Neocons Push for War in Venezuela, Ignoring America’s Own Drug Crisis

It seems like the United States is on the verge of another regime change war, and this time it’s aimed at Venezuela. A US naval armada is heading towards the South American country, with the stated goal of forcing its leader, Nicolas Maduro, to step down. If he doesn’t, the US is threatening to invade.

This isn’t the first time the US has considered such an action. We narrowly avoided a similar situation with Iran back in June. But now, we’re facing a real possibility of conflict in our own hemisphere. It’s a big deal, and surprisingly, not many people are talking about it.

The Real Reasons Behind Regime Change?

Key Takeaways:

• The US is preparing for a potential regime change operation in Venezuela.
• Past US interventions have often led to unintended negative consequences, like migrant crises and regional instability.
• The stated reasons for intervention (democracy, fighting drugs) don’t hold up under scrutiny.
• Venezuela’s internal social policies are surprisingly conservative, contradicting the typical "left-wing dictator" narrative.
• The country possesses vast oil reserves, but the US isn’t currently prioritizing access to them.
• The drug trade fueling the US crisis largely originates from Mexico, not Venezuela.
• US foreign policy seems driven by neoconservative agendas and potentially the interests of wealthy elites, rather than genuine concern for the Venezuelan people or American well-being.
• The US is facing a severe domestic drug crisis that is being largely ignored in favor of foreign interventions.

Why Venezuela?

When you ask people why the US is against Nicolas Maduro, the common answer is that he’s a socialist or communist. While his government is indeed left-wing economically, their social policies are surprisingly conservative. Gay marriage, abortion, and transgender rights are all banned in Venezuela, making it one of the most socially conservative countries in the hemisphere. This is a far cry from the typical narrative pushed by those advocating for intervention.

So, if it’s not about democracy or social policy, what is it about? Some point to Venezuela’s massive oil reserves. However, the US isn’t currently taking steps to secure this oil, suggesting it’s not the primary driver.

The Drug Crisis: A Domestic Problem

Another reason often cited is Venezuela’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking. While it’s likely that some individuals within the Venezuelan government are involved in illicit activities, the country is not the main source of the drugs flooding into the United States. The fentanyl and meth crisis, for example, is largely fueled by Mexican cartels. Cocaine comes from Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. So, targeting Venezuela won’t solve America’s drug problem.

Instead of looking abroad, the focus should be on the devastating drug crisis happening right here at home. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died from drug overdoses, a toll that surpasses all US wars combined. Yet, our leaders seem more interested in foreign interventions than addressing this national emergency.

The Real Drivers: Neocons and Elites?

It appears that the push for war in Venezuela is driven by neoconservative agendas and the interests of a wealthy elite. Figures like Senator Lindsey Graham have openly expressed a desire to see Maduro removed, even talking about "killing people." This aggressive stance, coupled with the lack of clear, compelling reasons for intervention, suggests a deeper, perhaps less altruistic, motive.

Meanwhile, American cities are crumbling under the weight of drug addiction, homelessness, and crime. Open-air drug markets are common, and policies like "housing first" and "harm reduction" seem to be exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. These domestic issues are being ignored while billions are spent on foreign entanglements.

It’s time to shift our focus. Instead of engaging in costly and potentially disastrous foreign wars, we need to address the drug crisis and the decay of our own communities. Prioritizing the well-being of Americans should be the true objective, not pursuing the agendas of neocons or enriching a select few.