Conflicting views on Venezuelan crisis

Re Canada on wrong side of Venezuelan conflict, Opinion, March 15

I was truly shocked to read Linda McQuaig’s opinion piece. The article is so completely out of touch with reality in Venezuela. Thousands of people — poor people, not wealthy people — are now fleeing the country due to appalling living conditions and the collapse of the economy.

I will admit, back in 2004, I was still sympathetic to the “Bolivarian Revolution.” No doubt Venezuela was a highly unequal country ruled by wealthy elites, and Chavez’s revolution seemed like an inspiring and promising movement. But anyone who has followed events in the country understands that the government became autocratic and unaccountable, and that, despite their intentions and some initial improvements in living standards, they have made the majority of Venezuelans worse off in the past five years. Ian Griffiths, San Francisco, Calif.

Thanks to Linda McQuaig for asking why Canada is supporting U.S. sanctions designed to prevent economic recovery in Venezuela.

The answer seems to be greed. Specifically, the rich are revolting in Venezuela because they want to restore their power, and because the Maduro government refuses to follow the economic agenda of austerity, privatization and deregulation. They aim to reverse everything by all means necessary.

Canada’s ruling class is complicit in this situation by supporting the sanctions. As a benevolent nation, we should instead support mediation between the current Venezuelan government and the opposition. Tobi Baumhard, King City

I am writing to commend Linda McQuaig on her article on Venezuela. She has told the truth about the political situation in Venezuela and exposed the hypocrisy and cowardice Justin Trudeau’s government has demonstrated in sanctioning that country. Canada should be supporting the elected and popular government of Venezuela instead of making its people suffer and kowtowing to Washington. If Canada is an independent country and not the U.S.’ puppet, then it should have an independent foreign policy. Asad Ismi, Toronto