(Since Chavez’ death in 2013, Venezuela has descended into an economic crisis stemming from a combination of government mismanagement, corruption, sabotage and the precipitous fall in the price of oil.)

I would argue the fall of oil prices is a precursor to a false claim of government mismanagement. While everything in that sentence is exactly what Chavez was fighting from the time he became the leader. Maduro now the leader, has had those very same issues vastly expanded on him to fight. Soon after Maduro became the leader he was forced to fight against a growing number of those testing him. He essentially had to clean house of those hoping to take over after Chavez passes away. I challenge anyone to go over the accomplishments Maduro has made while under a more intensive campaign of wanting his removal and explain to us how he has mismanaged the government while still holding a majority favor of public support. When the people in videos I produce who are in support of him, and Chavez, will remind us what they have received under these 2 men and fill the streets for. The article even states part of the poverty issues. Yet not the country as a whole which is concerning. It also fails to explain how who and why the oil prices were dropped. Then leads it readers towards that being their only means to survive. When Venezuela is actually rich in many other resources. It doesn't even mention them having the 2nd largest gold reserves?

(The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the average Venezuelan lost an incredible 24 lb. in body weight in 2017.)

This is another false claim of main stream media! Come on! 24 lbs of the average citizen!?! If this was even anywhere near truth, the videos and pictures coming out of Venezuela would look like those coming out of some African countries! There is no god dam food shortage in Venezuela! While some items are hard to find, while prices are up, they have all the necessities needed for nourishment and daily life. They also have a government that guarantees their citizens 3 meals a day. Unlike the US who has people in hunger and living in the streets with no plan to help them. Speaking of living in the streets. Maduro just a month ago finished a 3 million home project for lower and working class people. Let me underscore, working class. Not only those in poverty and lower class, but working class people also. While the US is actively working to under mind low cost housing for people and actively engaged in gentrification in many cities putting people in the streets or forcing them out of cities via higher cost with these types of projects. Adding cost to the working class to get to their places of employment. Tell me again who's mismanaging government? Please.

Other issues Maduro has accomplished you don't hear in this article for his support. Ran one of the most accurate elections on the planet that the opposition asked for. Which when the numbers weren't adding up for the opposition they pulled out of and refused to participate. Now want to use that against him. Held an election cycle after his reelection to add more positions for people out of society to their areas to reform. Created and reestablished an art culture project for society that was lost during the tyrant era before Chavez took power. Exposed a number of private businesses who were hoarding supplies and refusing to manufacture goods for the country. Turning those factories over to the state for employees to run. Created and funded commune farming in local areas to offset some of the food shortages. Continues good relations with China and Russia. In which China is probably their biggest owed debt being Chavez was selling oil to them when the Saudis flooded the market.

Nothing personal! But half truths are sometimes as bad as a no truth. It's to easy for someone to walk away from this article believing Venezuela is being mismanaged when it is actually being managed to make it look that way. And that people are suffering from exaggerated statements when they are not.

An excellent article. Please post it in as many places and groups as possible. ... "But the only things that will force such a radical change in U.S. policy are public outrage, education and organizing, and international solidarity with the people of Venezuela." That and dragging the USA to court for crimes against humanity.

Interfering SOP

Yes, this Country is constantly sticking its nose where it need not be!