As students in high school, or college, I don’t think a lot of us are really asked to understand much about 20th century American Imperialism. Just wars and dates and sides. Memorize, regurgitate and forget. If we were, understanding nuance like you’ve so aptly summarized at the end of your article would be, if not obvious, at least easier to see, understand, and discuss.
That's the biggest blind spot most Americans have, imo. And you're right - it comes from our education system. Our government routinely says it wants to regime change countries around the world. Too many of us forget the threat that implies, and narrow issues down to a single leader or party. Understanding that nations are trying to protect themselves from this threat helps us better understand the world.
This is the discussion needed. I would only add that an authoritarian government is working to pull this off in Venezuela and in the US. Also, an important component, is the authoritarian govt’s that are being supported in South and Central Am. in addition and how much is it costing?
What is clear is that the people-workers- everywhere are crushed economically, lied to about the cause, and desperately vote out those trying to change conditions, as in Honduras most recently. Promises, promises, just as here.
That's another thing that drives me crazy. When I see liberals like Michael McFaul saying a foreign authoritarian has to go, I wish they'd focus on removing the US's authoritarian government. That is an easier project in the United States, it doesn't breach sovereignty, and we desperately need it.
It's awarded by a commission appointed by the Norwegian parliament. There certainly have been very controversial recipients in the past. I believe Hitler was once nominated, but the council decided to not give the award rather than give it to him.
I think giving it to Machado shows where Europe's interests lie. They've faced oil restrictions from the Russia-Ukraine War, and accessing Venezuelan oil would greatly help their governments relieve domestic pressure. There's also the element that they saw giving it to one of Trump's allies as a way of giving it to him through a bank shot.
As students in high school, or college, I don’t think a lot of us are really asked to understand much about 20th century American Imperialism. Just wars and dates and sides. Memorize, regurgitate and forget. If we were, understanding nuance like you’ve so aptly summarized at the end of your article would be, if not obvious, at least easier to see, understand, and discuss.
That's the biggest blind spot most Americans have, imo. And you're right - it comes from our education system. Our government routinely says it wants to regime change countries around the world. Too many of us forget the threat that implies, and narrow issues down to a single leader or party. Understanding that nations are trying to protect themselves from this threat helps us better understand the world.
This is the discussion needed. I would only add that an authoritarian government is working to pull this off in Venezuela and in the US. Also, an important component, is the authoritarian govt’s that are being supported in South and Central Am. in addition and how much is it costing?
What is clear is that the people-workers- everywhere are crushed economically, lied to about the cause, and desperately vote out those trying to change conditions, as in Honduras most recently. Promises, promises, just as here.
That's another thing that drives me crazy. When I see liberals like Michael McFaul saying a foreign authoritarian has to go, I wish they'd focus on removing the US's authoritarian government. That is an easier project in the United States, it doesn't breach sovereignty, and we desperately need it.
Happy to read this analysis. Would love to read about how the Nobel Prize was awarded and has it always been this absurd?
It's awarded by a commission appointed by the Norwegian parliament. There certainly have been very controversial recipients in the past. I believe Hitler was once nominated, but the council decided to not give the award rather than give it to him.
I think giving it to Machado shows where Europe's interests lie. They've faced oil restrictions from the Russia-Ukraine War, and accessing Venezuelan oil would greatly help their governments relieve domestic pressure. There's also the element that they saw giving it to one of Trump's allies as a way of giving it to him through a bank shot.