Poor conditions blamed for Venezuelan scientist exodus

[Marksman_91]

2. I'd argue the crime rate is the main cause for the exodus

Nearly 25,000 murders in 2013 alone. The highest crime rate in South America. It's the same reason why my brother and I left for the US, at least; the youth is what's most exposed to nightlife and time spent on the street. It's become dangerous to go anywhere out, especially in Caracas. And even in your own home, many thugs can still get in and tie you and your family up while they rob your home to their heart's delight. 15 years of Chavista rule, 15 years enjoying the biggest oil bonanza in our history, and not one time did the government ever get serious about fixing the crime problem, because they obviously benefit from it, they benefit from it because it causes an exodus of people who belong to the middle class and above, the people who are more likely to oppose the government. In fact, I'd argue that this is the main reason why they're not bothering to fix any of the country's problems; keep people poor and dependent on the government, and they'll always vote for you. Poor populations who have no access to basic education and the opportunity to develop professionally and intellectually have always been the easiest demographic to manipulate. I'm sure more than one chavista changed their minds about their leadership after having visited the US or some other European country and seeing what it truly means to live in a developed nation and thinking "Damn... With all the oil money we have, how can we still live so backwards?"