U.S. poised to strike military targets in Venezuela

[Winehole23]

Has a wag the dog feel to it



The Trump Administration has made the decision to attack military installations inside Venezuela and the strikes could come at any moment, sources with knowledge of the situation told the Miami Herald, as the U.S. prepares to initiate the next stage of its campaign against the Soles drug cartel. The planned attacks, also reported by the Wall Street Journal, will seek to destroy military installations used by the drug-trafficking organization the U.S. says is headed by Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro and run by top members of his regime. Sources told the Herald that the targets — which could be struck by air in a matter of days or even hours — also aim to decapitate the cartel’s hierarchy. U.S. officials believe the cartel exports around 500 tons of cocaine yearly, split between Europe and the United States.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article312722642.html#storylink=cpy

[Winehole23]

there is some back and forth about whether "the Soles Cartel" is really a thing



According to the InSight Crime think tank, the name was ironically coined by Venezuelan media in 1993 after two generals were nabbed for drug trafficking. The sun is a symbol on the military uniform epaulettes of generals in the South American country.


"Rather than a hierarchical organization with Maduro directing drug trafficking strategies, the Cartel of the Suns is more accurately described as a system of corruption wherein military and political officials profit by working with drug traffickers," InSight Crime said on its website.


Maduro denies any connection to the drug trade, although two nephews of his wife have been convicted in New York for cocaine trafficking.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250828-us-targets-venezuela-over-soles-cartel-does-it-exist

[Winehole23]

Yet in March, the latest US State Department report on global anti-drug operations made no mention of the "Cartel de los Soles" or any connection between Maduro and narco trafficking.

[Winehole23]

Turkish Airlines cancels flights to Caracas until Dec 28th

https://espiganoticias.net/wp-content/uploads/avion-turkish-airlines-large.png

https://espiganoticias.net/internacionales/turkish-airlines-cancela-sus-vuelos-entre-estambul-y-caracas-tras-alerta-aeronautica-de-ee-uu-sobre-venezuela/

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:lyjub5ir6dzvutd7cuxknlni/bafkreidh37djjs6zao2nt7x52yv74xbhsie3yhlhyksaovmx5 znkg6dn5y@jpeg

[Blake]

GET THEM DRUG LORDS!!!!

(and if we happen to take their oil, so be it. )

[Blake]

https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2025/11/22/6418291b-7bd7-4c7f-9116-5f76fe0660fb/trump-explain-vz.png

Sounds about right.

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:joadp2oerpu26csiypf25dvv/bafkreie24omsxwldjw42bilyfultpgofwkjxuklt7htgbyymv klsd5escq@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ieluoyrr7apgy6rw3uo5zk3v/bafkreid2apucp23y52sbi5nfb6z7gnivzemnbewtmie56ksfl 26vbcdaw4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:zi6x5ppoqiomymqr7s47em4o/bafkreicgbvfeaax2faajwwyh2pnqga527haxomeucrthoppvi nxl5t2ba4@jpeg

[velik_m]

Airlines cancel international flights to Venezuela after US warns of worsening security, military activity

Most of the global airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned pilots to use caution when flying in the country's airspace because of worsening security and heightened military activity. Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Airlines Association in Venezuela, told The Associated Press that six carriers have indefinitely suspended flights: TAP, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol and Caribbean. Turkish Airlines suspended flights from November 24 to 28.
...


https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/airlines-cancel-international-flights-to-venezuela-after-us-warns-of-worsening-security-military-activity-2025-11-24-1018783

[Blake]

"......May 4, 2017

Barack Obama’s administration took a principled stand on Venezuela, by imposing sanctions to rein in rogue behavior. Donald Trump, by contrast, had no qualms about taking a half-million-dollar donation for his inauguration festivities from a country whose government is driving its people to the brink of starvation.

CAMBRIDGE – There is a certain irony in recent news that Venezuela donated a half-million dollars to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration through Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company. Venezuela, of course, is a serial defaulter, having done so more times than almost any other country over the last two centuries....."

https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/programs/growthpolicy/why-did-trump-accept-venezuelas-money

[Winehole23]

is a blockade a casus belli?


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:movn6xzezospl7lnkhy7nzpt/bafkreiepwgxwryngb5hqjbdmwwhs422ey4vkikrzvkejl7iz5 rh25j4cpm@jpeg

[Winehole23]

The president has illegally declared war to stop fentanyl trafficking from a country that does not traffic that drug, claiming its leader is trafficking drugs himself, the day after pardoning a former leader of a country who is a convicted drug trafficker

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:movn6xzezospl7lnkhy7nzpt/bafkreiepwgxwryngb5hqjbdmwwhs422ey4vkikrzvkejl7iz5 rh25j4cpm@jpegif Trump TACOs does that count as another war ended?

[Winehole23]

partial blockade announced

is a naval blockade an act of war?



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreiehmonezvhbpb3t4v3k2ddyi4ojcl23wztvpi2cex2k5 avbdmnyy4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

had Venezuela actually attacked the USA, going to war against them might actually be popular

but that's not the case

[Winehole23]

(hope nothing happens in the Western Pacific or West Asia)

[Winehole23]

interesting historical comparison

Kennan lost on that one



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:esnrus57kexryenyyu32myxu/bafkreibxorwzz6zbov3fck7zm5iec77c4pauij6iy5pu2ctmg at5qovney@jpeg

[Winehole23]

"it's our oil"

[Winehole23]

(some have pointed out how a war of choice with Venezuela could lead to mass internment/expulsion of "enemy" Latinos, even naturalized citizens -- dovetailing with the mass deportation prerogative)

[SnakeBoy]

https://i.imgur.com/fEDNtOn.png

Dumb libs actually believe this is what's happening?

[ChumpDumper]

https://i.imgur.com/fEDNtOn.png

Dumb libs actually believe this is what's happening?
Tell us what's really happening.

In as great a detail as your emotionally fragile mind can handle, of course.

[Winehole23]

Not sure which dumb libs he's talking about,

Not any in this thread, that I'm aware of

[SnakeBoy]

.

[Winehole23]

^^^ that's right

[ChumpDumper]

.
:lol snacks taps out

[velik_m]

Russia evacuates diplomats' families from Venezuela as US seizes oil tankers

Russia's Foreign Ministry has begun evacuating the families of diplomats from Venezuela, a European intelligence official told AP on Monday, as the United States pursues its third sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean and President Donald Trump convenes senior national security officials at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

The evacuations, which started Friday and include women and children, come as Russian officials assess the situation in Venezuela in what the intelligence source described as "very grim tones." The withdrawals signal heightened concerns about stability in the South American nation as the Trump administration escalates its four-month pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro's government.

More than 10 vehicles bearing diplomatic license plates stood outside Russia's embassy in Caracas Monday morning, though no personnel were visible entering or exiting the compound. The vehicles had departed by early afternoon. Neither the White House nor the Kremlin responded to requests for comment.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Monday he spoke by telephone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who expressed Moscow's support against Trump's declared blockade. Gil accused Washington of committing "attacks against vessels and extrajudicial executions, and the unlawful acts of piracy" in the Caribbean.
...



https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/russia-evacuates-diplomats-families-from-venezuela-as-us-seizes-oil-tankers-3211754

[Winehole23]

Coast Guard is having trouble boarding the Bella-1, which keeps sailing toward Europe

https://cdn.hispantv.com/hispanmedia/files/images/thumbnail/20251221/18203215_xl.jpg


A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Coast Guard officials on the Ford were from a Maritime Security Response Team and at the time too far from Bella 1 to carry out a boarding operation.

“There are limited teams who are trained for these types of boardings,” said Corey Ranslem, chief executive of maritime security group Dryad Global and previously with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment and Reuters could not determine what, if any other reasons, have led to the Coast Guard not seizing the vessel yet.

The administration could ultimately choose to not board and seize the vessel.

The White House said that the United States was still in “active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion.”
https://gcaptain.com/coast-guard-pursuing-defiant-bella-1-tanker-as-u-s-blockade-of-venezuela-runs-into-reality/

[Winehole23]

US attacks Venezuela, kidnaps Maduro




President Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country" early Saturday morning, confirming a "large scale strike" had been carried out by U.S. forces, as explosions were reported in Caracas and elsewhere.
The U.S. Army's Delta Force, an elite special forces unit, carried out the operation to capture Maduro, officials told CBS News.
A Republican senator said (https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/2007396201600258094) Secretary of State Marco Rubio had indicated that Maduro would face criminal charges in the U.S., where he was indicted years ago, and that Rubio "anticipates no further action in Venezuela."

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/venezuela-us-military-strikes-maduro-trump/

[Winehole23]

No US casualties reported, resistance appears to have been slight

[Winehole23]

36 years later pretty much on the nose


Washington has not made such a direct intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama in 1989 to depose military leader Manuel Noriega, over similar allegations.https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/loud-noises-heard-venezuela-capital-southern-area-without-electricity-2026-01-03/

[Winehole23]

Maduro, Trump said, “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow.” He set a news conference for later Saturday morning.

https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e (https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e)

[Winehole23]

U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee was not notified ahead of U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela, source tells CNN

[Winehole23]

will be interesting to see if other timely trades surface


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bbicg7pdnmz7mcs2noua4rhp/bafkreiep4ickfczf5xdjdj4ewdqvgnqigrvfj6jsw7kcotrgi mi433nndm@jpeg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bbicg7pdnmz7mcs2noua4rhp/bafkreicrayqpkhrizmwtpyiuidc257qcyktrnqajvgwwlvb2l yk5mvsdoy@jpeg

[Winehole23]

Russia condemns the attack


Russia condemned the US military action in Venezuela on Jan 3, saying there was no tenable justification for the attack and that “ideological hostility” had prevailed over diplomacy.


Venezuela is Russia’s most important ally in South America, though the Kremlin has stopped short of offering assistance to Caracas in the event of a conflict with the US.


“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism,” it added.


The statement did not mention Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro,
whom US President Donald Trump said was captured (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/column-of-smoke-seen-loud-noises-heard-in-venezuelan-capital?ref=inline-article)
during the Jan 3 military action on the South American country.

“We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people,” Russia’s statement said, adding there were no reports of Russian citizens injured in US strikes. AFP
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russia-condemns-us-military-action-in-venezuela

[Winehole23]

Rubio "anticipates no further action in Venezuela."depends somewhat on Caracas and Havana -- Cuba reportedly has ~30,000 troops in Venezuela

[Winehole23]

there was a bespoke OLC opinion for this scenario in 1989, the statement that the decapitation of Venezuela was conducted with by US forces "in conjunction with US law enforcement" seems pertinent



At the direction of the President or the Attorney General, the FBI may use its statutory authority to investigate and arrest individuals for violating United States law, even if the FBI’s actions contravene customary international law.

