"Most U.S. refineries are optimized for light, sweet crude. To process the sludge coming out of Venezuela, massive, multi-billion-dollar upgrades will be needed to Gulf Coast facilities."
I'm not sure that this is correct - for months now, I've read in multiple sources that the Gulf refineries are optimized for Canadian and Venezualan heavy crude oil; and I understand that Chevron has been importing Venezualan crude to the Gulf for years, under a special licence from the US administration.
I’m with you. Other than disinformation, my understanding of our gulf refineries are the same. And if they aren’t, I’m sure they can be refit with little effort? Either way, the Venezuelan oil will no longer have to be sold at rock bottom prices to the dark shadow fleet and countries aligned to destroy the USA.
Yep..LyondellBasell shut down its Houston refinery last year. For years that refinery ran exclusive Venezuelan oil, as they ran a joint venture, CITGO with PDVSA. . Now other refineries along the Gulf Coast have taken on the task of refining heavy crude. They don't have to make strictly heavy runs, they can blend in heavy with light, resulting in less wear and tear on equipment.
The outcome of the Venezuelan incursion remains to be seen. Ideally, the endgame will be the removal of the entire Chavista regime and its replacement with the opposition led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Machado. This would hopefully lead to stable and lasting change.
The reality is that in the US, Democrats could return to power as soon as 2029. I wouldn't put it past them to restore Maduro to power, on the theory that if Trump did it, it must be bad and thus must be reversed. This is especially so since the odds in the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s ascension to the caliphate of the People’s Republic/Caliphate of New York City increases the odds that the Democrat nominee for President will be a Democratic Socialist.
What seems irrefutable is that removing Maduro is good for Venezuela, the US, the Western Hemisphere, and the Free World.
Not concerned in the least. I believe Machado is a product of MI6 and the city of London. A major reason Trump hasn’t endorsed her. He’s breaking the apart the Rules Based Order of the old British empire that has been bleeding the US dry for over 100yrs. Think Central Banksters and beyond. Most of the so-called expert pinheads fail to realize what President Trump is doing, or do realize it, and are part of the problem. Evil or moronic, Trump is busily eating their lunch and making America great again! It’s amazing to be a witness to history being made. It’s going to be a bumpy ride but still, incredible to watch .
Methinks you've been watching too many Bond movies. The British Empire is history, and Britain itself is being subsumed by imperial blowback into a caliphate. They are a geopolitical non-entity.
Wow. George, you are very much mistaken. Follow the money my friend! If I may, I would suggest watching a few YouTube videos of the Promethean channel. Susan Kokinda and Barbara Boyd have quite a bit to say on the matter and have been saying it for years. In any case, I think you would profit immensely from some of the things they have to say, and their work. Have a great night!
It’s not the politicos, it’s MI6 and the MONEY! The Bank of London. The City is an independent fiefdom, just like the Vatican and Washington DC! They have destroyed GB, and they’re busy trying to destroy the United States. It has nothing to do with politics or the people. The couldn’t give two shts about the people and they control both sides of any politics. Why do you think they absolutely HATE and DESPISE one man? Because he’s breaking their paradigm. For crying out loud they tried to kill the man at least 3 times.
Removing Maduro is undoubtedly good for the Venezuelan people, but only if the alternative is better. It's also doubtful anything but a short term dent in the drugs trade where the cartels will quickly reorganize to serve obvious demand. The problem with Mr Trump is that any good that he does do for the US or others (and always trumpets, whether true or not) is ever counterbalanced by both the manner and eventual outcome; and also ignores any actions that are clearly not good. From all those on the outside that I speak to, he has already lost the largest tranche of goodwill towards America. That may be of no current concern, but what happens when future US debts of all kinds come due? Will his successors want, or be prepared, to go it all alone?
I made several comments the other day about our action on Venezuela and the benefits thereof that I think may bear repeating here:
1. Lots of fentanyl NOT moving north now which will raise prices leading to reduced usage and US bodycount.
2. I wonder if Russia has just lost a way to mask crude sales. Venezuela production has been in the tank for a while. Mixing what they were able to produce with russian crude shipped in on shady tankers would make the crude salable on the open market at a premium. Based on the reported condition of Venezuela fields it's likely the tankers weren't being filled with Venezuelan production...pure Venezuelan production. Mixing dirty crude or tank heels with decent crude to produce salable product is an old trick in the Gulf.
