All over the world, Venezuelans celebrated Maduro’s ouster last January 3. Everywhere except Venezuela, of course. The local inhabitants don’t dare express their joy yet, fearing the well- known repression. But anywhere else, millions of Venezuelans who were forced to leave their country, gathered, waving Venezuelan flags, dancing, singing and hugging, hoping they can eventually go back home. The end doesn’t justify the means, I know, but was there any other way to get rid of such a negative leader and start freeing Venezuela? Donald Trump is far from naïve. His coup d’état might intend to distract people from Epstein files. Besides, he’s probably more interested in Venezuela’s oil than in the welfare of its people. All that is undeniable. Nevertheless, Nicolás Maduro has proved to be a despicable individual and I’m glad he’s out of the game. Things in Venezuela will not change overnight. This is just the beginning of a transition period that will take time, but a long journey begins with a single step, doesn’t it? On the other hand, many “opinionators” who haven’t suffered that 26-year dictatorship, criticize US bombing and invasion harshly. “Los de afuera son de palo,” as we say in Spanish, meaning those who are not involved have no say. We should mind our own business and respect Chávez and Maduro’s victims when they express their hope and enthusiasm. They know better. “The rest is silence.”
Buenos Aires Times