The President, acting through the Attorney General, has the inherent constitutional authority to deploy the FBI to investigate and arrest individuals for violating United States law, even if those actions contravene customary international law.


Extraterritorial law enforcement activities that are authorized by domestic law are not barred even if they contravene unexecuted treaties or treaty provisions, such as Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.


An arrest that is inconsistent with international or foreign law does not violate the Fourth Amendment.
https://www.justice.gov/olc/opinion/authority-federal-bureau-investigation-override-international-law-extraterritorial-law
https://www.justice.gov/file/151131/dl?inline

[Winehole23]

the previous charges against Maduro:

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.534996/gov.uscourts.nysd.534996.11.0_1.pdf

[Winehole23]

presumably there's now a superseding indictment, Maduro's wife wasn't charged before



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:s2jiq5q6f5uhl7ywqbxtsvmu/bafkreibqaf72kn74kcbcd2t6kux57r4syinojtdnfu2nmtrla v4pe6y62i@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ekts44pfepbmryv2h633onqu/bafkreiaqvi36c6wuxoz3jnuy374fob4bltgq23beh54waixh4 45pkvizse@jpeg

[diego]

Welp.. no one is going to defend Maduro, he's a goofy cunt willing to do just about anything to stay in power

And his presence was absolutely a negative for the entire world especially the American continent, venezuelans fleeing from him flooded neighboring countries and in that sense everyone is relieved and even happy he is gone, myself included

My only problem is the people declaring freedom and liberty are back in Venezuela... Trump openly declares he was going to "recover" the oil and minerals venezuela had "stolen" from the US... Seems from here the only progress for venezuelans is the goofy cunt living off their resources will be farther away and speak a little better English than the one they had for the past 10 years or so

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2hltimymy65zl5ba7ifsq3qr/bafkreicta3musjq2c6q4xgapdigdhzzhq6pt22qtgf7liv55r a6lnfqyuq@jpeg

[Winehole23]

(I've seen nothing yet on why Maduro's wife was detained too)

[GAustex]

lol
How does he keep doing it?
Three more years to go.

[Winehole23]

I do hope so, Trump's going to drag a lot of y'all down with him

[ChumpDumper]

lol
How does he keep doing it?
Three more years to go.

He's a shoe-in for the next FIFA Peace Prize.

[Spurs Homer]

How much money will maduro need to put in trumps pockets for his pardon?

[GAustex]

It never gets old
That orange bastard dragging his nuts all over Pavs, Homer and most importantly wines faces
Over and over
How does he keep going it

[Winehole23]

formally speaking, this is all framed as narcotics and firearms charges

seems Maduro's wife is charged with being a drug trafficker herself, along with members of her family

https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1422326/dl

[Winehole23]

possible US casualties

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/venezuela-strikes/card/trump-says-personnel-hit-in-venezuela-operation-SKbg6iEQIaGGT9G908Gg

[Winehole23]

Venezuela VP Delcy Rodriguez finds asylum in Russia

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-vice-president-rodriguez-russia-four-sources-say-2026-01-03/




(this Reuters story turned out to be 100% bullcorn) -wh23

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:zf64hzilq4a7yj6lcj34uxvc/bafkreid7rpimofmzmjmwxsexbz2jgteasejbdzte4h4barlq3 veyzskj3e@jpeg

[Winehole23]

amazing if it can be done



"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition"

[Winehole23]

sounds like wishcasting, tbh


We're going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so.

[ChumpDumper]

It never gets old
That orange bastard dragging his nuts all over Pavs, Homer and most importantly wines faces
Over and over
How does he keep going it

lol your stated priorities: homosexual fantasies

[ChumpDumper]

Your priorities certainly aren't peace and America first.:lol

[ChumpDumper]

We're going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so.

Why would he need to stage a much larger attack? This isn't about Maduro after all. Just the oil.

[Winehole23]

2004 says hi

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia3.s-nbcnews.com%2Fj%2Fmsnbc%2FComponents%2FPhotos%2F04 0301%2F040301_aristide_vsmall_4a.fit-760w.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=228193f0a94d7360750e08cf37ced9eef069fd83cc063b 16389d09051e53b8c5

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4244322

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:y2uh45d4jpqfyxzwx3v2wmmd/bafkreiallwpmf5mifklfkkux5qi4pc2372gnp2hmqmm3z5q2i wshqx3o5e@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:re24z43mpixzjrgazz45yjuk/bafkreidas7iqubzqclpn2dmjaxzrxp3r3zkuhsc3qbfq7gagj psz5w47ea@jpeg

[Winehole23]

summing up, the theory seems to be that you can do regime change and occupy another country without notifying Congress if you call it a counternarcotics operation

[Winehole23]

We're going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so.

Why would he need to stage a much larger attack? This isn't about Maduro after all. Just the oil.I wonder about that, how lucrative is taking over and modernizing Venezuela's supply of heavy, sour crude?

I can see how a hand on the tap might be a geostrategic advantage -- choking off assistance to Cuba and sales to China come to mind -- but in the current low oil price environment would it really be such a bonanza?

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ux34natbhxube3xgdu3rhf45/bafkreibrir6xkfjynpd4w6ebe2i56kc6kinqpc2bi5b7csr37 gfkqxrhqm@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:hfrtjnhcfzvyrht2atilf3yw/bafkreie5sywmfcuc3ghcqw2xhutwyogby7lnrn472wnjiyweo jeqieg5ia@jpeg

[Winehole23]

nuMAGA would-be MJT also checks in



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bbp2b224lro3bfnzcqwwnkfo/bafkreihux6gshchqgdqn67nftga3uf72xymstcpmwcts6ddtm d2jky5moy@jpeg
https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bbp2b224lro3bfnzcqwwnkfo/bafkreidvekqatqvc6vqjrkfbulnbhgzivllhsd7rva3vqaoqh ovcbg6lse@jpeg

[Winehole23]

Sen. Mark Kelly



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:e7gbntp2tzobn7cfi37viei3/bafkreig3iepjnqowuk4wiccpoq25jzmo5ui7hq3olm6sxt2sv tqajevbjq@jpeg

[Winehole23]

GOP Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA)


We don't want to have troops on the ground. Iowans don't want that, Americans don't want that. We do not want nation building. This is not what's going to occur.

[Winehole23]

Charles Schumer demands a briefing

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gvda6fem6r7selm4gzjjww4a/bafkreibw2fw3klhfolzoe2qjo5xop7lsfszfgraaj2mltcj7o c6zra5hqa@jpeg

[Winehole23]

FOR TRUMP TO POOP ON

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOIP. Lw2gPpu43GAjFQ8_0YAFUQHaHa%3Fpid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=47910061381e35bf5c2d7466774a6c0f65126fce7b3132 118459a8e799fc1a7f&ipo=images

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5671074-senate-war-powers-resolution-venezuela-vote/amp/

[Winehole23]

grande dame of French fascism Marine Le Pen stands up for "inviolable and sacred" sovereignty and the self-determination of Venezuelans



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:n74wy26n6klbv7xgrndeog7s/bafkreicscalyfyrksmmkn3dluozn3sre4s3w5oa4etgctr2w7 7gqcr2gre@jpeg

[GAustex]

Viva Trump! Viva Trump!

[Winehole23]

Trump, jealous of an actual Nobel Peace Prize winner, apparently wants to make sure she does not benefit from his coup d'etat in Venezuela

https://images.wsj.net/im-73295856?width=1280&height=847


"I think it'd be very tough for [Machado] to be the leader. She doesn't have the support or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman but she doesn't have the respect."

[Winehole23]

much stronger in tone than Jeffries or Schumer

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:kyhuc5gvte6wtvcex2652v5j/bafkreiedipsboj7kjrw7zglpz24rie4aws24tjm4z2qjt73ty dhfjwbg2q@jpeg

[Winehole23]

I'M POASTING ON X AT THE MAR-A-LAGO SCIF



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:qpwqyr7hpaw2abkhak2ur77o/bafkreicbon2lx254j4gxc4jyguab6gmpkvino34pgb3ldz67j 4aw2bunpi@jpeg

[velik_m]

Good luck running the country without boots on the ground.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Ranchos-en-Petare.jpg/1280px-Ranchos-en-Petare.jpg

[Winehole23]

Venezuela VP Delcy Rodriguez finds asylum in Russia

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-vice-president-rodriguez-russia-four-sources-say-2026-01-03/there seem to be conflicting reports, Russia and Delcy Rodriguez deny it

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:on5oeywiqx32fh2zau473wz6/bafkreicqrtdtycqnzk4k7kohgunfqit7emsn3nv6f6cey4yiu zpvee7xxe@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:tb2bwzxom5qv4542ru3zqcgu/bafkreih4wlnqvq4tlms6goxdbp65dsswcm5ihr3bftqn4e4ps 33oeq7xuq@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o7ngoraxszx2hcmqpr6i3men/bafkreieadlphnyzsntk4bkulbg6djmjwkymtiulrmyemofk46 42nldcrye@jpeg

[Winehole23]

Jack Goldsmith rundown


As for the boots on the ground and the kinetic uses of force, those appear to have been justified (https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/2007395531023352319?s=20) “to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.” This is a form of Article II self-defense argument with a long lineage. It is most akin to the “unit self-defense (https://www.justsecurity.org/75306/legally-sliding-into-war/)” that is often invoked when U.S. troops deployed abroad in violation of foreign sovereignty face “a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent.”


Yes, it seems like bootstrapping, or worse, to say that the United States can arrest a foreign dictator on foreign soil in violation of foreign sovereignty and then invoke the self-defense of the arresting forces to bomb the country. But this is where the logic of the executive branch precedents leads. As Rebecca Ingber has explained (https://www.justsecurity.org/75306/legally-sliding-into-war/), unit self-defense could justify “the United States using force against non-state actors who do not even have the capacity to threaten U.S. territory, in a state that has not attacked the United States, providing the groundwork for a future escalation with either that non-state actor or the state itself—and all without authorization from Congress.”
https://www.execfunctions.org/p/on-the-legality-of-the-venezuela

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:hfwo7t55x67uadrbiwci66mj/bafkreigqgc6mv6anrgccpn6cddn632x3ixxhq5w7eyvdcboom kl3r6glh4@jpeg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:hfwo7t55x67uadrbiwci66mj/bafkreiao7cp36kxdaeifiqqbe2fxqndqgphx6bayesgqxuety yrazoxgti@jpeg

[Winehole23]

since Xmas eve, the 2025 FIFA Peace Prize winner has attacked

Syria
Somalia
Nigeria
Venezuela

[GAustex]

People of Venezuela celebrating losing the warmth of collectivism

[Spurs Homer]

Those videos of trump raping children in those epstein files must be scaring the fuck out of dementia donvict…

[Winehole23]

People of Venezuela celebrating losing the warmth of collectivismnot sure what you mean

Maduro's VP Delcy Rodriguez reportedly got sworn today. Venezuela's transitional government is already in place, it is the former government.


