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Comment by jimmywanger | Hacker News Reader

I could not find a single article about these findings that aren't from a leftist leaning website.

If you search "ceela venezuela vote" on Google, the only articles that come up are from teleSUR (a mouthpiece of the Venezuelan government) and Venezuela analysis (another rabidly left organization, the one you cited).

Do you have any fairly impartial news sources you'd care to cite?

Of course, this could all be a plot of the evil Imperialist western capitalist powers to strangle the last peoples' stronghold. /s

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> Of course, this could all be a plot of the evil Imperialist western capitalist powers to strangle the last peoples' stronghold. /s

From your sarcasm I take it you're unaware of the history of leftist governments in Central and South America?

I am quite familiar. However, your argument holds no merit.

Even with the term "banana republic" there was an economic endgame in sight (e.g. cheaper fruit).

This current Venezuela farce has absolutely no redeeming qualities unless you're a member of the ruling elite (of Venezuela).

By your reasoning, every economic and/or political collapse in Central/South America can be blamed on the history of United States intervention, absolving the government of all accountability.

I wasn't really making an argument, just alluding to the fact that western governments/media have a history of undermining/overthrowing democratic left wing leaders in the region, so mocking the idea as you did was disingenuous.

That said, I think it's possible the revolution has deteriorated since the death of Chavez and that corruption is indeed rife. I'm just wary given the history of propaganda.

I also think its possible that the administration still has popular support in spite of its real problems, given the violent right-wing nature of the opposition and the apparent lack of credible evidence suggesting otherwise.

Nobody is mocking anybody.

> the violent right-wing nature of the opposition and the apparent lack of credible evidence suggesting otherwise.

People in Venezuela have lost 19 pounds on average in the past couple of years. Take a look at the exchange rates. What is the profit for "right-wing" groups?

> People in Venezuela have lost 19 pounds on average in the past couple of years.

Looks like the US need some left wing rule. But yeah this is fake news. Don't lie to pretend you have a point kiddo.

Not quite sure what you're referring to.

https://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/2172028...

The last time I checked, the Economist is a fairly neutral news organization.

Although el gordo Maduro hasn't had too much trouble finding rice and beans, by the look of things.

> Not quite sure what you're referring to.

How do you know that a country lost weight? They didn't show how they got these numbers, just said it as an IMF forecast. This is plain simple manipulation. It is a shame that my first comment got so many downvotes.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/venezuela-w...

If you distrust all news sources that disagree with your point of view, I don't know what else to say.

This study was conducted by Venezuelan universities.

You would be skeptic too if you know a little how Propaganda works world-wide nowadays.

So things you don't agree with can be dismissed out of hand as propaganda?

What argument would you want to hear that would make you decide that Venezuela is a hideously mismanaged dictatorship? They can't keep up production of oil, which is their (95%) only source of foreign reserves.

Why don't you put your money where your mouth is and go hang out in Venezuela for a bit?

You seem to discredit research done by native institutions and distrust mainstream media.

I hear Victoria falls is really nice. And you can prove all the propoganda wrong. Good luck. Bring some hard currency.

Guess what? I'm going :) Travelling South America for some years, it is in my roadmap. I live the reality down here, gringo.

Let me know how it goes.

People in Caracas will jack you for a biscuit and 10 (amercian) bucks.

Yes, a Bolivarian paradise. Have fun at Victoria falls.

Btw, I'm more chino than gringo. Just so you know.

Even you grant revolutionaries the benefit of the doubt, when in history has there been a succession to a good second leader? George Washington pulled it off by intentionally giving away his power early and setting a strong precedent of short Presidencies that end before dictatorship crept in.

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