Three months have passed since the elections in Venezuela went through, with president Nicolas Maduro being announced as the winner in a controversial decision that sparked protests across the country, mass arrests and several accusations of foul play on behalf of the opposition and a plethora of different governments and bureaucratic entities.
The Venezuelan diaspora who watched from afar has been subject to a series of baseless accusations, ranging from Venezuelans calling for support fake to the supposed takeover of the Aurora apartment complex in Colorado, which has been proven has false on numerous occasions.
But the internet does not represent the value of all people, given how many Venezuelan people have emigrated to Houston in the past 5 years, it was necessary to gather the opinions people in our community and to collect what is the general consensus.
I interviewed 4 people and, most of them held a similar opinions to the subject, Jess Gonzales gave me the most interesting points of view from the ones I held.
1- What do you know of the situation in Venezuela, regardless of how little or how much?
Jess:
“I know that the economic situation over the past decade has been dire and that people have left the country in droves because of it,” said Jess. “Mostly due to Maduro’s mismanagement and blatant corruption.”
2- Do you know any Venezuelans and if you do, what do they think of the situation?
Jess:
“I know you (Eduardo) and a Venezuelan coworker who also wanted a new home after the economy deteriorated,” Jess continued. “Furthermore, she still has family over there and hates how the crisis pulled her away from them.”
3- What’s your opinion on the situation?
Jess:
“I hate how fast a country and/or economy can decline after just one election,” Jess explained. “I sympathize greatly with the people who had to leave everything behind to start a new life. Furthermore, I think all forms of government are subject to corruption and degradation, but it’s still particularly sad to see it affecting people I know in real time.”
It’s important that you support Venezuelans on their efforts to inform others about the situation in the country, ask people who you know are Venezuelan, investigate, make your own opinions and help bring attention.