In the evening (Italian time), the vice president of Venezuela appeared live on TV to call for "the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro", defined as "the only president of Venezuela", and deny any ongoing negotiations with Washington. The country, Rodriguez said, "is outraged by the illegal and illegitimate kidnapping of its president and first lady Cilia Flores. Then, the vice president appealed for calm and the "defense of life", since "history will present the bill to the extremists who promoted this armed aggression against our country". Venezuela, Rodriguez stressed, "will not be anyone's colony."https://www.open.online/2026/01/03/delcy-rodriguez-chi-e-vice-maduro-venezuela/

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:t2adwtqzvx3wweasdka2i2ox/bafkreiex4ujyvxnc2ouek3sm4e6mjlvaqzzvhcdcjo4ssz4ye 4aracpaka@jpeg
https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:t2adwtqzvx3wweasdka2i2ox/bafkreihfjrxlzanivtzideeqf5yez4berolocmfivflmb3ggw qh6m72uom@jpeg

[GAustex]

Sure Jan gif

[Winehole23]

Their messaging is so f***ing incoherent. (https://bsky.app/profile/gravitysra1nbow.bsky.social/post/3mbkdi7zcr22b) Maduro was an illegitimate leader who lost in 2024, which is why we're replacing him with his VP instead of the person who won in 2024. We did this to stop fentanyl, which is why he's indicted for cocaine.

We're also occupying Venezuela via Zoom call.

[Winehole23]

Marco Rubio said he’s reserving judgment on Venezuela VP Delcy Rodríguez’s denial, saying the U.S. will judge the interim authorities by their actions in the coming days and weeks and urging them to seize a “historic opportunity” to serve the country.-NYTimes

[Winehole23]

Sure Jan gifyep

looks like Trump let Maduro's successor take over the government

[Spurs Homer]

But

HER EMAILS!

and then there is this MAGA - gurl;


https://youtu.be/Iyb2xCqhYaU?si=Knbn3KRfpqpK1Hgv

[Winehole23]

I guess offering the job to the guy who won the election last year wasn't expedient



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ccoiwz4tfea75pwfurrdc3gn/bafkreih6hroantcipoftux4wb2es6w7o4wvp66hcobctr6lg4 eymkg7jba@jpeg

[GAustex]

Donroe Doctrine

lol

Melt lying grifting lawless cheating evil Treasonous Immoral Obfuscating Pedofiles Groomers Tax stealing liberal ass holes.

[Winehole23]

(apparently it is Donroe Doctrine to leave the Bolivarian socialist government in place)

[Ball Buster]

Trump, jealous of an actual Nobel Peace Prize winner, apparently wants to make sure she does not benefit from his coup d'etat in Venezuela

if you’re suggesting that Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Machado, is in anyway a legitimate Nobel peace prize winner, then your political takes are worthless. :lol

And you need to stop typing words in the politics section.

[ChumpDumper]

Donroe Doctrine

lol

Melt lying grifting lawless cheating evil Treasonous Immoral Obfuscating Pedofiles Groomers Tax stealing liberal ass holes.
You're a neocon pedocon.

These are your only beliefs.

[Winehole23]

if you’re suggesting that Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Machado, is in anyway a legitimate Nobel peace prize winner, then your political takes are worthless. :lolMaria Machado was in fact awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, that makes her the legitimate winner.

[Winehole23]

no regime change, just decapitation


The Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ) orders that the Executive Vice President of the Republic, Delcy Rodríguez, immediately assume the presidency of the Republic, in strict compliance with the Constitution and Venezuelan laws.
In a statement, offered by Judge Tania D'Amelio, he explained that in view of the foreign military aggression that took place on January 3, 2026, to which the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was subjected and which had as its object the kidnapping of the constitutional president, Nicolás Maduro Moros, this Constitutional Chamber of the TSJ, in exercise of the interpretative power conferred by Article 335 of the Constitution, considers it necessary to carry out a systematic and teleological interpretation of Articles 234 and 239 of the CRBV.
This interpretation is given for the purpose of determining the applicable legal regime to guarantee the administrative continuity of the State, and the defense of the nation, in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic in light of the exceptional situation generated by the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro Moros, which constitutes a case of material and temporary impossibility for the exercise of his functions.
https://www.correodelorinoco.gob.ve/tsj-designa-a-delcy-rodriguez-como-encargada-de-la-presidencia-de-la-republica/

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:gvda6fem6r7selm4gzjjww4a/bafkreicxm47fthp67eq5xqxyir7rccsdpus6ju7xcdqjorvm6 yahttybly@jpeg

[Blake]

nuMAGA would-be MJT also checks in

She's turned into a "both sides bad" girl?

[Blake]

If this doesn't shake Congress to move to get rid of this imbecile, literally nothing will. Not felony convictions. Not messing with underage girls with Epstein. Literally nothing.

[ChumpDumper]

If this doesn't shake Congress to move to get rid of this imbecile, literally nothing will. Not felony convictions. Not messing with underage girls with Epstein. Literally nothing.

Republicans are all born-again neocons overnight, just like ST Trumptards.

[Millennial_Messiah]

yep

looks like Trump let Maduro's successor take over the government

Not good, we need boots on the ground to enforce actual regime and policy change.



Good luck running the country without boots on the ground.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Ranchos-en-Petare.jpg/1280px-Ranchos-en-Petare.jpg


We need to have boots on the ground and start The Draft. It's time these lazy Gen Z'ers under 30 actually do something useful and patriotic for the first time in their lives.

And since these young feminazis want all this feminism, make it an equal opportunity Draft, similar to Israel both males and females alike under the age of 30 shall be drafted to the operation to secure Venezuela. Females under 26 should be equally required to register for selective service.

[Winehole23]

Not good, we need boots on the ground to enforce actual regime and policy change.





We need to have boots on the ground and start The Draft. It's time these lazy Gen Z'ers under 30 actually do something useful and patriotic for the first time in their lives.

And since these young feminazis want all this feminism, make it an equal opportunity Draft, similar to Israel both males and females alike under the age of 30 shall be drafted to the operation to secure Venezuela. Females under 26 should be equally required to register for selective service.Go for it

:lol

[ChumpDumper]

Not good, we need boots on the ground to enforce actual regime and policy change.





We need to have boots on the ground and start The Draft. It's time these lazy Gen Z'ers under 30 actually do something useful and patriotic for the first time in their lives.

And since these young feminazis want all this feminism, make it an equal opportunity Draft, similar to Israel both males and females alike under the age of 30 shall be drafted to the operation to secure Venezuela. Females under 26 should be equally required to register for selective service.

You gonna enlist?

[DMX7]

Maria Machado was in fact awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, that makes her the legitimate winner.

Surprisingly she won given her hawkish takes on Maduro. She actually dedicated her award to Trump. :lol

[Winehole23]

She's turned into a "both sides bad" girl?I don't think so, Trump's lame duck status is coming to the fore

MTG is looking past Trump for her own career prospects

[Winehole23]

"DOHA backchannels"

looks like Delcy Rodriguez played us, time will tell

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article312516272.html

[DMX7]

"DOHA backchannels"

looks like Delcy Rodriguez played us, time will tell

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article312516272.html

Time will tell indeed. I won't put much stock into what D-Rod is saying publicly.

[Winehole23]

wormhole (https://bsky.app/profile/kellyscaletta.bsky.social/post/3m6syae7eg423)sounds crazypants without context, but the context makes it barely plausible


I got to thinking: "What if it's not about the contradiction between the Hernandez pardon and the air strikes, but about the consistency between them?"

As President of Honduras, he used the power of the government to go after certain cartels—primarily the rivals of the Sinaloa Cartel, with whom he TALKED about being anti-cartel, but he was actually using the Honduran government to prop up the Sinaloa Cartel.




And here's the really fun part: Guess how many of the 21 boat strikes are against Sinaloa, and guess how many are against their rivals? I know this because apparently, cartels use established drug trafficking routes, and none of them have been on the routes Sinaloa uses.


Sinaloa is technically one of those narco-terrorist cartels, but I remind you, they haven't been hurt, and Hernandez did get pardoned.


And Trump has gone from nearly broke to a portfolio of $11.6 billion.

[Winehole23]

Time will tell indeed. I won't put much stock into what D-Rod is saying publicly.what Trump is saying seems frankly disconnected from reality

[DMX7]

what Trump is saying seems frankly disconnected from reality

It often sounds that way which is what makes him unpredictable. Frankly, I thought this military buildup was a bluff that got called but apparently not.

[Winehole23]

It often sounds that way which is what makes him unpredictable.Trump's statement that we're running things in Venezuela now is completely untethered to facts

[DMX7]

Trump's statement that we're running things in Venezuela now is completely untethered to facts

We don't know what he's actually talking about and frankly we don't know even really know all the facts either.

[Winehole23]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.kym-cdn.com%2Fentries%2Ficons%2Fmedium%2F000%2F024%2F2 07%2Fbrainlettttt.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=201c60f882e8c4b63abcb6669f73e03a6e7bd4f6edeb82 cb1347a94c207dec91

[ChumpDumper]

We don't know what he's actually talking about and frankly we don't know even really know all the facts either.

What we do know is you will be his biggest apologist here no matter what.

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:avtgggryiqtjlg5wwsufccua/bafkreiarjlrruuc4zagvnpz7s3ly3aixic4naw7r53mzl4ra3 44dobi5xi@jpeghttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/mock-house-cia-source-special-forces-us-operation-capture-maduro-2026-01-03/

[GAustex]

Free internet for Venezuela

[Winehole23]

Free internet for VenezuelaIn the USA, charged for that

America last

[Winehole23]

Republicans are all born-again neocons overnight, just like ST Trumptards.I've gotta disagree with this, it's no longer 2003

They're not neocons, they're not doing it to make the world safe for democracy and self-determination

E.g., it would seem Trump prefers to be on the side of the consolidated power of Chavista regime than the idealistic losers who opposed Maduro and won the election in 2024

[Winehole23]

for pragmatic reasons, Trump/Rubio prefer the Bolivarean technocrat to the democratic resistance


Weeks earlier, U.S. officials had already settled on an acceptable candidate to replace Mr. Maduro, at least for the time being: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who had impressed Trump officials with her management of Venezuela’s crucial oil industry.


