Africa, South America - same playbook to rape countries of their resources and keep the populations struggling and poor. I'm not seeing any evidence of ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and the big services companies rushing in or making plans. It's fitting that Erik Prince (he of Blackwater infamy) may ultimately play a "security role" and that Trump intends to "manage the money." How the White House website recasting of January 6th is amazing. Trump just cannot let it go and truly move on. He is not happy unless he is crushing everyone. America First is utter bull. His doctrine is Trump First, everyone else can fight for a place in line all while he and Melania laugh as it all unwinds. The dude and his wife are seriously ill people.
The Security Council convened after United States forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and removed them from the country. The administration sent its ambassador, Mike Waltz, to defend the operation. He stated plainly before the world that the Western Hemisphere falls under United States control and that Venezuela’s energy reserves must not remain outside American hands. No coded language. No subtle framing. A declaration of dominance delivered on a global stage.
How the World Responded
Secretary General António Guterres, through Under Secretary General Rosemarie DiCarlo, expressed deep concern over the disregard for international law. The statement underscored a basic truth. Global stability rests on adherence to the Charter, especially by permanent members entrusted with greater responsibility.
China spoke and was visibly shocked. Its representative condemned the action as illegal and coercive and warned of violations of the UN Charter.
Denmark followed with a reminder that borders carry legal meaning and do not bend under pressure. The point carried added weight as Trump escalates rhetoric toward Greenland.
Russia seized the opening Trump provided. Its ambassador accused Washington of resource theft disguised as justice and demanded Maduro’s release. The hypocrisy was obvious. The damage was real. When the United States breaks rules it once enforced with conviction, credibility evaporates. Adversaries gain room to act without restraint.
Why This Matters to You
As an American, watching today was painful. The nation once cited as a guardian of lawful order now reads as a warning. This shift touches every alliance, every negotiation, every future crisis. Democracy depends on norms upheld even when inconvenient.
This moment demands attention, conversation, and civic pressure. Share what you saw. Speak about what concerns you. Hold leaders accountable for actions taken in your name. The future does not drift into place. You shape it through engagement, memory, and a refusal to accept chaos as normal.
History records moments like today. Your response becomes part of that record.
Thank you Mitch for laying out the dots and connecting them around the removal of Maduro. Perhaps Kushner is integral across more of the dots. Perhaps this "official" policy shift should be called the Donroe Moctrine, which spell check does not like.
Africa, South America - same playbook to rape countries of their resources and keep the populations struggling and poor. I'm not seeing any evidence of ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and the big services companies rushing in or making plans. It's fitting that Erik Prince (he of Blackwater infamy) may ultimately play a "security role" and that Trump intends to "manage the money." How the White House website recasting of January 6th is amazing. Trump just cannot let it go and truly move on. He is not happy unless he is crushing everyone. America First is utter bull. His doctrine is Trump First, everyone else can fight for a place in line all while he and Melania laugh as it all unwinds. The dude and his wife are seriously ill people.
What Happened at the Security Council Today
The Security Council convened after United States forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and removed them from the country. The administration sent its ambassador, Mike Waltz, to defend the operation. He stated plainly before the world that the Western Hemisphere falls under United States control and that Venezuela’s energy reserves must not remain outside American hands. No coded language. No subtle framing. A declaration of dominance delivered on a global stage.
How the World Responded
Secretary General António Guterres, through Under Secretary General Rosemarie DiCarlo, expressed deep concern over the disregard for international law. The statement underscored a basic truth. Global stability rests on adherence to the Charter, especially by permanent members entrusted with greater responsibility.
China spoke and was visibly shocked. Its representative condemned the action as illegal and coercive and warned of violations of the UN Charter.
Denmark followed with a reminder that borders carry legal meaning and do not bend under pressure. The point carried added weight as Trump escalates rhetoric toward Greenland.
Russia seized the opening Trump provided. Its ambassador accused Washington of resource theft disguised as justice and demanded Maduro’s release. The hypocrisy was obvious. The damage was real. When the United States breaks rules it once enforced with conviction, credibility evaporates. Adversaries gain room to act without restraint.
Why This Matters to You
As an American, watching today was painful. The nation once cited as a guardian of lawful order now reads as a warning. This shift touches every alliance, every negotiation, every future crisis. Democracy depends on norms upheld even when inconvenient.
This moment demands attention, conversation, and civic pressure. Share what you saw. Speak about what concerns you. Hold leaders accountable for actions taken in your name. The future does not drift into place. You shape it through engagement, memory, and a refusal to accept chaos as normal.
History records moments like today. Your response becomes part of that record.
Thank you Mitch for laying out the dots and connecting them around the removal of Maduro. Perhaps Kushner is integral across more of the dots. Perhaps this "official" policy shift should be called the Donroe Moctrine, which spell check does not like.
Always informative,
Cheers
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