Liked, restacked & shared to Bluesky (as always). Please note that the 60 minutes segment of Cecot was released to Canada CBS and can be viewed here: https://www.muellershewrote.com/p/watch-the-60-minutes-cecot-segment as rescued by Allison Gill (now part of the MeidasTouch Network)
I answered 'NO' to your survey question. I don't think a failing democracy's military and oil oligarchs have either the intention or means of establishing a democracy in a subject country.
Right now there is a drive to look for precedents to the kidnapping of a mostly recognized head of state in Venezuela. People are trying hard in the states to find a historical frame or context from US to fit the event into. As much as I can empathize with them, I have to be honest and say that this looks far more like Little Green Men and a Special Military Operation than anything the US has ever truly done.
Lawfare is doing a livestream at 3 PM Eastern to talk about the situation. I’ve seen legal write-ups noting how this whole situation is problematic and tainted.
This doesn’t push Venezuela towards democracy but instead creates the sort of instability nobody needs. If the US faces no consequences for what it just did then a very nasty precedent will have been set. Could a snatch team invade MAL to grab President Trump to face trial for domestic charges somewhere else on the planet? There is a reason you do not do things like this as you might potentially face it yourself.
All well and good that the United States attacked Venezuela to get rid of their tyrant. But who is going to attack the United States to get rid of ours?
That Andry wasn't allowed to return home even though he had a purchased ticket. He then is released from prison because of a fluke agreement. And now the US has invaded his country and who knows what will happen.
Did the US intervene or arrest an illegal dictator? … was it just a bombing of Caracas or the military positions hiding around citizens? Why did she not comment on the legal case against Maduro? Why is she offering opinions on Trump’s motives without referencing the Monroe Doctrine or China.
She wrote: “The event formed the basis for hostile ties between the U.S and Venezuela, which culminated Saturday with the American bombing of Caracas.
It was a sign that Trump’s ambitions are to enforce a ‘might-makes-right’ philosophy in the Western hemisphere – where migration itself is treated as a crime and a military intervention to any country is justified.”
Migration a crime… doesn’t this come from the opinion that borders should be open? She conflates this with a man crossing a border without documents and that is a crime, at least in the US.
Thank you for your feedback. The points you raise are very important. The piece was aiming to highlight the human impact of deportation and political instability ,rather than provide a full legal or military history of U.S.and Venezuela diplomatic relations. The references to migration and Trump’s policies were meant to show the perspective of those directly affected, rather than give an analysis of U.S. law or international doctrine. Broader context, like the legal case against Maduro or historical doctrines, is significant for understanding the geopolitical situation, and it could be explored in our future stories! 😊
The man in this story, Andry Blanco-Bonilla crossed into the United States in 2023, and immediately requested asylum. Asylum is a right, not a crime.
Your last statement---"migration is a crime"---is not true. Even entering the US "without documentation" is a misdemeanor, not a "crime" worthy of being deported to a concentration camp in a foreign country. Because the Trump regime has declared immigrants criminals does not make it true. No **laws** regarding immigration have changed.
Mr Seal, you need to get your information from reputable sources, not MAGA media.
But a large number of migrants come on a tourist visa and simply overstay it. Since they entered properly, they don't fall under the code. They haven't committed any crime at all. A bill was introduced to change that, but hasn't become law.
As for "open borders," this is a nonsense phrase propagated by the right. No major political figure has argues that there should be no controls on entry or staying. However, *corporations*, especially meat packing, construction, and hospitality--like Trump's hotel properties-- hire people who aren't here legally because they can pay them less and push them around.
As for the Monroe Doctrine, it was basically James Monroe's opinion. It has no legal standing. The US has no basis to prevent Venezuela from forming relations with whoever it wants, including China.
What we should be asking ourselves instead is why we--which is to say Trump-- are picking fights with so many countries, including now Mexico, Colombia, and Denmark, all of whom have been allies. It certainly works to the advantage of our adversaries, notably China.
It was deeply troubling that Machado was thrown under the bus by Trump in his presser yesterday. No amount of flattering from her was going to make him do the right thing for her country.
Your poll question is laughable. Trump doesn't want democracy IN AMERICA, let alone in Venezuela. Trump's war on Venezuela is not about "restoring democracy." It is about stealing Venezuela's oil.
Liked, restacked & shared to Bluesky (as always). Please note that the 60 minutes segment of Cecot was released to Canada CBS and can be viewed here: https://www.muellershewrote.com/p/watch-the-60-minutes-cecot-segment as rescued by Allison Gill (now part of the MeidasTouch Network)
Thanks so much for sharing our story!
I answered 'NO' to your survey question. I don't think a failing democracy's military and oil oligarchs have either the intention or means of establishing a democracy in a subject country.