The people involved in the discussions said intermediaries persuaded the administration that she would protect and champion future American energy investments in the country.


“I’ve been watching her career for a long time, so I have some sense of who she is and what she’s about,” said one senior U.S. official, referring to Ms. Rodríguez.


“I’m not claiming that she’s the permanent solution to the country’s problems, but she’s certainly someone we think we can work at a much more professional level than we were able to do with him,” the official added, referring to Mr. Maduro.


It was an easy choice, the people said. Mr. Trump had never warmed up to the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who had organized a winning presidential campaign in 2024, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize this year. Since Mr. Trump’s re-election, Ms. Machado has gone out of her way to please him, calling him a “champion of freedom,” mimicking his talking points on election fraud in the United States and even dedicating her Peace Prize to him.


It was in vain. On Saturday, Mr. Trump said he would accept Ms. Rodríguez, saying that Ms. Machado lacked the “respect” needed to govern Venezuela.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/world/americas/trump-venezuela-leader-rodriguez-machado.html?unlocked_article_code=1.B1A.H9HE.mz6k 59-M-LcB&smid=nytcore-ios-share

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wuhkj7cjrak4zghdgunoprur/bafkreihq5kiummgcgp5cewu4du5462njsfp2qa7dq4tsrtyay nlr4jdotm@jpeg

[Winehole23]

the media and oil companies knew about the raid beforehand, but the US Congress didn't



The New York Times and Washington Post learned of a secret US raid on Venezuela soon before it was scheduled to begin Friday night — but held off publishing what they knew to avoid endangering US troops, two people familiar with the communications between the administration and the news organizations said.https://www.semafor.com/article/01/03/2026/new-york-times-washington-post-held-off-on-reporting-venezuela-raid

[Winehole23]

"strategic results through jawboning and air power will happen this time"


A former staffer said that U.S. officials would not be performing a formal occupation like in Iraq. “We’re going to tell them: ‘Hey, this is what you have to do in order for there not to be another strike. That’s what [Trump] sees as running the country.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/04/rubio-venezuela-maduro/

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2mknbvj4ecbfyqhmm23nzvvc/bafkreic7aeoig57admq4sgdkp7txnelrcriykchmo3yx5pijm bl2adq6s4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:mpemog3hybgk66jbagwqynbp/bafkreiaq2pi3uynycqyrhoin64api6fmcuwr7oz2u54bizagl zaubhpsae@jpeg


STEPHANOPOULOS: Why wasn't congressional authorization necessary?

RUBIO: It wasn't necessary because this was not an invasion. We didn't occupy a country. This was an arrest operation.

[Winehole23]

Steve Vladeck


First, note how any reliance upon the Barr Memo is giving up the ghost on the (obvious) violations of Venezuela’s sovereignty—and, thus, the U.N. Charter (to say nothing of myriad other international agreements and precepts of customary international law). There’s no attempt to even try to argue that this operation was consistent with international law—for the obvious reason that … it isn’t. (There had been some suggestion earlier in the day that the Trump administration might try to identify Venezuelan officials who had “invited” the United States to breach Venezuela’s sovereignty, but that … hasn’t gone anywhere.) Thus, unlike the boat strikes (https://www.stevevladeck.com/p/188-five-questions-about-extrajudicial), which have all occurred in the legally grayer area of international waters, Friday night’s operation involves a textbook violation of foreign sovereignty for which the Trump administration’s principal response appears to be “whatever.”https://www.stevevladeck.com/p/200-five-questions-about-the-maduro

[Winehole23]

Second, it is the epitome of bootstrapping to use the idea of “unit self-defense” as the basis for sending troops into a foreign country so that a handful of civilian law enforcement officers can exercise authority they wouldn’t be able to exercise but for the military support. My friend and former State Department lawyer (and Cardozo law professor) Bec Ingber has written in detail about why the “unit self-defense” argument is effectively a slippery slope toward all-out war (https://www.justsecurity.org/75306/legally-sliding-into-war/), and she’s right. It seems just as important to point out that the U.S. constitutional law argument seems just as limitless. If Article II authorizes the use of military force whenever a foreign national living outside the United States has been indicted in a U.S. court, that could become a pretext for the United States to use military force almost anywhere—in circumstances that could easily (and quickly) escalate to full-fledged hostilities. Something tells me the Founders, who were deeply wary of military power, would not exactly see this as consistent with what they wrote—at least until and unless Congress had done something to authorize, or even acquiesce in, these kinds of distinctly offensive military operations.

[Winehole23]

During his Saturday press conference, President Trump suggested that the United States was going to “run the country,” which would be not just a terrible idea, but an unlawful occupation under international law. But as Charlie Savage noted in the (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/us/maduro-venezuela-trump-legal-issues.html)New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/us/maduro-venezuela-trump-legal-issues.html), “Shortly after declaring that United States would ‘run the country’ at a news conference, Mr. Trump seemed to suggest that his plan was to pressure Mr. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, to simply obey him.” As Trump put it in an interview with the (https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/trump-says-us-troops-wont-be-in-venezuela-if-nicolas-maduro-vp-delcy-rodriguez-does-what-we-want/)New York Post (https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/trump-says-us-troops-wont-be-in-venezuela-if-nicolas-maduro-vp-delcy-rodriguez-does-what-we-want/), “if Maduro’s vice president—if the vice president does what we want, we won’t have to do that.”


It should go without saying that the United States has precisely zero legal authority, under domestic or international law, to pressure or otherwise cajole a foreign sovereign into doing “what we want” or risk invasion.

[spurraider21]

So is this website basically winehole’s diary now?

[Spurs Homer]

If this doesn't shake Congress to move to get rid of this imbecile, literally nothing will. Not felony convictions. Not messing with underage girls with Epstein. Literally nothing.


"OBAMA LIED WHEN HE SAID YOU COULD KEEP YOUR OWN DOCTOR!!!!!!!!!!!"

[Winehole23]

So is this website basically winehole’s diary now?hardly, just this subforum

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:222rnvnta2lbl364bog2plxw/bafkreieclgcdrhtradw3457m3xaabgtjy6bbgyqt3qv6zovf7 ipenfacli@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:dyscqe63iolxcicyhpzpjfd4/bafkreih3bb2trzemhyipdspvbtunx346lryo4vdvtkakda2v5 erfjaxtd4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bfdiyietterineb3cvu3ddco/bafkreift2abthpuvhtsmxdjozwi56hh3f573no5djwwfwhmij 74tl24y6m@jpeg

[Winehole23]

pre- Oct. 7 2023 this used to be called "mowing the grass"


n a telephone interview this morning, President Donald Trump issued a not-so-veiled threat against the new Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying that “if she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” referring to Nicolás Maduro, now residing in a New York City jail cell. Trump made clear that he would not stand for Rodríguez’s defiant rejection of the armed U.S. intervention that resulted in Maduro’s capture.

During our call, Trump, who had just arrived at his golf club in West Palm Beach, was in evident good spirits, and reaffirmed to me that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to American intervention. “We do need Greenland, absolutely,” he said, describing the island—a part of Denmark, a NATO ally—as “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.” And in discussing Venezuela’s future, he signaled a clear shift away from his previous distaste for regime change and nation building, rejecting the concerns of many in his MAGA base. “You know, rebuilding there and regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can’t get any worse,” he said.
https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/01/trump-venezuela-maduro-delcy-rodriguez/685497/

[ChumpDumper]

THE BUCK STOPS...I dunno...somewhere....maybe back there?

2007855223742894377

https://x.com/Acyn/status/2007855223742894377

[DarrinS]

So is this website basically winehole’s diary now?

Pretty much

[GAustex]

We invite the U.S. government to work jointly on a cooperation agenda”

Wineasshole head is up his ass as usual

[SnakeBoy]

.

[DMX7]

What we do know is you will be his biggest apologist here no matter what.

No, I criticize him for many things. You just choose to not accept it.

For example, I'm appalled at the continued talk about annexing Greenland. It's disgusting and offensive to a good ally in Denmark.

[ChumpDumper]

No, I criticize him for many things. You just choose to not accept it.

For example, I'm appalled at the continued talk about annexing Greenland. It's disgusting and offensive to a good ally in Denmark.

We'll see if you choose to keep that belief.

[Winehole23]

We invite the U.S. government to work jointly on a cooperation agenda”

Wineasshole head is up his ass as usuallol taking a Chavista at her rather vague promise to cooperate with the US

if you think she's going to do whatever we say, you're pretty naive

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bc4zz2vhpn3ck4p6tnj3wojt/bafkreihgjk3t6grczffvgspszmgxsa544heayxofoq2ai26ju snqjjk6oi@jpeg
https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:bc4zz2vhpn3ck4p6tnj3wojt/bafkreigmsgknnczdlcdlbr5trfpog7hibbczcpt3p27um6hy2 rdlqot6lm@jpeg

[Blake]

No, I criticize him for many things. You just choose to not accept it.

For example, I'm appalled at the continued talk about annexing Greenland. It's disgusting and offensive to a good ally in Denmark.

Did you have to wait for all the facts to come in before you came to that assertion?

[Yonivore]

(I've seen nothing yet on why Maduro's wife was detained too)
Really? Read the indictment:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1422326/dl

[Yonivore]

lol taking a Chavista at her rather vague promise to cooperate with the US

if you think she's going to do whatever we say, you're pretty naive
If you think she's not scared shitless and trying to balance her continued survival odds between the cartels and the U. S. Military, you're naive. As Secretary of State Rubio said, things will be said at news conferences and to the camera that will not bear any relationship to the truth of what taking place, behind the scenes.

[ChumpDumper]

Oh look, yoni is a warmonger again.


As Secretary of State Rubio said, things will be said at news conferences and to the camera that will not bear any relationship to the truth of what taking place, behind the scenes.

:lol true. Rubio and Trump and Hegseth lie their asses off in front of cameras.

[Yonivore]

Well, this aged well.

https://x.com/ScottJenningsKY/status/2007490042474734020?s=20

Does Trump get the $25 million?

[ChumpDumper]

Well, this aged well.

https://x.com/ScottJenningsKY/status/2007490042474734020?s=20

Does Trump get the $25 million?

Trump does not stand with the Venezuelan people and democracy. Trump will steal whatever he can from the Venezuelan people.