3. Several South American countries will no longer get Venezuela crude at "kiss your sister" prices. That is going to cause those tin hats a problem. Prominent in that mix of beggars is Cuba who has been providing security "muscle" for Maduros soul brothers.
4. There will be lots of economic interplay with our Gulf coast facilities to refine Venezuelan crude as our petro experts bring the Venezuelan fields back on line. Venezuelan crude isn'y light or sweet but it is marketable and the revenues will do a lot more for the locals now than before.
5. As to the strategery of this action, I think this approach makes good sense. We tried replacing the entire control structure in a place called Iraq and found that to be ineffective. No Venezuelan official left in anything resembling a position of control is unaware of what happened to the Head Honcho and his Cuban security team at his fortified compound when HE got too cute. The next one may not get to be arrested and tried in the US.
I’m 80 years old and I can quickly count 15 regime changes operations by the good ole USA without even doing any research. I have heard estimates of well over 100 of these regime changes. Out of these, not one has turned out to benefit the American taxpayers. They have all however, benefited the military industrial complex, large importers, and their banker friends. So, you can count on the rich getting richer and the poor paying the price for this kidnapping of President Maduro. Sorry about raining on the parade.
Kidnapping a dictator who stole his “election” and ours too? And a narco trafficking drug dealer? Who gives a rats ass, other than the criminal elite’s, in this country and abroad. What regime change? He removed a criminal who Bidung himself put a $25 million reward on his sorry head. What regime change? I guess Trump should get the reward, but like his presidential salary, he doesn’t collect it. MAGA
I shudder as I compare 2026-7 to 1936-41. If one considers the extreme economic hurt the U.S. put on Japan, and the late 1941-1945 consequences of embargoing oil to that island country, one has to wonder about the inevitable rhyming of history. Why would China and Russia simply shrug their strong national shoulders and just say "Oh well, what is done is done? Are we willing to blithely assume that there will not be intermediate term blowback from such war-like action by the U.S. I know which way I would bet. Gawd help us all.
In purely self defense Latin America and other blocks of nations will coalesce for protection from American expansionism. Despite the opportunity for free just elections in Venezuela, the people of that nation are patriots. They do not want to be a colony of the USA. Nope. They will fight. Not just the military either. The common man will fight to keep Venezuela for its citizens. Sovereignty matters to these people. They now have a common enemy. The USA. They were a Spanish colony and fought and won their independence in 1821. If anyone thinks that the oil companies can just walk in and reconstruct the oil fields for American use, think again. I do not believe Venezuelan citizens will go for that agenda. Sure, they are happy to be rid of Maduro. But they will not accept American occupation of even their oil fields.
However, IF, Trump and his advisors make an offer to rehabilitate their oil fields in exchange of say a percentage of the oil while the Venezuelans get money to rebuild their economy, there might be co operation. Their military would have to go along with any plan offered. Free and fair elections might be a prerequisite for any renewable of their oil industry. Trying to force Venezuela to give in to American demands is folly. A lot of lives would be lost in any occupation without cooperation. We need to help them get back on their feet economically...first. Then work on elections and corruption and drug cartels. It will not be an easy road. Nope. This could easily turn into Vietnam or Afganistan which will blow all oil profits on arms and such.
Trump needs to proceed with caution or end up wishing he had never seen Venezuela.
Gordon's contention that US Gulf refineries are setup for light crude refining and would find the VZ heavy crude to be problematic to handle, is simply wrong. Quite the opposite in fact. In a nutshell, the heavy "sour" (read highly sulfuric) crude, from Venezuela or the Canadian tar sands for that matter, is combined with light crude from the ME and domestic fracked FF reserves in order to maintain an ideal "recipe" for our domestic Gulf refineries. These Gulf refineries utilize Cokers to separate heavy crude tars prior to further processing.
We've got this...
BTW: wondering why there seems to be no mention of our Strategic Reserves. Biden was in the process of emptying those reserves to prop up gas prices at the pump, right before elections. This had a dual purpose. To win elections and, similar to closing down many coal and nuclear energy facilities, to force his solar & wind program on the country as the only available option.
