Heads up on action in Venezuela?

To the editor:

Did Senator Chris Murphy just give a “Heads Up” on U.S. intervention in Venezuela? Appearing on the Rachael Maddow show, Sen. Murphy, who has previously backed Juan Guaidó’s claim to have replaced President Maduro, seemed concerned about the possibility for U. S. military action against Maduro, after the U. S. closed its embassy and urged all Americans to leave.

Coming just days after a massive electrical blackout hit Venezuela, perhaps Sen. Murphy also worries about possible U. S. complicity. Venezuela’s vulnerable electrical supply was noted in a think tank’s 2010 musings about replacing Venezuela’s government.

A number of people have died as a direct consequence of the blackout. If the U.S. were complicit, intentionally targeting critical infrastructure, that is a war crime. Unlikely? Consider the background of Elliot Abrams, the U.S. point person on Venezuela.

Our legislators should not just distance themselves from what is going on and planned regarding Venezuela policy, but oppose it, supporting instead efforts by Mexico, the U.N., and others to find a peaceful, negotiated solution that preserves Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Frank Stoppenbach

Red Hook