Trump's Other 'National Emergency': Sanctions That Kill Venezuelans

While people have felt comfortable voicing their complaints with almost every action done by President Trump, critiques of his sanctions against Venezuela have gone practically unnoticed. Just about every executive order he has made in regards to the country cite how it is a "national emergency" and that Venezuela poses an "extraordinary threat" to the United States.

The reason that these actions should receive more coverage in the media is because they are killing people. Venezuela is already in an incredibly vulnerable position and the mountain of economic sanctions keep them from being able to solve or address any of their internal issues, which leads to more problems, which leads to more sanctions, which leads to more of the same. Economic sanctions damage the economy and it's not sending a huge message to Venezuela's political elite -- instead it kills off vulnerable and marginalized populations. Effects include lower employment and income as well as decreased access to necessities. The sanctions also keep the government from being able to restructure Venezuela's debt or take steps to fix the hyperinflation.

It is unlikely Trump is especially concerned with peaceful resolutions in the region, especially after the decision to recognize Juan Guaido over Maduro as president back in January. It will be interesting to see how the issues in Venezuela finally come to a head and how the world will choose to react. It's going to be a very long and difficult path to recovery for the country no matter what, so we can only hope they are shown some compassion.

https://www.thenation.com/article/venezuela-sanctions-emergency/