This VZ oil availability and overall cheaper oil prices on the world oil markets might be an ideal time to replenish our reserves. Oil isn't just for energy; it also is a feedstock for many products not the least of which are polymers, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers. The keys to controlling inflation - from controlling us.
Not so sure other Latin American countries will be seeking to form military alliances with China. Venezuela was using Chinese made defense systems and they were a total failure in preventing the U.S. from penetrating those defenses.
I guess the US will never stop meddling and sticking its nose in everyone elses business. So much for law and order and I wonder how it is that the US has determined itself to be the world cop. Is it might makes right? It appears to be so but isn't this the type of thing declining empires do when they start unravelling? Sure, it may work for a while and by human standards a long time. It took the Romans 500 years or so. Seems like we're on the same path.
First paragraph: Joel says " Disregarding national sovereignty and international law feels good when the outcome is favorable." I see this 'liberal think' a lot. Especially from the ones who support dictators (as long as it isn't here) and loves International Law (not necessarily Joel, I don't know him but from his writing). Unfortunately, we (USA) are in a war, a Cold War so far, but if we were to let it go any further without pushback (like the Maduro snatch) it won't be long before we lose. We're dealing, whether we like it or not, with people who hate the US and will do anything to destroy us. When others disobey International Laws and sovereignty, and their aim is our destruction, what does Joel, et al, propose?
Ted, you write that: "we (USA) are in a war, a Cold War so far, but if we were to let it go any further without pushback (like the Maduro snatch) it won't be long before we lose."
My question is why? Surely it can't be the stated narco-terrorism that will bring the US to its knees. Those overdosing on Fentanyl are doing it to themselves with the full knowledge of its dangers, similarly to the Chinese being supplied with opium by the British at the height of their empire.
No, the US needs no enemy to bring it down while it is doing so to itself. Unsustainable debt of 39 trillion. Military expenditure to rise to1.5 trillion in the face of debt interest payments of 1 trillion pa.. No political will to cut govt spending or reduce debt. Fighting senseless wars around the world.
Which country in its right mind would want to attack the US directly in spite of it becoming more hated by the day?
Hi Andre, I appreciate your input. You say "Surely it can't be the stated narco-terrorism that will bring the US to its knees." I see this somewhat differently, but then I agree with all your additional comments. Narco-terrorism has been around for a long time, and it did not bring us to our knees. However, that reminds me of my son who could not bring me to my knees as a kid, either. As he aged and trained in the martial arts, I had to train also to hold my own. One day he beat me. So narco-terrorism has now evolved into state sponsored attacks, military sponsored. This is already causing near 100,000 deaths, even though it's unintended suicide. Meanwhile, China and Russia gain a bigger foothold in the countries around us. We are dealing with folks who want to drop the 'last man standing' for world domination. I'd rather remain standing.
This is not why "they" hate us. You will always have about 2% of any population that wants to be a dictator within their group... then their country... then even the world. They don't like us because we're in their way.
The Muslims hate us (and others because we're infidels. Godless socialist and communists hate us because we don't worship the state (their state). Drug infested countries only love us if we buy their drugs, otherwise they hate us. What sovereignty did Venezuela have running tons of poisonous drugs to the US? Or "international law"?
We /US have significant fiscal issues and material social issues these elements could lead to a fundamental chasm in society which is already underway
Added to this the Islam o Nazi fascists + China + Russia
I think the worst is ahead
In the end Ven will
Be a side show no doubt it’s a big hit to China yet they will hit back indirectly as they have for decades. Part of the issue is that 1/2 the country doesn’t realize we are war and we have different enemies. It’s F d up !
Well put, Mensch. But I don't think Ven is a side show. I think it's an opening salvo. And yes, half the country is F d up as you said. Their worldview is without a moral compass.
Venz > First move of many, certainly not insignificant
If we were coherent as a country. It would very different yet we have real “nut cases “ in our neighborhood enemies pouncing at our borders and a media that is driven by conflict
I’ve personally lost faith in our democratic process here in the US. To many politicians n people on the dole and / or influenced by money driven interests. It’s effectively one party rule at this point despite the right n left POV
Most Republicans are lame They got their hand in the Cooke jar too ! Trump is a huge threat to all vested interests
I don’t think the “ system can handle him
He is not going to be right all the time n his style is rude yet he is making things happen thank God Congresss does not haven the ability to execute meaningful change outside of pork belly spending
We must acccpete the roughness of strong leadership to this
Again, I must agree. The cost of campaigning has priced out everything but big bucks. Who besides a billionaire could run for any National office without PAC money- with all the strings attached. Sad but true. And strong leadership is seldom appreciated, but like in dating, nice guys finish last.
