The Events



Venezuela appears to be actively entering a civil war. Civilians and military leaders have heard the call of Interim President Juan Guaido. They are rising up against the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Violent clashes have rocked the capital Caracas. Government vehicles have mowed down pedestrians. It is clear where this all leads. It leads to a war for order, a war for democracy.



It leads to a war for order, a war for democracy.

Although he was initially elected by democratic vote, there is nothing honest about the way Maduro holds on to his power. According to Venezuelan law (article 233) Maduro is an illegitimate ruler and must leave office. Fair elections must take place. Instead of complying with this mandate, Maduro and his Party, Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) have violently fought anyone who questions their authority. Even as they attack citizens in the streets, PSUV spreads propaganda that aims at convincing people of their patriotism and morality.



Propaganda Vs. Reality



For instance, PSUV has tweeted “Let us continue to build a just and prosperous nation!” This statement seems to ignore reality. In 2015 the percentage of Venezuelans living under the poverty line was 17.7%. By 2017 this had risen to 87%. It doesn’t look like it is getting better, either. 2017 was also the year with the highest growth rate the nation has had of the last three. The rate for that year was -14.5%. This doesn’t seem so prosperous.



¡SOMOS LEALES, SOMOS DE VERDAD! ♥🇻🇪



El pueblo venezolano es el protagonista principal del proceso histórico de transformación de la Patria. Sigamos construyendo una nación justa y próspera ¡Juntos por Venezuela! pic.twitter.com/xR3QzPaOCE#TrumpNotToday — PSUV (@PartidoPSUV) May 2, 2019 Archive.is

Justice doen’t seem like Venezuela’s strong suit, either. It turns out the people living in Venezuela have much more than money problems. Infant mortality rates are on the rise, due to government mismanagement. Maduro for years has welcomed the support of pro-socialist paramilitary groups. Soldiers have repressed and killed aboriginal people and others who protest the Maduro regime. Police have openly imprisoned opposition leaders. Juan Guiado himself has spent time in jail. It seems safe to say that Maduro’s Venezuela is neither just nor prosperous.



The Inevitable War

People can only take so much. The Maduro regime blocks American aid being sent to feed starving people. They have for years beaten and killed their own citizens in the streets. They have spent money they don’t have and massively raised inflation. Maduro and PSUV do all of this, yet claim moral superiority.



While PSUV uses hashtags like #TrumpNotToday and condemns America and Canada for meddling, it also invites Cuba, Iran, and Russia to send military support to suppress Venezuelans. It is obvious that Maduro only dislikes foreign meddling when it opposes him. He really cares about just one thing, power. It won’t be easy for the people to take it back.





The Venezuelans have tried peaceful protests. They have tried discussions. Guaido has offered Maduro full amnesty. None of these things have worked. They are now left to just two things: God and rebellion.



Facing the Facts in Venezuela

Guaido has an approval rating of 61%. Meanwhile, Maduro has just 14%. It is clear that the nation has spoken. Maduro has shown that he is not listening. Guaido for his part wants the protests to remain peaceful. It is evident, however, that Maduro will not let that happen.