unconscionable.
Right. And one of the reasons for the rush to establishing a nuclear arsenal is to make this sort of thing far less likely for vulnerable nations—the ‘fallout’ becomes too risky.
Yes, too risky. We are entering the Inferno, i.e., Hell: "All hope abandon..." Only a few cynics rule the world.
Venezuela is not Russia; both are very poor countries that differ only by their size. Both have dictatorial presidents. Russia has nuclear power. Is it so easy to use? In this case, poor Russians! They will never have freedom and prosperity. Nuclear power is their curse. I am an idealist.
Check out polymarket Venezuela markets
I suspect the intent was to kick off America's 250th commemorations with a bang, and for better or worse expect many more big moves throughout the year programmed as part of a larger macho spectacle of American might.
As someone who only follows current events rather loosely, I always appreciate your insights, Sam.
Sam, I woke up yesterday to this news--and thought: What else? Really? I've been saying all along that Trump's interest in Venezuela has been oil and personal enrichment. With all the well-armed bad actors in Venezuela, for any U.S. company to go in and operate would require substantial protection, probably boots on the ground—permanently.
Venezuela's oil extraction infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. I think Iran has been helping them patch things up, but it's slow going. I would not be surprised if the government stays intact but allows foreign companies to come in and get the oil flowing. And frankly that would probably help the Venezuelan people.
I don't agree with Trump's actions, because principles like sovereignty exist for a reason. Even if this one goes off okay, it creates a precedent. And it's only a matter of time before there's a miscalculation leading to a serious war.
There were four thousands of protesters at all times during the food riots. Venezualans are undoubtably not going to roll over to watch their oil leave the country. The best guesses we have about the Bar Kochba revolt, well the one in 70 ad that saw the temple levelled in Jerusalem, we understand to be about appointed Tetrarachs bilking the populations of their zones of control for money to send to Senators to bribe them to maintain their governorships. In spite of the odds coherent communities will fight to win on their own territory.
Well reasoned.