History is littered with the stories of government abuse. Instances where brutal dictators have stolen from their nations and enslaved their people. In other cases, these leaders actually sing a song so enticing that the people don’t even see what’s going on. The readily hand over their treasures, their hard work and even their dignity. All because of some false promise with no hope of delivery. A modern-day example is taking place in Venezuela.
Five months after Venezuela nationalized dozens of oil service contractors in Zulia state, the once-bustling industrial dock on Lake Maracaibo is nearly abandoned, and the 16 red flags raised to celebrate the takeovers are already tattered and faded.
First, this should shock no one. The very idea that a government could run a corporation is laughable.
The this gem:
A few small groups of workers remain, hoping to get the jobs they were promised after the expropriations.
At least the story doesn’t read “A few large groups…..”
And then the tragedy:
“We demand our jobs. Because we haven’t gotten an answer, we’re still here,” said Demostenes Velasquez
I love it. Our jobs. Like, you know, they’re his. And someone came and took ’em. “We haven’t gotten an answer!” as he just STOMPS his feet. Okay, sorry. Mr. Velasquez is prolly just a little angry and will move on as soon as this reporter walks away, right? Wrong:
Demostenes Velasquez, who for months has lived under the scorching sun in a tent improvised from remnants of oil union election pamphlets.
At least he has the Union to thank for his shelter. But that’s about all their going to give him, cause even THEY have left. But check out the brother. Living for MONTHS in a tent! I’ve never heard such outrageous bullshit.
But the best part? The BEST part?
Despite the protests, most of the workers don’t blame Chavez or his revolution, but individual managers of the state oil company. “Five months ago, our President Hugo Chavez announced the glorious news (of the nationalization) that would benefit the town, but some (PDVSA) managers have contradicted it,” said Velasquez, a self-proclaimed “Chavista” who dresses in the red clothing popular with champions of the president.
I should be surprised that we elected Obama. Maybe I should be surprised that it took us this long.
But hey, a little sacrifice is nothing compared to the benefit of the oil industry, right? Ooops.
Experts said production in west Maracaibo has a capacity of up to 1 million barrels per day (bpd). But experts say its rate of decline has accelerated since nationalizations.
…
The oil industry slowdown has reverberated throughout the economy. According to the Association of Retailers and Industrialists of Lagunillas, commercial activity in the region has contracted between 30 and 70 percent.
Yeah. This is gonna work out just fine. Just fine.
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A few small groups of workers remain, hoping to get the jobs they were promised after the expropriations.