He just left the entire government Maduro made intact.:lol

[GAustex]

^obfuscation

[ChumpDumper]

^obfuscation
Explain your claim here.

My claim here is that Trump indeed likes dictators like Maduro and had Maduro flattered Trump and given him a gold-looking crown or some shit he's still be in power.

[Spurs Homer]

Hey ...its back to - Russia - again...of course...its always been russia ordering trump and elon and the GOP and all the traitors that took the russian money....

2019- Fiona Hill laid out these gems under oath and of course the treasonous GOP pretended they were deaf,dumb and blind...although that was not hard to do for the GOP-Govt of Putin;

In her 2019 congressional testimony, former National Security Council official Fiona Hill stated that Russia was "signaling very strongly" an informal proposal for a "very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine". This suggestion was designed to get the U.S. to accept a 19th-century-style division of global spheres of influence.


Key Details from Hill's Testimony



The Nature of the Proposal: Russia communicated the idea through informal channels, such as the Russian press and commentators, rather than formal diplomatic channels. The essence of the message was: Russia would end its support for the Maduro regime in Venezuela (in the U.S. "backyard") if the U.S. would stay out of Ukraine and Eastern Europe (Russia's "backyard").
The Monroe Doctrine Link: Hill testified that the Russian proposal was explicitly tied to the concept of the Monroe Doctrine, a U.S. policy regarding its dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The Russians were essentially signaling a reciprocal doctrine: "You have your Monroe doctrine. You want us out of your backyard. Well, you know, we have our own version of this. You're in our backyard in Ukraine".
Administration Response: Hill indicated that National Security Council leadership, including John Bolton, viewed this as a dangerous idea because it legitimized the concept of great power spheres of influence, undermining the sovereignty of smaller nations like Ukraine and Venezuela. Hill and her colleagues were instructed to reject this framing and tell the Russians to "knock this off".
No Formal Coordination on a "Deal": Hill did not testify that the U.S. and Russia formally coordinated and reached an agreement on such a swap. Instead, she described it as a Russian-floated idea that the U.S. national security team rejected.


In summary, Fiona Hill warned that Russia was testing the U.S.'s willingness to revert to a world order based on competing spheres of influence, where major powers could dominate their neighbors without U.S. intervention.

[Spurs Homer]

trump went all in on his handlers plan tho'

[Blake]

"......May 4, 2017

Barack Obama’s administration took a principled stand on Venezuela, by imposing sanctions to rein in rogue behavior. Donald Trump, by contrast, had no qualms about taking a half-million-dollar donation for his inauguration festivities from a country whose government is driving its people to the brink of starvation.

CAMBRIDGE – There is a certain irony in recent news that Venezuela donated a half-million dollars to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration through Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company. Venezuela, of course, is a serial defaulter, having done so more times than almost any other country over the last two centuries....."

https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/programs/growthpolicy/why-did-trump-accept-venezuelas-money

This aged well

[Blake]

What happens if Maduro is found not guilty?

[Winehole23]

^obfuscationit's literally true, this was negotiated beforehand -- the twist was taking Maduro as a criminal suspect

Trump/Rubio/Hegseth followed the CIA's advice, the Chavista government is best for stability, so it stays

i.e., hopefully, keeping US troops off the ground in Venezuela

[Winehole23]

If you think she's not scared shitless and trying to balance her continued survival odds between the cartels and the U. S. Military, you're naive. As Secretary of State Rubio said, things will be said at news conferences and to the camera that will not bear any relationship to the truth of what taking place, behind the scenes.sure, but we're not in the room with their government

[Winehole23]

What happens if Maduro is found not guilty?in principle we'd have to free Maduro

my guess in that eventuality, Maduro would be reapprehended as a terrorist and follow the due-process free track of American justice

[Winehole23]

how much money are US taxpayers going to send to Venezuela to build out their facilities?

is it not profitable for oil companies to do so?

:lol

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rhmku3twwsqmsfwthxde2he5/bafkreieht7zwkcqwgcdxbc6c4umq3odx6jx27j6dg3cj7b3pv 2g754ywza@jpeg

[Blake]

in principle we'd have to free Maduro

my guess in that eventuality, Maduro would be reapprehended as a terrorist and follow the due-process free track of American justice

Well yeah he'd be free but what would the repercussions be? Any? None?

I guess none.

[Winehole23]

what a naughty boy


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:kh4sx5mb4nvltzixb4g4hmls/bafkreihgw7vkd5qva7s4t44dyomisnisuhkr6ucn2uvhnitkf mz7hlhpuy@jpeg

[DMX7]

Did you have to wait for all the facts to come in before you came to that assertion?

What facts?

[Winehole23]

not super popular


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2amnkge5a6hplfwyesmxqkfl/bafkreif3qftk7jx2kkragk4a25nfw56rectjui2cpj2thjgsw lxv2d5kpi@jpeghttps://newrepublic.com/article/204959/trump-venezuela-plan-maga-voters

[Blake]

What facts?

I don't know. You're the one needing more facts before you can figure out if these idiotic Trump moves are good or bad.

You still waiting for facts about the Maduro kidnapping or have you figured it out yet?

[Yonivore]

sure, but we're not in the room with their government
I think we are. More importantly, given the precision and efficiency of Maduro's arrest and extraction, they think we are.

[Winehole23]

I think we are. More importantly, given the precision and efficiency of Maduro's arrest and extraction, they think we are.so what happens next if Venezuela does not satisfy Trump?

are more regime change and nation-building on the menu?

[Winehole23]

Trump's bullshit vanishing like teardrops in the rain



https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tlEl!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_pro gressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F98b3927 f-c6b7-48a0-bc6d-b8481eaceae8_749x333.pnghttps://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1422326/dl

[Winehole23]

65% Republican support is not a particularly high own-side approval rating and is likely the ceiling


One in three Americans approves of the U.S. military strike on Venezuela that toppled the country's president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the South American ​country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday.


The two-day poll showed 65% of Republicans back the #military operation ordered by Republican President Donald Trump, compared to 11% of Democrats and 23% of independents.
htps://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/only-33-americans-approve-us-192028711.html

[velik_m]

Trump suggests US taxpayers could reimburse oil firms for Venezuela investment

Donald Trump has suggested US taxpayers could reimburse energy companies for repairing Venezuelan infrastructure for extracting and shipping oil.

Trump acknowledged that “a lot of money” would need to be spent to increase oil production in Venezuela after US forces ousted its leader, Nicolás Maduro, but suggested his government could pay oil companies to do the work.

“A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue,” the president said.
An oil pumpjack on Lake Maracaibo in Cabimas, Venezuela.

The US energy secretary, Chris Wright, reportedly plans to meet representatives of Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil at the Goldman Sachs Energy, Clean Tech & Utilities Conference in Miami later this week.

Representatives of Trump’s administration are planning to meet executives to discuss increasing Venezuelan production, Reuters reported.

...


https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/06/trump-us-taxpayers-oil-firms-venezuela-investment

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tqbddflje6gou64cqm6fecmx/bafkreidvrileg6bbe7rzstplb7k6iufx3oh7r27rziqlv4tw5 ryx7ayv6a@jpeghttps://www.ft.com/content/b3a2763a-3987-419e-bcf1-11432f747182

[ChumpDumper]

I think we are. More importantly, given the precision and efficiency of Maduro's arrest and extraction, they think we are.
It has to be really hard work to delude yourself this hard for this long.

[Winehole23]

It has to be really hard work to delude yourself this hard for this long.nothing could be easier than wish-casting and calling it reality, Quixote comes to mind

what is astonishing is that reality appears throughout the adventure and repeatedly kicks Don Quixote's ass without Quixote being any the wiser

[Winehole23]

in literature as in politics, delusion is a strong force

[Yonivore]

so what happens next if Venezuela does not satisfy Trump?
Not sure what you mean by "satisfy."


are more regime change and nation-building on the menu?
First of all, this wasn't a regime change; Maduro was an illegitimate dictator who failed to recognize the 2024 election results. Having outstanding warrants from the U.S. the Trump administration executed a military-assisted service of an arrest warrant. President Trump has said he is committed to staying with Venezuela until they make an orderly transition BACK to the legitimate form of government Maduro usurped.

Why is all of this so hard for you to understand?

Maduro was not the leader of Venezuela.
Maduro was an indicted criminal with outstanding warrants.
Maduro's arrest was not unprecedented; the United States had arrested, and brought back for justice, a number of criminals located in foreign lands.

[Winehole23]

Not sure what you mean by "satisfy."Sure you do, Trump threatened Delcy Rodriguez directly, said worse would happen to her than Maduro if she got out of line

The military assisted law enforcement operation has occurred in the context of a US naval blockade of Venezuela and ongoing small craft bombings, it's not a toothless threat

None of the probable escalations will endear this decision to the American people



First of all, this wasn't a regime change; Maduro was an illegitimate dictator who failed to recognize the 2024 election results. Having outstanding warrants from the U.S. the Trump administration executed a military-assisted service of an arrest warrant. President Trump has said he is committed to staying with Venezuela until they make an orderly transition BACK to the legitimate form of government Maduro usurped.
Bullpucky

Not only did we decapitate a foreign government, we did it in favor of a hardline leftist regime, no date suggested for national elections



Maduro was not the leader of Venezuela.
Maduro was an indicted criminal with outstanding warrants.
Maduro's arrest was not unprecedented; the United States had arrested, and brought back for justice, a number of criminals located in foreign lands.I get the pretext, even grant that there's a similarly ludicrous precedent in Panama in 1989. It's not hard to understand, I just think this was a bad decision whatever the pretext.

[Winehole23]

if steering the spoils of war into a private executive kitty for the president to spend at will from is consistent with our republican form of government, I would like to hear how


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreidecz4h3esesh7cubppsnppkkj3uyz5dpxmo5hivipga ivhpt6bz4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

more mundanely, it is yet another example of blatantly illegal taxation and spending along with the tariffs

Charles I, etc..

[Winehole23]

“No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law"
Article I, Section 9.etc., etc..

[Winehole23]

“No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law"
Article I, Section 9.I guess you could say if it's coming from energy companies straight to the president, the Treasury isn't involved and so isn't covered by the US Constitution

Just guessing, the possibility of a US President using US armed forces to stream money into his own pocket might not have been anticipated by the framers, so

[Winehole23]

Unless Trump TACOs there's no path that doesn't lead to escalation in Venezuela, for supply the US oil patch doesn't need right now, except for the $$$ flowing directly to Trump, if he gets his way.

Because Venezuela is not going to do everything Trump wants.

