U.S. should not interfere in Venezuela

[Flatulo]

9. And you, my friend, have a tendency, common in this forum,

to characterize anyone who is critical of the heavy-handed LA leftist governments, as being in the far-right wing. Is there no position in the Democratic Party even a smidgen to the right of, say, the Castro style of governance? This is Democratic Underground, not Socialist Underground. When Skinner changes the name, I'll make my exit bow. Until then, I'll continue to argue in favor of free enterprise and individual liberties.

I see this as a common tactic - to claim that one's position is the same as Koch or Fox News. This is a logical fallacy. I could just as easily claim that because you and Hitler both enjoyed soup, that you're ideological soul mates.

You seem very bright. I hope you can do better than this.

I have read Marx, and I've also read Rand. I don't believe in centrally managed economies. There is a long trail of failed states as evidence that they don't work. I also believe that American- style capitalism is doomed.

I think the Danes and other Scandinavian states have got it about right. They have market economies with strong social safety nets and high taxes, and their people poll as the happiest in the world.

What I don't like about the VZ model is that I see a lot of support here for the kind of tactics that the Chavistas have used to stay in power. Using state resources to promote a 24/7 cycle of pro-government propaganda. Vilifying the West for every ill. Armies of red- shirted civilian militias taking to the streets to make sure everyone has 'their mind right'. You see this behavior over and over again in collectivist states.

Would I give up my rights to dissent for straight teeth and a free education? Never.