Depends on whether western Hemisphere's other countries can be assured by current US administration the operation was an isolated event against a known criminal and their countries will not be treated in a similar fashion: statesmanship!
Thoughtful, informative post. Nice touch adding Gordon and Burry perspectives. Well-considered readers' comments in response that identify consequences, and potential unintended consequences of this intervention. Time will tell. As a side note, it appears that Argentina and Chile support U.S. action, so we aren't alone in the Western Hemisphere.
Joel, Interesting article by Mr. Gordon. And informative comments too. To be positive in this New Year I hope the people of Venezuela are liberated and have Democratic Elections because of what has happened so far. But this a political ball of twine that unravels into dolars needed from the U.S. taxpayers pockets, similar to Iraq. Trump's ego is again in play. His political promise was to bring back business to the U.S. and make it proud again. Not doing it by conquering and stealing other countrie's resources. Thats nots what built a strong North America in the 1st place.
the more this all goes on the more it sounds like a soap opera.Coulda,woulda shoulda yada yada Dada. Stop the world so we can get off. I think I am losing my 86 yo mind.
"Most U.S. refineries are optimized for light, sweet crude. To process the sludge coming out of Venezuela, massive, multi-billion-dollar upgrades will be needed to Gulf Coast facilities."
I'm not sure that this is correct - for months now, I've read in multiple sources that the Gulf refineries are optimized for Canadian and Venezualan heavy crude oil; and I understand that Chevron has been importing Venezualan crude to the Gulf for years, under a special licence from the US administration.
I’m with you. Other than disinformation, my understanding of our gulf refineries are the same. And if they aren’t, I’m sure they can be refit with little effort? Either way, the Venezuelan oil will no longer have to be sold at rock bottom prices to the dark shadow fleet and countries aligned to destroy the USA.
Yep..LyondellBasell shut down its Houston refinery last year. For years that refinery ran exclusive Venezuelan oil, as they ran a joint venture, CITGO with PDVSA. . Now other refineries along the Gulf Coast have taken on the task of refining heavy crude. They don't have to make strictly heavy runs, they can blend in heavy with light, resulting in less wear and tear on equipment.
The outcome of the Venezuelan incursion remains to be seen. Ideally, the endgame will be the removal of the entire Chavista regime and its replacement with the opposition led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Machado. This would hopefully lead to stable and lasting change.
The reality is that in the US, Democrats could return to power as soon as 2029. I wouldn't put it past them to restore Maduro to power, on the theory that if Trump did it, it must be bad and thus must be reversed. This is especially so since the odds in the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s ascension to the caliphate of the People’s Republic/Caliphate of New York City increases the odds that the Democrat nominee for President will be a Democratic Socialist.
What seems irrefutable is that removing Maduro is good for Venezuela, the US, the Western Hemisphere, and the Free World.
Not concerned in the least. I believe Machado is a product of MI6 and the city of London. A major reason Trump hasn’t endorsed her. He’s breaking the apart the Rules Based Order of the old British empire that has been bleeding the US dry for over 100yrs. Think Central Banksters and beyond. Most of the so-called expert pinheads fail to realize what President Trump is doing, or do realize it, and are part of the problem. Evil or moronic, Trump is busily eating their lunch and making America great again! It’s amazing to be a witness to history being made. It’s going to be a bumpy ride but still, incredible to watch .
Methinks you've been watching too many Bond movies. The British Empire is history, and Britain itself is being subsumed by imperial blowback into a caliphate. They are a geopolitical non-entity.
Wow. George, you are very much mistaken. Follow the money my friend! If I may, I would suggest watching a few YouTube videos of the Promethean channel. Susan Kokinda and Barbara Boyd have quite a bit to say on the matter and have been saying it for years. In any case, I think you would profit immensely from some of the things they have to say, and their work. Have a great night!
Following the money no longer leads to the City of London. There is talk of the UK (and France) seeking IMF bailouts.