[ChumpDumper]

First of all, this wasn't a regime change; Maduro was an illegitimate dictator who failed to recognize the 2024 election results.So keep the illegitimate regime in place as long as they are obedient.

Got it.

[DMX7]

I don't know. You're the one needing more facts before you can figure out if these idiotic Trump moves are good or bad.

You still waiting for facts about the Maduro kidnapping or have you figured it out yet?

Perhaps you're a Maduro fan because you don't know who he is or what he's done.

[Winehole23]

Perhaps you're a Maduro fan because you don't know who he is or what he's done.I don't get the sense that any poster in this thread is a Maduro fan

Blake, please correct me if I'm wrong

[ChumpDumper]

Perhaps you're a Maduro fan because you don't know who he is or what he's done.

He formed the government which has been left in place to rule Venezuela.

[Winehole23]

I guess you could say if it's coming from energy companies straight to the president, the Treasury isn't involved and so isn't covered by the US Constitution

Just guessing, the possibility of a US President using US armed forces to stream money into his own pocket might not have been anticipated by the framers, soexcept

Article II, Sec. 4 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-2/section-4/impeachment-and-removal-from-office-overview) and


18 USC Ch. 11: BRIBERY, GRAFT, AND CONFLICTS OF INTERESTFrom Title 18—CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDUREPART I—CRIMES
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title18/part1/chapter11&edition=prelim

[Blake]

Perhaps you're a Maduro fan because you don't know who he is or what he's done.

You're a Trump fan even though you know exactly what he's done. It's sad and pathetic that there are too many Americans just like you.

[Winehole23]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fneverwasmag.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F09%2FTechnate-of-America-map.jpg%3Fssl%3D1&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=47bae372dd5436749caf1e8ac40a210b4d108086d95594 de771dafdd06cf4f4c

https://neverwasmag.com/2019/04/countries-that-almost-existed/technate-of-america-map/
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/technocracy-incorporated-elon-musk/

[velik_m]

DOJ admits that Maduro drug cartel Trump cited to justify Venezuela strike doesn’t actually exist

The Department of Justice has admitted that a drug cartel cited by President Donald Trump as a justification for his military strike on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro doesn’t actually exist.

The Daily Mail reported that Trump had previously said that Maduro was the head of a Venezuelan drug organization called Cartel de los Soles.

That claim was initially made in a Trump DOJ grand jury indictment against Maduro in 2020.

The 2020 indictment refers to the cartel 32 times and says Maduro is the leader of the organization.

The State Department and the Treasury Department under Trump last year designated Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization.

But Latin America experts have countered that “Cartel de los Soles” is actually a slang phrase coined in the 1990s by the Venezuelan media to describe government officials who accept narco money as bribes.

A revised DOJ document issued after Maduro’s capture now claims Maduro only supported the drug-money patronage system, along with his predecessor and mentor, President Hugo Chávez.

...


https://www.silive.com/politics/2026/01/doj-admits-that-maduro-drug-cartel-trump-cited-to-justify-venezuela-strike-doesnt-actually-exist.html

[Winehole23]

Steven Miller is Thrasymachus-posting


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:3lmr2ga3odehk4332l7o4knm/bafkreie6g4z2e2wr6yfih3rfmhhw247qbwymag66cxjihk23p yys6y7h4e@jpeghttps://plato.stanford.edu/entries/callicles-thrasymachus/

[Winehole23]

comparison can also be made to the Melian Dialogue


For ourselves, we shall not trouble you with specious pretences—either of how we have a right to our empire because we overthrew the Mede, or are now attacking you because of wrong that you have done us—and make a long speech which would not be believed; and in return we hope that you, instead of thinking to influence us by saying that you did not join the Lacedaemonians, although their colonists, or that you have done us no wrong, will aim at what is feasible, holding in view the real sentiments of us both; since you know as well as we do that right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.https://www.thelatinlibrary.com/imperialism/readings/thucydides8.html

[Winehole23]

"The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must" sounds tough as hell, but hubris hastened the humiliation of Athens by Sparta and its allies in the Peloponnesian War, like the Melians said.


As we think, at any rate, it is expedient—we speak as we are obliged, since you enjoin us to let right alone and talk only of interest—that you should not destroy what is our common protection, the privilege of being allowed in danger to invoke what is fair and right, and even to profit by arguments not strictly valid if they can be got to pass current. And you are as much interested in this as any, as your fall would be a signal for the heaviest vengeance and an example for the world to meditate upon... You may be sure that we are as well aware as you of the difficulty of contending against your power and fortune, unless the terms be equal. But we trust that the gods may grant us fortune as good as yours, since we are just men fighting against unjust, and that what we want in power will be made up by the alliance of the Lacedaemonians, who are bound, if only for very shame, to come to the aid of their kindred. Our confidence, therefore, after all is not so utterly irrational.

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:izxpomdyri45gzhppiiyattq/bafkreiextvc6unckbcwggfph3memiwqr5wx77s7y4ffa3tn7u cbucijsse@jpeg (https://bsky.app/profile/coachfinstock.bsky.social/post/3mbtu7q7r5s22)


Polymarket is disputing that the US mission to capture Nicolás Maduro constituted an "invasion", refusing to pay out bets on a contract with $10.5M in wagers (Financial Times)https://www.ft.com/content/985ae542-1ab4-491e-8e6e-b30f6a3ab666

[Winehole23]

I was unaware of the Erdogan/Maduro friendship, I'm still looking for a non-ONEST network cite for this quote

If a global carve up is imminent, the possibilities of inadvertently igniting WWIII could be considerable




The Western world is gradually losing, one by one, all the arguments it has used for years to threaten other countries. We are now in the very center of a ruthless struggle for division, where those not at the table are placed on the menu.https://www.turkishminute.com/2026/01/07/erdogan-says-turkey-received-no-offer-to-host-maduro-in-exile/

[Yonivore]

Sure you do, Trump threatened Delcy Rodriguez directly, said worse would happen to her than Maduro if she got out of line

The military assisted law enforcement operation has occurred in the context of a US naval blockade of Venezuela and ongoing small craft bombings, it's not a toothless threat
I don't see the issue. Delcy Rodriguez better watch her P's and Q's or she'll be next.

I don't know that you share this position but, many on the Left are asking, "Why didn't Trump just install Machado, instead of allowing the Vice President to ascend to the office?" It's a fair question and, not being an insider, I have not direct knowledge but, if I were Trump; I'd rather have Venezuelans -- beginning with an elevated Delcy Rodriguez -- drive the train to restoration of a legitimate government with a free and fair elections. I predict this is one of the conditions that allows Rodriguez to sleep at night. Trump installing Machado and forcing the removal of the remnants of the Maduro regime would have probably required "boot-on-the-ground" to enforce. Holding Rodriguez to account through threats, sanctions, and continued geopolitical pressure and organically driving the country to a free and fair election - down the road - would be the more prudent avenue.

Downplaying Trump's description of Machado as a minor player would tend to drive the Venezuelan people who voted for her, in overwhelming numbers, to vote for her again, when given the chance.

We'll see.


None of the probable escalations will endear this decision to the American people
You mean the vocal minority of the Left that can't figure out if they support the oppressed or not, support the No Kings or not.


Bullpucky

Not only did we decapitate a foreign government, we did it in favor of a hardline leftist regime, no date suggested for national elections
Bullpucky, Venezuela was a failed state with an illegitimate dictator who was giving the riches of Venezuela away for military hardware and money from our adversaries.


I get the pretext, even grant that there's a similarly ludicrous precedent in Panama in 1989. It's not hard to understand, I just think this was a bad decision whatever the pretext.
You can think it was a bad decision, if you like - only time will tell. I think it was the right thing to do. We're all entitled to our opinions.

[Yonivore]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fneverwasmag.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F09%2FTechnate-of-America-map.jpg%3Fssl%3D1&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=47bae372dd5436749caf1e8ac40a210b4d108086d95594 de771dafdd06cf4f4c
Looks like the Donroe Doctrine in practice. Not sure why calling it a "Technate" is accurate. Also, it'll eventually extend to the Southern tip of South America.

[Winehole23]

I don't see the issue. Delcy Rodriguez better watch her P's and Q's or she'll be next.Yeah, that's not a recipe for stability, more like the opposite


I don't know that you share this position but, many on the Left are asking, "Why didn't Trump just install Machado, instead of allowing the Vice President to ascend to the office?" It's a fair question and, not being an insider, I have not direct knowledge but, if I were Trump; I'd rather have Venezuelans -- beginning with an elevated Delcy Rodriguez -- drive the train to restoration of a legitimate government with a free and fair elections. I predict this is one of the conditions that allows Rodriguez to sleep at night. Trump installing Machado and forcing the removal of the remnants of the Maduro regime would have probably required "boot-on-the-ground" to enforce. Holding Rodriguez to account through threats, sanctions, and continued geopolitical pressure and organically driving the country to a free and fair election - down the road - would be the more prudent avenue.

Downplaying Trump's description of Machado as a minor player would tend to drive the Venezuelan people who voted for her, in overwhelming numbers, to vote for her again, when given the chance.I bet Trump is bad at 3D chess too


You mean the vocal minority of the Left that can't figure out if they support the oppressed or not, support the No Kings or not.Those against outnumber those for in recent polls, it isn't just progressives and radicals who disagree, independents don't like intervention in Venezuela either



One in three Americans approves of the US military strike on Venezuela (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-says-us-will-run-venezuela-as-maduro-lands-in-new-york?ref=inline-article) that toppled the country's president and 72 per cent worry the US will become too involved in the South American country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Jan 5. The two-day poll showed 65 per cent of Republicans back the military operation ordered by Republican President Donald Trump, compared to 11 per cent of Democrats and 23 per cent of independents.https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/a-third-of-americans-support-us-strike-on-venezuela-reuters-ipsos-poll-finds



You can think it was a bad decision, if you like - only time will tell. I think it was the right thing to do. We're all entitled to our opinions.You seem to think it's enough merely to have a justification for action; it isn't. Results count too.

It's hard to see the benefit to the USA or the wisdom of propping up yet another foreign satrapy over the long term

[Blake]

I don't see the issue. Delcy Rodriguez better watch her P's and Q's or she'll be next.

I don't know that you share this position but, many on the Left are asking, "Why didn't Trump just install Machado, instead of allowing the Vice President to ascend to the office?" It's a fair question and, not being an insider, I have not direct knowledge but, if I were Trump; I'd rather have Venezuelans -- beginning with an elevated Delcy Rodriguez -- drive the train to restoration of a legitimate government with a free and fair elections. I predict this is one of the conditions that allows Rodriguez to sleep at night. Trump installing Machado and forcing the removal of the remnants of the Maduro regime would have probably required "boot-on-the-ground" to enforce. Holding Rodriguez to account through threats, sanctions, and continued geopolitical pressure and organically driving the country to a free and fair election - down the road - would be the more prudent avenue.

