A part of me smirks, not because the people at the end of this horror story are suffering. It’s mostly because I think about all the overly educated and insufferably self-righteous college students who think 21st-century socialism actually helps people. Of course, I’m talking about Venezuela. The late Hugo Chavez may be dead, but so is his country. The nation is an absolute mess. Nicolas Maduro, the successor to Chavez, rules with an iron fist, partially thanks to his opposition being fragmented.
Basic medicines are in short supply, toilet paper is scarce, there are rolling blackouts, crime is rising, and food is also in short supply. As we’ve said here many times, the only thing that’s egalitarian about socialism is that everyone suffers equally. People were caught eating out of trash cans. From the educated to the poor, prostitution for food has become common, even among children. Hospitals lack gloves and soap, with some doctors describing the conditions as those not seen since the 19th century. There’s also reportedly a food police unit that makes sure no one is waiting in line. Yes, waiting in line for food or for the grocery store to open is illegal. It’s bad press. And the food issue remains a problem, as one in three Venezuela is now suffering from starvation. As for money, well, hyperinflation has pretty much rendered most currency in the country utterly worthless (via ABC News):
One of every three people in Venezuela is struggling to put enough food on the table to meet minimum nutrition requirements as the nation's severe economic contraction and political upheaval persists, according to a study published Sunday by the U.N. World Food Program.
A nationwide survey based on data from 8,375 questionnaires reveals a startling picture of the large number of Venezuelans surviving off a diet consisting largely of tubers and beans as hyperinflation renders many salaries worthless.
A total of 9.3 million people – roughly one-third of the population – are moderately or severely food insecure, said the World Food Program’s study, which was conducted at the invitation of the Venezuelan government. Food insecurity is defined as an individual being unable to meet basic dietary needs.
The study describes food insecurity as a nationwide concern, though certain states like Delta Amacuro, Amazonas and Falcon had especially high levels. Even in more prosperous regions, one in five people are estimated to be food insecure.
“The reality of this report shows the gravity of the social, economic and political crisis in our country,” said Miguel Pizarro, a Venezuelan opposition leader.
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There have been horror stories of pets, birds, and dogs being eaten. Zoos have been burgled, with animals being taken for food. And yet, Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is the frontrunner for the Democratic Party’s nomination, is mum on this sort of stuff when asked. Sanders recently gave some glowing remarks about the Cuban Revolution because it had a good literacy program. Yeah, and the Nazis built the Autobahn. It doesn’t negate the evils committed by both of these governments.
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