WHY VENEZUELA MATTERS

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.