Downplaying Trump's description of Machado as a minor player would tend to drive the Venezuelan people who voted for her, in overwhelming numbers, to vote for her again, when given the chance.

We'll see.


You mean the vocal minority of the Left that can't figure out if they support the oppressed or not, support the No Kings or not.


Bullpucky, Venezuela was a failed state with an illegitimate dictator who was giving the riches of Venezuela away for military hardware and money from our adversaries.


You can think it was a bad decision, if you like - only time will tell. I think it was the right thing to do. We're all entitled to our opinions.

Someone ask Brave Sir Yoni why he thinks it was the right thing to do.

[Winehole23]

oil tanker taken near Iceland

wonder what the Russian take on all this is

https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2026/01/07/us-intercepts-venezuela-linked-oil-tanker-reports-say/

[Winehole23]

Looks like the Donroe Doctrine in practice. Not sure why calling it a "Technate" is accurate. Also, it'll eventually extend to the Southern tip of South America.You sound confident :lol

"Technate" is accurate according to Technocracy Inc.. Had you ever heard of El0n Musk's eccentric grandfather, Joshua Haldeman?

https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/long...ted-elon-musk/ (https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/technocracy-incorporated-elon-musk/)

[ChumpDumper]

Looks like the Donroe Doctrine in practice. Not sure why calling it a "Technate" is accurate. Also, it'll eventually extend to the Southern tip of South America.
Why?

You never talked about or promoted this before you were told to do so; just like you didn't say anything about being in favor of invading Iraq before you were told to do so.

You are devoid of independent thought.

[Yonivore]

Yeah, that's not a recipe for stability, more like the opposite
That country couldn't be anymore unstable that it was on January 3rd.


I bet Trump is bad at 3D chess too
I think he's paying beyond 3D chess.


Those against outnumber those for in recent polls, it isn't just progressives and radicals who disagree, independents don't like intervention in Venezuela either


https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/a-third-of-americans-support-us-strike-on-venezuela-reuters-ipsos-poll-finds
Meh, polls. You still trust them?


You seem to think it's enough merely to have a justification for action; it isn't. Results count too.

It's hard to see the benefit to the USA or the wisdom of propping up yet another foreign satrapy over the long term
For starters - Russia, China, Iran (if they're still a thing today), and Cuba will no longer have a foothold in the Western Hemisphere while the Maduro Junta gives away the wealth of Venezuela in exchange for money and military hardware. Then, there's the interruption of the narco-terrorist conduit through Venezuela. They results are immediate.

As Venezuela stabilizes, I believe things will improve. As the oil wealth is returned to the country - when the infrastructure is repaired and oil is sold on the world market (including to the U.S., with, I would think beneficial treatment), they may actually return to pre-Chavez vigor - when they were one of the wealthiest countries in the world, instead of the current impoverished shithole those two bastard turned it into.

It's a long game but, I think it has a chance at success. Certainly a bigger chance than was evident on January 2nd.

[Winehole23]

^^^ pure-handwaving and wish-casting

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreihb22ns6tkksmuefuiutd56aq75w2m5mv6czk67f3sc6 d56lkqqdy@jpeg


All proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and products will first settle in US-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks ... those funds will be dispersed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people at the discretion of the US government.

[Yonivore]

oil tanker taken near Iceland

wonder what the Russian take on all this is

https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2026/01/07/us-intercepts-venezuela-linked-oil-tanker-reports-say/
Shit, I'm more interested in what Democrats, who accuse Trump of being a Putin lackey, think.

[Yonivore]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreihb22ns6tkksmuefuiutd56aq75w2m5mv6czk67f3sc6 d56lkqqdy@jpeg
Seems reasonable.

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreifkxjxtjdwj35alurpcxqpmgbewmnzlxotqllopp6vnj dt6nmpfhq@jpeg

[Yonivore]

You sound confident :lol
I am.


"Technate" is accurate according to Technocracy Inc.. Had you ever heard of El0n Musk's eccentric grandfather, Joshua Haldeman?

https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/long...ted-elon-musk/ (https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/technocracy-incorporated-elon-musk/)
I followed the links. I still don't think the description is accurate.

[Yonivore]

^^^ pure-handwaving and wish-casting
Meh, Trump has a pretty good record so far.

Iran has lost it's nuclear capability and may be in the process of losing it's theocracy due to a precise strike on their program without a single American casualty.
NATO Countries started paying their fair share due to American diplomacy.
A number of world conflicts are either over or on a back burner due to American diplomacy.
ISIS, and ISIS adjacent, extremists are still dropping dead around the globe, thanks to American military might.

[ChumpDumper]

Remember, yoni said Afghanistan was going to be a stable democracy and that Bushy was going to go on Mount Rushmore because of it.

Everything about Trump is as perfect as he said everything was about Bush.

[Winehole23]

Shit, I'm more interested in what Democrats, who accuse Trump of being a Putin lackey, think.I can't help you on that one, please let us know what you find out

[Yonivore]

I can't help you on that one, please let us know what you find out

It was rhetorical and meant to indicate I couldn't care less what Putin thinks. It also indicates, I believe, Trump couldn't care less what Putin thinks.

[ChumpDumper]

Trump cares deeply about what Putin thinks.

And by extension, yoni cares deeply about what Putin thinks.

[Winehole23]

Seems reasonable.to flesh this out, are you saying that it is reasonable wrt equity and constitutional principle for "Venezuela oil money" to flow into "US banks" to be spent at Trump's sole discretion? What part of the US constitution authorizes that?










(not including Art II, Sec 4 and Art. III, Sec.3)

[Winehole23]

.

[Winehole23]

It was rhetorical and meant to indicate I couldn't care less what Putin thinks. It also indicates, I believe, Trump couldn't care less what Putin thinks.Trump's fighting a proxy war against Putin right now, but i think you already knew that. Trump cares what Putin thinks, he's been dog-walked by him before


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.vanityfair.com%2Fphotos%2F5 b4f885e7a97170b7549376d%2Fmaster%2Fw_768%2Cc_limit %2Ftrump-in-helsinki.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=301401c4b525683b22dda5de7c6c679c5cc90e96a396f5 a7357c16bb79df1089

[Yonivore]

to flesh this out, are you saying that it is reasonable wrt equity and constitutional principle for "Venezuela oil money" to flow into "US banks" to be spent at Trump's sole discretion? What part of the US constitution covers that?
What part of the Constitution prohibits it? I suspect it'll be litigated.

[Winehole23]

What part of the Constitution prohibits it? I suspect it'll be litigated.the idea that the president is free to do whatever is not expressly forbidden by the constitution is brainrot, pure and simple

[ChumpDumper]

Raping little children is not expressly forbidden in the US Constitution, therefore yoni says Trump can rape little children.

Things are starting to make sense.

[Yonivore]

the idea that the president is free to do whatever is not expressly forbidden by the constitution is brainrot, pure and simple
As I said, I suspect it will be litigated.

Anyway, about that Russian-flagged vessel - a couple of things.

1) It was accompanied by Russian military surface vessels and a submarine.
2) The UK, who had said they would no longer provide intelligence assistance to the US, appears to have been involved in the seizure.

Wonder what, or who, was on board.

https://x.com/Schizointel/status/2008944755170779278?s=20

[Yonivore]

https://x.com/i/status/2008943324569182685
Of note, Rubio didn't mention the U.S. spending any of the oil revenues...just directing how the funds will be spent by Venezuela.

[Blake]

Shit, I'm more interested in what Democrats, who accuse Trump of being a Putin lackey, think.

Says Trump bootlick

[Blake]

https://x.com/i/status/2008943324569182685
Of note, Rubio didn't mention the U.S. spending any of the oil revenues...just directing how the funds will be spent by Venezuela.

LOOK GUYS HE DIDN'T MENTION IT SO THAT MEANS TRUMP WON'T TOUCH IT

[Spurs Homer]

https://youtu.be/EeI6iTaJA9Y?si=V1mlaLiFQPOZkPMo

[Yonivore]

https://youtu.be/EeI6iTaJA9Y?si=V1mlaLiFQPOZkPMo
I like this guy but, he just swerved out of his lane.

Do you not think that the U. S. Military that was able to pinpoint Maduro's location and extract him without any American casualties, in about 20 minutes - is unable to surveil the docks of Venezuela to see which boats are filled with surplus gas cans and bricks of dope?

[ChumpDumper]

Trump doesn't care about the drugs. Quit acting like you do.

[Winehole23]

Well yeah he'd be free but what would the percussions be? Any? None?

I guess none.of course it would be scandalous if Maduro walks

perhaps Trump could be persuaded ($$$) in that eventuality to grant Maduro and his wife safe passage to a friendly third-country

[Spurs Homer]

I like this guy but, he just swerved out of his lane.

Do you not think that the U. S. Military that was able to pinpoint Maduro's location and extract him without any American casualties, in about 20 minutes - is unable to surveil the docks of Venezuela to see which boats are filled with surplus gas cans and bricks of dope?

Ok, lets play the "lets pretend this was obama" and what you would be posting if that was the case;

If this was obama...

You

would be asking:

"why did obama go after another dictator- but will kiss the ass of putin and other dictators?"
"why did obama order the boats attacked/destroyed- which were 1,000 miles away and the gas tanks in those boats wont get anywhere near 1000 miles before they need a fill up"
"why didnt obama just order the proper units to arrest these narco traffickers and prosecute them and make an example of them to make sure other drug criminals knew they were going to be caught too?"
"why did obama pardon another drug kingpin who had already been given due process and CONVICTED in us courts of law- yet is somehow using the drug issue as a reason for kidnapping maduro?"
"why is obama saying he wants the oil of venezuela for himself and his oil corporate donors and why is obama not lynched from the white house tree yet?"

"why is obama allowed to steal billions in crypto scams and stock mkt manipulations and why is he not in prison?"

"why is obama on the pictures of epsteins victim at epsteins house and why did obama never report to the fbi that epstein had molested girls that epstein took from obama's child ring spa?" (and why is obama not lynched for this too?)

"why is obama not releasing the epstein files since his best friend of decades was the biggest pedophile on the planet - what is obama hiding?"


but since it is the white criminal - these are not questions that concern you now....

