“I think there has been too much of a reluctance on the part of progressives and radicals to use the word ‘socialism…I’m talking about democratic socialism.” -Bernie Sanders.
The next time you hear Bernie or anyone else start babbling on about “democratic socialism”, tell them to sit down and shut up. Don’t let them even start talking about Norway, tell them to look to Venezuela.
Pictures and videos of the Venezuelan dictator Maduro were posted in social media where he can be seen enjoying the culinary arts of chef Salt-Bae in one of his high-class chain restaurants Nusr-Et in Turkey. Maduro was on his way to China.
Maduro and his wife Cilia smile as they eat a piece of meat that would cost more than a whole year’s salary for many Venezuelans. While Venezuelans are starving, have no access to medicines, and whose only hope is to flee a country devastated by socialism, the ruling class enjoys the luxuries of capitalism.
Almost 4 million people have left this country in recent years — a country that is ranked on the 2018 Misery Index as the most miserable country of the world. Hyperinflation is destroying the hope of millions of Venezuelans that for many reasons continue living there and suffering.
At the end of July 2018, the National Assembly estimated that each week six Venezuelan children die of starvation. Several universities in Venezuela made a survey in 2017 (ENCOVI2017) and in that time 87% of Venezuelan households were poor; 9 of 10 Venezuelans could not pay for food; 8.2 million Venezuelans could barely afford 2 or less meals each day — meals with low nutrition and little protein; 6 out of 10 Venezuelans have lost at least 11Kg (24 pounds) of their body weight because of the lack of food. This is set to worsen as the crisis continues.
Will China force a change?
Maduro’s visit to China is understandable. China has given Venezuela around 65 billion dollars in loans, cash, and investments. Venezuela still owes more than 20 billion dollars. The Chinese want to get paid back and the only way is with Venezuela’s oil production back up and running. This means that the Asian country is practically the owner of Venezuela’s oil. It is yet to be seen how soon things can be turned around.
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