Thanks for sharing your perspective! I’d love to hear more about what shaped your view on this, could you tell us a bit more?
Right now there is a drive to look for precedents to the kidnapping of a mostly recognized head of state in Venezuela. People are trying hard in the states to find a historical frame or context from US to fit the event into. As much as I can empathize with them, I have to be honest and say that this looks far more like Little Green Men and a Special Military Operation than anything the US has ever truly done.
Lawfare is doing a livestream at 3 PM Eastern to talk about the situation. I’ve seen legal write-ups noting how this whole situation is problematic and tainted.
This doesn’t push Venezuela towards democracy but instead creates the sort of instability nobody needs. If the US faces no consequences for what it just did then a very nasty precedent will have been set. Could a snatch team invade MAL to grab President Trump to face trial for domestic charges somewhere else on the planet? There is a reason you do not do things like this as you might potentially face it yourself.
All well and good that the United States attacked Venezuela to get rid of their tyrant. But who is going to attack the United States to get rid of ours?
This was a very emotional article for me. I cannot imagine what people have to endure because of the antics of the Trump administration. Stay safe.
Thank you for your comment and for sharing this! What part of the story stayed with you most?
That Andry wasn't allowed to return home even though he had a purchased ticket. He then is released from prison because of a fluke agreement. And now the US has invaded his country and who knows what will happen.
Did the US intervene or arrest an illegal dictator? … was it just a bombing of Caracas or the military positions hiding around citizens? Why did she not comment on the legal case against Maduro? Why is she offering opinions on Trump’s motives without referencing the Monroe Doctrine or China.
She wrote: “The event formed the basis for hostile ties between the U.S and Venezuela, which culminated Saturday with the American bombing of Caracas.
It was a sign that Trump’s ambitions are to enforce a ‘might-makes-right’ philosophy in the Western hemisphere – where migration itself is treated as a crime and a military intervention to any country is justified.”
Migration a crime… doesn’t this come from the opinion that borders should be open? She conflates this with a man crossing a border without documents and that is a crime, at least in the US.
Thank you for your feedback. The points you raise are very important. The piece was aiming to highlight the human impact of deportation and political instability ,rather than provide a full legal or military history of U.S.and Venezuela diplomatic relations. The references to migration and Trump’s policies were meant to show the perspective of those directly affected, rather than give an analysis of U.S. law or international doctrine. Broader context, like the legal case against Maduro or historical doctrines, is significant for understanding the geopolitical situation, and it could be explored in our future stories! 😊
The man in this story, Andry Blanco-Bonilla crossed into the United States in 2023, and immediately requested asylum. Asylum is a right, not a crime.
Your last statement---"migration is a crime"---is not true. Even entering the US "without documentation" is a misdemeanor, not a "crime" worthy of being deported to a concentration camp in a foreign country. Because the Trump regime has declared immigrants criminals does not make it true. No **laws** regarding immigration have changed.
Mr Seal, you need to get your information from reputable sources, not MAGA media.
Minor correction: *improper entry* is a misdemeanor. See 8 U.S. Code § 1325 www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1325
But a large number of migrants come on a tourist visa and simply overstay it. Since they entered properly, they don't fall under the code. They haven't committed any crime at all. A bill was introduced to change that, but hasn't become law.
As for "open borders," this is a nonsense phrase propagated by the right. No major political figure has argues that there should be no controls on entry or staying. However, *corporations*, especially meat packing, construction, and hospitality--like Trump's hotel properties-- hire people who aren't here legally because they can pay them less and push them around.
As for the Monroe Doctrine, it was basically James Monroe's opinion. It has no legal standing. The US has no basis to prevent Venezuela from forming relations with whoever it wants, including China.
What we should be asking ourselves instead is why we--which is to say Trump-- are picking fights with so many countries, including now Mexico, Colombia, and Denmark, all of whom have been allies. It certainly works to the advantage of our adversaries, notably China.
It was deeply troubling that Machado was thrown under the bus by Trump in his presser yesterday. No amount of flattering from her was going to make him do the right thing for her country.
That was so funny! You got a chuckle out of me with that cat and "mouse" ruse.
Glad it raised a smile!
Your poll question is laughable. Trump doesn't want democracy IN AMERICA, let alone in Venezuela. Trump's war on Venezuela is not about "restoring democracy." It is about stealing Venezuela's oil.
Terrible guest writer. Abby Preston injected her opinions that doesn’t belong in investigative journalism that she purports to write
What did you object to, David?
A balanced view you may prefer David Seal.
https://youtu.be/nzOujqUURXY?si=saXq6ibbuyf7VsR2