Venezuela’s decline from a prosperous nation to one of the poorest in the hemisphere is a cautionary tale that resonates with many who remember a different era. Carmen Maria Montiel, a former Miss Venezuela and current congressional candidate, embodies this stark contrast. She reflects on the vibrant nation she once knew, now beset by the consequences of political choices. She directly attributes the downfall to “socialism and open borders,” highlighting a connection between ideology and real-world decline.
Montiel’s insights provide a glimpse into Venezuela’s transformation. She recalls a time when the nation enjoyed a robust healthcare system, underpinned by considerable oil wealth. “It was paid for, it was our social security,” she notes, underscoring how systemic changes eroded the country’s foundational services. The immediate effects of political instability there were devastating: increased immigration, rising crime rates, and a healthcare system that faltered under pressure. Montiel argues that “no country has the infrastructure for a vertical growth of the population,” a point that details the overwhelm faced by institutions once robust.
She left Venezuela in 1988, hopeful for a brighter future, but instead witnessed a descent into chaos as Hugo Chávez attempted coups and riots erupted across the country. Montiel’s personal journey reflects a common thread among Venezuelans who sought refuge from turmoil, only to watch their homeland spiral further into strife. “But they never did,” she says, conveying frustration and helplessness as events unfolded in her absence.
The connection she observes between past and present leadership illustrates a continuous thread of corruption, crime, and foreign influence. Montiel claims that both Chávez and Nicolás Maduro share a legacy of turning to “criminal cartels” when state resources dwindled. “Communism always runs out of money,” she remarks, and this sentiment captures the essence of her argument: the economic collapse follows an ideological fallacy that prioritizes power over practicality. This narrative aligns with U.S. reports concerning Maduro’s inner circle, which is allegedly intertwined with drug trafficking networks.
Montiel staunchly supports recent U.S. military actions aimed at disrupting drug trafficking operations near Venezuela’s coast. She asserts, “Venezuela presents a very high risk to the United States,” linking the dire conditions in her homeland to issues now affecting American communities. This perspective sheds light on why some view foreign policy through a lens of security, where actions taken abroad are seen as direct responses to domestic threats.
Montiel’s commentary implies a belief that dismantling criminal networks is essential for a broader effort to topple what she calls a “criminal communist regime.” She insists on the need to keep the conversation focused on the regime’s ideology, stating, “we should never remove the word ‘communist.'” This insistence highlights her unwavering commitment to framing Venezuela’s issues in terms of their ideological roots.
As U.S. measures against Maduro intensify — including substantial financial rewards for information leading to his arrest — Montiel expresses optimism. She views possible interventions in Venezuela as not just necessary but welcomed by the Venezuelan people themselves. “The people that are still in Venezuela are supporters of President Donald Trump because they’re screaming for freedom,” she observes, positioning the call for aid as a shared desire among many who remain in her homeland.
Despite this, Montiel does not naively underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead. The devastation left in the wake of decades of mismanagement and turmoil presents a daunting task of rebuilding. She estimates that it may take “probably 30 years” to restore Venezuela to its former glory, acknowledging how deep the scars of poor governance and economic collapse run.
Currently, Montiel stands as a candidate in Texas’ 18th congressional district special election, vying for a seat left vacant after the death of Sylvester Turner. Her experiences and perspective bring a personal narrative to her campaign, emphasizing her desire to effect change rooted in a profound understanding of her homeland’s trials. As she seeks to engage voters in her district, her reflections serve as a compelling reminder of the impacts that political decisions can have, not just within borders, but across international lines.
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