The UK George, NOT the City of London! Go to Promethean and I assure you, you will reconsider everything
Doubtful and I have no plans to go there. Anyone who doesn't realize the UK is a
spent force doesn't merit my attention.
https://www.unz.com/article/israeli-intrigue-in-venezuela/#comment-7445516
My Lord, you are consuming absolute garbage. Jew hating conspiracy theory is the most disgusting clickbait genre.
Hope you’re wrong but afraid you’re not. They don’t appear to have the political will to be Great Britain.
It’s not the politicos, it’s MI6 and the MONEY! The Bank of London. The City is an independent fiefdom, just like the Vatican and Washington DC! They have destroyed GB, and they’re busy trying to destroy the United States. It has nothing to do with politics or the people. The couldn’t give two shts about the people and they control both sides of any politics. Why do you think they absolutely HATE and DESPISE one man? Because he’s breaking their paradigm. For crying out loud they tried to kill the man at least 3 times.
That era has been over since shortly after WWII.
Removing Maduro is undoubtedly good for the Venezuelan people, but only if the alternative is better. It's also doubtful anything but a short term dent in the drugs trade where the cartels will quickly reorganize to serve obvious demand. The problem with Mr Trump is that any good that he does do for the US or others (and always trumpets, whether true or not) is ever counterbalanced by both the manner and eventual outcome; and also ignores any actions that are clearly not good. From all those on the outside that I speak to, he has already lost the largest tranche of goodwill towards America. That may be of no current concern, but what happens when future US debts of all kinds come due? Will his successors want, or be prepared, to go it all alone?
I made several comments the other day about our action on Venezuela and the benefits thereof that I think may bear repeating here:
1. Lots of fentanyl NOT moving north now which will raise prices leading to reduced usage and US bodycount.
2. I wonder if Russia has just lost a way to mask crude sales. Venezuela production has been in the tank for a while. Mixing what they were able to produce with russian crude shipped in on shady tankers would make the crude salable on the open market at a premium. Based on the reported condition of Venezuela fields it's likely the tankers weren't being filled with Venezuelan production...pure Venezuelan production. Mixing dirty crude or tank heels with decent crude to produce salable product is an old trick in the Gulf.
3. Several South American countries will no longer get Venezuela crude at "kiss your sister" prices. That is going to cause those tin hats a problem. Prominent in that mix of beggars is Cuba who has been providing security "muscle" for Maduros soul brothers.
4. There will be lots of economic interplay with our Gulf coast facilities to refine Venezuelan crude as our petro experts bring the Venezuelan fields back on line. Venezuelan crude isn'y light or sweet but it is marketable and the revenues will do a lot more for the locals now than before.
5. As to the strategery of this action, I think this approach makes good sense. We tried replacing the entire control structure in a place called Iraq and found that to be ineffective. No Venezuelan official left in anything resembling a position of control is unaware of what happened to the Head Honcho and his Cuban security team at his fortified compound when HE got too cute. The next one may not get to be arrested and tried in the US.
Great comment
I’m 80 years old and I can quickly count 15 regime changes operations by the good ole USA without even doing any research. I have heard estimates of well over 100 of these regime changes. Out of these, not one has turned out to benefit the American taxpayers. They have all however, benefited the military industrial complex, large importers, and their banker friends. So, you can count on the rich getting richer and the poor paying the price for this kidnapping of President Maduro. Sorry about raining on the parade.
Kidnapping a dictator who stole his “election” and ours too? And a narco trafficking drug dealer? Who gives a rats ass, other than the criminal elite’s, in this country and abroad. What regime change? He removed a criminal who Bidung himself put a $25 million reward on his sorry head. What regime change? I guess Trump should get the reward, but like his presidential salary, he doesn’t collect it. MAGA
I shudder as I compare 2026-7 to 1936-41. If one considers the extreme economic hurt the U.S. put on Japan, and the late 1941-1945 consequences of embargoing oil to that island country, one has to wonder about the inevitable rhyming of history. Why would China and Russia simply shrug their strong national shoulders and just say "Oh well, what is done is done? Are we willing to blithely assume that there will not be intermediate term blowback from such war-like action by the U.S. I know which way I would bet. Gawd help us all.
In purely self defense Latin America and other blocks of nations will coalesce for protection from American expansionism. Despite the opportunity for free just elections in Venezuela, the people of that nation are patriots. They do not want to be a colony of the USA. Nope. They will fight. Not just the military either. The common man will fight to keep Venezuela for its citizens. Sovereignty matters to these people. They now have a common enemy. The USA. They were a Spanish colony and fought and won their independence in 1821. If anyone thinks that the oil companies can just walk in and reconstruct the oil fields for American use, think again. I do not believe Venezuelan citizens will go for that agenda. Sure, they are happy to be rid of Maduro. But they will not accept American occupation of even their oil fields.
However, IF, Trump and his advisors make an offer to rehabilitate their oil fields in exchange of say a percentage of the oil while the Venezuelans get money to rebuild their economy, there might be co operation. Their military would have to go along with any plan offered. Free and fair elections might be a prerequisite for any renewable of their oil industry. Trying to force Venezuela to give in to American demands is folly. A lot of lives would be lost in any occupation without cooperation. We need to help them get back on their feet economically...first. Then work on elections and corruption and drug cartels. It will not be an easy road. Nope. This could easily turn into Vietnam or Afganistan which will blow all oil profits on arms and such.
Trump needs to proceed with caution or end up wishing he had never seen Venezuela.
Gordon's contention that US Gulf refineries are setup for light crude refining and would find the VZ heavy crude to be problematic to handle, is simply wrong. Quite the opposite in fact. In a nutshell, the heavy "sour" (read highly sulfuric) crude, from Venezuela or the Canadian tar sands for that matter, is combined with light crude from the ME and domestic fracked FF reserves in order to maintain an ideal "recipe" for our domestic Gulf refineries. These Gulf refineries utilize Cokers to separate heavy crude tars prior to further processing.
We've got this...
BTW: wondering why there seems to be no mention of our Strategic Reserves. Biden was in the process of emptying those reserves to prop up gas prices at the pump, right before elections. This had a dual purpose. To win elections and, similar to closing down many coal and nuclear energy facilities, to force his solar & wind program on the country as the only available option.
This VZ oil availability and overall cheaper oil prices on the world oil markets might be an ideal time to replenish our reserves. Oil isn't just for energy; it also is a feedstock for many products not the least of which are polymers, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers. The keys to controlling inflation - from controlling us.
Not so sure other Latin American countries will be seeking to form military alliances with China. Venezuela was using Chinese made defense systems and they were a total failure in preventing the U.S. from penetrating those defenses.
I guess the US will never stop meddling and sticking its nose in everyone elses business. So much for law and order and I wonder how it is that the US has determined itself to be the world cop. Is it might makes right? It appears to be so but isn't this the type of thing declining empires do when they start unravelling? Sure, it may work for a while and by human standards a long time. It took the Romans 500 years or so. Seems like we're on the same path.
First paragraph: Joel says " Disregarding national sovereignty and international law feels good when the outcome is favorable." I see this 'liberal think' a lot. Especially from the ones who support dictators (as long as it isn't here) and loves International Law (not necessarily Joel, I don't know him but from his writing). Unfortunately, we (USA) are in a war, a Cold War so far, but if we were to let it go any further without pushback (like the Maduro snatch) it won't be long before we lose. We're dealing, whether we like it or not, with people who hate the US and will do anything to destroy us. When others disobey International Laws and sovereignty, and their aim is our destruction, what does Joel, et al, propose?
Ted, I could not agree with you more! It’s way past time we stop playing the “ word games” of the marxists and start speaking plainly again!
Ted, you write that: "we (USA) are in a war, a Cold War so far, but if we were to let it go any further without pushback (like the Maduro snatch) it won't be long before we lose."
My question is why? Surely it can't be the stated narco-terrorism that will bring the US to its knees. Those overdosing on Fentanyl are doing it to themselves with the full knowledge of its dangers, similarly to the Chinese being supplied with opium by the British at the height of their empire.
No, the US needs no enemy to bring it down while it is doing so to itself. Unsustainable debt of 39 trillion. Military expenditure to rise to1.5 trillion in the face of debt interest payments of 1 trillion pa.. No political will to cut govt spending or reduce debt. Fighting senseless wars around the world.
