“Venezuela Again.”
Several years ago during the early days of Hugo Chavez’ presidency, U.S. Forces supported a coup attempt against it and the barrios of Caracas exploded in support for the former military officer. The people of the capital came forth, demanding his immediate release, and Chavez was released.
The Americans of course denied involvement, but everyone knows otherwise. Latin America has seen the bloody pause of the American empire, and they’ve seen it for the better part of a century. And it has never been pretty.
More recently, The New York Times has reported that the Trump administration has been in contact with Venezuelan generals, and they tried to get them to betray their country’s government. The White House denied it, but everyone knows otherwise.
Maduro, Venezuela’s elected president, is, at heart, a Chavista, for he admired his old boss, president Hugo Chavez, and he cherishes his memory.
Don’t believe for a moment claims that the U.S. government cares about the Venezuelan people, for we need look no further than America’s colony called Puerto Rico after hurricanes and storms ravaged to the island, the White House called them “ingrates” after they demanded help from their brother Americans.
Trump threw paper towels at them. This is true! And he denied them any kind of real support. They were left to swim or drown in the face of a natural catastrophe. May I remind you that Puerto Ricans are Americans and American citizens no less? No matter, for when they needed help the most, they found they were on their own.
You think they care about Venezuelans when they don’t give a damn about Puerto Ricans? Does that make sense? A leopard, they say, cannot change its spots. An empire cannot change its ways.
Thank you all. From imprisoned nation, this is Mumia Abu-Jamal.
These commentaries are recorded by Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.
