I have very dear friends in Caracas. In the early morning hours on Saturday, people had to hide with their children as U.S. bombs fell on their city, and of course, all of Venezuela woke up to the knowledge that their President had been captured and removed by the United States. Whatever anyone may think of Nicolas Maduro as a leader, bombings, a naval blockade, and political upheaval are sure to further destabilize a country with a fragile economy — all while people desire peace.
Even though much has been building to this moment — U.S. bombings of boats in the Caribbean; inconsistent and sometimes nonexistent briefings to Congress; and certainly, dehumanizing rhetoric about the Venezuelan people both within our country and theirs — I was shocked that this happened. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been.
Most of all, I’m concerned for my friends and all the people in Caracas. I hope they can remain steady and be supported in efforts for peace.
—Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 