Thread by @KenSilverstein1

Just back from Venezuela & I'll be writing about it soon. Here's my reply (lightly edited) to an email I received from someone close to Maduro government. (Part 1 of a few)

Thanks for the reply. You should never have "confidence" in a journalist, at least an independent one...

Part 2 of a few: In a sense, journalists have no friends, only enemies. And I report what I see with my own eyes, I am not led around by PR handlers or because my plane ticket was paid for by a solidarity group...

Part 3 of a few:

I remain a strong supporter of the Bolivarian Revolution and totally oppose U.S. efforts to overthrow the Maduro government, which I consider the only legitimate government in Venezuela. I detest the rancid old oligarchy and in fact got in an argument ...

Part 4 of a few: on the plane with a wealthy women sitting next to me on the way to Panama who wants Maduro out. The idea that some people considered me "Esqualido" is shocking and reflects very badly on their ability to accept any sort of criticism.

I was troubled to see...

Part 5 of a few: ...that support for the president in the barrios is not very solid. Most of the people I spoke with in the barrios prefer Maduro to the old order -- it's not even close -- but would prefer he step down in favor of a younger & more progressive leader. I was also..

Part 6 of a few: ...disappointed to hear that about a week ago, the National Guard shot & killed a young man in San Augustin, near a school, for no good reason. And there are serious allegations of corruption and drug trafficking against him that cannot be easily dismissed...

Part 7 of a few: ...It's not enough to say Maduro is not as repressive as Bolsonaro in Brazil or that poor people live better in Venezuela than they do in Puerto Rico and Colombia. That's worth noting but doesn't serve as an excuse for his government's shortcomings...

Part 8 of 8: ...In any case, best of luck in your future endeavors and I will seek comment from Maduro's press office as merited. Best, Ken

Oh yeah: