Despite the meager coverage in the U.S. and the over concentration on the Ukraine, what happens in Venezuela matters immensely so it should at least receive the same coverage. Why? Because Venezuela was once a beacon of hope, wealth and prosperity in South America. Colombians, Bolivians, Peruvians and anyone who wanted to better their lot in life, would immigrate to Venezuela -where if you were willing to leave your family and struggle for a better life, you would get a job and prosper - you would send money to support your children - you would end the cycle of despair and poverty that permeated life in poorer countries. It was once, simply put, the United States of South America. Sure there was also a cycle of poverty and injustice there is as well, as there is everywhere else because we don't live in a perfect world, but there was at least a middle class. Now thanks to the communist regime of Maduro disguised as socialism, the country is in complete and utter chaos. This unfortunate change started in 2007 with Chavez but it has really gone haywire with Maduro, who is an incompetent buffoon who has no idea how to lead a nation and will only resort to more brutality, unfounded accusations and insults to defend his disastrous administration. But a country that has suffered for more than a decade now has finally had enough and must follow through what it started. They must get rid of this administration once and for all, no matter what the cost. They must face the bullets, cannons and dynamite that this coward is going to throw at them without let up, because only then will Venezuela have a chance to resurrect its shattered economy and morale once again. If they don't fight to the death now, if they give in to the crack down, Maduro will be relentless in his punishment and all will be lost. Venezuelans are fiercely patriotic and that love must prevail as they sacrifice their lives so that Venezuela can stand tall again. Don't give up comrades. Get Maduro out. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
When I first heard the news this afternoon, I felt like someone punched me in the heart. I felt the loss of a beloved family member. The news simply took my breath away and all I could think to say was "No, it can't be him. Please don't let it be him." He was so young and he had so much more to give to the world that I know all of us who loved him feel cheated and devastated right now. I didn't know he struggled with drug addiction. I don't follow Entertainment Tonight, I don't always watch Sixty Minutes and I don't read gossipy magazines, all I knew is that I simply adored him. When he was on the screen he stole the show no matter how big or small the part. He was simply the greatest. There was such humanity, such sensitivity in his performances that you couldn't help but love him. He left a great legacy and he shall live forever in his movies. Let's not dwell now on the seamy details of his death, let's give him back his dignity. It's the least we could do after all he gave us.
A great actor has died. Maximilian Schell gave us many memorable performances but I'll always remember him by his tortured, electrifying performance as a ruthless leader possessed by his vision of a New Russia in the amazing miniseries Peter the Great. He embodied the part of Peter the Great so completely that even when he had to torture his own son to death to achieve his vision, you couldn't dislike him. You felt sorry for him and the dream that drove him to murder thousands including his own offspring in the process. He played a man of destiny with such force and magnetism that he was mesmerizing. He gave us many other brilliant performances including the one that won him the Oscar below, but my personal favorite will always be Peter the Great. He plunged to the depths of darkness in that role and although the critics may not agree, it was in my opinion one of his greatest performances.
He had true artistry in his genes so he was a man of destiny like his subject. His sister, the lovely Maria Schell with the tender smile was also a wonderful actress although she never achieved his level of genius or acclaim. Rest in peace Maximilian the Great. We shall remember you.