Which country in its right mind would want to attack the US directly in spite of it becoming more hated by the day?
Hi Andre, I appreciate your input. You say "Surely it can't be the stated narco-terrorism that will bring the US to its knees." I see this somewhat differently, but then I agree with all your additional comments. Narco-terrorism has been around for a long time, and it did not bring us to our knees. However, that reminds me of my son who could not bring me to my knees as a kid, either. As he aged and trained in the martial arts, I had to train also to hold my own. One day he beat me. So narco-terrorism has now evolved into state sponsored attacks, military sponsored. This is already causing near 100,000 deaths, even though it's unintended suicide. Meanwhile, China and Russia gain a bigger foothold in the countries around us. We are dealing with folks who want to drop the 'last man standing' for world domination. I'd rather remain standing.
"When others disobey International Laws and sovereignty..."
Isn't this what the US does all the time? Isn't this what it just did in Venezuela? Maybe they hate us because of bullshit like this.
This is not why "they" hate us. You will always have about 2% of any population that wants to be a dictator within their group... then their country... then even the world. They don't like us because we're in their way.
The Muslims hate us (and others because we're infidels. Godless socialist and communists hate us because we don't worship the state (their state). Drug infested countries only love us if we buy their drugs, otherwise they hate us. What sovereignty did Venezuela have running tons of poisonous drugs to the US? Or "international law"?
https://www.unz.com/pescobar/barbaria-strikes-again/
We /US have significant fiscal issues and material social issues these elements could lead to a fundamental chasm in society which is already underway
Added to this the Islam o Nazi fascists + China + Russia
I think the worst is ahead
In the end Ven will
Be a side show no doubt it’s a big hit to China yet they will hit back indirectly as they have for decades. Part of the issue is that 1/2 the country doesn’t realize we are war and we have different enemies. It’s F d up !
Well put, Mensch. But I don't think Ven is a side show. I think it's an opening salvo. And yes, half the country is F d up as you said. Their worldview is without a moral compass.
Venz > First move of many, certainly not insignificant
If we were coherent as a country. It would very different yet we have real “nut cases “ in our neighborhood enemies pouncing at our borders and a media that is driven by conflict
Money n control is fueling it
Totally agree.
I’ve personally lost faith in our democratic process here in the US. To many politicians n people on the dole and / or influenced by money driven interests. It’s effectively one party rule at this point despite the right n left POV
Most Republicans are lame They got their hand in the Cooke jar too ! Trump is a huge threat to all vested interests
I don’t think the “ system can handle him
He is not going to be right all the time n his style is rude yet he is making things happen thank God Congresss does not haven the ability to execute meaningful change outside of pork belly spending
We must acccpete the roughness of strong leadership to this
Again, I must agree. The cost of campaigning has priced out everything but big bucks. Who besides a billionaire could run for any National office without PAC money- with all the strings attached. Sad but true. And strong leadership is seldom appreciated, but like in dating, nice guys finish last.
Depends on whether western Hemisphere's other countries can be assured by current US administration the operation was an isolated event against a known criminal and their countries will not be treated in a similar fashion: statesmanship!
Don’t forget the opportunity costs of simply doing nothing!
This is the first time in a long time where US acted with clear strategic intent non withstanding risks u have identified
Thoughtful, informative post. Nice touch adding Gordon and Burry perspectives. Well-considered readers' comments in response that identify consequences, and potential unintended consequences of this intervention. Time will tell. As a side note, it appears that Argentina and Chile support U.S. action, so we aren't alone in the Western Hemisphere.
Love the cucumber one haven’t heard that . How about ‘ You can put lipstick on a Pig but it’s still a Pig ‘
Joel, Interesting article by Mr. Gordon. And informative comments too. To be positive in this New Year I hope the people of Venezuela are liberated and have Democratic Elections because of what has happened so far. But this a political ball of twine that unravels into dolars needed from the U.S. taxpayers pockets, similar to Iraq. Trump's ego is again in play. His political promise was to bring back business to the U.S. and make it proud again. Not doing it by conquering and stealing other countrie's resources. Thats nots what built a strong North America in the 1st place.
the more this all goes on the more it sounds like a soap opera.Coulda,woulda shoulda yada yada Dada. Stop the world so we can get off. I think I am losing my 86 yo mind.