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:767ycrlfjmddxgnxsylkfbrd/bafkreihroweom6r4xfihyolngo2boaxys45a42bpk7pzpqvbh pgc2feovi@jpeg



"US oil companies want “serious guarantees” from Washington before they make splashy investments in Venezuela

...“No one wants to go in there when a random fucking tweet can change the entire foreign policy of the country,” said one private equity investor who specialises in energy"

https://www.ft.com/content/84e05c24-ca30-416d-9f7e-1798a28f29c3

[Yonivore]

Ok, lets play the "lets pretend this was obama" and what you would be posting if that was the case;

If this was obama...

You

would be asking:

"why did obama go after another dictator- but will kiss the ass of putin and other dictators?"
"why did obama order the boats attacked/destroyed- which were 1,000 miles away and the gas tanks in those boats wont get anywhere near 1000 miles before they need a fill up"
"why didnt obama just order the proper units to arrest these narco traffickers and prosecute them and make an example of them to make sure other drug criminals knew they were going to be caught too?"
"why did obama pardon another drug kingpin who had already been given due process and CONVICTED in us courts of law- yet is somehow using the drug issue as a reason for kidnapping maduro?"
"why is obama saying he wants the oil of venezuela for himself and his oil corporate donors and why is obama not lynched from the white house tree yet?"

"why is obama allowed to steal billions in crypto scams and stock mkt manipulations and why is he not in prison?"

"why is obama on the pictures of epsteins victim at epsteins house and why did obama never report to the fbi that epstein had molested girls that epstein took from obama's child ring spa?" (and why is obama not lynched for this too?)

"why is obama not releasing the epstein files since his best friend of decades was the biggest pedophile on the planet - what is obama hiding?"


but since it is the white criminal - these are not questions that concern you now....
First of all, I'm dubious Obama would have done any of those things but, if he somehow grew a pair and decided to rid the Western Hemisphere of the dictatorial junta in Venezuela, I would have applauded him. But, he didn't. Neither did Biden. So, what's your point?

[ChumpDumper]

First of all, I'm dubious Obama would have done any of those things but, if he somehow grew a pair and decided to rid the Western Hemisphere of the dictatorial junta in Venezuela, I would have applauded him. But, he didn't. Neither did Biden. So, what's your point?
The dictatorial junta is still in power.

:lol you seriously don't know anything.

[Winehole23]

does not respect the people's representatives if they disagree with him


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:jb2q4yqmgpmefxd4xx66gepm/bafkreid6b3bwothmnsh5osc3mwrhazen37kdaldbzndzzsxiw yaznlj6cu@jpeg

[Yonivore]

does not respect the people's representatives if they disagree with him
Meh, it's his opinion. If he's the Dictator people claim he is, why would he care?

[ChumpDumper]

yoni is a bootlick

[Yonivore]

Venezuela releases political prisoners under pressure from Trump administration (https://latinamericareports.com/venezuela-releases-political-prisoners-under-pressure-from-trump-administration/13284/)
Like I said, what the new President of Venezuela says at the microphone, in public, bears little resemblance to what is happening in real life.

It's early but, as long as sanctions remain, Venezuela is quarantined, and their oil is under the control of the United States, Venezuela will be forced to move back towards legitimacy - until it is impossible for them to fall back into the depotism, under which they've lived for the past quarter century.

[ChumpDumper]

You love despots.

[Yonivore]

does not respect the people's representatives if they disagree with him
You know who he really doesn't respect? Communist Dictators...

Rumor has it, this strike was made while Maduro and his wife were watching from the helicopter taking them out of the country. :::chef's kiss:::

https://ace.mu.nu/archives/Chavez.jpg

This is funny...

https://ace.mu.nu/archives/dictator.jpg

[GAustex]

You know who he really doesn't respect? Communist Dictators...

Rumor has it, this strike was made while Maduro and his wife were watching from the helicopter taking them out of the country. :::chef's kiss:::

https://ace.mu.nu/archives/Chavez.jpg

This is funny...

https://ace.mu.nu/archives/dictator.jpg

Lo fucking L

Straight up orange man gangster

[ChumpDumper]

So you guys don't care about spending after all.:tu

[Winehole23]

Is this what the US running Venezuela looks like?

Venezuela too dangerous for Americans to visit?


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreiet4egtw2vafqjbnipxtb2on2ac276qbz5zs23bzmvaj fwdxsmhpe@jpeg

[Yonivore]

It's been a fucking week, Winehole. Jeeze...

[ChumpDumper]

Boots will be on the ground.

[velik_m]

US warns Americans to leave Venezuela immediately as armed militias set up roadblocks

The U.S. government issued a new security alert Saturday urging Americans in Venezuela to leave the country immediately, citing security concerns and the U.S. government’s inability to provide emergency assistance, according to the U.S. Embassy Caracas.

"U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately," the embassy said in a Jan. 10 security alert.

The warning cited reports of armed groups operating on Venezuelan roads.

"There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as ‘colectivos,’ setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States," the U.S. Embassy Caracas said.

The alert comes as international travel options have reopened.

"As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately," the embassy said.

...


https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-warns-americans-leave-venezuela-immediately-armed-militias-set-up-roadblocks

[ChumpDumper]

All according to Trump's plan, right yoni?

[Winehole23]

It's been a fucking week, Winehole. Jeeze..."we're running things now"

[Winehole23]

Exxon CEO: "uninvestable"


US President Donald Trump has asked for at least $100bn (£75bn) in oil industry spending for Venezuela, but received a lukewarm response at the White House as one executive warned the South American country was currently "uninvestable".


Bosses of the biggest US oil firms who attended the meeting acknowledged that Venezuela, sitting on vast energy reserves, represented an enticing opportunity.


But they said significant changes would be needed to make the region an attractive investment. No major financial commitments were immediately forthcoming.


Trump has said he will unleash the South American nation's oil after US forces seized its leader Nicolas Maduro in a 3 January raid on its capital.



"One of the things the United States gets out of this will be even lower energy prices," Trump said in Friday's meeting at the White House.


But the oil bosses present expressed caution.


Exxon's chief executive Darren Woods said: "We have had our assets seized there twice and so you can imagine to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes from what we've historically seen and what is currently the state."


"Today it's uninvestable."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c205dx61x76o

[Yonivore]

Exxon CEO: "uninvestable"

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c205dx61x76o

I suggest you go watch the entire video, if you can find it on the mainstream media. I just did a cursory Google (I'll harder, later) and all the video clips are under headlines that parrot your characterization that Darren Woods simply said "Venezuela is uninvestible." He said a lot more. 1) He wants to go back to Venezuela, and 2) He's already assembled a technical team to go in and assess what needs to be done, as soon as it's safe to do so. Yes, he has understandable concerns about security guarantees that go beyond the current situation and into a long term political environment that is less likely to devolve into the circumstances that resulted in previous losses but, he's hopeful. It was a good speech. I took away from it that he is confident THIS administration -- if any -- would be able to work with Venezuela to create such an environment.

[Yonivore]

Nope, that wasn't it.

[ChumpDumper]

The main takeaway is that the oil companies that lost when Venezuela nationalized the oil industry twice won't be paid back.

Why would any oil company want to go through that again?

[Yonivore]

I'm having trouble finding a video of his complete remarks so, I grabbed them from Exxon Mobil's website...


Thank you, Mr. President, I appreciate the invitation and the opportunity for the entire industry to show up and provide perspective.

Frankly, we’ve been kind of unresponsive to the press regarding Venezuela. I guess today’s the opportunity to address the press directly with respect to a number of questions that have been asked of ExxonMobil.

First and foremost, obviously, is the interest that we have in Venezuela. I think one of the reasons why we see many industry players here is we’re in a depletion business for a product that is in great demand and will be in demand for many, many, many decades to come.

As a depletion business, the biggest challenge we have is finding resources. There’s an opportunity in Venezuela with all the resources there. We don’t have that challenge of finding; we have the challenge of developing those resources. So I think it’s in the best interest of these companies and, frankly, society as a whole for the industry to be interested in understanding what the opportunity here represents.

I’ll just share a philosophy that ExxonMobil has when we enter countries — because we do business all around the world, in a number of different regimes — we take a very long-term perspective. The investments that we make span decades and decades. So, we do not go into any opportunity with a short-term mindset.

There’s a value proposition that we have to meet. It has to be a win-win-win proposition:

a win for the company and our shareholders, generating a return for the investments that we make;

a win for the government — the resources are an important source of revenue that help support the people of the places that we do business;

and a win for the people — we have to be wanted there and be a good neighbor.

With respect to Venezuela in particular, we have a very long history in Venezuela. In fact, we first got into Venezuela back in the 1940s. We’ve had our assets seized there twice. And so, you can imagine to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes from what we've historically seen here and what is currently the state.

If we look at the legal and commercial constructs — frameworks — in place today in Venezuela, today it’s uninvestable. And so significant changes have to be made to those commercial frameworks, the legal system, there has to be durable investment protections, and there has to be a change to the hydrocarbon laws in the country.

We’re confident that with this administration and President Trump working hand-in-hand with the Venezuelan government that those changes can be put in place. And with respect to the Venezuelan government — that perspective — we don’t have a view on. We haven’t talked to the Venezuelan government, and obviously we have yet to assess the people’s perspective with respect to ExxonMobil entering the country.

In the short term, there are things that can be done while these longer-term issues are being worked. For us, we haven’t been in the country for almost 20 years. We think it’s absolutely critical in the short term that we get a technical team in place to assess the current state of the industry and the assets to understand what would be involved to help the people of Venezuela get production back on the market.

With the invitation of the Venezuelan government and with appropriate security guarantees, we are ready to put a team on the ground there. We also have an integrated set of capabilities — from production to refining to trading — and I think we can be of assistance to getting Venezuelan crude to market and realizing market price to help again with the financial situation in Venezuela.

So that’s the short-term perspective that I have. Thank you, Mr. President, for the work that you’ve done to secure not only the national security, but the energy security of the region. And thank you Secretary Rubio, Secretary Wright, Secretary Burgum, for your leadership in this matter. Thank you.

Key Points from Woods’s Full Remarks

✔ He clearly states Venezuela is “uninvestable” today under current legal and commercial conditions.
✔ He explains Exxon’s long-term investment philosophy and what it would take to consider re-entry.
✔ He notes that Exxon is prepared to send a technical team to assess assets if certain security and legal conditions are met.
✔ His message is cautiously optimistic about opportunity, not dismissive — contingent on changes, not a flat rejection.

[ChumpDumper]

Key point: We need to get paid for the preceding seizures and get to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution so it doesn't happen again. Otherwise go fuck yourself, dipshit.

IOW, build me a nation I can plunder.