Socialism: The Poverty factory

Venezuela was becoming a diamond until the arrival of socialism. As wealth increased so did greed.  As people saw what others had they decided rather than working hard to achieve more of the same they silently and unjustly seized from all national companies and industries and keep the money.  As a result, we have suffered a progressive deterioration in every aspect that made our country a place of opportunities.

Among our people, the phrase “we were rich and we didn’t know it” has become popular.  It really was like that, we had so much that made us the center of attention for many nations. Not only the production of petroleum but in minerals of great value, beautiful landscapes that for tourism, and very fertile lands for agriculture and livestock.

Many imagined that the advent of socialism would be a springboard for the correct exploitation of these resources.  They imagined that everyone would share everything and this promised a new era in the country. However in the end, it turned out to be a machine to generate poverty. 

 No matter the professional titles or work experience, socialism brainwashed many people turning them into greedy, corrupt, and power-hungry.  These same people who were so excited about getting everything anyone else had, has now left them on the street without a penny in their pockets. Now we find ourselves tied to abuse, subject to corruption, and government mismanagement.  We are left with their their leftovers. We were not grateful for what we had until we lost it.

The economy fell to the ground, national production of all items ended, the education began to deteriorate in quality, as did the health sector, the international agreements that allowed us to export what we produced, tourism has no demand, in short, everything good we knew in Venezuela has disappeared.

Those who earn the most in Venezuela are the ones who struggle to have their own business. The one who develops the ability to adapt to circumstances and who is willing to make changes. In these times, those who learned a trade such as welding, sewing, carpentry, or mechanics in addition to some university study are those who have more opportunities to  emerge. It means being independent from a miserable salary because you do not rely on others.

 Today there are many people and families who have decided to move ahead with their limited knowledge and the few resources they have. They do this despite the constant hyperinflation that plagues us. Some have achieved some minor stability thanks to the help offered by their family members from outside the country. Most others only dream of achieving that independence but do not know where to turn for help.

My country is one of hard-working and fighting people, and although socialism ended our gold mine, we have decided to take risks to raise our personal economy and not depend on the government to live.

Daniel Moreno