Americans may find it hard to believe that Venezuela was once a land of wealth and promise. Carmen Maria Montiel vividly recalls that hopeful past, before decades of political strife plunged the nation into poverty. “Socialism and open borders,” she explained in an interview, are the key factors that led her homeland into decline.
Montiel, who gained recognition as Miss Venezuela at 19, has witnessed firsthand the unraveling of a country that once thrived. Although Venezuela was a stable democracy for years, the stronghold of two socialist parties meant that the foundations of governance were slowly eroded. “We got the influx of illegal immigrants, crime went up, drugs started to be a problem,” Montiel noted. The collapse of the nation’s healthcare system further exemplified the decline. Once celebrated for its quality, the healthcare system suffered as the economic situation worsened. “It was paid for, it was our social security,” she stated, lamenting the loss of a service that was once a source of pride.
Montiel’s journey to the United States began in 1988, during a time when she hoped Venezuela’s unrest would settle. But events took a turn for the worse as Hugo Chávez led coup attempts and the country fell into chaos. “I decided I’m gonna stay a little longer, see if things get better,” she recalls. Sadly, hope turned into despair as the political situation deteriorated further.
The trajectory from Chávez to Nicolás Maduro is not lost on Montiel. She sees corruption and ties to drug cartels as key elements of this decline. “Communism always runs out of money,” she asserted. Even in a nation rich with oil, the collapse of production left desperation in its wake, pushing the regime to deepen ties with criminal enterprises. This has become a critical concern for both Venezuelans and the United States.
U.S. officials have raised alarms about drug trafficking operations, particularly those linked to the Cartel de los Soles, a network of corrupt military figures. The accusations of narcotics trafficking and terrorism against Maduro’s inner circle have not been met with acceptance in Caracas, but Montiel backs U.S. military action aimed at dismantling these operations. “Venezuela presents a very high risk to the United States,” she warned, connecting the drug trade directly to the challenges facing Americans today.
The Department of War’s recent military actions against alleged drug traffickers reflect a growing concern about the implications for U.S. national security. Montiel asserts that dismantling these networks is crucial for any hope of regime change. “This is a criminal communist regime, and we should never remove the word ‘communist,’” she declared, underscoring the ideological battle underlying the current conflict.
U.S. pressure on Maduro’s regime has intensified, including a substantial reward for information leading to his capture. The implications of potential U.S. intervention raise questions among analysts about American sentiment towards foreign involvement. But Montiel believes many Venezuelans yearn for liberation from their dire circumstances, stating, “The people that are still in Venezuela are supporters of President Donald Trump because they’re screaming for freedom.”
Despite her confidence in the necessity of action against the Maduro regime, Montiel acknowledges the toll on the nation. “The country is pretty much destroyed,” she said, recognizing the daunting challenge of recovery. It may take decades to restore Venezuela to its former glory, a reality that weighs heavily on the minds of those who care for the nation.
As Montiel runs for Congress in Texas’ heavily Democratic 18th District, she brings her personal history and insights to a broader audience. Venezuela’s struggles are not just her story; they represent a cautionary tale that resonates strongly in contemporary discussions about socialism, security, and national identity. Her perspective sheds light on the potential ramifications if these issues go unresolved, both for Venezuela and the United States.
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