Venezuela's Crisis in the midst of the Coronavirus by Desi Tsamadias

While searching just about every news and media outlet that exists, it was extremely hard to find something in the news that was worthy of writing about, other than the Coronavirus. This is really not a shock because of the way the media and our society functions today, mostly keyed in on one frightening topic at a time. A month or so ago, this was Trump's impeachment that got all of the attention 24/7, another example being "WW3" that everyone was obsessed with, Harry and Megan's departure from the royal family, and now the Coronavirus, of course. If you turn on the TV today, you will 99% surely come across something about the virus, not to mention every. single. social media platform is filled with people's responses, experiences and thoughts, and opinions on the issue. Don't get me wrong, a world pandemic is something we should be concerned about but toilet paper shortages, really people? Anyway, the point is that everyone should wash their hands, stay home if they are sick and be a bit more careful about what they touch, etc. In conclusion, I did end up finding an interesting article in the news about "President" Maduro in Venezuela (yes, Venezuela is still battling an extreme case of oppressive dictatorship, extreme economic crisis, food and medicine shortages and also the Coronavirus, as of late).

The title of the article reads: "Venezuela's Maduro urges women to have six children"

My initial thought was, wow this is one of the strangest things I have ever read on the news. Then I read the entire article, which explains that the "President" urged women to have many children "for the good of the country". This was at a women's healthcare gathering that he spoke at, where his only remark for something that will help the country was for women to "give birth". This is absolutely ridiculous. 

To put this in perspective, Venezuela has been battling an extreme economic crisis since about 2010, when Hugo Chavez came to power. In a very interesting "coincidence", Maduro (Chavez's right -hand man) became President in 2014, when the country dove farther into shambles. During his regime, 90% of Venezuelans live in poverty, over 3 million have fled since 2015, Venezuelans report losing 25 lbs per year, inflation is at 27, 364% and violence and the Black Markets are thriving. Child malnutrition and mortality rates are off the charts, and families struggle to support three members, let alone 6 extra children. Furthermore, stories about mothers having to give up their children specifically are plentiful and shocking. Many have no choice because they love their children, but they simply cannot provide the food and supplies that they need to take care of a child. Infant murders, and children left on the street is a common occurrence in Venezuela today. 

So, what's the point? The fact that President Maduro is able to say something like this is crazy, to say the least. He blindly "urges" women to have children in country that is unsafe for many women and children, does not have the resources needed to care for a child, and has some of the highest rates of child abandonment, the President and his regime at the center of the issue. Having children is not the solution to a deep-rooted government and political system of corruption, Mr. President. It is time for Venezuela to rise up out of the mess that he has made of a once prosperous, rich country because the people have been suffering for far to long to simply say to women, "have children". He may as well say, "Please, have children in a hospital where there are no medical supplies or adequate resources for you to raise your child. Please raise them in an unsafe environment created by the government of violence and oppression, where there will not be enough food for you or your child and you may have to abandon them. But trust me, it will be good for the country."

It is truly sad to watch citizens of Venezuela have to endure such a corrupt system, and have so many more hardships created by the government, than in the U.S. Not everyone has lost hope, though, many are holding on to a glimmer of hope that the opposition will soon overthrow the current government, and bring justice and peace to their country. We can help by donating to missionaries and organizations like World Vision and Project Hope, all of whom are in Venezuela, laboring with and working with local people to find temporary solutions to larger problems caused by the government. This is not meant to be sad and discouraging, but rather information on what is going on in Venezuela, and putting things in perspective, as well as calling out a government that is completely corrupt.

(These are some of my own opinions, as well as real facts and information from people who are in Venezuela now, and know what is going on there)