[DallasBiff]

Seems like Mamdani(NYC democrat mayor candidate) is the new Hugo Chavez, people do not learn from history.

[BenLurkin]

[catnipman]

Readers Digest version:

socialistic dictatorship with fake elections = absolute power = absolute corruption = absolute kleptocracy = killing all the golden geese that laid golden eggs = nothing remains for the peasants ...

[piasa]

“at one point, even provided free heating oil for impoverished Americans.”

Well, that was to buy Kennedy votes in Congress.

[AZJeep]

The worst problem with socialists/communists is that they refuse to get out.
Once in power, they use all kind of methods, including oppression, killings, and election fraud, to stay in the power!
See Venezuela above:
Chavez was kind of popular guy and got into power by winning election, fair and square.
That was in 1999.
The Venezuelans very quickly realized where his policies are heading and tried to get him out. They are still trying, but even now, with country totally impoverished, Chavistas are still in power!

[Rummyfan]

Easy: socialism and a rapacious greedy corrupt ruling class.

[Zathras]

It was strange how one if the first things GWB did was send $$$ and advisers to Venezuela.
Never did figure that one out.

[Justa]

[Lurker]

Venezuela didn’t fall.

It was pushed.

L

[Ancesthntr]

Communism.

[x]

IIRC, Cuba was also the richest country in Latin America before Castro. Poorer countries already have enough troubles. Richer ones go looking for them.