Chuck: What they are trying to do is counter rumors being spread by cartel human smuggling recruiters to entice migrants considering crossing illegally to do so during the government shutdown, while "the border is open." (Which it is not).
Human smugglers frequently push rumors like this - especially on social media - when business is "down" (as it currently is, due to enhanced border security efforts).
OK, that makes sense. Hopefully they kept the Biden app alive so they could let people know before they leave home. On the other hand, the border is so tight nowadays that most migrant crossings will likely be smuggling other things too...
I'm watching this video on the Venezuela situation that you might find interesting, especially someone's comment on it that I reposted below. Ostensibly a guy from Venezuela, he seems to be suggesting that the US military presence is a welcome incursion.
I am venezuelan, and I am writing because I am tired of clueless american singing the same old song without having any context of what is really going on.
1.-Maduro is NOT the real president of Venezuela, nor is our current government legal.
As a quick context, my country suffered a militar Coup d'État in the late 90s, by a socialist called Hugo Chavez. In the years that followed, he made sure to destroy our institution and division of power. Everything from the election system, judicial power and the military sworn loyalty to Chavismo not the country, even our politician opposition is controlled by chavismo. Last year we had another mock election, however Marian Corina Machado, an opposition leader who was an outsider of the system, was able to register votes on a digital platform. Everybody who voted can see their selection there without adulteration. It showed that Maduro lost, but he hasn't and won't surrender power. WE ARE HOSTAGES IN OUR COUNTRY. Imagine that, it's a nightmare.
2.- The Military IS The Cartel
These people destroyed our petroleum refinery due to corruption, nepotism, political witch hunting and incompetence. Because oil was our only source of income, the government resorted to drug trafficking and many other illegal activities. The people in power are not educated, many come from poor background (Maduro was a bus driver) and they resorted to criminal activity to keep the whole repressive system and their luxury life.
3.- Maduro IS a regional threat in America
These people have connections with China, Russia and Iran. Just look at every possible war and we will be allies of western enemies. We even have a drone factory that supplies the war machine in Iran and Russia. We have uranium mines that are sent to Iran and we have Hezbollah agents with Venezuelan passport. It's not only about drugs.
Venezuela IS helpless
We don't have guns. We have an Orwellian repressive system that kills and imprison people. The biggest jail here is called the Hélicoide and I the living condition there are inhumane. We live with fear and lack of hope every day. Our money is worthless and the possibility to grow is almost non existent. That's why we have one of the biggest diaspora in the World without any war. And the gouvernement is happy with that.
It might look just like words, but it's a very sad and exasperating situation. That's why a lot of people are happy with the invasion. Either we have many casualties with a short war or we suffer a long death in misery and poverty.
"But but but... USA only wants oil"
And so what? We were the crown jewel of south America when Shell was in Venezuela in the 80s. We were literally dying of hunger in 2016 but Exxon Mobile helped the economy recover just a little bit. Do you think Russia/China/Iran are here because of tropical beaches?
If you are America and you don't want the USA here, I UNDERSTAND. But for us this a the only hope a lot of people are counting upon.
I just pray no injuries
I don't see the point of CBP announcing this; why not just ask everyone not to come during the shutdown, and then see what happens?
Chuck: What they are trying to do is counter rumors being spread by cartel human smuggling recruiters to entice migrants considering crossing illegally to do so during the government shutdown, while "the border is open." (Which it is not).
Human smugglers frequently push rumors like this - especially on social media - when business is "down" (as it currently is, due to enhanced border security efforts).
OK, that makes sense. Hopefully they kept the Biden app alive so they could let people know before they leave home. On the other hand, the border is so tight nowadays that most migrant crossings will likely be smuggling other things too...
Hi Jack,
I'm watching this video on the Venezuela situation that you might find interesting, especially someone's comment on it that I reposted below. Ostensibly a guy from Venezuela, he seems to be suggesting that the US military presence is a welcome incursion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nqrqKcBmLk
@donpaparulo376
10 hours ago
I am venezuelan, and I am writing because I am tired of clueless american singing the same old song without having any context of what is really going on.
1.-Maduro is NOT the real president of Venezuela, nor is our current government legal.
As a quick context, my country suffered a militar Coup d'État in the late 90s, by a socialist called Hugo Chavez. In the years that followed, he made sure to destroy our institution and division of power. Everything from the election system, judicial power and the military sworn loyalty to Chavismo not the country, even our politician opposition is controlled by chavismo. Last year we had another mock election, however Marian Corina Machado, an opposition leader who was an outsider of the system, was able to register votes on a digital platform. Everybody who voted can see their selection there without adulteration. It showed that Maduro lost, but he hasn't and won't surrender power. WE ARE HOSTAGES IN OUR COUNTRY. Imagine that, it's a nightmare.
2.- The Military IS The Cartel
These people destroyed our petroleum refinery due to corruption, nepotism, political witch hunting and incompetence. Because oil was our only source of income, the government resorted to drug trafficking and many other illegal activities. The people in power are not educated, many come from poor background (Maduro was a bus driver) and they resorted to criminal activity to keep the whole repressive system and their luxury life.
3.- Maduro IS a regional threat in America
These people have connections with China, Russia and Iran. Just look at every possible war and we will be allies of western enemies. We even have a drone factory that supplies the war machine in Iran and Russia. We have uranium mines that are sent to Iran and we have Hezbollah agents with Venezuelan passport. It's not only about drugs.
Venezuela IS helpless
We don't have guns. We have an Orwellian repressive system that kills and imprison people. The biggest jail here is called the Hélicoide and I the living condition there are inhumane. We live with fear and lack of hope every day. Our money is worthless and the possibility to grow is almost non existent. That's why we have one of the biggest diaspora in the World without any war. And the gouvernement is happy with that.
It might look just like words, but it's a very sad and exasperating situation. That's why a lot of people are happy with the invasion. Either we have many casualties with a short war or we suffer a long death in misery and poverty.
"But but but... USA only wants oil"
And so what? We were the crown jewel of south America when Shell was in Venezuela in the 80s. We were literally dying of hunger in 2016 but Exxon Mobile helped the economy recover just a little bit. Do you think Russia/China/Iran are here because of tropical beaches?
If you are America and you don't want the USA here, I UNDERSTAND. But for us this a the only hope a lot of people are counting upon.
God bless you and remember to have empathy.