Friends,
I was writing about what is so frightening about socialism when our nation attacked another nation. And what became immediately clear is that I know nothing. Thus today we have an article from someone who knows the people of Venezuela.
I am madly trying to catch up on the history, to understand the economics, to figure out things I was not taught in high school (and regretting my decision in college to avoid all things history.)
This is what I know--all economic systems can breed tyrants. And when our capitalist tyrant removes their socialist tyrant, the ordinary people are unlikely to come out ahead.
-Liz
Venezuela
From Antonio Gallardo, who is on the Episcopal Divinity School Board of Directors and was recently elected Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles. This is from his Saturday Facebook post translated from Spanish.
Since 2 am I have been getting messages from people in Venezuela sharing their experience, as well as messages from people from other parts of the world asking me how I am, so I decided to process how I feel writing about it.
As a Venezuelan-American, my heart is experiencing mixed emotions following the U.S. military operations that resulted in the extraction of Nicolas Maduro, and I thank God for giving me a heart capable of housing multiple, and sometimes conflicting, emotions.
I want to join the Venezuelan people who are happy with the departure of Maduro, especially to those who still live there, my mom, my brothers, my family, my lifelong friends and my fellow Venezuelan citizens.
This people has suffered for more than 27 years the decisions of a government that, supposedly seeking freedom from the chains of capitalism, and with promises to end corruption and implement social programs for the benefit of all, destroyed the country's freedoms, democracy, infrastructure physics and what used to be first-class education and health systems, among other long-term damages.
When the Venezuelan people celebrate the extraction of Maduro, they regain renewed hope, a feeling they almost lost after many years of trying to elect other leaders in elections that were most likely fraudulent.
As we approach the celebration of Epiphany, I find that the words of the Prophet Isaiah are very appropriate for the Venezuelan people at this time: "Arise, shine, for your light has come; the glory of the Lord rises upon you!" " (Isaiah 60:1).
My heart is filled with joy for my Venezuelan people, and I also fear what may happen.
The image that comes to mind, given the US military operations, is that of a powerful "bully" who, in the school cafeteria, decides to take the food of the child who knows he can't defend himself. The bully attacks the most vulnerable to brag about his power to others, and takes his food (or oil in this case) just because he can. Everything revolves around power and greed, not liberating the Venezuelan people as some might think.
When the U.S. government says, within hours of operations, words like "we are going to rule the country" and "we will rebuild oil infrastructure before a transition," it makes me fear that the Venezuelan people have moved from one form of oppression to another. I don't think this military operation was by the people in Venezuela, when here in America we treat Venezuelans and other immigrants of color with cruelty.
Thinking that the reasons for military operations are greed and power, my heart aches, and I also find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The children of those who oppressed you will come to humble themselves before you, and all who oppress you.” they despised will kneel at your feet and will call you “City of the Lord,” “Zion of the Holy God of Israel. " (Isaiah 60:14).
I thank God for giving me a heart capable of accommodating multiple, and sometimes contradictory feelings, and more than anything, I give thanks for all the prayers that people are offering to sustain the people of Venezuela in this time of transition.
This season of Epiphany, I pray that the light of Christ that led the shepherds and the magicians be the light that guides the people that leads Venezuela to better times:
"Lord, under the guidance of a star you manifested your only Son to the nations of the earth; guide to your presence those who now know you by faith to see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom you and the Holy Spirit are" the honor and the glory, now and forever. Amen".
What are you thinking about? Let me know by replying to this email.
Luis Silva and the song "Venezuela". (It is in spanish.)
If you are looking for some economic and historical context about Venezuela Planet Money did an update on their history of the country's financial woes.
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