[July 27, 2019] It has been a busy time over the past few months so today I’ll be posting about events that I don’t have the time to get into during the week. Foreign affairs is the topic of the day.
Protest rallies in Venezuela as the electric grid fails (again). Socialism is a failed socio-political-economic system. Echoing a common theme among such governments, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed the U.S. and unnamed terrorists for an “electromagnetic attack” on the nation’s power grid. Ten percent of the country’s population has left, seeking a better life elsewhere. Once the most prosperous country south of the U.S., Venezuela has fallen under the spell of socialist promises. When unable to deliver after years of official corruption and cronyism, the government blames others for their failure. When senior leaders fail, the failure translates quickly to the lives of everyone.
Corruption by senior government officials in Puerto Rico and rising crime stresses a nation. Hurricane Maria in August 2018 was not the only problem the government of Puerto Rico has failed to address. After it was discovered that Puerto Rico mishandled money sent to restore the electric grid, now comes word that several key government officials have been arrested by the FBI on corruption charges. Also, crime is rising at an unprecedented rate. These combined have led to an outflow of citizens to the U.S. and to a serious decline in the standard of living of Puerto Rico. No one expects conditions to improve anytime soon.
North Korea and Iran fire missiles to test their construction but actually to show their “strength and determination.” This came as no surprise. If you want to demonstrate that you are a tough guy, just fire a couple of missiles into the air and show the video on YouTube. This is gunboat diplomacy without the gunboat. Fact of the matter is, this works and both nK and Iran got lots of attention, especially from America and Europe who have politicians that scare rather easily. I’m not impressed. You can buy just about any type of missile you want from Russia or China if you have the money as most governments do. What does it mean? They weren’t getting enough attention and now they will throw a tantrum just like your brother did in the grocery store when your mom wouldn’t buy him a popsicle.
Venezuela is one of the few in the Western hemisphere. And it’s highly socialist like so many Muslim countries. Is there a pattern here? Of course, but it’s “racist” to call them out.
In the US (and most English speaking nations), corruption is regarded as unfair and thus runs against our values. Not so in Muslim countries. Gen. Satterfield once told a story of this and how endemic it is in their countries. This is how you get things done.
I see that it’s been a while since you’ve put Clearing the Spindle out for us to read. Thanks. You might want to do this every Friday (or a weekend) and be consistent with it. That way we can read more of the things you are thinking about. Just a suggestion.
Good suggestion. I prefer Friday but also have a regular article that day too.
I’m not sure “Puerto Rico” is a foreign affairs issue but I liked your summary. Thanks.
Why is it that Puerto Rico is so corrupt?
The next question is, how do you clean it up? Part of the culture is what my neighbor says and thus it will always be there. Any change will be slow and destructive.
Most governments in Central and South America are highly corrupt. But they are not the worst. The worst are in the Middle East (read that Muslim).
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/24/these-are-the-worlds-most-corrupt-countries.html
Thanks Tracey, here is an NYT article that confirms the same. Nearly all are Muslim.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/09/world/most-corrupt-countries-list.html
Somalia is the worst of them all.
Both nations are run by thugs. Typical of any socialist-style govt. All Muslims run countries are socialist in some form or another (like Monarchies). That is what allows them to function. None have a democracy in the classic sense. “Voting” is just a facade because only those the top people want to win, actually win. Don’t believe me? Just move to any of them.
Regarding the missiles fired by Iran and North Korea, is it a slap in the face of the US? Or is it a strong message to the “West”? Or is it them flexing their muscles. I wonder if it’s really all three and they want everything to think twice if others are thinking of attacking them.
Regardless of why, they are playing a dangerous game. N. Korea is less dangerous because their adventures rarely go outside their county which is barely holding together. Iran, on the other hand, is dangerous. Too bad most Europeans can’t see it.
I agree with you Gil. But I think that by shooting off missiles they think they are telling everyone to stay away and let them do as they wish.
Gunboat diplomacy!
Good articles and subjects for an early Saturday morning. Thumbs up on your articles of the day.